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insider tips and avoiding tourist traps PLEASE! - Florence Forum

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insider tips and avoiding tourist traps PLEASE!

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Places to buy a few lovely things like shoes, a scarf etc that is not at the outet malls or expensive designer shops. Any particular shops or areas to browse/explore for shopping?

Any cheap and authentic restaurants where i may eat some dinner alone as a single girl? (I'll buy food at markets and have picnics for lunch but it might be nice to eat dinner out.

Any special places you would love to recommend not commonly known?

Any tourist traps to avoid falling in to?

Thank you SO much. Your suggestions will really help me to have a special time in Florence. I am traveling from Cape Town, South Africa and the exchange rate is not good at all.

Thank you !

If you are interested in leather goods, we found the best shops for quality goods were around Santa Croce. Our daughter bought a lovely leather jacket in an unusual shade of green.

We went to a restaurant recommended by our B and B, Club Culinario Da Ojvaldo,Piazza dei Peruzzi 3. It was definitely not a tourist trap but was also not cheap. But the tasting menu was wonderful and we all thought it was one of our better meals.

Hope you have wonderful time.

As for tourist traps: don't sit down to have a beer at the outside terrace of B.Gallo restaurant in front of the Baptistery - we paid 11 euro for a pint and 9 euro for a smaller glass of beer.

I hope that wherever you go, you know that there is absolutely no problem in dining solo. You can choose to eat anywhere you wish - being alone makes no difference.

Enjoy your trip!

Actualy there IS a difference: not every restaurant serves wine by the glass and not everyone is prepared to consume a bottle all alone :)

If the OP is looking for inexpensive places for dinner, she is unlikely to venture into restaurants that only sell wine by the bottle. Besides, almost all of those also sell half-bottles.

Sam, click on hapagirl_italy's profile on the right and look at her recommendations for authentic and inexpensive dining. She knows her way around Florence's eating scene, and her suggestions are spot on.

I agree with Zerlina, look at hapa_girl's suggestions regarding restaurants.

You probably have been adivised to have a coffee and pastry standing at the bar rather than sitting down which would most likely to incur an ex†ra charge.

As for Marrasa's post regarding wine - bearing in mind that I don't eat at "top notch" places, I have never come across anywhere where they wouldn't serve you a glass, a quarter of a litre or a half bottle of wine.

When I have the opportunity, I just love to travel to Florence alone - I'm sure that you'll have a fantastic time!

Thank you all so much for your suggestions and well wishes :)

I have started to check out hapagirl_italy and there seems a wealth of information there.

If you're ever coming to Cape Town, South Africa let me know and i can return the good advice!

Please also feel free to email me personally if anything else comes to mind.

Anyway things have worked out like this but i'm super excited anyway :)

Well, believe me or not, but I am not making things up - it happened to me more than once in the process of making an order that the restaurant would not have any "house wine", only wine list and you can only order a whole bottle. Those were not inexpensive restaurants for sure, but I would not call them "top notch" either.

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27 Florence Tips: DON’T Make These Mistakes When Visiting Florence, Italy

From when to visit, and how to avoid crowds, to the one thing you must do when eating out, don't miss these essential florence tips.

So, you’ve decided it’s time to turn that Florence travel fantasy into an actual adventure. Feeling a bit lost with all the planning? Worry not! These Florence tips will help you experience the best this beautiful Italian city has to offer.

Florence is undoubtedly one of Italy’s most iconic cities, a treasure trove of artistic masterpieces, stunning architecture and rich history. But with so much to see and do, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, particularly if you’re a first-time visitor. When is the best time to visit Florence? How many days do you need to explore? And what about free things to do in Florence? These are all legitimate questions when embarking on a new adventure, we’ve all been there!

So, here are some practical Florence travel tips that will help you simplify the planning process and ensure you get the most out of your trip. They cover all the essentials and some things you may not have considered but need to know.

When is the best time to visit Florence?

For more, check out my guide to the best time to visit Italy throughout the year.

How many days should you stay in Florence?

If you only have one day in Florence, be sure to plan your itinerary, book tickets for the main attractions in advance, and arrive well-energized. Also, keep in mind that Sundays and Mondays may not be the best days to sightsee, as many places may be closed including the all-important Duomo.

Where to stay in Florence

Terrazza sul Duomo B&B – Terrace

If you’re only in town for a quick tour, it’s best to stick to central accommodations to minimize your commute time. The historical center is a no-brainer if you’re looking to cram in all the museums and monuments the city has to offer. And bonus – it’s super close to the train station. But if you’re planning a longer stay in Florence and want to immerse yourself in the local culture, consider the charming Oltrarno neighborhood south of the river, brimming with quaint artisan shops. Alternatively, sacrifice some convenience for romance and opt for a room with a view in the districts of San Niccolò or San Miniato al Monte. No matter which neighbourhood, choosing where to stay in Florence is actually fairly easy since the city offers plenty of beautiful B&Bs and boutique hotels tucked away in historic buildings as well as lovely rental apartments. Just make sure to book early, especially if you’re visiting during peak season – you don’t want to miss out on the best deals.

Terrazza sul Duomo B&B – Bedroom

How to get to Florence

Santa Maria Novella Train Station

Now that you know when to go and where to stay , let’s take a look at how to get to Florence.

First off, traveling by train is a breeze with high-speed options that connect Florence to popular tourist destinations like Rome, Milan, and Venice. Plus, the Santa Maria Novella train station is within walking distance of the historical center.

You can also fly directly into Florence Airport, where trams and shuttle buses conveniently connect the airport to the Santa Maria Novella station. And if you’re flying into Pisa Airport, you’re only an hour away from Florence by bus.

Finally, although driving might seem like a tempting option, navigating the city’s restricted traffic areas can be rather challenging. The historical center is closely monitored by a network of video cameras, and parking can be a hassle. So it might be best to leave the driving to the locals and opt for other modes of transportation – your stress levels will thank you.

Impress the locals with some basic Italian

Communicating with locals in their native language can make all the difference between a standard trip and an authentic cultural experience. While Florentines are well-versed in welcoming visitors from all corners of the globe and are proficient in English to some extent, taking the time to learn some words and key phrases will undoubtedly enhance your trip. After all, the beauty of languages is that they allow us to connect with others on a deeper level, so by speaking even a few words of Italian, you’ll demonstrate your genuine appreciation for the local community and its people, and that, in turn, will lead to a more positive and welcoming response. So, make sure to pack a few essential Italian phrases in your Florence travel toolkit. Download my free guide to basic Italian phrases here .

Read a bit about the city’s history before your trip

Cosimo I de’ Medici (Bargello Museum)

Similarly, knowing a little about the history of Florence and its grand characters will help you contextualize your experience, especially if you are not planning on joining a guided tour. Most of the art you’ll see during your trips was commissioned by the Medici family, but did you know that they weren’t actually born into nobility and still managed to become one of the most influential dynasties of all time? Or that Florence was the capital of Italy before Rome took the crown in 1871? Armed with a little bit of background knowledge, you will gain a deeper appreciation for Florence’s unique character and its people, which will make your visit all the more memorable. Alternatively, join this amazing Florence walking.

Palazzo Medici Riccardi

Exploring Florence on foot is the way to go

Book a table for dinner

Get up early to avoid the crowds

There’s no magic formula to avoid large crowds and tour groups in Florence. It’s really just a matter of getting up early and beating them on timing. So, set your alarm early, grab a cup of coffee, and hit the streets before the city fully awakens. Sunrise hours provide the perfect opportunity to appreciate its famous sights, like the iconic Ponte Vecchio bridge, in all their glory without elbowing your way through the crowds. You’ll be amazed at the charming details and hidden gems you’ll discover when you have the city all to yourself. Plus, don’t forget your camera – sunrise provides the perfect lighting for capturing beautiful, crowd-free photos.

Pre-book tickets to major museums

Florence is home to some of the most visited museums in the world, and simply turning up without prior arrangements can easily result in spending several hours standing in line. Not to mention that these museums often have limited capacity, and once they reach their daily limit, no more visitors are allowed in. But there’s a solution: book your museum tickets in advance! Not only will this guarantee your entry, but you’ll also be able to choose the perfect time for your visit without any delays. Sure, it may cost a little extra, but just picture yourself with your skip-the-line ticket to the Uffizi or this Accademia Gallery ticket in hand, confidently strolling past the crowds and entering in a matter of minutes – priceless! Just remember that when booking advance tickets online, you must go to the ticket desk to collect the actual tickets before accessing the museum.

Consider buying a museum pass

Great Hall of the Five Hundred (Palazzo Vecchio)

Planning to explore a lot of attractions during your stay in Florence? Be prepared for the final bill to add up quickly. However, there’s a clever money-saving solution: the Florence Museum Pass . This handy card provides access to some 58 sites across the city, including renowned landmarks like the Uffizi, Pitti Palace, and the museum of Palazzo Vecchio. The pass costs €85 for 72 hours and offers free entry for children under 18 who are part of the cardholder’s immediate family. Before making your purchase, take the time to calculate the combined cost of all the attractions you hope to visit. Depending on your itinerary, it may be more cost-effective to opt for the pass rather than pay for individual tickets.

Palazzo Vecchio courtyard

Take a walking tour

Understanding how to visit Florence’s Duomo complex

• The Ghiberti Pass includes access to the Baptistery, the Opera del Duomo Museum, and Santa Reparata. It is the perfect choice for those who want to soak up the rich history and culture of the complex without having to climb to the top of the dome or the bell tower.
• The Giotto Pass gives access to all of the attractions included in the Ghiberti Pass, plus the chance to climb Giotto’s Bell Tower, perfect for those seeking some stunning panoramic views.
• The Brunelleschi Pass is for those who want to explore all the sites, including the climb to the top of Brunelleschi’s dome.

Bonus tip: What most people don’t know is that you can also visit the private terraces of the Duomo rooftop (before heading to the top of the dome), but only by joining a private skywalk guided tour here.

Embrace the unavoidable truth: you won’t see everything at the Uffizi

Don’t forget that museums are free on the first Sunday of every month

Giardino di Boboli (Palazzo Pitti)

Galleria dell’Accademia – Michelangelo’s David

Like in any other Italian city, Florence’s state-run museums and cultural sites offer free admission on the first Sunday of each month. This fantastic initiative, known as Domenica al Museo (Sunday at the museum), was launched by the Italian government in 2014 to encourage the public to immerse themselves in art and culture. And who doesn’t love saving a few bucks while doing so? On this day, you can explore top attractions like the Uffizi, Accademia Gallery, Pitti Palace, and Medici Chapels, among others (the complete list of participating locations can be found on the government website ). Just be aware that lines can get quite long, so plan to arrive early to make the most of your day.

Cappelle Medicee

New Sacristy (Cappelle Medicee)

Don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path

English Cemetery

While Florence is one of the most touristed cities in the world, it’s also packed with secret spots and hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered. So, after you’ve checked all of the major attractions off your bucket list, make sure to set aside some time to explore Florence off the beaten path. You could visit the studio of a local street artist or go to the Galileo Museum, where the scientist’s relics are displayed like those of a saint. You could also see the first Last Supper painted by a woman at the Santa Maria Novella complex, or pay your respects at Shakespeare’s last descendants’ graves in the English Cemetery. As you can see, whether you’re an art enthusiast, a passionate photographer, or a history buff, there’s no shortage of unique things to do in Florence !

Galileo Museum

Embrace the city’s wine culture

Make time for watching the sunset 

Venture to the other side of the river

Palazzo Pitti

While many tend to stick around the northern side of the Arno, where most of the best things to do in Florence are located, there’s a whole part of Florence to discover on the other side of the river. So, cross the iconic Ponte Vecchio bridge and venture through the Oltrarno, as the southern side of the river is called. There, you’ll find three neighborhoods – Santo Spirito, San Frediano, and San Niccolò – each with its own unique character and distinctive local feel. You’ll find an abundance of cute cafés, delicious restaurants, and pretty churches worth exploring, as well as the famous Pitti Palace with its beautiful Bobbli Gardens. And if you’re planning to bring home some authentic Italian souvenirs, you’re in luck – the Oltrarno is home to countless artisans who have made this area their creative hub.

