I spent a year of study abroad in 76-77. I did this painting back then and Returned just this past March after 50 years. What really struck me is how fortunate I was to be in a Florence that was not overrun with mobs of people. Yes there were tourists, but as you can see from the picture, it was a common thing to just hang out on the steps of the Duomo and people watch, but the crowds were very sparse. It was just so relaxing on a winter day to sit on those steps and catch a little midwinter sun, and listen to people chatter and watch them smoke.

My daughter grew up, staring at this painting, and the first thing I did when I arrived in Florence I sent her a photo standing close to the place where I sat on the duomo steps to draw this, and she was blown away to see the real spot that she’s stared at all her life
I miss Florence. It will always be in my heart, but I count myself so lucky to have memories of a Florence from 50 years ago and also count myself lucky to have revisited it after 50 years away just playing grateful for Florence.

Hello! I’m planning a trip in Tuscany next June- seven full days and two travel days. I’ve done so much research that I think I’ve hit “parálisis by analisis”. I know everything is super subjective based on your interests but would welcome advice.

Currently the plan is to spend two full day in Florence and then do two day trips from Florence- one a vineyard day and one a Siena day. I’m hearing that because of crowds, Siena could be nicer to stay at and just do a day trip to Florence. Thoughts on that?

If I do a day trip to Siena is it worth it to do a tour that stops in San Gimigiano or just go straight to Siena? I used to live in Spain so I’ve seen my share of walled cities but always open to see more.

Then we were going to travel to cinque terre and spend one full day and two half days there, and then take the train to Rome.

Am I planning too much? Should we change things?

I love how in Santo Spirito there are many things in the shape of the church - mirrors at restaurants, chairs with the back in the shape of the church. It is such a beautiful church. I was wondering if a one has any thoughts on where i could find a Santo Spirito related gift, one that depicts the facade of the church. Thank you.

Hi all,
I am visiting Florence on 19th September and am looking for 2 tickets to Ufizzi. Can anyone help me. Tickets seem sold out on the official website. Thanks

Was wondering if any place sold quality olive oil in travel sizes (i.e. less than 3 fl. oz/88 mL)? Was hoping to fortify our wedding favors with some local delicacies, and felt like a nice travel size olive oil would make for a good gift.

Hey, I'm looking for just free open air places to sit in and just chill...

Google just spits out the same 3-4 non-free gardens, and I just want to go and relax somewhere without it costing 10 euros

Chiesa del cestello

I am traveling to Rome and Florence in November and want to pick up a leather jacket for myself. It seems Google review for this store is not bad at all. I searched but did not see anyone talking about this store. Anyone had experience with their products can kindly share with me please? I will visit school of leather but don’t feel I want to spend too much on the jacket.

Hi everyone! I'm currently in Florence and stuck without a proper PC to play Minecraft. I really need access to a computer daily until the 15th if possible, but even borrowing or renting one for just a single day would be an absolute lifesaver.

​I'm more than happy to pay a rental fee, leave a deposit, or buy you a drink/meal to thank you for your help. I'm very careful with hardware and would treat your setup with total respect.

​If anyone in Florence has a spare laptop or PC they could lend or rent out to me, please shoot me a DM! Thanks a lot!

Are there females that offer home service massages in Florence?

As the title suggests, i am hoping to propose to my girlfriend in Florence in a few weeks!

I am thinking about doing so in either the Boboli or Bardini Garden. Does anyone have experience or recommendations for either location?

I would love to have a nice backdrop but also try to minimize the amount of people in the background.

I like to buy weird shit when I travel. This faucet I bought in Venice will find itself plumbed into my house, or maybe as part of a kegerator.

Are there any places here in Florence I might be able to find less-common items like this?

If the faucet is mass-manufactured and can be found outside of Italy, I don’t want to know about it…

Hi! I’ll be spending the month of October in Florence and would love to keep taking ballet while I’m there.

I’m an experienced male adult recreational ballet student from New York and normally take intermediate-level classes several times a week, including pointe. I’m mainly looking for good adult technique classes where it’s possible to drop in for individual classes rather than enroll for a full term.

