Florence
Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, is a city that breathes art and history. Wander through cobblestone streets where masterpieces whisper from every piazza and palazzo. Beyond its world-renowned museums and iconic landmarks like the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio, Florence offers a rich tapestry of authentic Tuscan life. Savor the flavors of traditional Florentine cuisine, discover artisan workshops in Oltrarno, and find hidden courtyards where locals gather. It's a city that rewards slow exploration, inviting you to immerse yourself in its unparalleled beauty and vibrant culture.
Population: Approximately 380,000
Timezone: Central European Time (CET) / Central European Summer Time (CEST) - UTC+1 / UTC+2
Best time to visit: Shoulder seasons offer a fantastic balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Consider April-May (spring) for blooming gardens and mild temperatures, or September-October (autumn) for crisp air and beautiful fall foliage. Summer (June-August) is hot and very crowded, while winter (November-March) can be chilly but offers a more serene and intimate experience with lower prices.
Local tips
- Embrace 'Aperitivo': Before dinner, join the locals for 'aperitivo'. Many bars and cafes offer a buffet of small bites with the purchase of a drink. It's a delicious and affordable way to experience local socializing.
- Explore Oltrarno's Artisan Workshops: Venture across the Arno River to the Oltrarno district. This is where you'll find traditional artisans still practicing crafts like leatherworking, shoemaking, and jewelry-making. Pop into their workshops for a glimpse into centuries-old traditions.
- Discover 'Trattorias' Away from Tourist Hubs: For truly authentic Florentine cuisine, seek out 'trattorias' and 'osterias' tucked away on smaller streets, away from major attractions. Look for places filled with locals and check for handwritten menus.
- Book Key Attractions in Advance: For popular sites like the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery (home to Michelangelo's David), book your tickets online well in advance to avoid long queues.
- Taste a 'Lampredotto' Sandwich: For the adventurous eater, try 'lampredotto', a traditional Florentine street food made from a cow's stomach. It's a true taste of local life and best enjoyed from a street vendor.
- Enjoy a Sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo (but go at an 'off-peak' time): While popular, the panoramic view from Piazzale Michelangelo is unparalleled. To avoid the biggest crowds, try visiting very early in the morning or late in the evening, shortly before or after sunset.
- Pack Comfortable Walking Shoes: Florence is best explored on foot. Be prepared to do a lot of walking on cobblestone streets.
Rare and unlikely things to do
Off-the-beaten-path experiences you won't find in typical travel guides
Beyond the Renaissance masterpieces, Florence secretly hosts a fiercely competitive culinary event celebrating its humble, yet beloved, onion soup.
Florence, a city renowned for its artistic grandeur and culinary heritage, harbors a hidden gem for those who venture off the beaten path: the annual 'Cipollata Fiorentina,' a traditional competition dedicated to the art of crafting the perfect Tuscan onion soup. This is not a tourist-centric event, but a genuine local affair, deeply rooted in the region's agricultural traditions. Held in an unassuming piazza in the Oltrarno district during late autumn, the contest draws enthusiastic home cooks and seasoned chefs alike, all vying for the coveted title of 'Miglior Cipollata' (Best Onion Soup). Participants present their unique interpretations of this comforting dish, often passed down through generations, each brimming with distinct blends of caramelised onions, rich broths, and regional cheeses. Judges, typically esteemed local gourmands and food critics, meticulously evaluate each entry based on depth of flavour, aroma, texture, and the inimitable 'anima' (soul) of the soup. Visitors have the rare opportunity to witness this passionate culinary showdown, often followed by informal tastings and lively convivialities, offering an authentic glimpse into the heart of Florentine gastronomic culture that rarely makes it into guidebooks.
Step back in time and witness the ancient art of falconry come alive against the backdrop of the Tuscan countryside surrounding Florence.
While Florence is synonymous with museums and churches, a remarkably immersive experience awaits those seeking a connection to its less documented past: a private historical falconry demonstration conducted by a local 'falco' (falconer). These demonstrations are often held on the outskirts of the city, in secluded estates or agriturismo properties that provide the ideal open spaces for these majestic birds of prey to perform. Participants are introduced to the fascinating world of falconry, a practice that dates back centuries and was once a noble pursuit for the aristocracy. You'll learn about the different species of raptors used, their hunting techniques, and the intricate bond between falconer and bird. Witnessing a trained hawk or falcon soar and dive with incredible precision, often responding to subtle commands, is a breathtaking spectacle. This is not a staged tourist attraction, but rather a genuine engagement with a living heritage, allowing for a profound appreciation of the natural world and the historical relationship between humans and these magnificent avian predators.
Uncover the ingenious architectural marvels that lie beneath a secluded Renaissance villa, a testament to Florentine engineering and resourcefulness.
Beyond the well-trodden paths of Florence lie extraordinary vestiges of its past, including the intricate underground cisterns of select Renaissance villas on the city's periphery. These are not typically public attractions but can often be accessed through specialized historical tours organised by local heritage societies or through private arrangements with villa owners. Descending into these subterranean chambers is akin to stepping into a forgotten world, where the ingenuity of Renaissance engineers is laid bare. These vast reservoirs, often dug into the tufa rock, were crucial for collecting rainwater, a vital resource for agricultural estates and stately homes in periods of drought. The architecture is surprisingly sophisticated, featuring vaulted ceilings, access shafts, and even rudimentary filtration systems. Exploring these cool, damp spaces, illuminated by the low glow of lanterns, offers a unique perspective on the logistical challenges and innovative solutions of the past, revealing a layer of Florentine history often overlooked by the casual visitor.
Immerse yourself in the time-honored Florentine tradition of leather craftsmanship through a personal workshop experience.
Florence pulses with the legacy of skilled artisans, and among the most enduring is its leatherworking tradition, celebrated not just in its bustling markets but within intimate, artisanal workshops. While many may purchase leather goods, a truly unique experience is to participate in a hands-on workshop, often hosted by a seasoned 'maestro' in a small studio nestled in the Santa Croce district. These are not mass-produced demonstrations, but intensive sessions where you learn the fundamental techniques of Florentine leather crafting. Under the guidance of the artisan, you'll learn to cut, stitch, and finish a small leather item, such as a coin purse, a bracelet, or a simple cardholder. You'll gain an appreciation for the quality of Tuscan leather, the precise tools used (like the 'taglierina' and various awls), and the patience required to create enduring, beautiful objects by hand. This immersive experience offers a tangible connection to a craft that has shaped Florence's identity for centuries, leaving you with a handmade souvenir and a profound respect for the artisan's skill.
Venture into exclusive, rarely seen upper passageways of the Ponte Vecchio on a nocturnal tour, steeped in local lore and spectral tales.
The Ponte Vecchio, with its iconic shops clinging to its sides, is a symbol of Florence. However, hidden above these bustling storefronts lie forgotten corridors and rooms, remnants of its aristocratic past and secret passages. Certain local historical groups and paranormal enthusiasts occasionally organise exclusive, small-group nocturnal tours that grant access to these seldom-seen upper levels of the bridge. These tours are not for the faint of heart and often focus on the historical narratives, urban legends, and purported spectral encounters associated with the bridge and those who once inhabited its upper reaches. Guided by torchlight, you'll traverse narrow walkways, peek into dusty chambers, and hear tales of Medici intrigue, love affairs, and whispered tragedies that echo through the stone. It's an atmospheric journey into the hidden layers of Florence's most famous bridge, offering a profoundly different perspective from the daytime crowds and a chance to feel the pulse of its nocturnal mysteries.