Sites, Piazze, Parks away from Tourists

Florence’s center is populated with mostly tourist restaurants and shops.  If that is what you are looking for, venture down Via Calzaiuoli.  What about seeing the sites outside of the busy center?  What about sitting in a peaceful park with a picnic lunch? People watching the Fiorentini(Florentines) as they head to and from work.  What about breathing in the fresh air of the hills of Tuscany?

Bobolino is one of these glorious places of Florence that is far from the tourist attractions.  Located on the Oltrarno, past the Palazzo Pitti, up past Porta Romana, the curvy, widening street that leads up to Piazzale Michelangelo.  There are paths to take along the road and among the villas.  There are benches you can take a rest at while a fountain slowly sprinkles water.  I recommend this area to visit.  It is peaceful and serene.

Katie Greenaway

On the other side of the city, right above Piazza Liberta is Giardino dell’ Orticoltura.  The views are spectacular and there is plenty of prato(grass) for you to set up a nice picnic.  Buy the ingredients for a great panino and bring a comfy blanket to relax on.  The air is fresher than down in the city center.  Let the sounds of Florence lull you to sleep under the Tuscan spring sun.

Katie Greenaway

San Niccolò has many facets that not many people know about. There are unknown restaurants, such as Osteria Antica Mescita San Niccolò.  It is a small locale, and worth a stop for lunch or dinner.  This restaurant is unique because it has a small menu with the selections of the season.

A nice walk to take on an early evening as the sun starts to set, begin in Piazza de’ Mozzi and take a right onto Via de’ Bardi.  You will then meet a fork in the road heading up two different hills.  Take the immediate left on Costa Scarpuccia, follow this around and you will run into a church, with a simple looking facade.  Then take a left past the church and head up on Costa di San Giorgio.  To your right as you reach Porta San Giorgio, will be the entrance to Forte Belvedere.  If you walk through Porta San Giorgio, take the long road called Via di Belvedere you will capture gorgeous views of the other side of Florence.  There are vistas you never would have seen unless you took this path.

Katie Greenaway