Does Florence still have sights and attractions that are not crowded with tourists? Is it still possible to explore this city in peace even if it is the top destination of millions of visitors daily?
If you have always dreamed of exploring this top attraction without feeling like you are a fish out of water, you don’t need to worry at all. There are still lots of non-touristy activities you can do that retains the authentic feel of the city that will surely make you feel like a true local.
Visit Oltrarno for Some Aperitivo Time
The districts of Piazza Santo Spirito, San Niccolò, and Sant’Ambrogio are the three areas where the residents of the city Florence have been enjoying their aperitivi for many centuries.
Oltrarno and Santo Spirito: discover the authentic atmosphere of Florence in these less touristy areas where locals have an aperitif and explore charming streets full of history and culture
The trendiest right now is the district of San Frediano where several new cool bars opened their doors to breathe a new life to the district that used to be the poor working area of the city. Its colorful life was even described in the 1940s novel entitled “Le ragazze di San Frediano” written by Vasco Pratolini, a Florentine writer.
Get Lost in Books at a Libreria
Once you get tired from all the sightseeing, don’t miss the chance to go for a nice break at one of the many bookshops in the place where you can savor its vibrant cultural life. To make the experience even better, you can also grab a cup of coffee while you are here.
Head out to Borgo San Frediano where you can find the Libreriacafè La Cité, a lovely bookshop and coffee shop in one, filled with books written in Italian. You can also try Via San Gallo’s Sit’N’Breakfast, which is very popular among students. You can also enjoy reading Italian books while sipping your favorite coffee or wine at Via Dei Fossi’s Todo Modo.
The National Library of Florence is one of Italy’s greatest treasures. It offers a vast collection of manuscripts and rare books that give visitors a glimpse into its rich literary and cultural heritage.
You can also browse through the extensive collection of English books at Via delle Oche’s Paperback Exchange and the Black Spring Bookshop, which is a bookshop and café in one that is off the beaten track.
You can also choose from the decent selection of English books at IBS in Via Cerretani. Feltrinelli Red below the logge in the Piazza della Repubblica also has a charming space where you can sit down and relax while enjoying a light meal or a cup of coffee.
Spend Your Tuesday at Cascine Market
Cascine Market is a true institution for all Florentines. For many decades every Tuesday, from 7 in the morning to 2 in the afternoon, the market brings noise and color to Cascine Park. This is where you can find fresh fruits and vegetables, street foods, shoes, cheap clothing, and household items. Don’t expect to find souvenirs here because this is a traditional straightforward market in Italy.
Beautiful market, Cascine, the largest and cheapest open air market in Florence, Italy
The Cascine is also the green space of Florence, making it the perfect spot where you can unwind and take a break away from the crowds of the city. Although the park is not really that pretty and is it immaculately kept, it boasts of 160 hectares of lush green with 19,000 trees with Arno River fringing it. The spot is perfect for a bike ride or even for a run since this is 1 kilometer from Ponte Vecchio. This is no doubt a non-touristy and healthy thing you can do amid the bustling city.
Stand Up While Enjoying Your Breakfast
Ditch that lengthy leisurely meal spent at the breakfast table. If you really want to experience the mornings of a true Italian, make sure you order a cappuccino and a pasta at the counter and indulge in your tasty breakfast while standing up. This is affordable, delicious, and quick.
Make sure you search for a bar Pasticceria since this is where you can find all the best and most delicious pastries. Don’t miss the chance to drop by at San Lorenzo district to check out Antica pasticceria Sieni or grab some bombolone at Robiglio or Cucciolo. Head out to Piazza della Repubblica and spend some time at the historic café Paszkowsky.
A great tip to remember, especially if you really want to blend in with the locals is to avoid ordering cappuccino after your meal. This isn’t something that true Italians do. Instead, stick to a simple espresso.
Grab a Bite of Lampredotto
Although there will surely be a long line of die-hard food loving tourists, you don’t need to worry because the effort and time will be worth it once you try the most genuine dish of Florence. Lampredotto is made from cow’s stomach and boiled with herbs, carrots, tomatoes, and onions that is served in a bun. This delicacy is dipped in broth and traditionally eaten with some salsa verde.
Dubbed as the king of street food in the city, you can grab some lampredotto at any of the numerous stalls all over the area. Some of these stalls are already considered as real institutions that have long been a part of the history and soul of Florence.
Cool Down with the Best Gelato
The historic gelateria Vivoli is in the hidden street close to Piazza Santa Crocce. Don’t let the throng of tourists discourage you from grabbing some gelato here. Vivoli is a part of the gastronomic tradition of the city and is even mentioned in the old song of the satirical Florentine minstrel Riccardo Marasco.
Vivoli is best known for their gelato made using only the freshest ingredients that are stored at perfect temperature, which include unique flavors like honey and pecorino. Their panna or whipped cream is also worth the try.
The Gelateria della Passera located in Via Toscanella in Oltrarno is one of the latest additions to the city’s gelato scene where you can try flavors like caffe and crema pasticcera.
Explore Sant’Ambrogio Market
A market serves as the soul and life of all Italian cities and Florence is not an exception. Here, you can browse around the stalls and watch people as they go about their routine daily shopping that can make you feel like a true local. The smells, the voices, and the colors all contribute to the amazing authentic experience.
Similar Posts From The Same Category: