Before you go, Florence, Italy

Yes, I admit Italy can be as confusing to navigate, I can’t even tell you how many times my GPS has tried to take me into the seven circles of hell (aka on an unpaved road in Tuscany after 10pm) so I decided to provide some useful info this dedicated page for newcomers to Florence to have a base before heading to this awesome city. I keep this update as best I can. Also I get a lot of questions such as ‘Where to Stay in Florence?‘, recommendations for tours and things like that so while you are planning your trip, or perhaps you have just arrived – this page is for you!

Why is this city one of the most famous cities in the world?

Might be a silly question to start with but I strongly think that it’s good to know why you are visiting a famous place and what makes it special.

Fun Facts

 Florence’s population is roughly 370,000 – 375,000 people and it is the esteemed capital of Tuscany with Saint John the Baptist being the patron saint of the city. Founded in the first century before christ, it was also once the retirement area for Roman soldiers during the Roman empire. It developed as a cultural mecca under the Medici family {I linked to one of my favorite books about this famous family} and is also known as the birthplace of the renaissance age.

Some famous characters from Florence (or nearby) include my favorite hook-nosed Dante ALghieri (founder of the Italian language), Brunelleschi {thank him for fixing us up for a convenient place to meet – the Duomo}, Leonardo da Vinci, Galilileo Galilei (from Pisa).

They all did their personal best to put Tuscany on the map well before the movie Under the Tuscan Sun was released. :). I recommend getting a good tour guide in Florence, like Alexandra Lawrence or Molly Mcilwrath to show you around, at least for a half day so you don’t miss out on the valuable history of this amazing city – it’s important. Read about “Tuscans that Made it Big’ here, I made a post just for you guys to help you sound savvy when in Florence.

Famous areas of the city – a little #piazzaporn for you all!

The most famous areas in the city include Piazza del Duomo where the famous church and baptistery San Giovanni are located a must see for anyone, also climbing the cupola is highly recommended, Piazza della Repubblica is one of my favorite places, Piazza Santa Croce which is home to the famous ‘calcio storico’ or historical football matches and may outdoor events, Piazzale Michelangelo (best panoramic view over the city – coupled with the Church of San Miniato al Monte), Piazza Santa Maria Novella, the area surrounding San Lorenzo – you must visit the central food market and primo piano fancy food court, the neighborhood of San Niccolo, piazza della passera and we mustn’t forget the Santo Spirito area which is where I live and where I love wandering. There are a lot of off the beaten paths area of Florence which is why you should definitely not feel forced to visit only the most famous museums, take time to explore the Brancacci Chapel in Piazza del Carmine, or the Santo Spirito Church.

Keep in mind that Florence is extremely walk-able so just take a map and get to know the city the first day on foot, save the ‘hop on, hop off tour’ for Rome ;-).

Famous monuments of the city

The most famous monuments besides the Duomo include the

  • Campanile di Giotto (82-meter bell tower next to the Duomo and yes you can and should climb it)
  • Galleria dell’Accademia (where the real David is located) – you can have lunch or dinner here after.
  • Galleria degli Uffizi & the Vasari Corridor
  • Palazzo Pitti & the Boboli Gardens
  • Palazzo Vecchio (a visit to the tower is a must – think panoramic views of the city)
  • Ponte Vecchio
  • Brancacci Chapel, Piazza del Carmine (famous fresco by Masaccio)
  • Horne House Museum
  • Forte Belvedere
  • Santa Maria Novella church
  • Santa Croce church
  • San Marco church (one of my favorites).
  • Bargello museum and this is just a taste* of what exists in the marvelous UNESCO Heritage site that is the Florence historical center.
  • I also recommend visiting the Palazzo Strozzi (great exhibits) and the Stibbert Museum, an armory museum a bus ride away – its awesome plus they have a great park!

