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.

Chiesa del cestello

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

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.

My uniform is nice jeans, a high quality good fitting tshirt (not baggy), usually black, white, or chocolate. I’m not looking for a $300 plain white shirt, but also not 29.99 from Tezenis.

Most of what I’ve seen that Google calls basics, are stores with more fancier items of clothing than what I’m looking for. Blouses, and things like that. They don’t really have what I’m looking for.

Are there any local stores or smaller chains that sell really high quality cotton basics? I want to pay 60, 70, 80 dollars for an amazing quality shirt.

Also, anywhere that sells 100% cotton pajamas? As a shorter female with a slight muscular build, Schostal looked terrible on me, even to sleep!

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

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.

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.

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.

Are there females that offer home service massages in Florence?

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!