Take your sips to new heights

Skip Piazzale Michelangelo and head to San Miniato al Monte instead

View from San Miniato al Monte

Overlooking the city from up the hill in the Oltrarno district, Piazzale Michelangelo is undoubtedly one of Florence’s go-to spots for panoramic views. But with its postcard-perfect views and a towering replica of Michelangelo’s David, this iconic square can get really crowded. However, if you venture slightly further up, a little gem awaits. The church of San Miniato al Monte, is one of the finest Romanesque churches in the region. Less crowded but no less spectacular, this viewing spot offers beautiful views over the city. And if you plan to visit around 6 pm, you’ll be treated to the beautiful Gregorian chants performed by the resident monks, making your experience all the more fascinating.

Indulge in some shopping, but know where to go

Scuola del Cuoio (Leather School)

As you plan your trip to Florence, it’s likely you’re eagerly anticipating the beautiful sights, the delicious food, and, naturally, some essential shopping. But if you’re going to shop in Florence, you’ll want to do it right to avoid wasting money on overpriced tourist traps. One of the city’s most beloved shopping experiences is the hunt for the perfect leather product.

Florence is renowned for its high-quality leather goods, and for a good reason. To ensure you’re getting the real deal, head straight to one of the city’s top spots, Scuola del Cuoio , where they also organize courses and workshops to create your very own one-of-a-kind piece.

Acqua della Regina

If you’re looking for something truly unique, head to the Oltrarno district, a treasure trove of independent boutiques and workshops, each offering pieces that have a story to tell. And for the ultimate souvenir, make your way to Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella and buy a bottle of Acqua della Regina (Queen’s Water) , a fragrance specially designed for Caterina de’ Medici in the 16th century.

Go out in the evening!

Florentine steak

You might think that with so many stunning sights to see during the day, there are not many things to do in Florence at night. But nighttime brings a unique charm that’s worth exploring. You can treat yourself to a special night of food and entertainment at Teatro del Sale or take a tour of Tuscan cuisine that includes wine tasting and Fiorentina steak , two of the region’s signature specialties. This time of the day is also perfect for strolling through the historic city center with a delicious gelato and taking in the details you may have missed during the hustle and bustle of the day.

There’s no denying that seeing the city’s landmarks under the moonlight adds a new dimension to their beauty. Plus, for a splurge, a night photo tour of Florence with a local photographer promises stunning shots to bring home. Finally, if you need an excuse to get someone to hold your hand, consider joining this top-rated Mysteries and Legends tour of Florence and embark on an adventure into the city’s mysteries!

Taking a cooking class is the perfect activity for a rainy day

While the city’s renowned museums provide a cozy shelter from bad weather, nothing beats the joy of cooking to lift your spirits. You can immerse yourself in Tuscan cuisine by spending quality time with a local chef, who can not only teach you the art of Italian cooking but also share some insider tips on the best restaurants in town. There are some great cooking classes in Florence to choose from, ranging from pasta-making workshops with dinner and wine-tasting to pizza and gelato-making lessons . Not only will you return home with newfound culinary skills, but you’ll also be able to host fantastic Italy-inspired parties. Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Florence when it rains.

Keep an eye out for the secret urban art

Discover Tuscany beyond Florence

San Gimignano

One of the top travel tips for Florence is to venture beyond the city limits at least once, provided you have enough time and budget for it. From quaint villages to fabulous wineries and UNESCO treasures, there’s a whole load of Tuscany to explore within a short distance from the city. The region’s excellent road and train network makes day trips from Florence easy.

If you’re not feeling up to planning, there are some great guided tours available. While many choose Pisa and Lucca  for a side trip from Florence, there are plenty of other options to consider, such as the famous vineyards of Chianti , the beautiful Siena and San Gimignano , the Val d’Orcia (where those stunning views you’ve seen in pictures come to life), and the Cinque Terre (Liguria’s iconic pastel-colored villages) or this tour of both the Cinque Terre and Portovenere .

You can also opt for a day trip from Florence that covers different locations, like this excellent Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa and winery lunch tour.

Don’t miss my guide to the BEST things to do in San Gimignano

Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa

Leaning Power of Pisa

It doesn’t have to be expensive

Loggia dei Lanzi

Florence is often seen as a high-end destination, but honestly, the idea that you have to shell out big bucks to enjoy all that the city has to offer is a myth. Sure, accommodation prices might not be the lowest and the museums can be a bit pricey. Still, for budget-conscious travelers there’s a surprising number of free things to do in Florence . Take, for instance, Loggia dei Lazi, the breathtaking sculpture gallery in Piazza della Signoria. This cultural gem won’t cost you a cent. Plus, there are numerous beautiful churches that welcome visitors free of charge. And let’s not forget about the stunning gardens that dot the city. You can easily while away an afternoon taking in the sights and smells of these natural wonders without spending a single euro. So go ahead and book your trip, knowing there are also plenty of opportunities to relax and soak up the charm of Florence without breaking the bank.

Let go of FOMO

Don’t miss my guide to the TOP Things to do in Florence

Don’t be treated like a tourist. Learn Italian with my 80/20 method

Travelling to Italy? Don’t be treated like a tourist! Live your best travel experiences and learn Italian for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant or a taxi driver who has “taken you for a ride”. I’ve made it easy for you to master the Italian language so you can create lifelong memories as you mingle with locals , get local tips , avoid tourist traps , and make new friends . Who knows, you might even be invited over for afternoon tea by a lovely Sicilian family like I was! Read all about how speaking Italian changed my life  and check out my online Italian video course here.

Here’s what my students are saying: 

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Don’t miss these guides to Florence and Tuscany

• 20+ Fabulous Free Things to do in Florence
• 21 Unique Things to Do in Florence: Hidden Gems, Unusual Attractions & Quirky Tours
• 33 BEST Things to do in Florence: Top Museums, Experiences & Eateries
• Where to Stay in Florence: Best Areas, Hotels, and Apartments
• Where to Find the Best Gelato in Florence: 16 Top Gelaterie (Map Included)
• Where to Have the Best Aperitivo in Florence
• 9 Beautiful Wine Windows in Florence and Where to Find Them (Map Included)
• 19 BEST Things to do in Pisa, Italy (Includes Map and 1-DAY Itinerary)
• 13 BEST Things to do in San Gimignano, Italy // The Manhattan of the 14th-Century

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20+ Fabulous Free Things to do in Florence (Cool Markets, Top Museums, & Walking Tours)

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Tourist Traps To Skip In Italy (And Where To Go Instead)

Italy numbers among the most visited countries in the world. Almost 80 million tourists travel there yearly (per  Statista ), and you can hardly blame them. The country offers fantastic food, cities of sublime beauty, marvelous beaches, fairytale-like islands, and the wonders of the ancient world. However, tourist traps will also abound when a destination reaches this level of popularity. Rome, Naples, Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, and Venice all regularly make headlines for overpriced food, rude staff in supposedly "authentic" restaurants, taxi and tour scams, and souvenir rip-offs. But the beauty of Italy is that you always have a better alternative.

So, how do you dodge the destinations, activities, restaurants, and shops with "tourist trap" written all over them? We've used our vast experience visiting Italy and combined it with the know-how from other travelers to answer that question. We've also taken into account Tripadvisor, Google reviews, and travel reporting from leading media outlets like The New York Times, The Guardian, and BBC. You should be able to enjoy being in a magical place like Italy without worrying about losing money and patience on rip-offs.

Skip the tourist traps of St. Mark's Square in Venice and go to the authentic cafes in the Dorsoduro university district instead

St. Mark's Square (pictured) is the epitome of Venetian splendor. The Byzantine architecture of Basilica impresses with golden grandeur, the silhouette of the 16th-century Campanile is as iconic as attractions get, and the arcades of Doge's Palace are an ultimate visual moment. That's the kind of scenery you want to enjoy with a cup of coffee sitting on one of the terraces that dot St. Mark's Square. Please don't do it; it's among the classic Venetian tourist traps. Google Maps is filled with angry reviews of the square's cafes. 11€ for a cappuccino at Aurora, 30€ for a bottle of water, and two Coca-Colas in Le Boulevard, and (are you ready?) €17 for an orange juice at Caffè Florian. 

Skip St. Mark's Square cafes, for mercy's sake; there are better sestieri (local neighborhoods) where you can enjoy terrace life in Venice. Dorsoduro is one of them. Located in the city's south and encompassing the island of Giudecca, it's a less-crowded, more hip university district where you find regular prices and authentic Venetian cafes and eateries. Osteria Ai Pugni specializes in typical local snacks and offers splendid canal views, Campo Santa Margherita is a quaint square with colorful houses and cozy terraces, and Osteria Al Squero is a cicchetti (traditional Venetian small bites) go-to spot.

Explore Fontana dell'Acqua Paola instead of the Trevi Fountain in Rome

The Baroque 86-foot glory of Trevi Fountain is where Rome's grande belleza (the great beauty) lives. Unfortunately, this gorgeous structure also symbolizes overtourism. Come here during the day, and you'll be lost in the crowds that quickly fill up the narrow Piazza di Trevi in front of the fountain. Apart from selfie-taking tourists, expect annoying street sellers, a higher risk of pickpocketing, and rip-off restaurants and cafes in the vicinity. In other words, it's a lot to handle.

Fontana dell'Acqua Paola (pictured) is an alternative that's 150 years older than Trevi. Set on the Janiculum Hill near the Botanical Garden and Church of San Pietro in Montorio, it's a sublime white marble-clad sight with a vista over the Eternal City as a bonus. Remoteness from the buzzy city center and picturesque surroundings make Fontana dell'Acqua Paola a charming and peaceful visit and a perfect change from the chaotic Trevi experience. Also, you might recognize the structure from the opening scene of Paolo Sorrentino's "The Great Beauty" film.

Instead of the influencer-filled Lago di Braies, go to Lago di Carezza or Lago di Dobbiaco in the Italian Dolomites

Lago di Braies may be one of Europe's most beautiful lakes. It also suffers badly from overtourism that threatens its fragile ecosystem. The lake is crowded, and there's also restricted personal car access from July 10 through September 10. Moreover, the closest parking lot to the lake would cost you €38, and you'll likely find yourself in a traffic jam upon approaching the lake. That's the price you have to pay for being Instagrammable. Then, when you're on the lake, expect hoards of influencers fighting for the best selfie spots and queues for €50 boat rides.

For a much easier and stress-free experience, check out other lakes with the same killer views but fewer crowds and restrictions. Lago di Carrezza (pictured), with an awe-inspiring reflection of the Latemar mountain range, is a natural marvel located right next to the main road. Parking would cost you only €2. Lago di Dobbiaco, with fjord-like mountain vistas, is another roadside hit with easy parking and magnificent views of the Dolomites.

Instead of going to overcrowded Pompeii, discover the Valley of Temples in Sicily

Pompeii is among the most unique archeological sites in the world. As an ancient Roman city devoured by the lava of Vesuvius volcano and excavated to a fraction of the glory of its yesteryears, it's an enticing visit and an Italian must. But with mega popularity comes the tourist trap mentality. You'll encounter scammy fake information points, rip-off taxis from Naples, costumed "Romans" posing for photos and demanding money, and crowds everywhere you go. Visiting in the summer, especially, may be quite a challenge to endure. 

While you shouldn't necessarily skip Pompeii, you may want to consider the alternatives, such as the spectacular Valley of Temples (pictured) in Sicily.  One of the best sites to visit in Italy for history buffs , it's a UNESCO-protected complex of ancient Greek temples near Agrigento. Think Acropolis in Athens but transported into the hilly landscapes of the largest Meditteranean island and multiplied. It's undoubtedly one of the most beguiling European Greek sites and an underrated attraction. A whopping 1,300 hectares of area gives you plenty of room to breathe and ensures that you don't feel the presence of fellow tourists even during the peak summer months.