Emergency numbers:

  • Carabinieri – 112
  • Police – 113
  • Fire department – 115 (in theory you can call them if you get locked out of your house and have no where else to turn).
  • Ambulance 118

Information offices in Florence:

  • Information Office – Piazza Stazione 4, in front of the Firenze Santa Maria Novella Train station. Open Monday through Saturday 8:30am – 7pm. Sunday 8:30am – 2pm. Tel +39 055 290/832
  • Information Office – Piazza Duomo (look under the arches) you will see it! (very new).
  • Information Office – Borgo S. Croce 29/r, (behind Piazza Santa Croce). March until October, Monday through Saturday 9am – 7pm. Sunday 9am-2pm. From November until February, Monday through Saturday 9am – 5pm. Sunday 9am – 2pm. Tel 055 234/0444.
  • Agenzia per il turismo, via cavour 1/r. Monday through Saturday 8:30am-6:30pm. Sunday 8:30am-1:30am. Tel 055 290/0832.

24-Hour Pharmacies in the center

  • Farmacia Comunale – Piazza Stazione 13. Tel 055 289/435
  • Farmacia Molteni – Via Calzaiuoli 7/r. Tel 055 289/490

Sexual Health Resources in Florence 

Post Offices in Florence (these are the two main ones, there are many smaller ones throughout the city)

  • Biggest post office – Via Pellicceria 3 {Piazza della Repubblica}, a must visit because it is quite beautiful and they are quite competent.
  • Post Office – Via Pietrapiana 53. {The immigration help-desk is also located here}.

The bus system in Florence is fairly simple to navigate. ATAF is the main bus company, while SITA and LAZZI focus more on the outskirts of the city. You can buy a ticket  which costs 1.20 at any local tabacchi (look for the blue T), newsstands, or even with your cell phone by sending a sms with “ataf” in the subject to 4880105 which is the easiest way! 

You can buy a ticket on-board from the bus driver but it costs two euros and the bus drivers can be evil. If you are going to be in town for a bit and riding the bus often, I recommend buying the handy “carta agile” for either 10 or 20 euros which you just scan on the bus each trip and which doesn’t expire.

Airport shuttle – called the Volainbus which you can get from the station (near the taxi stand) or from the Sita bus station, behind the central train station. The ticket costs around five or six euros for a single trip.

Here is the official Terravision daily bus hours from Florence (train station & airport) to Pisa airport

Train times are really easy to find using Trenitalia’s english website. If you book a week or two ahead, or even more.. tickets can be heavily discounted to popular destinations like Rome or Florence. You can purchase your tickets online or at the station itself at one of the self-service machines. Be careful to watch out for gypsies or people begging while you are buying your ticket.

I usually end up cursing someone out when they linger around the ticket machines when I am trying to get my ticket, not fun! Trenitalia now has competition with the new train service Italo treno which I have taken and been impressed with, they also have free WIFI. Website here.

Train types include the slow train or ‘regional train’ (R) often called “topo” or mouse and stops at almost every station, intercity (IC) is faster and stops only at a few, while of course the Eurostar and FrecciaRossa are the bomb, superfast with the price to match.

Taxis: main number is +39 055 4242. They come very quick and if you are in the center, just walk to one of the taxi stands in front of the train station to pay less, piazza del duomo, piazza della repubblica and piazza santa croce. No need to call in advance, they normally take 5 minutes to arrive anywhere in central Florence.

Where to stay? 

I recently created a separate page for this, you’ll find it here. Happy booking!

