Well said Chandi. Hardly a secret gem on honestly why not support other businesses than lining up in sweltering heat to take a photo and probably dump most of the (now melted) drink..
i’ve been to Florence many times. It is my favorite city in the world. I just like to sit and enjoy a coffee and gaze at the architecture. I always go in November or February to avoid the masses of people. I don’t care if it rains on me or if it’s cold. I do usually stay in the centro storico because I can’t walk far. I avoid the restaurants that are heavily touristic, although I’ve eaten them and I find the food to be very good like you, when I remember that trips in 2011 and compared to the later visits, the number of tourists is astounding, even though I’m in the shoulder season. Really enjoyed reading about this beloved city.
BRAVA for coming to Firenze in November and February! 👏 Give me a holler next time you're coming. I enjoy meeting women who come on their own with true admiration for the city and with no interest in hit and run tourism.
The wonder of Italy is that you can wind around a corner, or take a left after strolling along a river, and have an outstanding, memorable experience at a place barely on the online radar. On our last trip in Northern Italy, crispy carciofi (artichoke) and really fun Italian music, like-the-first-time tiramisu, delectably fresh, and copious muscles and heavenly gnocchi to die for were all at “on-sight” restaurant selections. Disappointing rabbit ragù was at a TV show featured target. Brava Chandi!
We were mostly Milan, Bologna, Sirimone, Mantova, Verona and Venice. Gillian provided some great accessibility and art advice in preparation for Venice, which was just magical!
Cool! A few of those places are less touristed, which must have felt nice. If you ever want art advice for Florence, feel free to reach out. And I actually have quite a few articles on my Substack about art in Florence😀
Well said Chandi. Hardly a secret gem on honestly why not support other businesses than lining up in sweltering heat to take a photo and probably dump most of the (now melted) drink..
Right? 🤔
i’ve been to Florence many times. It is my favorite city in the world. I just like to sit and enjoy a coffee and gaze at the architecture. I always go in November or February to avoid the masses of people. I don’t care if it rains on me or if it’s cold. I do usually stay in the centro storico because I can’t walk far. I avoid the restaurants that are heavily touristic, although I’ve eaten them and I find the food to be very good like you, when I remember that trips in 2011 and compared to the later visits, the number of tourists is astounding, even though I’m in the shoulder season. Really enjoyed reading about this beloved city.
Ciao Kathryn,
BRAVA for coming to Firenze in November and February! 👏 Give me a holler next time you're coming. I enjoy meeting women who come on their own with true admiration for the city and with no interest in hit and run tourism.
Doing the lord's work, Chandi.
Ci provo! 😆
The wonder of Italy is that you can wind around a corner, or take a left after strolling along a river, and have an outstanding, memorable experience at a place barely on the online radar. On our last trip in Northern Italy, crispy carciofi (artichoke) and really fun Italian music, like-the-first-time tiramisu, delectably fresh, and copious muscles and heavenly gnocchi to die for were all at “on-sight” restaurant selections. Disappointing rabbit ragù was at a TV show featured target. Brava Chandi!
Sounds like you had great experiences by following your senses. Bravo! Where in Northern Italy were you?
We were mostly Milan, Bologna, Sirimone, Mantova, Verona and Venice. Gillian provided some great accessibility and art advice in preparation for Venice, which was just magical!
Cool! A few of those places are less touristed, which must have felt nice. If you ever want art advice for Florence, feel free to reach out. And I actually have quite a few articles on my Substack about art in Florence😀
Thank you, Chandi! If we have a chance to go back, we’ll definitely be swinging South! Relatively flat, paved enclaves are a plus for us…
👌🏼😀
Thanks Chandi ! Looking forward to having some of this on my next visit!😊
Are you going to choose the viral sensation place or one of the alternate places I listed?
The alternative places would be my choice for ease of access(less crowded perhaps!) 😊
Yes, those other places will be less crowded unless one of them goes viral for some reason before you arrive.