Instead of the Blue Grotto in Capri, go to the Bue Marino Caves in Sardinia

Blue Grotto on Capri is a sight to behold and one of the most beautiful sea caves in the world . Visitors enter through the narrow portal to discover the mesmerizing and otherworldly azure glow that awaits inside. But then you've got to consider that the boat won't spend more than 5 minutes in the cave, dips in the water are out of the question, and the entrance fee is €18. Moreover, you will queue to board the rowboat, and the whole tour will be rushed, uncomfortable, and soulless. Unfortunately, all of that qualifies as a tourist trap, and from June to August, coming to the Blue Grotto is a stressful affair.

Turn your attention to Sardinia for lesser-known but equally stunning cave adventures. Located among the splendid coastal beauty of the Gulf of Orosei, the Bue Marino Caves (pictured) are a great alternative to Blue Grotto. They offer dramatic turquoise sea vistas, a one-hour guided tour inside the stalactites-filled subterranean heart, and scenic boat rides along the stunning Sardinian coast.

Instead of visiting touristy restaurants near major Roman attractions, go to Trastevere for authentic local fare

One of the golden rules of not getting ripped off in a restaurant in Italy is avoiding places that overlook iconic Roman monuments. The press is filled with stories of tourists paying more than €100 for a lunch near St. Paul's Basilica or two orders of spaghetti costing €430 near Castel Sant'Angelo. You don't want to spend a fortune on a scammy restaurant falling for one of Italy's most well-known tourist traps. The best way to avoid such a fate is to get away from the major tourist areas like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, or Vatican City and head to the more authentic and better-priced neighborhoods.

You should dine in Trastevere to eat like a local . You may know the name from the recently released song by Italian Eurovision winner Måneskin. It is a former working-class district full of medieval architecture and atmospheric cobblestone streets bordered by the scenic River Tiber. Locals, ex-pats, and tourists mingle there, dining in cozy Roman trattorias, enjoying the terraces of hip cafes, and sipping locally-produced wine in the hole-in-the-wall bars. It's the ultimate place to encounter the real Rome and pay the normal price for mouthwatering food and drinks.

Calabrian coast instead of Amalfi

Oh, wonderful Amalfi. Cliffside towns overlook the blueness of the Tyrrhenian Sea, chic terraces of restaurants with extra-photogenic backgrounds await couples, and beaches lure with fashionable bars. However, the idyll is broken the moment you encounter endless traffic jams on crammed narrow roads, see the sky-high prices in local eateries that lost authenticity years ago, and book your accommodation paying more than you should. Yes, this part of Italy is irresistible. But hoards of tourists have changed the marvelous landscape into a playground for Instagram with a hefty price tag. In summer, the Amalfi Coast reaches the peak of its capability to accommodate thousands of visitors. You want to head elsewhere to spend your money better.

The underrated Calabrian coast is the answer. It's all cliffs, historic villages, and glamorous beaches, too, without overcrowding and rip-offs. It's that Italy everyone seeks in Amalfi: simple, accessible, a bit unorganized, but incredibly charming in the end. Start at the stunning town of Pizzo Calabro, proceed to the dramatic cliffside Tropea (pictured) with spectacular Rotonda Beach, explore the endless blue beaches of Capo Vaticano, and head all the way down to picturesque Scilla, which is among the most beautiful villages in Italy.

Take a traghetto instead of the gondola in Venice

To gondola or not to gondola, that's the pressing question for every Venice visit. Let's stop for a moment and think about what you're really getting by paying about €90 for a 30-minute ride. Yes, the vista of palazzos from the canals is undeniably charming, but it's also the same view you can get from any other means of transport in the city. Sure, the serenading of the gondolier is special, but he does that for everyone else. Finally, you can get stuck in a "canal jam" with other gondolas lining up to proceed through narrow water passages, and it's far from a comfortable experience.

Why would you pay €90 for a gondola if you can pay €2 for a traghetto? The latter is a shared wooden boat, another typical Venetian way to move around from one side of the Grand Canal to the other. It's much shorter, with no singing involved, but it boasts the same level of authenticity as the gondola. And then you can always complement your waterborne experience by buying a Venezia Daily Pass for €25 that will allow you to board as many vaporetti (Venetian larger public transport boats) as you want, and go to other islands of the Venetian lagoon, such as Burano and Murano.

Instead of buying tacky souvenirs near the famous monuments, look for local artisans

Not everyone enjoys souvenirs; the best memories are those you carry inside. But if you still want to bring something home, getting ripped off in Italy is very easy. After all, it's the country of the Pisa Tower and the Colosseum; how can you resist having a mini version of a famous monument proudly hanging on your fridge? While the smaller souvenirs won't usually do any harm to your budget (although, don't spend more than €10 on a magnet), it's the seemingly authentic symbols of regions (think limoncello in Sorrento, carnival masks in Venice, glass in Murano, high-fashion brands in Milan) you're visiting that can get you scammed.

Two main rules are avoiding street vendors at all costs and doing your research beforehand. Italy is a country of artisans, centuries-old traditions, and some of the best food products on Earth. Don't fall for flashy sales tactics, avoid overly touristy showrooms promising the "most Italian" experience, and always go local. For artisans, use Homo Faber Guide to locate the ateliers and galleries. For fashion, only go to the official boutiques and avoid resellers; for food souvenirs, opt for locally-owned stores specializing in regional produce.

Dine in Navigli instead of the Duomo area in Milan

When it comes to tourist traps in Milan, everything is pretty straightforward. The main scammy "action" is focused on a small area around the splendid spired Duomo and frequently Instagrammed Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade. Long story short, if you decide to have a drink or dine with a view here, you're guaranteed to pay double or triple the price of the city's standard. Moreover, there's a risk of pickpocketing, omnipresent street vendors will spoil your day, and crowds of fellow tourists will try to strike the best pose with doves and the cathedral. Have a stroll there, get to the top of Duomo for the views, and take a pic or two inside the elegant 19th-century-built gallery. Then, go to more wallet-friendly and authentic parts of the city.

Check out Navigli (pictured), one of Milan's most charming, easygoing, and pleasant neighborhoods. Five canals form this quaint part of the city known for joi-de-vivre and a diverse choice of bars, cafes, street food joints, and elegant osterias. You will feel the beat of actual Milan, the one that's defined by locals and not by tourist-focused, overpriced restaurants and scammy street vendors.

Instead of Cinque Terre, go to Sestri Levante

Cinque Terre is one of a kind. The beauty of these five UNESCO-protected villages is unrivaled, the epicness of the craggy Ligurian coastline is absolute, and you will find some of the most picturesque vistas on the planet. But such splendor has a cost, and overtourism is its name. Sadly, the warm months turn this fragile, sublime area into a noisy, Disneyland-like location packed with often poorly behaved visitors competing for selfie space on narrow coastal hiking trails. Of course, you can't blame people for wanting to touch the beauty, but tourist trap restaurants and high prices come with "Instragrammization."

If you want to avoid that, spend your money more wisely, and still get a glimpse of that elusive Ligurian magnificence, head to Sestri Levante (pictured) and its Riviera. Comfortably located between Genoa and Cinque Terre, it's a land of colored villages, scenic beaches, and inspired cliffside coastal panoramas — just without the frenzy and with underrated charms. During the summer, it's a perfect alternative to crowded Cinque Terre. You can visit both in winter and early spring with peace of mind.

Choose Ischia over Capri

Hardly any other island in Italy is as cinematic as Capri. But with only 4 square miles of size and 2 million visitors per year, it can get really crowded. Then, an air of exclusivity helps high-end resorts and upmarket restaurants draw celebrities and wealthy folk to the island's dramatic shores. The same atmosphere of upscaleness nurtures the tourist trap restaurants in Marina Grande and Capri towns and makes visiting the island feel like a heavy burden on your wallet. While the mythical beauty of Capri is most certainly justified, the prices can reach outrageous heights.

But there's always an alternative. Ischia, a fellow wellness-focused island in the Bay of Naples , stands as a less touristy, better-priced destination with comparable postcard-perfect vistas. It's almost 18 square miles, has more space, offers more accommodation options, and boasts an underdog allure. The volcanic origins bring unique mountainous landscapes and bigger scale gifts with a variety of beaches to enjoy.

Beware of the tourist trap restaurants and choose eateries that serve regional food instead

Tourist trap restaurants have found fertile ground in Italy. The basics of detecting one are pretty simple. Never opt for an eatery right next to a famous attraction. Be it the Colosseum, Duomo, St. Mark's Square, or Vatican City, you will regret your decision to settle for an alluring terrace "with a view." The regret will materialize in an unpleasant check with seemingly unbelievable rip-off prices. Flashy images in the menus outside the venue, overly friendly promoters that fight for your attention, kitschy terraces, and interiors that scream "authentic Italian" are some of the sure signs you're dealing with a tourist trap.

While pizza and pasta are beloved staples of Italian cuisine, this country is all about regional traditions. For example, pizza Margherita may be a dominant food in Naples, but it is not that common in, say, Genoa, where focaccia reigns supreme. Do your research on the region you're visiting, know what it's eating, and look for eateries that serve that. Avoid uber-central areas and go to the quaint outer neighborhoods. And always trust your gut; if the restaurant seems sketchy, it probably isn't worth your money.

Head to San Miniato al Monte instead of Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence

On one hand, you can't beat the panorama of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo. On the other hand, the place is among the tourist traps in Italy you need to avoid . During the high season, this neoclassical square-turned-parking-lot becomes a poster child for overtourism with an abundance of street vendors, pickpockets, and excessive prices at the questionably named Vip's Bar on-site. Still, this place is one of the best viewpoints in Florence, and you would miss out on not coming there to contemplate and shoot pictures.

You should also know that a much more rewarding viewpoint awaits you 6 minutes away on foot. We're talking about the Romanesque jewel San Miniato al Monte Basilica. A Florence Duomo-reminiscent white marble facade greets you there, tranquility abounds at the Porte Sante cemetery, and magical views of the city unfold. You'll be even higher above Florence than Piazzale Michelangelo, so the iconic panorama of this Tuscan gem is all yours to enjoy—minus crowds, annoying vendors, and overpriced restaurants.

The Tourist Trap In Italy You Need To Avoid (And A Much Better Destination To Visit)

A visit to Florence, Italy, can be a profound experience. It's right at the heart of the historical art scene, with some of the most famous works by the masters you've ever seen. There is beauty in every crevice of this place. The Ponte Vecchio, where people place love locks, the statue of David, Brunelleschi's Dome ... it's impossible to see it all unless you plan on moving there (take us with you). To combat this, many people want to get a perfect shot of the entire city from above. 

One of the places that tourists are often sent to for a view of Florence is a major tourist trap. It's called the Piazzale Michelangelo, and while the view is great, it's basically a glorified parking lot. We're not exaggerating here. Not only is most of the real estate taken up by parking spots, but if you show up there during tourist season, you probably can't even use it for that , as we discovered this summer. While there are copies of sculptures by Michelangelo dotted around, there are also a ton of vendors trying to sell you stuff you can get anywhere, a lot of tired people frustrated by parking issues, and tourists jockeying for position by the edge for pictures. We have a better option for you that actually has beautiful things to see beyond the view (which is also wonderful ... maybe even better). That place is San Miniato al Monte. 

Read more: 50 Underrated Tourist Destinations Around The World

All About San Miniato Al Monte

As you can see from the picture above, you'll get a view of the entire city, the mountains in the background, and greenery where you pose. San Miniato al Monte is actually higher up than the Piazzale Michelangelo. Instead of vendors shoving tiny statues of David in weird colors in your face, you get to see a beautiful church that is around a thousand years old. 