  • Apartment stays! Personally I am a huge fan of renting an apartment and feeling like a ‘local’ using the apartment as my cozy base. I recommend going with a company you can trust like ,Go With Oh, which has apartment rentals around Europe and their Florence selection is quite vast. I like that they organize by area which I think is more important for a ‘newbie’. Plus they offer some great three-day suggestions for the city and Fiesole, which is a huge plus.  I also highly recommend AirBnb Just because I have always had good experiences using them while traveling though make sure that the apartment offered isn’t a scam [aka read reviews!].
  • Bohemian cool: I can highly recommend Le Tre Stanze which is a stone’s throw from the duomo on Via dell’Oriuolo, 43. Prices start at 110 euros a night (single use) and each of the three rooms offer an original contemporary and vintage vibe. Quite simply, this is a gem. website.
  • The hottest, new trendy boutique hotel in Florence, SorprArno Suites is nothing short of awesome.
  • Affordable B&B with wonderful service. For a really nice & affordable B&B located near the Florence center – I highly recommend Villa Landucci – a boutique B&B known for being a gastronomic gem & each room is named after a famous wine {I like the bolgheri room}. They even offer in-house wine tastings and can take you on tours to the places your room is named after! One of the few hotels I know in the Florence center that is pet-friendly and actually wants you to bring your dog/cat!
  • One of my favorite three-star hotels is La Loggiato dei Servito, Piazza SS. Annunziata, 3, Firenze located in an ex-monastery in one of my favorite locations in town. Very central and authentic.
  • Fancy and central! Otherwise if you are looking for a fancy hotel in the center, Antica Torre di via Tornabuoni 1 is gorgeous, smaller luxury hotel and more personal – not to mention they have an amazing 360 degree view above the city.They are super nice and that really counts for a lot in the luxury hotel market.
  • Worth every star! Obviously I can’t afford to stay here myself but I really really wish I did. The Four Seasons in Florence is extraordinary luxury, they have thought of every little detail – great spa and outdoor restaurant.
  • Another luxury choice that I think is really special is the Relais Santa Croce on via ghibellina, luxury five stars in a beautiful understated location, close to one of my favorite museums in Florence, the Bargello. My bosses at ITALY Magazine loved their experience and I went to a Renaissance party there recently which was a lot of fun. They also have a wonderful restaurant, The Guelfi e Ghibellini restaurant .
  • The Hostel Experience. Looking for a hostel? I like Archi Rossi, on via faenza in the center.  Otherwise there is the large Plus Hostel (both camping on the outskirts & a central location.

Outside of Florence {In Tuscany}

  • Gorgeous agriturismo Tenuta Lupinari in Bucine (Valdambra) is fabulous! Pool, castle, great food nestled in the middle of the countryside. They also make their own wine & oil!
  • Castelfalfi Golf Resort Localita’ Castelfalfi, Montaione, Florence. +39 0571 891000. This place is like Tuscan Disneyland for golfers!

Where to park? 

Florence has several parking garages around the city, they are expensive but at least your car will be safe. They are located at the train station, Piazza Beccaria, Piazza Sant’Ambrogio, Piazza della Liberta and at the Fortezza di Basso. These parking lots are open 24 hours and cost about 1-2 euros per hour and get crazier as time goes on, the people that own the parking lots are satans children because it is ridiculous.

Be careful to avoid driving in the center and getting a fine because of the ZTL system (for your sanity at the same time) but legally, more or less you cannot come in before 7:30pm. They have these restrictions put into place to keep a lot of traffic from the historical center, smartly they have installed handy lights, green means you can enter, red means you cannot unless you have specific access. *Ask your rental agency to give you a map and explain where you can and cannot go.

On Sundays you have free reign. Along the arno river close to Piazza Santa Croce, there are many spaces to park though they go away fast on weekend nights. Just make sure you park only in the blue spaces which are available for everyone. Rules are that you must pay for a ticket until 8pm, after 8pm it is free to park there. The white spaces are for residents only and if you park there, you can (and likely) will be fined. Also be careful to check the signs for street-cleaning which they normally do once-a-week during which no cars can be parked or they will be towed (the signs are always on the street).

For bike rental, read this blog post . This month their will be a new bike-sharing system in the oltrarno area of Florence. I will write about it once I see it in action in person and know that it works ;-), but it does sound pretty awesome. If you buy a bike – get a cheap one because unfortunately they get stolen quote often. Get at least two bike locks and invest in some good ones, most B&Bs and some apartment rentals have bikes available to rent.

