Some people love to visit all the famous landmarks when they travel somewhere new. They like to tell people they’ve seen the Eiffel Tower or the Berlin Wall, and try out the restaurant everyone is recommending. But others prefer to go off the beaten track when they’re traveling. Looking for all the hidden gems that most tourists don’t know about can be part of the fun when you’re exploring somewhere new. You can see the city as a local would, instead of getting pulled into all the tourist traps, and the places everyone knows about. There’s something to be said for going to the well-known places too. But there’s a certain thrill in discovering the secret hideaways, unspoilt by tourism.
Florence is one of Italy’s most popular destinations, but it still has its secrets.
Piazza Santo Spirito
If you want to experience the local nightlife, head to the square of Santo Spirito, where locals enjoy the bars. On the southeast side of the square is the Cafe Cabiria, a historical bar whose name has inspired the title of a movie (Fellini’s Le Notti di Cabiria). The square also hosts a market on every second Sunday of the month. Amble around the market to discover antiques and handcrafted products. There’s also a church in the square that holds a wooden crucifix carved by Michelangelo. The crucifix was carved as thanks for the lessons in human anatomy the church’s priest offered Michelangelo.
Specola Museum
It’s not unusual to visit a museum or two on a trip to a new city. The Specola Museum is slightly different to the Galleria degli Uffizi or the Bargello Museum, both popular with visitors. This scientific museum is the oldest in Europe and has the world’s largest collection of anatomy waxes, created in the late 18th century and first half of the 19th century. There are more than 3.5 million animal specimens, 5,000 of which are exposed.
Cascine Park
Once you’ve looked at Florence hotels with Venere, you may be wondering where the best place to run in the city is. Many people can’t go without their morning run but don’t despair if you’re planning a vacation in Florence. Cascine Park is the most accessible place to run from central Florence. You have to leave the touristy parts of the city behind you to reach it, going upriver from the Ponte Vecchio. Locals frequent the park for running, walking and the open-air market on Tuesday mornings. You can walk (or run) there, or you can get a tram or bus from the center.
Jazz Club Firenze
If you like a bit of jazz, the Jazz Club Firenze is popular with local jazz lovers. The club provides a relaxing night out, with good food and drink and good music. For people who prefer a low-key evening, this is the perfect place to while away the night and avoid the crowds.
