Travelers Company

Florence is full of art, shopping, and amazing food. These are no secrets and nor should they be – they are part of any Italian experience, tourist yes but essential too. But once you’ve polished off that second bowl of gelato (yes, I know – it was a small bowl), do you know about these hidden Florentine secrets?

• The Vasari Corridor (or Vasarian Corridor). You will not notice this one unless you’re looking out for it. This walkway is a couple of storeys above ground and runs one kilometre from Palazzo Vecchio to the Palazzo Pitti, cross the Arno River across the Ponte Vecchio (yes the famous bridge with all the shops). It was closed to tourists until the 70s, but this passageway was built in 1565! The Uffuzi often have a number of different gallery displays in here, but it is notoriously difficult to get a booking – you must book well in advance. Best advice? Ask your accommodation/hotelier/B&B to book for you, as most have good connections with the local authorities.
• Mercado di Sant’Ambrogio. If the smell of leather is leaving you a bit faint, then head for this fantastic open-air food market. Ok – slightly less practical for gifts and souvenirs, but if you want to see what a real Italian market is like, this is it.
• Casa Buonarroti. Do the immense crowds and fiendish guards at Michaelangelo’s David got you down? Want to get a better feel for this artist’s work? Then head to his former home, Casa Buonarroti. From a charming little chapel to art and archaeology, just close your eyes and pictures the artist at work. You’ll be hard pressed to find something of his not noteworthy in this collection.
• Boboli Gardens. Ok, this is by no means a secret, but wander off the main paths and see where your feet take you. There’s quite the expanse of trails, with hidden away statues, carvings, and benches to rest your weary feet if you wander off too far. Trust me on this one – get lost, you’ll thank me for it on the other side

If you go to Florence, make sure that find the best rates at Florence hotels.

What are you super secret tips for Florence sights?

Photo by Chi King