Looking for something to eat near the Santa Maria Novella Train station? I have you covered with this post.

Segways – can’t help you there because I think they look stupid. Florence is small – walk or ride a bike.

Need a pet sitter? Here you go, they even have a website! {in English}! Plus Florence (and Tuscany) is very pet-friendly, I have a baby beagle and everyone loves and accepts her in most places. You can get a great list of pet shops in the city via this great blog post by my friend Gina and a lot of them know dog-sitters so you will be in good hands.

Need a House sitter, ask me! I’ve done it before and I love it . references are provided (only in the historical center).

Markets To Visit

Italians love their markets and let’s be honest here, who doesn’t love instagramming a picture from their latest farmer’s market trip downtown, a colorful medley of fresh squash and peaches. Ready for the taking. Well Florence has all of that and more and to get the most out of your holiday make sure to visit a few! Below I have categorized them by type.

Leather goods/scarves/purses/

Porcellino Market – think ‘wild boar’ in piazza Mercato Nuovo, Loggia del Porcellino. Open daily. Here you can get your 5 euros sarves, bags, purses, keychains and take a selfie with the most popular boar in town, don’t forget to rub his nose for good luck!

San Lorenzo Market around Piazza San Lorenzo (has recently been moved), but you can find it still off of via nazionale and the mercato centrale (plus behind). Here you will find a larger selection of tourist goods, not all made-in-italy but definitely fun to walk through. Open Daily.

Flower Market: Piazza della Repubblica, every Thursday morning (halts in August). I adore this market, not only because its vibrant atmosphere is like a Tuscan dream, also because prices are cheap. Allowing me to replace the plants I kill regularly.

Lets Talk Food!

Mercato Centrale in the San Lorenzo Neighborhood, open daily until around 2pm. An institution of a place, with vendors hawking all sorts of products, from fish to exotic fruits. Upstairs you will find the fancy food court I adore which makes this area even more awesome!

Sant’Ambrogio Market, east of the city in Piazza Ghiberti. Open until around 1pm, here is where I normally shop for fruits & veggies., plus meats, fish and cheeses. There is something about this place that makes you want to embrace a healthy lifestyle once and for all. Plus everything is really really nice.

Fierucola market, Piazza Santo Spirito – every third Sunday of the month. The organic lover’s dream, this market has all sorts of local bio-products, including quality honey’s, cheeses and olive oil.

The Antique Lover’s Kryptonite

The city’s flea market has now been moved to Largo Pietro Annigoni, and takes place every day but Sunday (except for the last Sunday which makes for a huge extension of the regular market). A fun place that I love to walk through and search for vintage sunglasses, old city keys, maps, record players that I cannot afford and you get my drift.

Antique Market at the Cascine park, not far from the Santa Maria Novella Train Station. This market is held on the third saturday and sunday of the month and is the mother of antique markets in Florence. You can find some real gems here, just check out the photos from Birgitte’s Blog ‘A Dusty Olive Green’ (when it was hosted at the Fortezza di Basso).

Santo Spirito Market, Piazza Santo Spirito, every second Sunday of the month. I love this market because it’s in the oltrarno and I have often found cool stuff here to boot.

The ‘Everything’ Market

Le Cascine market at Le Cascine Park every Tuesday from 7am to 2pm. This market has been here as long as I can remember and combines everything from old sweaters, farmer’s market products, shoes, scarves, anything you didn’t know you needed.

