Florence street and buildings

My love for Tuscany ends with 3 fun experiences in Florence …

Not just what you will see as a tourist, but what elegant Florence can offer to a visitor.

Intriguing and quaint parts of Florence … parts which you would have to really look and experience …

… And have a really good time!

 

Take local ‘Hop-On-Hop-Off’ Tourist Bus to see Florence – either a one-day or two-day ticket; with running commentary in many languages; chose to either stay on or get off at any places of interest along the way … no pressure as to how many times you alight the buses throughout the day.

Do a complete circuit on first entry … mark out all the places of interest you would like to visit … then start and enjoy!

Visit Fiesole …

Fiesole – a town of the city of Florence … about 8 kilometres north-east … situated on a scenic hill.

Once considered a gateway for upper class Florence; it still has some very expensive residential properties in Florence.

The ‘Hop-On-Hop-Off’ bus stops at Piazza Mino, heart of Fiesole … local market is open usually on weekends; limited stalls on weekdays …

 

Check out local foods surrounding the Piazza, with wine or refreshing beer, and have a picnic on the hill slopes of Fiesole …

… Enjoy view of Florence, the Duomo and surrounding countryside below … just magnificent!

… Enjoy local specialities like pizza (numerous varieties), ‘arancini’ (stuffed rice balls filled with ragu, mozzarella and peas, coated with bread crumbs and deep fried); or selection of cheeses … limitless choices, simply irresistible!

Visit San Francesco Monastery … and adjacent chapel … walk down to the open-air Roman Theatre …

 

… Or just relax and soak in sunshine, gentle breezes and ambience of this historical town.

Admire many large residences on hill slopes; some are converted to lodges or boutique hotels … others are still private residences … of a bygone era.

Shopping Therapy … Side Streets, Alleys and Markets …

While eye-catching displays and elite designer clothing drape shop windows; check out budding designers, discrete craftsmen, jewellers with unique, elegant products to showcase … only to be found if you wander into side-streets, lanes and alleys to see and buy your choice items.

With an eye for quality; you can usually pick up special pieces at good prices …

Like the side-street speciality shops, market stalls are dotted all over Florence; selling the usual clothing, bags, trinkets, subtle and not so subtle souvenirs. Clustered with these stalls are local eateries … from snacks to full meals … you will not go hungry while you shop …

 

Silk scarf designed and sewn locally from local artists … alabaster bracelet from alabaster craftsman … embroidered T-shirt from yet another designer … just amazing to watch them ply their skills and then buy the finished product seconds after completion!

Food Markets of Florence …

Speaking of food … check out local food market, Mercato Centrale, or Central Market in Florence – offering diverse selection of quality foods from all over Italy; most are managed by third or fourth generation owners.

Yes, a market selling pasta – ready to eat or ready to cook; all types of sauces; all types of olive and other oils; all types of pizza – ready to eat or ready to cook; all kinds of cold meats and roasts; all types of soups – thick and creamy, chunky and wholesome. With meats or beans or veggies …

And you can enjoy them with beer, wine and soft drinks – a great way to sample local produce and mingle with the locals!

 

Mercato Centrale offers workshops, restaurant, pizzeria, a brewery, a Chianti Classico shop, a bookshop and a cooking school alongside cheeses, breads, gelato, chocolate, pasta and cold cuts … all under one roof.

There are several markets in Florence – choices are great; do not proceed with haste, admire and savour all delights showcased to you from the stalls.

A true feast for the eyes and tummy!

There are also monthly markets at Piazza della Repubblica or Piazza Santa Maria Novella, selling wines, oils, fruits, vegetables, meats, grains, cheeses, honey and organic produce from all over Tuscany – and don’t forget the Italian pastries … the variety is endless …

 

You cannot go past gelato shops or stalls in streets of Florence and not pause to sample. They beckon with their colourful displays … heavenly hazelnut, pistachio, refreshing lemon or mango, decadent chocolate, cappuccino, coffee, coconut or amaretto; choices are endless … after a sample, you are hooked for more!

Every gelato tasted is different – some creamier than others, some more tangy, less sweet, more fruity but all absolutely delicious and refreshing as you wander through, sampling and appreciating …

My journey through Tuscany has been delightful and memorable … unforgettable … wanting to return and create more new memories …