San Miniato al Monte is named after Saint Minias, an Armenian Christian who served in the Roman military in the third century C.E. Emperor Decius was upset that Minias became a Christian hermit and wouldn't sacrifice to the Roman gods. He was tortured, burned, stoned, and thrown to a lion that apparently refused to eat him. Then he was beheaded, and, according to legend, picked up his head and walked to the top of the mountain with it. He may also have had a solitary cell there before his execution. His remains or relics are said to be in the crypt of the church that stands there now, next to a Benedictine monastery. 

The Romanesque church at San Miniato al Monte was commissioned by Bishop Hildebrand in 1018 C.E. and completed in 1062 C.E. It's a striking building, complete with a lovely and long set of steps up to the facade. 

What To See At San Miniato Al Monte

The church itself may remind you of Brunelleschi's Dome in the heart of Florence, with its green and white diamonds and rectangles on a white facade. Inside, you'll find pretty Corinthian capitals on the columns in the main part of the church. You'll also see a 13th-century mosaic of Christ with gold accents, as well as a lovely arch. You can even see the ribbed ceiling supports. Behind the church, you'll find a peaceful cemetery with impressive sculptures and small chapels. And then, of course, there is  that view . The one behind it is incredible as well, as you can see from the picture right above. 

If you happen to find a parking spot below at the Piazzale Michelangelo, great. You can walk up the mountain (it's about a six-minute walk) for this view and architecture. You can find paid parking around the front of the church if you drive, or on the streets on the way, including Via delle Porte Sante. You can also take a bus that takes you to the front of the church, which allows you to attend mass if you so desire. 

Read the original article on Explore .

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Tourist traps to avoid in florence.

Every city has tourist traps that locals avoid like the plague. Florence has many. If you’re heading to Florence this summer, you’re likely to encounter one (or all) of the following tourist traps. Stay on top of your game, and don’t give in when tempted.

Here are our tourists traps to avoid in Florence!

Pizza in restaurant windows.

Just about all Italian pizza is better than what we have here in the States. But don’t let that make you fine with settling for what Italians would consider mediocre pizza. You’ll walk by a number of storefronts and restaurants that have pre-cooked sheets of pizza in the windows. Many tourists buy these while walking around, but avoid them! The convenience factor might be nice, but Go to Gusta Pizza! They’ll literally cook your pizza from scratch in about 2 minutes.

Selfie sticks

Be friendly. Ask a stranger to take a picture of you. There are sooo many selfie stick salesmen around Florence who will constantly be shoving them in your face. We would literally have them try to sell them to us when we were using a nice DSLR camera. These guys are persistent, so be assertive and tell them no thank you.

Pocket pickers

If a person or group of people approach you while you’re buying a train ticket, using an ATM, in a line, etc. be alert. There is about a 1000% chance that someone “helping” you buy a train ticket is actually setting up one of his or her buddies to pick your wallet out of your pocket. Pay attention to your belongings on trains and in large crowds as well.

Fake Gelato

Gelato should never look icy. It should never be stacked up 2 feet tall. It should look rich, creamy, and fresh. Many of the touristy trap gelato stores (especially near the center) stack up gelato in an attempt to make it appear fancy and unique. However, you’re going to be disappointed if you give in to these stores. Go to Gelateria de Medici or La Carraia for the best gelato of your life. You will absolutely never see it piled up high at either of these places because 1) they make it fresh every day and 2) it sells quickly.

Tourist toys

As you walk around Florence (especially at night), you’ll see guys spread throughout the city launching light up toys into the sky, shining lights on the ground, and doing everything in their power to get you to pay attention to what they’re trying to sell. The second you look at them or seem at all intrigued by their toy, they’re going to be on you like hawks. So do your best to both avoid purchasing these toys, as well as ignore the people selling them.

Every street corner seemingly has a kiosk or a store with souvenirs ranging from mini statues of David to magnets, pens, t-shirts, etc. Your best souvenirs will be pictures and memories. Don’t fall for these traps that simply add weight to your suitcase while subtracting weight from your wallet.

Every major city seems to have homeless people. Florence has both homeless people as well as gypsies. Most tourists, however, aren’t familiar with the difference. Your best bet with gypsies is to simply ignore them. If they becoming quite persistent, just yell, “No. Basta!” This means, “No. Stop!” in Italian.

After reading this blog you’ll probably laugh to yourself as you encounter these tourist traps in Florence. Just remember to be assertive and save your money. Spend your money on the experience, on the delicious food, and on the world’s best wine. After all, do you really need trinkets taking up space in your luggage?

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How to spot non-touristy restaurants in Florence, Italy

I’m going to say somethings you might not like but when you ask for “non-touristy” restaurants in Florence in an attempt to avoid tourist-traps and to eat where the locals are- do you actually mean that? Also, what is wrong with being a tourist that is literally what you are. 

You do realize you are the very tourist asking where to eat without tourists like yourself? Let’s do some gentle google’ing and put some stats into perspective: Florence has about 350K registered residents and attracts around 10 million visitors per year while measuring about 40 square miles (that’s smaller than San Francisco, to give you scale). The historical center of Florence (where the boogie man tourists tend to congregate) covers roughly about 2 square miles. So knowing this- why do you think you’re so exceptional that you deserve to be the only tourist at a restaurant in a city the size of the national mall that contains millions of others just like you in it?

Don’t give me the traveler vs the tourist TedTalk, if you truly want to travel- then why are you in a hotspot destination like Florence? Lean into it! I love being a tourist, sometimes in my own city! This tirade can be applied to the people who rely on tourism and then complain about tourists. Oh, but they mean the good tourists. That’s some messed up elitist hypocrisy if you ask me!

Let’s be honest. Many humans simply suck and suffer from entitlement complexes, lack manners, self-awareness and emotional literacy- whether they have money, class, sophistication or not. People bring their baggage wherever they are- figuratively and literally.

Still- I’ll entertain this delusional request and if you want to truly avoid people like you (a tourist!) and learn how to spot non-touristy restaurants then be prepared to go to places that aren’t pandering to tourist palates highlighting spritzes, pizza and steak all under the same roof.

In Florence the real non-touristy food you might find involves lampredotto and tripe (basically boiled cow guts), salted cod and lots of beans (Tuscans are nicknamed “ mangiafagioli “), chicken liver pate smeared on broth soaked stale bread or grocery store quality baguette slices, roasted squab and game meats, boiled meats slathered with herb green sauces, long-cooked cardoon thistles, bitter greens and salty sheep milk cheeses.

Locals and Florentines aren’t eating steaks on the regular nor fettuccine alfredo. While on the topic, this whole trend with mixing pasta in a big parmigiano-reggiano cheese wheel that TikTok has trained people to seek out is a theatric pony trick pulled at the actual tourist-trap restaurants restaurants.

Now I get the appeal of creamy fettuccine alfredo pasta dishes. I’m not above it and I grew up in the US eating my fair share of the stuff, including from microwave TV lean cuisine dinners. Can you feel your fingers burning from peeling back the plastic film yet?

When done well- how could you not love fettucine alfredo? Cheese and fresh pasta are a winning combo, delicious especially when the two are amalgamated with butter as the original recipe calls for. Plus, there is one restaurant in Rome where fettuccine Alfredo was born and is actually still served. So when consumed there, technically the dish is not a total trap.

But the problems with pedestrian “familiar” foods, watered down neon spritzes punctuated by old orange slices and wasteful single use plastic straws or restauranteurs pandering to tourists is that Italian culinary traditions are eroding in the face of mass tourism.

I personally refuse to give in to this while doing my best to be sensitive to people’s comfort zones and gently invite them to explore whether it’s restaurants I recommend or on our food tours. There are always plenty of options that fit the bill of genuine and delicious, that doesn’t have to be offal 😉

If you truly want authenticity, (which is a word that doesn’t mean a whole lot) here’s a few red and green flags to be aware of if you want to land at a non-touristy restaurant in Florence: 🚩 People asking you to come in or are so eager for you to come in they have people making pasta in the windows. What’s is this, the zoo? ✅ There’s gotta be at least one old guy or nonna in the kitchen 🚩Places with sandwich boards outside that scream tourist menu ✅ Most of the food is ugly and not photogenic. With few exceptions, most traditional Florentine food is not instagrammable. 🚩Fixed menus that aren’t tasting menus ✅Good extra virgin olive oil on the table that doesn’t smell rancid (would you be able to tell?). A dead-giveaway for rancid oil is if it smells like crayons. 🚩 Photos of the food or menus in 6 different languages

That all said, one of the best ways to learn about what a worthwhile restaurant in Florence looks like is to sign up for a food tour , like Curious Appetite’s progressive dining crawl (shameless self promo here) or pay me for additional consulting.

Can’t swing a tour or a consult, or simply prefer to DIY? Free advice is offered daily on my Instagram page’s feed and in stories ( follow here ) and monthly newsletter ( sign up here )

I don’t know if I answered the q I posed but let’s continue the conversation in comments!

In your honest trust,

Curious Appetite

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How to eat well in Florence - avoid tourist traps

Living in a major tourist city allows you to develop an internal radar that helps you differentiate tourist trap restaurants from “the good ones” in any city. The following are some tips based on our experience of how to find a good restaurant in Florence . This is not to say that you won’t get a decent meal at some of the more touristy places, but you might eat something tastier, more “typical”, or less expensive if you follow these simple guidelines.

What to avoid:

1) Any restaurant with a giant plastic chef outside holding up a menu. 2) said menu especially if in four or more languages. 3) suspiciously long menus with tons of variety, ranging from pizza and pasta to fish and meat. As a general rule, it is more likely that a restaurant tends to do one thing really well than everything well. 4) bars with sandwiches displayed in a window facing outside, especially late in the afternoon or evening. If you pass by a closed bar with sandwiches in the window at night, don’t even think of going there the next day. 5) bars with similar outside-facing displays containing prepared plates with assortments of “primi” (pasta). How long have they been sitting there? 6) restaurants that start serving at 6pm. You know that means they cater to Americans. Italians eat out starting at 8pm but usually even later, especially down South. 7) bars and restaurants across from any Duomo (with the exception of in smaller towns).

What to look for:

1) At lunch, bars filled with well-dressed businessmen serving themselves to tables at which you don’t pay extra (for example in Florence, Chiaroscuro on via del Corso). 2) bars with lots of stickers on the window. Look for ones that say “ticket restaurant” (a red circle and blue writing) or “pass”. These bars tend to be frequented by people who work in the area (esp. at lunch), and serve well-priced and fresh “primi” (pasta dishes, vegetables and the like), which are displayed inside in large containers from which they will scoop you out a portion. 3) restaurants that have been accepted as either “Slow Food” or Trattorie d’Italia (and are listed on those guides). Michelin also a valid indicator though less seen these days in italy. 4) small osterie (wine bars) with limited dinner menus. Often these are the places that will tell you about their wines, and serve delicious fresh food to go with it. 5) restaurants with unpretentious decor — wooden benches and paper mats. Best if said restaurant is full of italians. 6) As opposite to point 3 of what to avoid, look for places with limited menus — 3-4 primi and 3-4 secondi, hand written nightly. Some good restaurants will simply dictate the menu to you; this is for the more adventurous, but it is OK to ask first and also to ask them to repeat it very slowly or in halting english!! (In this case, try to get confirmation of prices, too!) 7) small restaurants that are always full and for which you have to reserve. If just arriving in a town, walk around at 6pm to find a place that looks good, and go in to ask about the menu and if they’ll hold you a table for 8pm or later. We’ve found our favourite restaurants this way.

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Alexandra Korey

Alexandra Korey aka @arttrav on social media, is a Florence-based writer and digital consultant. Her blog, ArtTrav has been online since 2004.

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How Not to Look Like a Tourist in Florence

By Jinna Yang

How to Greet People

All it takes is a friendly “Ciao” by day and a “Buona sera” in the evening. When meeting someone new, anticipate that they may lean in to give you one light kiss on each cheek. Men usually greet other men with a firm handshake.

How to Get Around

The most popular way to navigate the ancient (and often cobblestoned) streets of Florence is by bicycle or scooter. Explore a little and look for hidden spots around the city to soak in the views of Ponte Vecchio at night.

