Once you have visited all the classic monuments, churches, museums, squares and streets, its time for a different experience of the city. Florence offers a host of options for this: you can change means of transport or escape the city’s beaten tourist track and explore lesser-known but equally fascinating sites.
Cycling from the village to Florence along the Arno
An ideal way to explore Florence is by bike. From the hu Firenze camping in town, follow the bicycle path along the Arno. It’s a pleasant flat 6-kilometre route that takes you into the historic centre in just 15 minutes, with river views to enjoy along the way. Don't worry if you are not an experienced cyclist, this route is within everyone’s capability.
No bike? No problem: the village rental centre can provide you with everything you need. You can choose either a traditional or electric bicycle, and you’ll be supplied with helmets, route maps, panniers and even child seats.
Tour Florence on board an Ape Calessino
Climbing into this vintage and iconic vehicle is like being transported into a classic film from the days of La Dolce Vita: a tour on the Ape Calessino lets you to spend a couple of hours discovering the city’s most important monuments and the less frequented districts through alleyways and piazzas. You can set your own itinerary, but we suggest you trust the driver who will be an expert on the city and able to enliven your tour with all sorts of interesting facts. Ask for information at the village InfoPoint
On a boat with the Renaioli: Florence from a unique perspective
Did you know that you can discover Florence on a cruise down the Arno? From May to September, the Associazione dei Renaioli offers an unforgettable experience on board the traditional navicelli, the characteristic boats historically used for the extraction of river sand (rena) for the construction of the majestic Florentine palaces.
During the 45-minute cruise, which crosses the city along its ancient waterways, you will see some of its most famous monuments from a privileged and unique vantage point. The route takes you under the arches of the magnificent Ponte Vecchio and those of the Santa Trinità bridge and slides by the majestic Uffizi Gallery, while offering unusual glimpses of Florence's artistic and architectural heritage.
The redevelopment of the Manifattura Tabacchi: Florence’s new hub of creation
The historic buildings of the Manifattura Tabacchi, where tobacco and the renowned Tuscan cigars were produced from 1930 to 2000, are undergoing an extraordinary transformation. This imposing building on the Via delle Cascine is the focus of an ambitious urban redevelopment project with a twofold mission: to reinvent the industrial spaces as a place for public gatherings and to create a hub dedicated to the creative professions, thus continuing the centuries-old Florentine tradition of art and craftsmanship.
The complex hosts a lively variety of activities: from spaces for events, concerts and DJ-sets to co-working areas, from the renowned bistro Bulli & Whales to other delightful dining venues. There are also fashion boutiques, design shops, tattoo studios, hairdressing salons and small shops selling organic products, as well as a special touch of greenery provided by the striking botanical garden on the rooftop of the building.
Satisfy your appetite at the Mercato Centrale
If you want to explore one of Florence’s most attractive culinary destinations, don’t miss the Mercato Centrale. The ground floor of the historic San Lorenzo covered market has retained its traditional purpose, with historic stalls offering Florentine street food: among these Nerbone, renowned for its sublime version of lampredotto, to savour in a panini or served on a plate garnished with the traditional salsa verde. If you prefer more familiar flavours, the Pescheria Sugarello has an enticing menu that includes crispy fried fish, succulent kebabs, tender octopus and tasty codfish balls. While up on the first floor there are some 20 gastronomic corners celebrating all kinds of Italian cuisine, with a large seating area for around 500 people. If you’re mad about cooking, you can always take part in the express cooking courses at the prestigious Lorenzo de' Medici Cooking School.
Exploring the Cascine Park
If you feel like getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city and oxygenating your lungs surrounded by nature, the Parco delle Cascine awaits you at a short distance from the Santa Maria Novella station. Historically it was the hunting reserve of the Medici family, but it has been open to the public since the end of the 18th century. It’s the city's largest green area where you can stroll on the extensive lawns, enjoy picnics in the cool shade under the trees or rent a bike to explore its hidden corners. There are many things to see, from Pyramid ice-house and the Pavoniere – the city’s oldest swimming pool – to the Ippodromo di Visarno racecourse: to find out more, go to the Visitor Centre by the PARC BISTRÒ with a splendid outdoor seating area.
