9 Local tips to live Florence like a Local
I CONSIGLI DI MÒSÌ
Aperitivo
Aperitivo is very popular in Italy. It plays an important role in Italian life and is as much about the food and drink as it is about socialising.
Aperitivo time: Between 7.00pm to 8.30pm
What to drink: We like prosecco, spritz, or a glass of wine
Average price: From € 8 to € 10
Our favourite places to go for aperitivo:
- Caffè Le Murate – Via dell’Agnolo, Piazza delle Murate (this was the old prison of Firenze)
Distance: 15 minutes walking - Il Rifrullo – Via di S. Niccolò, 55r
Distance: 10 minutes walking - Amble – Piazzetta del Bene 7/A (not far from Ponte Vecchio). In the heart of the noisy centre of Florence there is an unbelievable silent square where you can have a good drink and nibble at this bio-food point. We love their style!
Best Pizza
Let’s start by saying that the best and original pizza is Neapolitan. So here are our favourite Neapolitan Pizzeria in Firenze.
- Antica Pizzeria da Michele – Piazza del Mercato Centrale 22r (San Lorenzo district)
- Caffè Italiano – Via Isola delle Stinche, 11R – 13R (Santa Croce Church area)
Distance: 25 minutes walking
Relax
After a long day exploring Firenze, our garden is the perfect place to chill, drink a beer or glass of wine and relax.
Cold beers are in our fridge €2 and we also have a small selection of wines available.
Street Food
We love street food! The most typical Florentine street food is Lampredotto. It is a Florentine dish made from the fourth and final stomach of a cow. Don’t think about it… and just try it!
Where can you find the best Lampredotto?
- Sergio Pollini – Food truck in Piazza Sant’Ambrogio
Distance – 15 minutes walking
Schiacciata is a sandwich made with traditional Tuscan flatbread, and stuffed with cured meat.
Where can you find the best Schiacciata?
- All’Antico Vinaio – Via dei Neri 74r
Distance – 20 minutes
Panino is a sandwich filled with top quality ingredients such as cheese, cured meats….
Where can you find the best Panino?
- Semel – Piazza Ghiberti 44, next to Sant’Ambrogio market
Distance – 15 minutes walking
- Come Dio Comanda – Via San Niccolò 69R
Distance – 10 minutes walking
Cool District
– San Frediano
On the southern side of Florence’s Arno River, the San Frediano is neighbourhood is breathing new life into the Oltrarno area – known more for artisans than hipster appeal. With its narrow streets and tiny sidewalks, all the action is sandwiched between one of the cities last remaining ancients gates and Borgo San Frediano and Santo Spirito Church.
– San Niccolò
Bohemian Neighbourhood, San Niccolò is an authentic Florentine neighbourhood that has maintained its ‘old Florence’ spirit. It is bustling with small boutiques, art galleries, restaurants and cool cafes.
Breakfast
Enjoy our breakfast, talk with other travellers, meet new friends and have the Mòsì experience!
We are here to welcome to you and make you our special cappuccino.
Markets
We love markets because you can understand a lot about the Italian life style, culture and food!
Our favourite markets in Firenze are:
- Mercado di Sant’ Ambrogio – Food market open Monday – Saturday from 7am – 2pm
Distance – 15 minutes walking - Mercado di San Lorenzo – Food market open Monday – Saturday from 7am – 2pm
- Mercado Centrale – Food market open Monday – Saturday from 8am – 12pm
- Flea Market – Largo Pietro Annigoni, open Monday – Saturday from 8am – 7.30pm
Best Ice Cream
Do you know the first gelato was made in Florence!
Today in Florence you find some of the best gelaterias in Italy.
- Gelateria dei Neri – Via dei Neri 9/11
Distance – 20 minutes walking - Gelateria della Passera – Via Toscanella 15/R (near Palazzo Pitti)
Distance – 30 minutes walking
Coffee Break
Fancy a coffee?
Coffee is so much a part of Italian life and culture that the idea of not drinking coffee is considered a little strange for Italians. Some of our favourite places to stop for a coffee are:
- Ditta Artigianle – Via dello Sprone 3R & Via dei Neri 32 (two locations)
- Caffè storico Giubbe Rosse – Piazza della Repubblica
Nightlife
- We like the area of Santo Spirito! In the summer time, every Thursday in Santo Spirito square a group of local people meet to dance to popular music together.
Starting from 10pm – go along and enjoy with them! - Along the Arno River there are many Kiosks with live music and DJ set. You will find the this on the opposite side of the Arno, across San Niccolò bridge.
Look Out
There is no doubt that the best view in Florence is from Piazzale Michelangelo.
This stunning lookout pint will give you amazing views off Florence below. Don’t forget to visit the Rose Garden and Church of San Miniato al Monte while you are there.
Best Walk
Located along Via B. Fortini, Mosi is along the heart of the one of the most romantic and panoramic walking routes in Florence running alongside the hillside of Piazzale Michelangelo.
It is a truly amazing and unexpected, off-the-beaten-path perspective of Florence. A walking the countryside while never leaving the city centre. Take Via B. Fortini and go in the direction of Santa Margherita a Montici Church.
Top Restaurants
There are so many delicious restaurant options in Florence!
Come and ask one of the staff members – we have plenty of good tips!
Write a Postcard
Writing a postcard is old-fashioned but there is still a charm to sending (and receiving) one of these cards.
Surprise someone that is at home while you are travelling – it will show them you really care!