Overview
Florence street scenes are just below the surface of the tourists scrambling to see the must-see sites. Any city, as historic and important as Florence, can’t be understood by seeing just the Duomo or the Uffizi. You need to experience the streets. Go past the beaten path. Many US tourists are afraid to walk around. They could get lost, end up in a ‘bad’ neighborhood, or worse. Yes, those could happen. But with some common-sense precautions, they most likely won’t. You could be struck by lightning; that doesn’t stop you from going, does it?
Of course, don’t skip the Uffizi, the Duomo, and the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze (where David is on display). But if you wander the streets, you will see a whole other city. And not just during the day. While not as late as the Spaniards, Italians don’t eat their last meal until late; most restaurants don’t even open until 7 pm. Work up a good appetite so you can get that gelato. Check out the Florence street scene.
Where to go?
The flippant answer is anywhere. However, that’s not very helpful—most attractions shut down by around 4 pm. Check with the one you are looking at for the most accurate details. While that may sound limiting, many churches are more decorated and interesting on the outside than on the inside. But don’t limit yourself to the night. Walk around during the day. Watch as typical people go about their day-to-day activities. Wonder at the stylishly dressed men and women as they purposely stride down a sidewalk.
Visit a small food cart to try a Florentine favorite, trippa. If you don’t know what that is, don’t ask until after you’ve tried it. I ate lunch on the steps of a plaza with the Ospedale degli Innocenti (Hospital of ther Innocents), a foundling hospital for children whose mothers couldn’t raise them for social reasons (unwed mothers) or for financial reasons. The front of the building was created in 1419 by the famed architect Brunelleschi (who designed and built the cathedral’s dome.
Conclusion
One more reason to visit Florence: street scenes. I was walking around looking for the church of Santa Croce. I found it and took a few photos. But I also found a much more interesting event happening on the square in front of the church. A festival of different chocolate vendors. All shapes, sizes, and flavors of chocolate creations in one place. I had no idea that this festival existed, let alone when it was scheduled. Serendipity led me to it as I was walking around Florence one evening.