Tours I recommend

  • I highly recommend hiring a local expert to help you explore Florence since the history is so rich and you don’t want to wander with just a guidebook. While there are many tours in the city, my favorite are run by Context Travel, which used docents who are highly-educated and really know their stuff, I enjoy every tour I have been with them, especially if Alexandra Lawrence is leading the way. Email Alexandra to plan your tour here [email protected].
  • Looking for a foodie tour? The best experience I have had is with experienced gourmet tour leader Curious Appetite Travel, check options here. Think an imaginative aperitivo tour that takes you on a taste journey through some of my favorite places in Florence, including wine & food pairings from an experienced expert who also knows how to make it fun. I highly recommend Coral. 

foodie

  • Tours with Kids: Look no further than Molly McIlwrath, American by birth but based in Pistoia, she is kind, funny and offers wonderful family tours. She also can take you around the artisan quarter in the oltrarno. Read about one Anything Tuscan’s recent experience on a tour here, Email her at [email protected]. Also ask her to show you around Pistoia, neighbor of Florence and a small, vibrant little town well worth a visit! 
  • Vintage Fiat 500 Tours in Tuscany, I’ve done this ans had a wonderful time. More details here.
  • Ape Tours in Tuscany, I know you have seen these little ‘Tuk Tuk’ trucks, can you imagine taking a tour in Florence in one? It is possible! Ignore the hard-to-see-site and give a twirl. I love this idea. website.

Cooking Classes in Florence I Recommend

  • Food For Friends is the brainchild of two friends, Italian and English who operate cooking classes out of a beautiful home in the center of town.What I like about them is the fact that this is not a cooking school but more like meeting someone who truly is passionate about food, teaches you in a gorgeous but casual environment and they have vegetarian options, Plus I adore Francesca and Jaqueline Facebook, website.
  • Another great choice in Florence is the MaMa Florence Cooking School by lebaccanti.com, Viale Francesco Petrarca, 12, 50124 Firenze + 39 055 220101. I have sent a lot of friends there and everyone always has a great time. Website.
  • DESINARE Cooking school & shop @ Riccardo Barthel is a good choice as well (in the oltrarno too!). They are not the cheapest option but I’ve heard good things. Via dei Serragli, 234, Firenze, Phone:055 221118. The location I should mention is absolutely beautiful. website.

 

Free Wifi – Where to connect! 

 

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63 Responses

  1. Thanks for all the great information, I am going to be in Florence for 3 days using only public transportation. is the “carta agile” only for in town use

  2. Thank you for these helpful tips. My sister and I will be leaving for Italy in about two weeks – first week is in Florence. We want to bring hostess gifts for the keyholders and for the instructors at our cooking class. Can you recommend any items that are unique to the US (Midwest specifically) that are not available in Italy?

  3. I live in Austin, Texas and just found your blog! I love it. My oldest son is in college and he is studying in Florence this spring so we are bringing all the other boys and going to visit for 2 weeks. We are so excited! Thanks for all the helpful info!!!

  4. hi There,
    Me and my friend will go to Venice for day trip and going to Florence by train the next day for one day trip, Do you think it’s a good idea to do only day trip? and then we will heading to Rome for 3 days.

    1. I think Venice for a day trip is a good idea, but I do think Florence deserves at least two days (if you can only stop for a day, than its not the end of the world but its such a fab city. 🙂

    1. I would say that I would just take money out of the ATM (in larger amounts) when you are here, bypass the currency exchange because they are real thieves. The problem with banks is that often they won’t change your money unless you have an account there..

  5. Hi Girlinflorence. Really like your site/blog. I find myself thinking a lot about moving to Florence. I’ve been in Florence before for 3 days and loved it. I am from Greece and I live in the Uk at the moment. But I’m still a long ways before I actually move to Italy.
    I was wondering if u have any tips for me. I know about the recession over there since my country is also in a very bad spot. Do u think it would be a good idea to move there ?

  6. Hi lady! Wonderful blog and great tips! I follow your blog, from Slovenia:)

    We’re going in florence in august, i’m wondering if you could tell me if it’s safe staying in Campo Di Marte? We rented a super good appartment(la farina suites), it has great reviews, and safe parking space.
    How are people in traffic? Offensive, impatient? I hope not, since this part of town isn’t in city centre?

