FIRENZE IN FEW HOURS.

Florence, known as Firenze in Italian, is a city that captivates visitors with its rich history, art, and architectural marvels. Even if you have only a few hours to spare, here are few ideas to give you a taste of the delights Florence has to offer:

• Start your exploration at the iconic Florence Cathedral, also known as the Duomo, with its magnificent dome designed by Brunelleschi. Admire the intricate façade and don’t forget to visit the Baptistery and Giotto’s Bell Tower.
• Take a leisurely stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge spanning the Arno River, lined with shops selling jewelry and crafts. Take in the unique atmosphere and the stunning views of the river and city.
• Marvel at the Renaissance masterpieces in the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery. Admire famous works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci among others, and don’t miss the opportunity to see Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus.”
• Explore the historic heart of Florence, Piazza della Signoria, and admire the impressive Palazzo Vecchio. Take a moment to appreciate the beautiful statues displayed in the square, including a replica of Michelangelo’s David.
• Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Boboli Gardens, located behind the Pitti Palace. These Renaissance-style gardens offer a peaceful retreat with magnificent sculptures, fountains, and panoramic views of the city.
• Visit the Basilica di Santa Croce, the final resting place of many prominent figures such as Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, and Machiavelli. Admire the beautiful frescoes and intricate artwork inside the church.
• Wander through the charming streets of the Oltrarno district, located on the south side of the Arno River. Discover artisan workshops, hidden boutiques, and enjoy the bohemian atmosphere.
• Discover the architectural masterpiece, the Pitti Palace, once the residence of the powerful Medici family. Explore the opulent rooms and appreciate the grandeur of this magnificent palace.
• Conclude your whirlwind visit by enjoying a breathtaking panoramic view of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo.

From our villas of il Fontanaro, Firenze is a very nice and easy day visit.

HOW TO REACH FIRENZE FROM IL FONTANARO

1. You can reach the city by hourly train from the train station of Chiusi, that is only 12 km from our villas.

There is a free parking, facing the train station, at the and of the road on the left (down the car bridge).

CLICK Here is the train schedule to Firenze Santa Maria Novella.

2.   Also you can go by car, in this case we suggest you Parking lot: LA STAZIONE FIRENZE CUSTODITO   or also parking via Nazionale (a little bit narrow but on a great location).

If you need a taxi we suggest this company:  4390 Taxi Firenze. Tel. +39 0554390 or +393483365403.

HOW TO ENJOY FIRENZE IN FEW HOURS 

• Stay away from touristic restaurants at the Duomo, most are new and tourist traps. One of the few still historical is the bar is Scudieri, in Firenze since 1939.

• You can really enjoy Firenze in few hours, starting with a street food snack at your arrival at Mercato centrale. OPEN 364 DAYS A YEAR UP TO MIDNIGHT! At  the first floor you will find il Lampredotto di Fabrizio Nigro,

Where: Piazza Mercato Centrale 1 – Firenze

• FIRENZE IN FEW HOURS – SKIP THE LINE TOURS:

To tour Firenze the best is to have a walk with WALKS OF ITALY,  https://www.walksofitaly.com/florence-tours  You can book with us with 10% off.

• RESTAURANTS WE LOVE IN FLORENCE:

• One of the most popular is Sostanza detto IL TROIA Osteria. To order: the  Fiorentina T-bone stick, Everything on the meal looked and smelled incredible. We also highly recommend you to eat the butter chicken ( it literally is more than amazing).

Make sure you have reservations or you will wait a long time to get in. Where: Via della Porcellana, 25 r – 50123 Firenze – tel + 30 055 212691.

More:

1. Trattoria Cibreo (Slow Food). At via de’ Macci 122/r to book in advance at + 39 055234 1100. Every day at lunch and dinner.
2. Da Burde, a trattoria that dates back 1901! Grocery shop and trattoria, we recommend booking because there is never a shortage of regulars in this characteristic traditional Tuscan lounge!
3. Salotto Portinari.  This is where Beatrice (from the Divina Commedia)  lived. At via del corso 6.
4. Fishing lab alle muratte To try the lampredotto di mare. Why we love it? It i salso a Museum with audio speaker in English. Via del Proconsolo 16R. Open from 12.00 AM to 11 PM.
5. Konnubio Via dei Conti 8R tel. +39 055 2381189 Why? Because they have a gluten free and vegan menu. Tel +39 055 200 1492. At Via dei Macci, 111/red, 50122 Firenze

• APERITIVO:

1. GUCCI, GIARDINO 25  Cafè and cocktails.  + Osteria at Piazza della Signoria 37r.
2. Locale Firenze for unforgettables unique drinks.

• VINTAGE SHOPPING IN FIRENZE 

1. UB – via dei Conti 4R – http://www.ubfirenze.it/ Fantastic interior design MOST STYLE FROM THE ITALIAN 60 – ALL ORIGINAL AND UNIQUE!
2. Clochard – Italian Fashion from the 50ies – via dei Conti 16R
3. Desi Vintage – Second hand and opportunity to find Gucci and Ferragamo bags. Via dei Conti 17-19-21r

• WOMAN SHOPPING

1. Dixie – Galleria la stazione, 14 – via del Corso, 50 – via Borgo San Lorenzo 5R – via Panzani 18R –  This is a nice fashion company founded in Firenze in 1980.

• A FRIENDlY FIRENZE BLOG:

http://girlinflorence.com/ 

A personal blog about life and people in Florence,  by Georgette Jupean, an American girl based in  Florence