This Sunday I’m happy to welcome back my friend Katie Greenaway, an American who now lives in Florence, Italy. She tempted us last Tuesday with her favorite church in Florence, and today she’s taking us on a walk through the streets of her beloved city. These two guest posts on Florence have me thinking about the wonderful few days I spent in Florence last month, and I’ll be sharing some photos and stories from my trip over the next few weeks. Until then, enjoy a Sunday stroll through Florence with Katie.
Welcome, Katie!
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Florence has always been a destination on everyone’s list to visit. If you are lucky enough to spend a lazy Sunday in Florence, Italy this is what I would suggest. With all the tourist groups that congest the city center, why not venture to the areas more scarce and full of the energy of the locals. The Oltrarno holds many of the secrets of Florence such as Cuculia that has a great Sunday Brunch. If that is too much, just enjoy a refreshing cappuccino and a pastry. Bring a book or your computer and use the free WiFi in Cuculia. Florence is very lazy waking up on Sundays, so no need to wake up too early.
After your delightful cappuccino, start heading to Porta Romana. There you will find 3 different streets to follow. I suggest the one on the far right. It is called Viale Niccolo` Macchiavelli. Along this street, there are many trees and benches where if you feel like taking a rest and getting out your book again, just do it. Among these trees are very gorgeous homes, villas and luxuries hotels. Great for photo ops.
This street will take you all the way to San Miniato al Monte then onward to the panoramic view of Piazzale Michelangelo. Both the views from San Miniato and Piazzale Michelangelo are views of a lifetime. Imagine what people in this city did years before and how they live now. As I know now, after living here for about 8 years on and off, I have lived every type of life here. The tourist, the student, the nanny and finally the self-sufficient worker living a simple life in the city of Florence that brings me joy and happiness everyday.
Enjoy the city as it stands on its own. Florence has so much to offer to the independent traveler. Keep your eyes peeled and see what presents itself to you. Don’t ask questions, just live it!
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Katie Greenaway is a freelance travel writer and is the Local Expert of Florence for Nile Guide where she also provides the secrets of Florence on her blog. She writes about her life in Florence on her personal blog Olio di Oliva e Sogni di Vino and contributes to MNUI Travel Insurance with travel articles.
You are right! I always go to the touristy spots in Florence. I've probably been missing the local flavor!
Thank you so much Laura! 🙂 looks great on your blog!
Ciao Saretta! Well, you've got to hit the touristy spots first. 🙂 I know I did! I was just lucky that Katie showed me a few out of the way spots, too. There is so much to discover in Florence!
Ciao Katie! Thanks to YOU! 🙂
Thanks Laura,
you've given us a little local flavour to try. Sometimes you've just got to get away from the tourists, even if you are one!
Ciao Shareen! Thanks for stopping by and for your comment. It's always a pleasure to meet new readers! Yes, I very much agree. There's a time to be a tourist and then a time to escape!
Thank you Katie and Thank you Laura, great guest post:-) and If I ever get to Florence, I know who to ask for places to see, I prefer off the tourist track too !
Ciao Anne! I think you'd just love Florence. It's great for walking… not too big and not too small… and there's so much to see. Beautiful city! 🙂