    I hope you will find a minute to reply to my message:) keep up the great work,
    Mikela

    1. Hello Mikela, a follower from Slovenia awesome !I absolutely love your country! rest assured that Campo di Marte is a very safe area, I have plenty of friends who live there and I go there quite often, just think of it as a Florence suburb. Obviously Italians are quite known to be ahem aggresive drivers but it actually isn’t that bad, just be aware for moped, bikes and cars to change lanes at times without alerting you ;-). Since you will be here in August, you may find little traffic as most Italians go to the seaside during this month. Campo di Marte is well connected with the center via bus so you should have no problem getting around if you decide to leave the car behind :). Bon voyage!

  7. Hi Georgette I am coming to Florence on my own for 3 months and have rents a loft on Borgo Degli Albizi in the historic center. It looks like it is very accessible to everything. What do you think of the area and do you have any great suggestions on meeting people. I am in my 50’s

    1. Ciao! It’s a great area that is very central so you won’t have any issues being in the midst of things. As for meeting people I would try going to the same coffee bar or place to get to know the same people if possible or try taking a one day cooking course, I’m sure you will meet someone in your same situation. I wish you the best of luck and a great trip!

  8. This is one of the coolest posts that I came across while doing last moment frantic (re)search on good tourism guide in Florence. My impending Florence trip (tomorrow I leave for Florence; it’s THAT near) got sorted so beautifully. Thanks for this. Always wanted to visit Florence. Super thrilled.

    Cheers from India!

    JS

  9. Ciao, GIF,

    Thank you for your informative posts, I read this one as well as the one related to proper fashion in Florence. My artist friend and I are planning a trip to Italy in late September to mid October of next year. We are excited! I have two questions if you have time to respond: First, are there any smaller, quaint, but worthwhile museums of Renaissance art that you would recommend? Second, where are your favorite places to shop for leather goods, jewelry, and clothing?

    Molto grazie,

    Pat

  10. Love your site … eyes of Florence from a Texan. I’m a Floridian, but same country. Hubby and I planning a trip. In the research stage. Would love to spend 2 weeks, Rome, Florence, Venice, Sicily (hubby family from Sicily so he wants to visit Palermo., I hear Cinque terre is nice. I’ll follow your site. Great Info Thanks

    1. Hello Terri, thanks for checking out the site! You should absolutely come, there is much to see here – I feel like I am still discovering everything and I have been here eight years.

  11. Hi Georgette,

    I’m planning a trip to Firenze and just found GIF. Wow, the depth and breath of information is great! Thank you so much. Your site led me to Palazzo Belfiore (stunning apartments) where I hope to stay for the month of November. Question: Would you recommend November over February?

    Grazie mille,

    Sharol

    1. Hello Sharol, thank you so so much for your kind words! Palazzo Belfiore is a really special place that I now recommend to all of my own family and friends so that they can feel Florentine for their stay and it’s quite literally 2 minutes from my house! As for November over February, I probably would choose November because it’s not as cold and there is new olive oil and wine. But honestly both are nice times to be in Florence, not touristy at all!

  12. Thanks for your reply, Georgette! I’ve heard from others that February is quite cold, so I’m staying for all of November. So excited … falling in love with Florence sounds like a given. Again, grazie mille for the fantastic information. I’ve already recommended your site to friends. If I see you, I”ll say hi!

  13. Hi,
    I will be arriving in Florence next Monday and I will be spending three days there, before going to Siena for a 6-day walking trip. I am bringing hiking shoes, waterproof gear and fleece for the walking trip, but what to bring for Florence? Would dark colors be appropriate, even though it will be warm?

    I appreciate any fall fashion guidance you can provide.

