DO buy some of your produce from the fresh markets like San Ambrogio and Mercato Centrale, if not for the quality of the fruits and vegetables harvested from Italian farms then for the fun and cultural experience.
DO take a small Italian dictionary or phrasebook with you. If you are having trouble with a menu look up your questions in it first or if you’d like to say something in Italian teach yourself how to say it. Making an effort will separate you from the tourists who expect everyone to speak English and consider it an inconvenience when locals and staff don’t.
DO enjoy the long, slow, Italian style meal with family or friends. Pick a time when no one has to be anywhere anytime soon and order one thing at a time, try different wines with different courses, and really take the time to enjoy your food and your company.
DO explore the Oltrarno. The Oltrarno has far less tourists and none of the giant umbrella-led groups in single file, better restaurants, cheaper options, an amazing assortment of shops with hand-made goods, some beautiful churches like Santo Spirito and San Miniato, Piazzele Michelangelo for a beautiful view, and the Pitti Palace and the Boboli and Bardini gardens. Are you convinced yet?
DON’T travel every weekend. I know you’re in Europe for such a short amount of time and you want to see as much of it as you can but don’t forget about exploring the place you live.
DON’T eat out for every meal. Grocery shop in the local markets (see DO #1) or grocery stores to save some money each week and whip yourself up an easy meal at home or make a night of it with your friends and all cook together, have a glass of wine, and take part in a cheaper version of DO # 3
DON’T eat the gelato that is close to the main sights (Ponte Vecchio, Duomo etc) and is piled high in its containers and covered with old fruit and hardened chocolate drizzles. It may be convenient but you have not tasted true gelato until you find a tiny place where Italians, not tourists, buy their gelato. Try: Gelato di Filo before the steps to Michelangelo, Gelato di Neri on via di Neri close to FUA, or la Carraia on the other side of the Arno right across the Ponte la Carraia.
DON’T spend all your free time on your computer. I know you have TV shows to catch up on and you want to skype with your family, friends, and significant other but Hello? You’re in Florence, Italy. You can catch up when you get home. Get outside, now.
DO take a small Italian dictionary or phrasebook with you. If you are having trouble with a menu look up your questions in it first or if you’d like to say something in Italian teach yourself how to say it. Making an effort will separate you from the tourists who expect everyone to speak English and consider it an inconvenience when locals and staff don’t.
DO enjoy the long, slow, Italian style meal with family or friends. Pick a time when no one has to be anywhere anytime soon and order one thing at a time, try different wines with different courses, and really take the time to enjoy your food and your company.
DO explore the Oltrarno. The Oltrarno has far less tourists and none of the giant umbrella-led groups in single file, better restaurants, cheaper options, an amazing assortment of shops with hand-made goods, some beautiful churches like Santo Spirito and San Miniato, Piazzele Michelangelo for a beautiful view, and the Pitti Palace and the Boboli and Bardini gardens. Are you convinced yet?
DON’T travel every weekend. I know you’re in Europe for such a short amount of time and you want to see as much of it as you can but don’t forget about exploring the place you live.
DON’T eat out for every meal. Grocery shop in the local markets (see DO #1) or grocery stores to save some money each week and whip yourself up an easy meal at home or make a night of it with your friends and all cook together, have a glass of wine, and take part in a cheaper version of DO # 3
DON’T eat the gelato that is close to the main sights (Ponte Vecchio, Duomo etc) and is piled high in its containers and covered with old fruit and hardened chocolate drizzles. It may be convenient but you have not tasted true gelato until you find a tiny place where Italians, not tourists, buy their gelato. Try: Gelato di Filo before the steps to Michelangelo, Gelato di Neri on via di Neri close to FUA, or la Carraia on the other side of the Arno right across the Ponte la Carraia.
DON’T spend all your free time on your computer. I know you have TV shows to catch up on and you want to skype with your family, friends, and significant other but Hello? You’re in Florence, Italy. You can catch up when you get home. Get outside, now.
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