Florence travel guide

In which movies, books, and songs does the city of Florence play a major role?

Movies:

James Ivory: A Room with a View (1985)

Books:
Alan Fisk: Cupid and the Silent Goddess
Dan Brown: The DaVinci Code
Linda Proud: The Botticelli Trilogy

What are 3 most exciting events in the city?

The 3 most exciting events:

- Florence International Music Festival (spring)
- International Arts Biennale (December): modern art celebrated amongst history, http://www.florencebiennale.org
- Calcio Storico (June): also known as 'calcio in costume' (costume football), is the Florentine traditional football which dates from the Renaissance, http://www.calciostorico.it

What free offers should I not overlook?

Just sitting on the steps in the piazzas you’ll see the real Florence life. Also, be sure to hike up to Piazza Michelangelo, where you’ll get a panoramic view of the city.

What places give me that special Florence feeling the fastest?

Go Altrarno – across the river. Try Santo Spirito, it’s a unique church in a small piazza. There is a flea market on Saturday, and many young people sitting on the church steps smoking. There are a few small good bars where locals hang out and have apperitivo.

The duomo is iconic, and for good reason, but it’s smacked in the middle of the city, surrounded by tourists.

Where and how can I get to know approachable native citizens?

I can not stress going out for apperitivo enough. Wander across the river, and to the outskirts of the city, anywhere out of the center where all of the study abroad students live and hang out. It is small enough that you can not get lost, and you’re sure to find new places around every corner. Go see live music.

How much is...

...a snack?

Coffee and pastry ist the cheapest breakfast out – A simple cafe, or one shot of expresso can be found for about €1, a cappuchino maybe €1,50. Florence has delicious pastries for under €2. Pizza by the slice is cut to size in a lot of places – small snack for about €3, bigger square for €5.

...a subway/bus/streetcar ticket or taxi ride?

It’s easiest to walk, but if you can take a bus for 2 Euro per ride. Taxis start at about 4 Euro and go up with mileage.

...a museum ticket?

Depends on the museum – it’s about €7 to see the David. If you go to the Uffizi you must buy tickets ahead of time, either online or at the museum. It is rare to get in the same day you buy your ticket. It’s worth it to buy a Friend’s of Uffizi pass – you can get into all of the museums unlimited for the season – even if you only visit two or three it’s worth the cost, about €50. Ask about it at the Uffizi.

...a fun night in pubs and clubs?

Go to apperitivo between 6 and 10 p.m. at the many bars in the main piazzas. You’ll pay about €7-8 for a drink, and eat buffet style for free!

I still have some money left over, what should I buy in Florence as a souvenir?

I suggest you bring home a macchinetta. These are the small espresso machines you use on your stovetop. They’re not expensive, or too big, and it will be a good reminder of your trip every morning when you make coffee!

What makes this city distinctive, unique, or nerve-wracking - and what are the reasons for it?

It is a mish mash of architecture and history, and the art is unmatched. It’s like living inside a sculpture... and you can just reach out and touch everything.

Where and how can I get a good Internet connection?

Many bars now have wifi connections, and you can hang out, have a glass of wine or cappichino and work on the web. Mostly free, though you need to be a patron.

What should I avoid in Florence under all circumstances?

The San Lorenzo markets are fun – for about 5 minutes. Unless you’re really determined to get some shopping done, it’s not relaxing to stroll through this neighborhood because vendors will be pressuring you, and trying to pull you into their shops. If you go too far up Via Cavour you’ll end up in a little bit of a sketchy neighborhood, where in the evenings prostitutes stroll, and the piercing and tattoo shops sit. If you’re looking for something like this, though, well, there you are!

Is there anything else that people should know about Florence?

If you’re planning on speaking Italian, be adamant. Many people will just speak to you in English if you have an accent. If this is something you’re worried about, you’ll most certainly be able to get around. In the center there seem to be equal amounts of Americans or English speakers on the streets as Italians. Also, just spend a lot of time outside!