    1. Hello Linda, I would definitely check out my post ‘how to dress in Italy‘ . Dark colors are fine, I always tell people ‘business casual’ is the way to go in Florence, you might be wearing the same outfit all day and you want something that looks good from day to night. Plus the weather has been unpredictable so bringing an umbrella is a good idea.

      Have a great trip!

  14. Hi there! I’m a designer from Portland, Oregon – venturing to Florence mid Oct for a week’s solo vacay. I’ve never been to Italy at all, and can’t wait! Your blog is AMAZING and has answered all questions I’ve had – and more! Per your request, I just booked a tour through Context (and mentioned you as referral). Do you have any other tour company recommendations? I won’t have a car while there, and would love to find a day-trip tour into the tuscan hillside – to a vineyard, or somewhere that ends in a communal group feast or something like that. Any ideas for me? Thanks so much in advance! – Kaitlin

    1. Hello Kaitlin and thank you so much for your kind words about my blog :). Thank you for mentioning to me to Context, they really are the best if you are looking for a really unique and mind-opening experience. They are in my opinion ‘top shelf’ ;-). I really loved the vintage car tour we did with the 500 Touring Club and for your other question, I have heard good things from Artviva’s best of tuscany tour’ or walkabout. Keep me posted on your adventures, I know you will have a great time. Also I know that Lisa Condie does women-only tours and she’s lovely!

      1. THANK YOU so much. I will look into all of those recommendations! Also, Context wrote me back to thank me for mentioning you and your blog in my booking, so hopefully there’s some sort of props for you in there somewhere. 😉 Thanks again! I’ll let you know how my visit goes! Best, Kaitlin

  15. Love the apartment suggestion. We use a company called Way To Stay and have been very pleased. Thanks for all of your recommendations!!!

    1. Hello Joyce, that’s great to hear! I’m all about apartment stays, especially for a longer duration. We just booked an apartment in Istanbul for New years through Flipkey, awesome!

  16. WOW — I am leaving tomorrow for Florence and I am so glad that I came across this blog. SO helpful!!

  17. Hello! I will be studying abroad in Florence this upcoming semester and am thrilled that I came across your blog! So helpful! Two questions- 1) I am kind of in love with fresh farmer’s markets in the states. You mentioned some fresh markets in Florence in this post. Are they open in the winter months by chance? If not, where can fresh food be purchased? 2) Weather. I am kind of a fitness junkie and although I know I will not have access to a gym, I would LOVE to go on runs! However, I am unsure of the weather! What is the average temperature in February? Is it suitable running conditions? (side note- is running safe and/or socially acceptable?)

    My inquiries may sound silly, but I’m just trying to figure out what I’m getting myself into exactly!

    Thanks in advance for your help! 🙂

  18. Hi I am wanting to rent an apartment for a month in Tuscany near a great market safe and easy to get around on my own I am 50 and need a break from my life of raising kids husband i.e.. Any suggestions?

    1. Hello Sue, I actually really liked the Tuscan town of Pistoia, it’s close to Florence but small with a pretty awesome daily market. I would definitely look into places in that area (quick train to Florence too, they run several an hour)

  19. Hello Georgette!

    You have inspired me and after reading your blog I just couldn’t take it anymore and I am arriving in Florence in November! Thank you so much for the great information you’ve given all of us. I am staying at your recommended Palazzo Belfiore, and can’t wait to set out on foot. I am, however, interested in renting a Vespa or some such. I have one here in San Francisco and since I am going to want to branch out of the city center, figured that would be a great way to do it. Do you have any tips on renting a scooter and the parking situation for it?

    Thank you so much for your excellent blog!