Alinari Rental , Via San Zanobi, 38r (tel. +39-055-280-500). Cost to rent is €15 per hour, €35 for 5 hours, €55 per day for a motorino of 100cc–125cc.

Florence by Bike , Via San Zanobi, 120r (tel. +39-055-488-992). Cost to rent is €45 for five hours, €68 per day for a 125cc Honda scooter.

There are also budget-friendly city bikes available at stands around town (find them in the parking lots at Santa Maria Novella rail station, Piazza Santa Croce, Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti north of Santa Croce, and Campo di Marte train station at Via Mannelli).

And remember: Always wear a helmet.

How to Look the Part

“Fashion in Florence is subtle and simple—colors are beige with dark tones," says Florence-based street photographer Tiana Kai . "Men love tailored suits and women show less cleavage than one would imagine. Dresses are accompanied with flat boots, Florentine attitude, and dark hair. Embrace and pair simple style with statement sunglasses and an understated leather purse. Don’t forget a scarf!”

DO avoid tourist restaurant traps by doing your research. Check out reviews on restaurants in the area, or do things the old-fashioned way by talking to people and asking them where they like to eat.

DON'T settle for the restaurants right outside the Duomo. Cross the bridge into Santo Spirito and find hole-in-the-wall, family-owned spots for a more authentic Italian experience. Check out amblé Firenze on Chiasso dei del Bene for freshly made sandwiches and vintage decor. Stop by Osteria Santo Spirito to indulge in authentic Tuscan cuisine on the Piazza Santo Spirito.

DO choose comfortable yet stylish shoes. Florence is a walking city, so go with a chic pair of leather flats or sandals to keep you comfortable and fashionable. Wearing heels is completely unnecessary.

DON'T order a cappuccino after 10 a.m. The cappuccino is, culturally, a drink that's only enjoyed in the morning. The fresh whole milk is thought to inhibit digestion.

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Florence Travel Guide

27 Best Places to Eat in Florence: Tried & Tested!

Want to avoid tourist-trap restaurants and find real best places to eat in Florence? You’re in luck! These tried and tested restaurants listed below are guaranteed not to disappoint!

When Elissa and I visited Florence, she immediately asked her cousin, Ali, for advice on where to go. Not only has she always been interested in food, whether it’s cooking and baking or finding delicious spots while traveling, she spent the spring of 2019 studying in this famous Italian city for a solid five months. That’s a long time to not only find but try as many places as your stomach and wallet can manage!

Even now that she’s traveled to ten different countries and countless cities (including currently living in Madrid ), Florence remains one of her favorite places. It’s forever the place with the one-of-a-kind restaurants that, quite literally, changed her life and standards for eating.

After Elissa and I tried all her recommendations, I had to ask her to write a little Florence dining guide for you all because we loved every single spot. She kindly agreed, so without further ado, take it away, Ali!

For more: check this 3-day Florence itinerary and this guide where to stay in Florence

Psst, this is a whopper of a post, so if you’re looking for a section specifically, click below:

• Tips for Eating in Florence
• A Mini Guide to Mercato Centrale
• Paninis (paninos)
• Lunch or Dinner

3 Tips for Eating in Florence

1. plan ahead and make reservations.

My biggest suggestion to those planning their trips to Florence and incorporating all the good food places – plan ahead! Italy typically has a lot of restaurants closed on Sundays or Mondays, and sometimes they have unique hours they do not operate.

Also many of the really good spots fill up quickly during busy times (especially the weekends), so you’ll want to make reservations ASAP. For many you can just reserve on their website online, but some may require a phone call.

2. Italy has very different mealtimes

Meals are consumed at different hours from other parts of the world. From my experience most places offer breakfast ( colazione ) 7:00am-10:00am, lunch ( pranzo ) 12:00pm-2:30pm, and dinner ( cena ) 7:30pm-11:00pm. This is good to note so you can mentally prepare for the change. Many places close between lunch and dinner, so even if you want to try to eat early, you won’t be able to!

3. Here’s how to avoid tourist traps

Last tip, Florence can be touristy at certain times of the year and there are a lot of “tourist traps” AKA places that are not as good quality but you will still pay the same amount as if it was.

If you are ever in doubt about where to go or what to order, ask your waiter or front-desk person at your hotel for recommendations. They are always happy to help and appreciate when you ask for their local opinion.

Mercato Centrale: A Little of Everything

Mercato Centrale, as the name suggests, is the main center market for Florence. While the outside is filled with vendors selling everything from leather goods to various souvenirs, inside the two-level market is all for food.

Upstairs Area

• Opening Times: Daily, 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM

The upstairs area of Mercato Centrale has a bunch of different eateries both traditionally Italian and foreign! It’s fairly budget-friendly and is one of the few places open during those awkward hours between the end of lunch and beginning of dinner. One thing you for sure have to get is the chicken cacciatora from Trapizzino . It’s greasy deliciousness.

Downstairs Market

• Opening Times: Mon. – Sat., 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Downstairs is what you’d consider a more authentic side to Florence. Most cooking classes will take you here to pick up fresh ingredients and tell you a bit more about the shops and what to buy. If you lived here and liked cooking, you could easily do all your grocery shopping here.

THE 2 Best Places to Eat in Florence for Panini

I think most of us have grown-up somewhat familiar with panini (which is actually the plural form, panino is the singular). It’s a slimmer sandwich with deli meats, cheeses, and maybe some sauce or vegetables and pressed firmly together on a grill. It’s the perfect things to grab and eat for a quick lunch while you’re sightseeing.

Panini Toscani

• Address: Piazza del Duomo, 34/R
• Opening Times: Mon. – Sun., 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM

Small but mighty!! I love this narrow shop because it offers the full experience: kind owners who walk you through a free meat and cheese tasting before creating your 6-euro customized panino, and to finish enjoy their outdoor seating next to the duomo.

Sam Note: SO good! It definitely gets busy around the lunch rush, so if you can’t find seating outdoors, just walk around the Duomo a bit until you find one of the stone benches free. Talk about a sandwich with a view!

Pinos Sandwiches

• Address : Via Giuseppe Verdi, 36R
• Open : Monday – Saturday, 9:00am – 9:00pm

EVERYONE loves this place. Pinos is a staple for many study abroad students, expats, and Italian locals. They are famous for their 6 euro paninos served by the one and only, Pino, himself and his family.

The ones I love are “La Bandiera”, “Delicato”, and the “Meatball”. They have also expanded their menu to have some pasta dishes if you’re in the mood for that more.

THE 3 Best Places to Eat in Florence for Pizza

I mean, does pizza really need an introduction? While it’s more of a southern Italy dish (specifically from Naples), you can find delicious pizzerias all over Italy, and Florence is no exception.

Gusta Pizza

• Address: Via Maggio 46R
• Open: Tues – Sun: 11:30am-3:00pm & 7:00pm-11:00pm

Of all the best places to eat in Florence for pizza, this would be my pick if I had to choose just one. Gustapizza overall is the perfect combination of fluffy texture and fresh flavors. Their GustaPizza is my favorite, a twist on the flavors of margherita pizza with arugula and fresh grated parmesan on top.

Pro Tip: If they have a special pizza of the season or the day and it has a ball of burrata on it – GET IT! It truly changes the pizza game.

Also, this place is located on the Oltrarno (beyond the River Arno) – a super underrated for good food and gelato, and not many tourists venture to the other side of the Ponte Vecchio. This place has limited seating inside but feel free to ask for it to go, and head back to the Arno and eat your pizza with a view.

l’Pizzacchiere

• Address : Via San Miniato 2
• Open :  Fri – Mon, 6:00pm-10:30pm

This is the one pizza place I dream about…I have never had anything like the flavor of their Honeymoon pizza. This pizza is award winning (literally)!! It is a gorgeous white pizza with many cheeses, black truffle, and orange blossom honey drizzle.

My favorite thing to do is watch the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo and head down the hill to have dinner at this locally owned pizzeria. Make sure to make a reservation as this place has very limited seating inside.

Napoli Pizza 1955

• Address : Via Dei Neri 73/R
• Open : Tues – Sun: 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM

Located by the Arno, this pizza place is a close runner-up to Gustapizza. My favorite is their rucola pizza – similar to Gustapizza’s GustaPizza, but instead finished with freshly grated Grana Padano cheese. A classic margherita is also a great pick. Ask for it in a heart shape for a fun change!

Napoli Pizza also has casual seating inside and limited seating outside. If you start walking towards the shop and see massive lines, don’t worry. They’re not for Napoli Pizza but two different shops nearby, so you shouldn’t have to wait too long for seating.

6 More of the Best Places to Eat in Florence for Lunch or Dinner

Alimentari Uffizi

• Nearby: Right by the Duomo
• Opening Times: Mon. – Sun. 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM
• **Cash Only

Sam Note: Adding this in even though Ali hasn’t been. A couple I met in my cooking class recommended Alimentari Uffizi if you just want a nice big plate of meat and cheese, so I went one day I was on my own. Very cute spot with limited seating and a super friendly owner who only really speaks Italian! Recommend if you want to keep it simple and are in the area. Cash-only!

Antica Trattoria da Tito dal 1913

• Address : Via S. Gallo, 112/R
• Open : Mon – Sun, 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

If you want the local experience…This new-found favorite, Antica Trattoria da Tito dal 1913 , is a traditional trattoria located just above the city center and with very friendly service. I had the most amazing pork pappardelle pasta, a traditional Florence dish, followed by the most perfect pumpkin risotto and tiramisu. Could not recommend this place more. 

Sam Note: This was also my pick for one of the best places to eat in Florence! The vibe is SO friendly and fun, and the food is freakin’ delicious. We split a bistecca alla florentina and their maltagliata dish, which tasted kind of like a deconstructed soup dumpling. Definitely going back on my next trip and trying what Ali got!

I Brindellone

• Address : Piazza Piattellina, 10
• Open : Tues – Sun, 12:00PM – 2:00PM, 7:30PM – 10PM

If you want to try a new place I have been trying to go…get a reservation early for I’Brindellone ! Every time I go to Florence they are booked up. From what I have heard, it is a very good local place that has delicious pastas and bistecca alla Fiorentina .

Regina Bistecca

Regina Bistecca is definitely one of the best places to eat in Florence if you’re looking to try the bistecca alla fiorentina … It’s an elegant indoor restaurant with a really lovely atmosphere. You can only order it by piece of meat, with the smallest being 900g, and I was nervous when my boyfriend and I ordered $80 worth of steak to share, but honestly it was worth every bite. The freshly made bread is also incredible!

Trattoria Zà Zà

• Address : Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 26R
• Open : Mon – Sun, 11:00AM – 11:00PM

If you want a classic but worth the hype, Trattoria Zà Zà is always at the top of my list. They have a wide variety of pizzas, pastas, and meats, all delicious and affordable. Must-try’s are their truffle carbonara and beef tenderloin with a special cream sauce, green peppercorns, cognac, and rosemary potatoes.

5 of THE Best Gelato Spots in Florence

In no particular order, these are all amazing to me. I had at least two gelato a day when I studied here so if you are going to trust me on anything related to the best places to eat in Florence, it’s this.

Pro Tip: Most gelato places have an interesting flavor that combines amaretto with something you would not think works, but somehow always works. Worth a try for sure.

Antica Gelateria Fiorentina

• Address : Via Faenza, 2A
• Open : Mon – Sat, 12:30 PM – 6:00 PM

Antica Gelateria Fiorentina was my local gelato shop when I lived here, I frequented enough to warrant a punch card. Super kind servers and relatively cheap for quality gelato. My favorite flavor EVER here is the tiramisu, but their pistachio and dulce de leche are very good.

Gelateria dei Neri

• Address : Via dei Neri, 9/11R
• Open : Wed – Mon, 10:30 AM – 12:00 AM

Located down the street from what was my school and Napoli Pizza 1955, Gelateria dei Neri was my second most popular choice for gelato. All their flavors have the greatest texture, but my favorite was the “cookies” flavor – a creamy vanilla gelato with chunks of assorted cookies. They also have really great sorbet flavors, my favorites being lemon and raspberry.