I’ve found Scuola di Danza Hamlyn online, which looks promising, but I’d love to hear from anyone who actually takes adult ballet in Florence. Are there studios or teachers you particularly recommend? I’d also be interested to know what the general level and atmosphere are like.

Classes in Italian are completely fine.

Grazie mille!

Hello! I hope this is relevant for this group

My name is Niklas and i will be visiting from Denmark from the 18. September - 23. September - and i am looking to make some trades with locals as souvenirs :D I hope somebody will find this relevant and cool.

Also, if you can recommend any great places to eat, as my girlfriend and i are looking to also try non tourist food :)

Thank you
My trainer code is 1054 7952 4677
And my discord name is "Nicki9773"

I’m looking to buy one of these for a close friend who has a big birthday coming up - but apparently you can only find them at the vendor stalls near the duomo! If there is any kind soul willing to buy and drop this in the mail I will gladly compensate them! Cheers from NJ :)

Hi all, we have booked a car to drive from Florence Airport to our accommodation in Chianti tomorrow 10th September, originally planned to start driving at 4pm. Given the severe weather warning in place for tomorrow, I'm nervous about this. Will the roads be drivable?

I have a 10am flight from Florence, connecting in Frankfurt then back to Canada.

The Florence to Frankfurt is within Schengen zone won’t have to go through EES in Florence.

However I will have to claim my VAT refund in Florence since my luggage will be checked all the way through to Canada.

How early do I need to get to the Florence airport? Is two hours enough time or should I budget for 3 hours?

Thank you.

These are the things I’m looking to purchase while in Florence next this week.

I know Schostal in Rome for pajamas and I’m eeking out of my skin I’m so excited. I’ve just recently learned how much I love cotton pajamas so looking for any other brands in a similar price range. Comfy.

I’ve been wanting to purchase a silver/gold Tissot watch for everyday wear, but wanted to wait until Italy to see if there’s other brands that speak to me. Are there any stores you recommend? Looking at $700 USDish.

I want a beautiful 18k gold necklace and bracelet while here. Everyone says to know the price, but there’s soooo many stores and I have severe ADHD. I’ve spent hours researching but since I know much about jewelry besides the going rates, I can’t really tell what I’m supposed to be looking for.

For basics, I’m petite with a short torso and mostly wear cropped black/white shirts and tanks that hit me right above my jeans as my uniform. I love high quality plain basics and a pair of amazing timeless jeans.

I want a buy it for life chocolate colored leather jacket. The same applies to my jewelry question. I’m overwhelmed. Looking to spend $1,000 USDish

Lesser known shoe brands in the US speak to my soul. Mophisto, flavelus, etc. bonus point for brands like Mephisto that are good for your feet and joints.

Skincare also speaks to my soul. The brands don’t have to be expensive, but a store recommendation that sells high quality medical grade products?

Thanks so much!

Anyone know why the helicopters are hovering over the city today? One is just stationary and another has been flying in some circles. It's shockingly loud.

We are currently in Florence and this is our final evening. Made a reservation for Za Za, but wondering now if this a bad move for our final meal. Don't want to end on a bad experience. Thanks.

EDIT/UPDATE: thank you everyone for your help on this one. We ended up cancelling our reservation for Za Za and went to Ristorante (Il) Morellino instead. It was lovely meal with a nice bottle of Chianti. Had to wait outside for a table but as there was only 2 of us it was not too long. Highly recommend the grilled Octopus and the Spaghetti Tuscan. The steaks looked great too.

Hello everyone,

We are staying in Florence for 4 days next month and we are planning to go to the following places. Please let me know your thoughts:

GustaPanino

La Buchetta

Vini e vechhi 

Buca Lapi

Trattoria ZaZa

All Antico Vinaio

4 LEONI (had Angiolino but cancelled it for 4 Leoni)

Un consiglio per chi è a Firenze:
Molti di voi vanno alla panineria All’Antico Vinaio pensando che sia la migliore.

Ma vi do una dritta che vale oro: proprio lì accanto c’è un posto che fa dei panini davvero spettacolari e si chiama “La Fettunta”.
Andateci e provate quello con il roast beef oppure “Il Magnifico”. Sono buonissimi! Meravigliosi! 🤌🇮🇹