Travel Tips Florence, NOT for Tourists: Experience the Real City
Travel tips in Florence to be loved by local people
How to be a traveler and not a tourist when visiting Florence for the first time!
Florence isn’t just a city; it’s a living, breathing treasure of art, history, and authentic Italian culture. But let’s face it—the more popular it becomes, the more it risks being seen through a lens that feels less “Florentine” and more “tourist spectacle.” If you’re visiting, why not experience Florence the way locals do? Here are some tips to avoid the tourist traps and dive into the real Florence.
Avoid These Tourist Pitfalls
1. Wine Windows
Wine windows, or buchette del vino, are fascinating architectural remnants, but recently they’ve been repurposed as trendy Instagram attractions. Their historic charm is undeniable, but queuing up for a photo or a glass of wine here doesn’t give you an authentic Florentine experience. Instead, opt for a small, family-owned wine bar and immerse yourself in the local wine culture the way Florentines would.
2. Queuing for Famous Focaccia
Standing in long lines for that “famous” focaccia is the classic tourist experience. It’s good, sure, but there are countless bakeries in Florence making fresh, delicious focaccia every day. Try visiting Forno, a local favorite, for a taste of authentic, artisanal focaccia without the crowd. You’ll find bread made with care, flavor, and tradition—no line required! We never makes queues for Focaccia.
We have been eating focaccia since kids!
3. Taking a Golf Cart Tour
Seeing Florence in a golf cart might be convenient, but it removes the magic of exploring the city on foot. Wandering through Florence’s narrow streets and hidden alleys is half the experience, and each step reveals hidden treasures, from ancient doorways to picturesque piazzas. Skip the golf cart and let Florence reveal itself to you, step by step.
4. Responding to Influencers Summoning You to Photo Ops
If an Instagram influencer is pointing you toward the latest photo-worthy spot, resist the urge. Florence is full of beautiful spaces that don’t require a filter. Instead, make memories in places less frequented by crowds, where you can appreciate the city without distraction. Avoid all those instagram influencers using the finger to call your attention. Influencers are paid by anybody to say whatever they area paid for. Go beyond these people and explore Florence. They don’t know more than you.
5. Queuing for an Affogato
An affogato (espresso poured over gelato) is delicious, but it’s not unique to any single cafe, and you can enjoy this treat at many lesser-known places around the city. Avoid the queue and seek out a small gelateria where you can savor an affogato made with passion, minus the crowd.
6. Takeaway Coffee
Taking your coffee to go is not the Italian way. In Florence, coffee is an experience—a moment of pause. Step into a cafe, stand at the bar, and enjoy your coffee as the locals do. This ritual allows you to slow down and experience the city at a more relaxed pace. Avoid this ritual, it saves a huge amount of garbage everyday. Be a grown up, avoid bad habits.
What to Do Instead: Hidden Gems & Authentic Experiences
Now that we’ve covered what to skip, here are some authentic Florentine experiences that capture the city’s true spirit:
1. Buy Focaccia from Fornos
Forno is a small, locally loved bakery that serves delicious, fresh focaccia without the fuss. It’s where you’ll find bread with soul—handcrafted and bursting with flavor.
2. Explore Lesser-Known Churches and Museums
Florence is home to countless historical sites beyond the usual tourist stops. Dive into the city’s quieter side with these hidden gems:
• Piazza del Limbo – Home to one of the city’s oldest churches, this hidden piazza feels like stepping into another time. Learn more here.
• Palazzo Davanzati – A beautifully preserved medieval house offering a glimpse into Renaissance Florentine life. Discover it here.
• Bargello Museum – Once a prison, now an art museum featuring masterpieces by Michelangelo and Donatello. Find out more here.
• Museo Archeologico di Firenze – This archaeological museum holds treasures from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Visit their website here.
• Giardino dell’Orticoltura – A charming botanical garden that provides a quiet escape from the city’s bustle. See more here.
3. Enjoy a Stroll Through Giardino dell’Orticoltura or The Giardino Botanico
Tucked away from the tourist crowds, this beautiful garden is the perfect place to relax and enjoy Florence’s natural beauty. Bring a book, pack a picnic, or simply sit and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
Right next to the statue of the David, you can find here a calm, peaceful and realxing corner of Florence where, amazing plants meet a green corner in the heart of Florence. https://www.sma.unifi.it/vp-244-orto-botanico.html#
4. Take Your Time at Local Cafes
Whether it’s a morning espresso or an afternoon macchiato, embrace the local tradition of savoring your coffee at the bar. It’s a small but essential way to experience Italian culture. Florence’s cafes offer a glimpse into everyday life—moments shared over coffee, conversations exchanged, and a rhythm that’s uniquely Florentine.
5. Find your way
Enjoy Florence, go explore and see what’s happening!
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