• Address: Via de’ Ginori, 49/red
• Open: Wed – Mon, 12:30 PM – 9:00 PM

This small shop located above the city center was something I stumbled upon on my way home from school. It has less flavor choices than the abundant Gelateria dei Neri, but what they have they do very well. My go-to order here was salted caramel and nata (cream).

Sbrino – Gelatificio Contadino

• Address : Via dei Serragli, 32R
• Open : Mon – Sun, 12:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Located on the Oltrarno side of Florence, this place is worth the walk over the Ponte Vecchio. Sbrino is the most homemade-tasting gelato I ate in Florence. My life was changed after tasting their “Speculoos” flavor, a truly delicious cinnamon cookie flavor with chunks of Lotus Biscoff cookies. I also had their dark chocolate and sea salt flavor that was a decadent chocolate with large chunks of salt to bring out the flavors even more.

• Address : Via dell’isola delle Stinche, 7R
• Open : Tues – Sun, 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Vivoli is a little more expensive but has an incredible history. It was founded back in 1929 and has mastered the gelato texture you cannot find anywhere else in the world. Their coffee and salted caramel flavors here are extra creamy.

Where to Grab a Drink in Florence

For beer….

For beer lovers, try King Grizzly , a local pub with lots of cool beers on tap and friendly service. Elissa stopped in and loved it.

For Wine…

If you’re looking for a good spot for a glass of wine, try Fuori Porta . A large assortment of wines and appetizers on the way to or from Piazzale Michelangelo.

Other Great Wine Spots:

• Antica Bottega Wine Tasting
• Antico Caffè del Moro – Art Bar Firenze

For Drinks with a View…

So, you like your drink with a view…try Golden View for an elegant indoor atmosphere and view of the Arno and Ponte Vecchio.

Or try View on Art for an outdoor rooftop experience that overlooks the Duomo. Make sure to make reservations at these places ahead of time.

For Drinks on a Budget…

If you’re here studying abroad or just on a budget in general, get drinks at Reverse , Lion’s Fountain , or Red Garter . Another great spot, Kikuya , has deals on Sunday and Monday nights.

And that’s that for ALL the best places to eat in Florence (and drink!) depending on what you’re craving. Truly this city is absolute perfection for museums, historic sightseeing, and really, really good eating. I’m super excited to go back soon and try even more of these spots Ali listed above!

For more Italy travel, read these next:

• 28 Venice Travel Tips to Read Before You Go
• Why You Should Visit Venice in Winter
• Visiting Cinque Terre: A Complete Travel Guide
• How to Spend 3 Days in Milan
• How to Visit Trento, Gateway to the Dolomites
• Charming Things to Do in Verona in 2 Days
• Pitigliano: A Guide to this Beautiful Tuscan Village
• Where to Eat in Bologna: 10 Mouthwatering Recommendations

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Can’t believe you missed out on Vanaio. Not sure how legit these other recommendations are anymore

Pretty sure Vanaio is the spot that had a huge line that basically went to Via dei Leoni/Piazza del Grano. No thanks!

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Florence, italy. good idea to skip the tourist traps may 23, 2009 7:16 am   subscribe.

10 tourist traps you should avoid in Italy — and where to go instead

Ask almost anyone and they'll tell you that Italy is on their bucket list: the art, the culture, and the food is world famous for a reason.

But Italy is big, and it can be overwhelming for first timers, who inevitably, bowled over by choice, fall into overpriced tourist traps.

Here are the places you should avoid, and the often cheaper, always more authentic alternatives you should hit instead.  

Instead of getting disappointed by the Leaning Tower of Pisa, check out the medieval towers in the town of San Gimignano. San Gimignano Flickr/Antonio Cinotti

If we told you to go see a tilting old tower that wasn't Pisa would you? Probably not, and you should avoid the surprisingly small and devastatingly disappointing Leaning Tower of Pisa too.

Want to see old towers? Visit San Gimignano, a mostly tourist-free haven in Tuscany that's known for its medieval architecture and perfectly preserved ancient tower houses — in fact, it's often referred to as "the city of beautiful towers" or even "medieval Manhattan." And if that wasn't enough, the city is also famous among locals for its Vernaccia di San Gimignano white wine.

Instead of illegally dipping your feet in the Trevi fountain, go swimming in Saturnia's natural spas. Terme di Saturnia hot springs. Wikipedia

It's hot and you've walked all over Rome's many, many sites, including the beautiful Trevi fountain. We can't blame you for wanting to cool your heels in it, but don't, because that's illegal.

If you need to take a dip, check out the Terme di Saturnia in Tuscany. These stunning, 98 degree geothermal springs were said to have been created by Jupiter carelessly throwing lightning bolts. The hot springs were popular with ancient Roman nobles way back when, and are still a popular spot with Romans today.

Instead of taking a cheesy gondola in Venice, take a local-approved traghetto. Flickr/David Bramhall

Taking an overpriced gondola captained by someone dressed like what foreigners imagine Italians to look like is one of the most corny and touristy things to do in Venice — and that's before the gondolier starts singing (which costs extra, mind you).

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Instead, take a much cheaper traghetto, which is basically just a less frilly gondola that locals use to get across the canals. Traghettos look like gondolas, but instead of cruising up and down the canals, they cross the canals at seven points, where there are no bridges. And they cost just a few euros, instead of hundreds of dollars.

Instead of checking out Florence from the Duomo, take in the views at the Piazzale Michelangelo. Flickr/Richard Cassan

The Duomo is one of Florence's most famous and most-visited sites, and definitely worth a look. However, save yourself the 463-step climb to the top (no, there's no elevator), where you'll be jostling for shots of the city with dozens of other panting tourists.

For equally stunning views minus the climb, check out the Piazzale Michelangelo. Plus, the best part of the views there? You actually get the Duomo in your pics.

Instead of picking up Murano glass tchotkes in Venice, go to Murano. Chris Helgren/Reuters

Venice is almost as famous for its Murano glass wares as it is for its intricate Venetian masks, so shops selling overpriced glass figurines and baubles are a dime a dozen, especially around the touristy Rialto Bridge area. Because only tourists buy glass items in those shops, prices are literally double what they should be, and some of the wares aren't even authentic, but made in China.

Why not go straight to the source? Murano glass is named for Murano, an island off of Venice that's been making glass products since 1291. Only a scenic, 20-minute water bus ride from Venice, this day trip allows you to wander about authentic shops, and even check out factories and watch glass blowers at work.

Instead of getting herded through Pompeii, get a blast from the past in Taormina. Flickr/Mario Cutroneo

Ok, Pompeii isn’t a tourist trap, but it is overrun by tourists. The ancient city is perfectly preserved after it was covered in ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

To get some breathing room, as well as your fill of ancient ruins, visit Taormina in Sicily instead. The beautiful town carved into the Monte Tauro hillside has sweeping views of Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano, as well as beautiful beaches, which are accessible by gondola. Goethe himself called Taormina "a patch of paradise." While ancient Roman buildings and ruins are sprinkled across town, the most famous ones are the Teatro Greco and the Naumachia.

Instead of trying to find love at Romeo and Juliet's balcony in Verona, find the stone heart under the arch inside the Sotoportego dei Preti in Venice.

Lovers around the world flock to Romeo and Juliet's balcony in the Casa di Giulietta in Verona, but the site  is really just a mess of gum and scraps of paper, as people leave love notes on the wall by tacking them up with chewed gum.

How about giving something else a shot? Venice is one of the most romantic cities in the world, so it comes as no surprise that it houses many local traditions pertaining to finding everlasting love. Head to Sotoportego dei Preti, a narrow alley between two houses that has a stone heart embedded under its arch. According to local lore, touching the heart with your partner means eternal love, while touching it alones means you'll be finding love within the year.

Instead of Lake Como, visit Lake Orta. Flickr/Selden Vestrit

Sure, Lake Como’s beauty is world famous and you might get a George Clooney sighting, but everyone and their mother knows about it, which has turned the serene lake into a flashy, see-and-be-seen kind of scene.

In contrast, Lake Orta beckons with its serenity, even boasting an island monastery in its center. Only about a mile wide, the lake is a secluded gem, unknown even to many locals, despite its beauty having been touted by writers and philosophers like Nietzsche, Byron, and de Balzac.

Instead of the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, take a tour of the beautiful Palladian Villas of the Veneto. Flickr/Collectmoments

The Palazzo Vecchio is a beautiful palace overlooking the Piazza della Signoria in Florence, and features stunning Renaissance chambers full of incredible paintings. However, it's world-famous and can get packed.

The Palladian Villas of the Veneto are lesser known, but equally stunning. Designed by Andrea Palladio, the unique buildings are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and have become so iconic that they inspired an architectural style known as Palladian, which spread across Europe, and even as far as England and North America. Thomas Jefferson's Monticello in Virginia and Holkham Hall  in  Norfolk, England, were inspired by Palladio.

Instead of having an espresso by the Duomo/Leaning Tower of Pisa/Colosseum, have one literally anywhere else. Flicke/Joe

Eating or drinking anything within a stone's throw of any famous attraction means that you will be paying prices marked up to infinity.

Instead, take a little walk, follow some locals around for a bit and eat literally anywhere else. If there's an English menu and no one around you is speaking Italian, leave. Plus, you should know that having a coffee at the table costs more than having it at the counter in Italy, so another tip is to just drink at the bar.  

Watch: How To Get Treated Just Like The 1% And Avoid Long Lines At The Airport

• Main content

Tips for Visiting Florence, Italy: How to Avoid Mistakes

When tourists think of visiting Italy for the first time, their must-see places are usually Rome, Florence and Venice. While getting around Rome is way more complex than in Venice or Florence in Italy, there are certain things that a first-time visitor to Italy should know.

Florence offers a variety of tourist attractions, but it doesn’t mean that you cannot be disappointed. Many people are upset about the number of tourists vs locals, as the place remains busy all year long .

The place is always filled with foreigners, either short-term visitors or exchange students.

A few years ago I was actually a student in Florence as well (and since then revisited million times), which allowed me to get to know the city well enough to introduce you to some hidden gems and show you how to avoid mistakes. Here are my best tips for visiting Florence for first-time visitors .

Tips for Visiting Florence: How to Avoid Mistakes

1. florence is best explored on foot.

The historic center of Florence is pretty compact, so everything can be reached in 20 minutes or less. During all the time I spent in Florence when I lived there and revisited it many times after, I can’t think of a single time when I had to use a bus unless I was heading outside of the city.

The only exception would be a visit to Piazzale Michelangelo for that postcard view of the city, but the way up is really not as bad as some people make it sound. It usually takes me about 15 minutes walk from the Duomo.

2. If Coming by Train (or Taking a Trip to Pisa): Validate your Train Ticket

Trains in Italy work well and purchasing tickets is relatively easy. You can use the self-service ticket sales kiosks in Florence train station or pre-book them online on Trenitalia .

If you’re taking a regular train (Regionale) without a seat reservation, before you get on the train, you must time-stamp the ticket in a yellow machine at the station. It’s valid for travel for the amount of time shown on the ticket: usually 6 hours.

The faster InterCity and Eurostar trains have reserved seats, and tickets can be used only on the train shown on the ticket. These tickets do not need to be stamped for them to be valid.

You will be fined on a train if your ticket isn’t validated as they check tickets on almost every train. Unless you book tickets online.

3. Florence Isn’t Expensive

Many visitors are afraid of visiting Florence because they expect high prices. While the accommodation prices aren’t always the lowest, food can surely be affordable if you avoid typical tourist traps such as eating next to Piazza del Duomo or Ponte Vecchio.

Most things to do in Florence are actually free too, or cost between 6 to 10 Euros.

The only thing you should worry about is spending way too much on gelato which was actually invented in Florence by an architect. They’re all delicious and you might want to eat is all the time.