    Laresa

  20. Hi Georgette, I simply adore your blog! So much interesting facts, curious people and useful info. It is a real pleasure reading it!
    Thanks for all your efforts to organize all these at one place!
    Well, me and my husband are celebrating our 10-th wedding anniversary next month in Florence. I have booked all the details and trips and so on, but I will kindly ask you to recommend a fancy, romantic restaurant near Giardino Bardini or Piazzale Michelangelo where I can take my hubby to a dinner.
    Thanks:)

    1. Hello! Thank you so so much for the support, I really do appreciate it. I highly recommend booking a table at Le Leggenda dei Frati ay Villa Bardini. I had the most amazing meal there last Saturday and I planning to write about it. It is in the same complex as Villa Bardini and th eview is breathtaking, also ask if you can get a nighttime visit of the Museum, this place is a real find! :). The link is

  21. Thank you for the helpful info!! My daughter and I are coming to Florence this weekend from the U.S. and I wa wondering where we might be able to buy a hair straighter.
    Thank you!!

    1. Hello Lisa, I am always happy to help! The best stores are euronics but they are a bit out of the center (easy to arrive by bus), I would try the sephora at the central train station or there is a small electronics shop on via dei pandolfini that I know sells them :).

  22. Greetings!

    Finally making a trip to Florence, and some other spots in Tuscany and Umbria. I have been enjoying your web place, very informative, lots of enthusiam!. Was wondering if you have any knowledge or experience with the Steam Train tours, thinking about catching it to the Chestnut Festival in Marradi, which seems like a beautiful little town. Could be cool. Otherwise, is there a better way to get there? Won’t have a car. Thank you!

  23. Hello!

    I leave for Florence in two weeks and have enjoyed perusing your blog getting myself prepared and excited! I remember coming across a post of yours where you and a friend found a bit of a “hidden” spot to sit and view the Ponte Vecchio. It looked like a great place to take a break. I am having a hard time finding that post….could you point me in the right direction?

    Thanks for your help!

  24. Hi there. My husband and I are travelling to Greve Chianti sept 28 to Oct 12 15. What would be the best transportation to and from Florence. We love walking but I am told it is around 25 km from Florence. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

    1. Hello Judith! There are buses you can take from the SITA station next to Santa Maria Novella, if you go up to the ticket counter there, they will give you the most current schedule. It’s quite easy to navigate 🙂

  25. Hello my name is Alexandra Grishina I am a photographer in Florence and current studying at accademia Italiana. I was wondering if you are need a photographer for your blog. Let me know if you are interested.

  26. Hi Georgette – absolutely love the blog! My boyfriend and I made a sponta decision to come to Florence next month and I am so excited I can barely contain myself!

    My boyfriends 35th birthday falls while we’re out there I want to take him somewhere nice – not necessarily crazy expensive, but nice decor/ambience, (preferably authentic!) and of course, fabulous food – can you recommend anywhere?! I have pinned your huge restaurant list but it’s hard to pick – they all sound amazing!

    We’re also interested in doing a wine tour one of the days – can you recommend a good tour provider? After looking they all start to blend into one another…

    Thanks in advance –

    Paloma

  27. Hi Georgette,
    Love reading your blog very informative and fun to read. I’m taking my wife to Italy and Germany for her 50th birthday we will be celebrating her birthday in Florence after reading you reviews of restaurants I still can’t decide where to go I don’t want it to be over the top just a nice place with traditional dishes. There will be 5 of us. I would like to book before I go and try and organize a little cake as well and could you also recommend a bar for some drinks and maybe music for after dinner.

    Thanks in advance Eddy Rigoni

  28. Hi Georgette. I’m going to be in Florence for around a week this time next year – can’t come soon enough – with my daughter, son and daughter-in-law. I’m looking at AirBnb and wondering if you have any feedback on places to definitely avoid. They all look great to me and you’ve definitely sold me on the Oltrano as the best area to stay.
    Thanks
    Ros

  29. Many thanks for such a comprehensive post! Our family is headed to Italy after Christmas and your information will be a great reference. 🙂

  30. Ciao Georgette!! I’m going to start a blog and I’m currently researching some good blog hosts to sign up for
    Could you give me some advice and sites
    thank you
    Anahi O.

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