My Tip : Go to Gelateria Dei Neri 😉

4. Pre-Book Your Visit to the Museums

Florence is a city where the Renaissance started, where the most famous artists lived and created some of their best works. With 60% percent of the world’s most important artworks based in Italy, museums like the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell’Accademia should deserve a prime spot on your Florence itinerary.

Since both of these places are located inside historic buildings, museum officials limit the number of visitors that can be inside at a given time. That said, it gets busy.

Do yourself a favor and pre-book your tickets to these museums if you’re visiting Florence in the summer or springtime. The lines are absolutely awful and without pre-booked tickets, you’ll spend ages standing in line, instead of enjoying your visit.

Even if you start standing in line a few hours before the museum opens, you’ll still have to wait – I just saw it myself in early June, so I can’t imagine how busy it will get in July at peak season these days.

P.S. Palazzo Vecchio has a small outdoor exhibit that you can see without going inside any of the museums. There is also a statue of Michelangelo’s famous David, but don’t be fooled – this isn’t the original David, but a replica.

While David had been standing outside for years it was moved to Galleria dell’Accademia in 1873 to preserve it better and protect it from rain and bird poop.

5. Go Inside the Duomo to Escape from Crowds

Duomo, or the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, looks stunning from the outside, but inside it’s quite plain. Due to  a flood in late 1966, the art that once stunned Duomo’s interior is no longer there. After the mud and excess water were cleaned, all artwork was placed in the Duomo Museum that you can visit today.

If you’re visiting Florence in the summer though, it’s a great place to step in to hide from the heat. It’s completely free to enter, so take a peak during your visit.

When you’re visiting the Duomo, consider taking the 500 steps up to see the view from the top. The view is breathtaking and offers 360-degree views over the whole city. You have to book a time slot a day ahead of time at the tourist office nearby. If they’re available, pick one of the latest slots so you can see the sunset.

6. Head For Sunset To Miniato al Monte, Instead of Piazzale Michelangelo

When I first came to Florence years back I visited Piazzale Michelangelo. It was a place with a cafe and a restaurant, with just some tourists wandering around.

When I revisited this place this past June I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was so unbelievably crowded that it stopped being this place where you just go to admire the panorama of the city.

However, slightly further up there’s a little ancient Romanesque church that dates back to almost 1000 years, that much-less-crowded viewing experience.

Make sure you have time to also walk through the church and the cemetery that’s home to people like Carlo Collodi (creator of Pinnochio), painter Pietro Annigoni, poet Luigi Ugolini and many more.

7. Shopping in Florence is Great If You Know Where to Go

Shopping in Florence can mean a giant tourist trap full of penis-shaped pasta and overpriced limoncello, but you can surely find some gems.

Remember that many local shops are closed between 1-4 PM for siesta. Savvy shoppers know that different regions in Italy are known for different things, and when it comes to Florence it means leather.

My favorite spot for buying leather is a local market located on Via dell’Ariento, Via Nazionale and the Piazza San Lorenzo. There is another leather market closer to the Duomo, but this one has always felt more local.

When you visit, keep in mind that all prices are negotiable, you can only pay in cash and be careful with fakes.

Best Places to Stay in Florence:

For luxury: Hotel Croce Di Malta

For mid-range : B&B Le Stanze del Duomo

8. Tuscany is Gorgeous – Take a Day Trip From Florence

Tuscany is full of charming small towns, impressive wineries, and great scenery. While most tourists head to Pisa for a day trip from Florence , I would advise opting for an alternative, simply because I don’t think that there are many charms to Pisa after you take these once-in-a-lifetime embarrassing selfies at Pisa Tower.

Assisi, Val d’Orcia, Perugia, or Siena would be my top recommendations for day trips from Florence. For more recommendations  check out my other post .

I highly recommend renting a car for a day to do it vs a train. Especially if you’re considering stopping by hot springs of Tuscany .

9. Cross the River

Most tourists stay on the northern side of the city – where the Duomo is located. Personally, I prefer the other side of the river as it feels more local.  The Santo Spirito and San Niccolo areas are where you’ll fall in love with Florence.

Cobblestone streets dotted with flower pots, traditional Italian coffee shops, and young locals hanging out at Piazzas in the summer.

10. Italians Eat Dinner Late

Italians eat dinner late, usually around 8:00-9:00. Most restaurants around even open until 7 – 7:30 PM. Before dinner, they go for an aperitivo to a bar or enoteca (wine bar) which is sort of a happy hour, but not quite. Many bars offer a complimentary snack buffet with cured meats and cheeses, to go with your cocktail.

My Tip:  Try Aperol Spritz.

Most restaurants charge a cover for table seating, listed as  coperto  on the menu and receipt. This is typically €1-2 per person, including children, but in touristy areas, the cover charge might be up to€4. This fee is just for occupying space and doesn’t include any free bread or water.

It must be listed on the menu, and if it’s not you may have it waived. Don’t get too mad at  coperto , since it’s not customary to tip at every meal in Italy you can think of it as a tip.

Here are some of my favorite places for dinner:

• Osteria Santo Spirito  -> try their truffle gnocchi
• La Giostra -> for Bistecca alla  Fiorentina
• All’Antico Viniao -> specialized in schiacciata sandwiches
• Ristorante Terrazza Brunelleschi -> go for the view

11. Visit One of the Rooftop Bars in Florence

While Florence doesn’t seem like a place that would be full of rooftop bars, it has a few great ones that offer a different experience, far from the crowds.

Here are some of my favorite picks for an aperitivo:

• Grand Hotel Cavour,  Via del Proconsolo 3. 
• Grand Hotel Minerva, Piazza Santa Maria Novella 16.
• SE·STO on Arno Rooftop at Westin Excelsior, Borgo Ognissanti 3.

*12. Don’t Get Stendhal Syndrome

Have you heard of  Stendhal Syndrome ? It’s the idea that seeing so much outstanding art in rapid succession can cause someone to become lightheaded or dizzy. Stendhal Syndrome, however, is also considered to be a Florence Syndrome. What does it all mean?

When Stendhal (a French author, the one who wrote The Red and the Black) visited Florence in the early 1800s, he wrote about his experience of feeling dizzy after looking at the art. At the end of the XXth century, an Italian doctor noticed over 100 cases of people with the same set of symptoms when visiting Florence, hence the Stendhal Syndrome was created.

Even though the dizziness was most likely caused by wandering around the city in the midday sunshine.

Don’t Visit Florence Without Travel Insurance

Accidents happen. Travel insurance will refund your medical costs, pay you if an airline loses your luggage, and will get you home for free in you injure yourself.

The easiest and the most reliable travel insurance is  Safety Wing Travel Insurance . Get it before your trip to avoid unnecessary troubles that might ruin your holidays!

Best Movies set in Florence:

• A Room with a View  (directed by James Ivory)
• Obsession  (directed by Brian de Palma)
• Hannibal  (directed by Ridley Scott)
• Inferno  (directed by Ron Howard)
• Amici miei  (directed by Mario Monicelli)

Best Travel Books about Florence:

• Death in Florence  (by Marco Vichi)
• The Agony & Ecstasy  (by Irving Stone)
• The Medici: Power, Money, and Ambition in the Italian Renaissance (by Paul Strathern)
• Saving Italy  (by Robert M. Edsel)

Florence is undeniably one of the greatest cities on earth. If you follow these travel tips, you’ll have a fantastic experience. 

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Mohammad kazemi

Thursday 2nd of June 2022

Dear Anna Have a nice day , your information about florence was great ,,special thanks to your useful information regarding this city,,Excellent article and very interesting for all people around the world ,i wish you the best health..

best Regards, Mohammad kazemi

Myrna Borleske

Sunday 15th of May 2022

Great ideas for being in Florence, thank you!

Leslie Cioffi

Sunday 31st of October 2021

Thank you for this very helpful and informative blog, much appreciated! I am planning to move briefly to Florence for just 3 months April through June. If you have any special advice for a long stay, please do share if you have the time and interest. I will be living in Le Cure district with a wonderful view of the city and Duomo; seems walkable to just about everything (I love long walks.)

I'm going to print out your blog here and take it with me when I go - grazie mille Anna!

Thursday 12th of December 2019

Hi Anna.. may I ask if we go to Florence in December, should we still buy the skip-in-line tickets? Especially for the Academia, Ufizi and the Duomo complex We won't go climbing the Cupola since we are with the kids, though. and we only have 1.5days there, should we buy the hop on hop off ticket, or would you think walking is also good?

thank you for advising....

Anna Karsten

Are we talking during Xmas and NYE or early December? Christmas will be busy, but early December it seems dead. I've been back to Rome last year early to mid-December and it was so dead we didn't have to wait even for a minute to enter the Vatican Museums which was a huge shock for me as you normally have to line up for hours. Definitely walk in Florence. It's faster, prettier and distances aren't that big :-)

Friday 13th of September 2019

Anna, two questions. Is it worth it to get a Florence Pass? It says skip-the-line tix to two things we'll be going to: the Uffizi and the Accademia (many others, but those are two we'll definitely visit). OR is it good enough to just get individual tix, for a reserved time, through each of those museums? Thanks! Great article.

Skip the line tickets give you an advantage of going whenever you want, no need to book a time slot - so more flexibility. Are you planning on visiting just these two museums? If so then the Firenze Card isn't worth it, but if you also want to see Palazzo Pitti, Palazzo Vecchio, climb the dome (among other included spots) then it's worth it.

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Tourist Traps in Italy

  flickr: daniel pietzsch, tourist traps are all over italy and we have all been a victim of it at some point while dining in italy.  price deals, panoramic views and charming waiters looking to lure tourists into a restaurant all play into the mistake that can be easily avoided so you don’t have a mediocre meal in italy., fresh ingredients and flavor combinations, which explode in your mouth, are what you “can” experience, if you follow the rules of eating in italy.   don’t settle for less  you may think i’ll just have a pizza and enjoy this breathtaking view in a piazza, how bad could it be well, it could be a frozen pizza not made on the premises., my first tip is to plan your meals around what is common in italy. most restaurants are open from 12:00 pm-3:00 pm and 7:30 pm-11:00 pm.   this is not to say you won’t find some restaurants open during the off times, but it will surely be a tourist trap. yes, i know you may be hungry after a long day of sightseeing,  but there are no early bird authentic dinners before 7:30 pm to be found in italy., second, stay away from restaurants located in major piazzas at which to dine. yes, the surroundings are amazing to view, but the food won’t be an experience to tell others about. in fact, it will be a disappointment and hurt your pocket because it will be more expensive. instead, have an aperitivo at these locations to enjoy the view., third, ask a local for a suggestion. stop someone on the street or ask your taxi driver where they would dine nearby. don’t ask your hotel because most times, but not all, they refer to establishments they have a connection to which may not the best meal. be wary of any coupons your hotel may offer you at restaurants., next, wander around the back streets of a piazza.   enjoy the winding streets to find a trattoria or osteria where traditional meals will be offered at more reasonable prices., furthermore, don’t rely solely on trip advisor or yelp for recommendations. while some reviews can be helpful, i personally pay more attention to the negative reviews from tourists when i travel opposed to the positive ones. instead, follow a local blogger who knows the area for suggestions for a good meal., finally, listen to the language of customers inside and outside of the restaurant. if they are mainly speaking italian, it is a place where locals frequent, which is always good sign., here are some tell tale signs to avoid……., –  a chalkboard menu in english offering multiple courses for a value., –  a restaurant in a major city piazza or a location with panoramic views., –  a large platter of beef or food on display., –  a waiter standing outside handing out flyers or making conversation with tourists., buon appetito, comments are closed., recent posts.

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Ditch the Tourist Traps With Italy's Straight-Talking Street Food Experts

There’s something fishy about a certain type of food tour guide — the one with a glint in his eye and a never-failing acquiescence to his hungry clients’ wishes, no matter how out of sync they might be with local culinary customs. You might spot him waxing poetic about Pugliese burrata in, say, Bologna, or singing the praises of Sicilian cannoli on the streets of Florence.

Whether it’s your first trip to Italy or your fifteenth, you’ll want to steer clear of this character.

If you’re a stickler about eating food in its proper context, and stubborn to a fault about embracing local tradition when you travel, then Marco Romeo, the Palermo-born founder of Streaty Tours , is a kindred spirit. (And even if “stubborn” isn’t how you’d describe your travel sensibilities, genuine curiosity and a nose for new foods and experiences will get you far with him and the Streaty crew.)

Backstory and mission

Marco founded his company back in 2013, in response to the proliferation of global chains in Italy and his growing passion for defending the integrity of region-specific cuisine – and street food traditions, in particular. Active in Marco’s hometown of Palermo, along with Catania, Naples, Florence, Venice (and, beginning in 2023, Rome), Streaty can help you find the savoriest cicchetti, or give you the full scoop on how Buontalenti gelato came to be. But they’ll only do so in the places where those foods are truly part of the local fabric. 

If that’s sounding a little preachy or pretentious for your taste, think again. The Streaty approach is much more fun, honest and engaging than being fed Fake (food) News that’s only designed to pander to undiscerning masses and confirm old-hat stereotypes. Italy isn’t one big “lasagna-land,” and Streaty embraces this fact as a central part of its mission. 

You’ll bite into baccalà in Venice, try panelle in Palermo, or delight your senses in Florence’s Sant’Ambrogio or Naples’ Pignasecca markets (hubs of local life, not made to entertain — though we’ll admit they deliver on that front). Adding to the authenticity factor, all tours are led by Italians who hail from or live long-term in the spotlighted city. “The guiding principle for our tours is treating travelers as if they were visiting friends,” Marco says. Say you're in Venice, for example: Streaty guides will steer you away from those over-eager waiters swindling you into overpriced trattorias. They'll walk you straight into their favorite local Bacari, Venetian tapas bars, as if you were buddies on your way to after-work drinks.

So, if less-contrarian food tour companies are like loose acquaintances, telling you what you think you want to hear, Streaty tour guides, like all true friends, won’t hesitate to challenge you or gently push you to expand your horizons. All the tours, for example, offer firsthand explorations of foods that could be considered, as Marco puts it, “challenging.” But there’s a reason the group sticks to its guns: “It’s not out of pure desire to challenge or provoke,” he says. “We do it specifically because we want travelers to discover the cuisine of our grandparents, the cuisine of the people, which today is at real risk of extinction.”

The textbook example of this is Streaty’s street food tour in Naples . As Marco puts it, Naples is the “capital of discomfort.” It can be overwhelming, but it’s much more exciting than anxiety-inducing when you feel “part of the circus,” Marco says. Streaty guides want you to understand the Neapolitan street spirit and warmth. They won’t shy away from taking you deep into the city’s raucous corners, such as the Quartieri Spagnoli, a spider web of squared blocks overflowing with shouting vendors, roaring scooters, sizzling street foods and laughing friends. 

Food as a lens for Italian life

Streaty is young, fresh and dynamic. Most clients, at the end of their tours, say they feel they’ve spent a half-day with “a long-time local friend.” Streaty's guides are spirited and super-social, yet in many ways, what they’re offering is an antidote to the overly “Instagrammable” and hyper-curated culture that’s dictating taste trends these days. Trends and flavors-of-the-month hold little interest for Streaty’s team, and the travelers who hop on their tours find them all the more intriguing for it. “We show Italian life as it is, without filters,” Marco says. And that extends beyond just food: “We’ll talk about the pros and cons of living in Italy, sharing the beauty, but also [touching on] social problems and controversial topics.”

Food is the beating heart of Italian culture, as Marco describes it; so many aspects of a society’s memories, values, demographics and periods of upheaval can be gleaned by closely examining its cuisine. All Streaty tours place dishes and delights in their historical context, and are peppered with colorful anecdotes and conversational tidbits that bring foods, their home cities, and their cooks and consumers to life. In a nutshell? Street foods, busy markets and cucina povera (“peasant cuisine”) offer priceless insight that swanky locales with celebrity chefs and geographically neutral menus just can’t touch.

Giving back

Streaty’s straight-talking, beyond-the-surface approach isn’t set up to earn the company millions, but instead to bring travelers into contact with the real Italy, in all its richness and regional complexity. The company isn’t interested in cornering the culinary tourism market, but in being a part of reshaping it. Their main aims? To better respect local residents and the environment, and to use this “slower” and more locally anchored form of tourism as an engine to support small, family-run businesses and keep sacred street food traditions alive.

That big-hearted mission is resonating with many people, platforms and publications. Streaty Palermo tours have been ranked as one of the top 20 food experiences worldwide on TripAdvisor for the past three years, and the company has been spotlighted by travel bibles including Lonely Planet, as well as on food-centric programs on BBC1, Food Network and more. 

Just say no, then, to oversimplified pizza-pasta-sunshine tours, and opt for opinionated, frank, and unapologetically local flavors on your next trip. 

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20 Locations In Italy That Might Be Considered Tourist Traps, But They're Worth it

Vacationing in major tourist locations in Italy can become a week's worth of enduring tourist traps, but sometimes it's worth it.

Embarking on a trip of a lifetime can be equal parts exciting and daunting. On the one hand, you can not wait to get out into the world and explore what it has to offer. There is so much to see, to try and to take in.

On the other hand, visiting new places can become overwhelming. What hot spots are worth hitting, and which should you take a pass on? Vacationing in major tourist locations can become a week's worth of enduring tourist traps, and that's no fun.

So, which places are worth the trouble?

If Italy is on your bucket list, here are twenty locations considered to be tourist traps, but in our opinion are definitely worth the visit.

20 The Venice Gondola Rides Are A Rite Of Passage

You can't go all the way to Venice, Italy, and not hop on a gondola at least once or twice. Gondolas are the jelly to Venice's peanut butter. Are you going to have to wait in line and pay a fee to experience this touristy treat? Probably. Is it going to be a memory that lasts a lifetime? Yes!

19 Pompeii Is Busy, But A Must

If you are planning on touring Pompeii, and you should work this into any Italian trek, then make sure you leave several hours to get everything you will want out of this tourist favorite. Tours here last around two hours, but most people claim that a good three to four hours is ideal.

18 Lake Como Is A Great Place To Spot A Celebrity

Beautiful Lake Como is a popular place for tourists and celebrities alike, and we get it. It's a magnificent spot to relax and take in the Italian sights and scenes. If you go here in the high season, it's bound to be packed. Try working in a Lake Como visit in sunny months that are a bit cooler. You'll avoid the crowds, but not the beauty.

17 Duomo Is A Florence Staple

If art, Renaissance-inspired mainly, is your jam, then you will be willing to battle any crowd to get a glimpse of this magnificent Florence space.  You won't be the only gawker here on any given day, but you will be glad that you got to see all this place has to offer up close and personal.

16 Palazzo Vecchio Draws In Tourists For Good Reason

This popular Florence favorite is a must-do for nearly all visitors of the city. You'll be transported back in time while exploring the city's town hall. With so much beauty and history crammed into one stunning space, you might not even notice all of your fellow tourists doing the same.

15 You Can't Do Italy Without Doing The Leaning Tower Of Pisa

Get ready to battle your way through crowds of people trying to capture some selfie magic in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. When in Tuscany, travelers have to at least peek at the Pisa. Skipping it would be like staying in Italy and not eating pasta or pizza. It's just part of the Italian experience.

14 Trevi Fountain Is A Look, Don't Touch Tourist Hotspot

The Trevi Fountain is an Italian staple that is worth checking out. Between the hours of twelve and seven, it's likely going to be crowded with other visitors, but it will still be worth it. If crowds turn you off, try checking it out early in the day, right after it gets cleaned.

13 Capri Is Popular, And Worth The Travel

The Italian island of Capri, a favorite place with celebrities like Beyonce , will probably be packed, but the site is so visually gratifying, you won't mind a bit. Weekends will be particularly busy, so fitting a day trip in here during a weekday might give you more Capri with fewer bodies.

12 Saturnia In Tuscany Is A Spa Town Haven So Pretty You Won't Mind The Crowds

One quick look at this place, and you'll know why it is consistently packed with crowds of bathers. You'll also quickly learn that it is well worth the droves of people who come here to relish in the spas and serenity. Avoiding crowds won't be easy, but touring during times not considered to be "peak times" may help.

11 Romeo And Juliet's Balcony Is Worth The Wait

Fight your way through the wall to wall people to get a glimpse of Juliet's balcony. It's considered to be a mega-tourist trap, but literary buffs won't be able to leave it alone. At least the visit will be free, so you have that going for you when you check out this tourist trap in Verona.

10 The Colosseum Will Give You Adventure And Education, Regardless Of How Packed It Gets

The Colosseum in Rome is another Italian tourist trap worth going to. Don't skip this historical haven; instead, try to check it out during low periods of tourism. Visitors can also pay for a guide to help them navigate this place, and skip some of the lines. It might cost more, but it might also be worth it.

9 Most Travelers Can't Pass On The Vatican

People who have spent time wandering The Vatican have claimed that there is no perfect time to hit this place up and have it all to yourself. It's always going to be bustling. It is Rome's most popular destination, and it is one that you'll want to brave crowds for. Tuesdays and Thursdays are the days where traffic might be slightly less.

8 Centro Storico & the Spanish Steps Is A Hub Of Italian Action You Won't Want To Miss

You won't be the only tourists trying to get some serious facetime with Centro Storico & the Spanish Steps.  Located in the center of commercial activity, this tourist trap is one you won't want to pass on. Just accept that it will be busy, and try and enjoy all that there is to offer. Have some vino, and take it all in.

7 The Catacombs and Via Appia Antica Are Interesting Enough To Brave The Droves Of Tourists For

Tha underground Catacombs of Rome and Sicily are worth the lines and waits. Most people will have never experienced anything like this before, so don't board your plane without checking them out. The only tourists who might want to opt-out of this experience are ones with claustrophobia.

6 Palatine Hill Gives A Glimpse Of Rome's Earliest Settlement

Palentine Hill, one of the seven hills of Rome, is a tourist attraction that will captivate even the most anti-touristy traveler. It is often regarded as the founding site of modern-day Rome and is thought to have been standing since 753 B.C. It is an archeological wonder worth the crowds.

5 Museo Egizio, Turin Is A Treasure Trove Of Egyptian Artifacts Worth Seeing

Wandering through museums is not everyone's cup of vacation tea, but the Museo Egizio is one museum that all Italian vacationers will want to work into their agenda. You won't want to miss out on relishing in the Egyptian archaeology and treasures housed there. In 2015 this place received nearly 800,000 visitors.

4 Villa d’Este In Tivoli Gives Tourists An Italian Renaissance Like No Other

Two words of advice for Italian vacationers: Go. Here. Villa d’Este In Tivoli dates back to the 26th century, and will not disappoint. It draws in tons of visitors every year looking for the Renaissance experience. This place is seriously something to behold, so don't be frightened off by the herds of people.

3 Venice's St. Mark's Square Is A Place That People Can't Stay Away From

St. Mark's Square is the place to be when touring through Venice. There is so much to do and see here, and while it is considered to be a major tourist trap, it's worth checking out, even for a small period of time. Go ahead and spend the day surrounded by beauty, people, and pigeons.

2 Piazzale Michelangelo Is Florence's Most Famous Square. It's An Italian Must-Do

Piazzale Michelangelo is another Italian square that draws in loads of people all year round. This one is located in Florence, and tourists should consider stopping by and snapping at least a couple of pictures here. If crowds really are not your thing, check it out, get some pictures, and head somewhere further away to grab a snack.

1 Sforzesco Castle Is Full Of Art And History That Most Travelers Can't Pass Up

If Milan is the part of The Boot that you will be hunkering down at, make sure to check out Sforza Castle. The imposing structure was built in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan, and tourists still revel at the building to this day. It might be a might too touristy for many, but it's worth looking into.