Florence, Italy: The Way to See It

They come for the architectural magnificence of the Duomo or the chance to see one of Michelangelo's masterpieces in it's full glory. The center of Florence (the Italian name for the city being "Firenze"). They come for the Italian gelato and the fantastic cooking, but do they really know where to go? I know every two-bit tour book wants to tell you where to go, gives you options you can't seem to refuse but trust me on this one... Florence has more interesting and special places to see than those restaurants advertised in magazines and tourist books. The center of Florence is where the tourists gather but little do they know they are in the prime zone for overpaying. This is not just overpaying for once-in-a-lifetime museum visits, I'm talking about overpaying by at least two euros for a Coca-Cola. But don't be discouraged, I'm here to tell you about places to go and (and how to get there) while you're in the beautiful city that are a bit out of the usual traffic.

1) Fiesole: Often spoken about but more often not chosen over it's counterpart, Piazza Michelangelo. After climbing up a long hill, magnifying the stereotype of small Italian cobbled streets, there is a magnificent view of all of Florence. My favorite thing about this view is that off in the distance the hills can be seen and the river, Arno, snakes into the distance. As it is less commercial than Piazza Michaelangelo, it offers quaint tourism. In the main Piazza of the small town is a small selection of boutique restaurants to choose from. The food may not be as great as some restaurants I have visited in Florence but it is definitely a far cry from the pre-made food cafes that litter the center of Florence. Fiesole is only a twenty minute ride from the center of Florence (from by the Duomo) when using the bus. The bus number 7 can be taken on Via Martelli all the way to Fiesole. For those of you who enjoy tours there is a great tourist bus service in Florence. The big red double decker buses stop on main streets as they go from one end of Florence to the other, showing tourists all the sights. Though you may not be allowed to drive in the center of Florence without a permit you may most certainly drive from the outskirts and into Fiesole if you have a car.

2) Hemingway Cafe: This ambient, trendy cafe can be found at Piazza Piattellina,9/R. Based around the name of one of the great writers, the cafe boasts an array of used books that add an atmosphere of the bohemian. The mismatch of furniture and the large sofas are perfect for casual conversation over one of the many interesting and unusual beverages served. One can become easily lost in the menu as the pages never end and neither does the selection of chocolate. Carrot cake is perfect to team up with your coffee (that comes with a delicious chocolate spoon) and if you're daring you could go for one of the balsamic vinegar smoothies. I once did, but when I regretted my decision my friend quickly polished the rest off and didn't agree with me that it tasted like salad dressing. The cafe erases time and the outside world as you sit amongst large portraits of Hemingway and have another crepe with chocolate sauce.

3) La Giostra Restaurant: Tucked away on the corner of Borgo Pinti (number 12), this unbelievable treasure is hidden away. Becoming more and more popular, the restaurant is recognized both locally and internationally for it's interesting heritage and excellent food. My suggestion is to try the Pear and Pecorino Ravioli, surely one of the most incredible combinations. The restaurant is homely, filled with trinkets from it's owners adventures. In the entrance is the wall of fame, showing off such names as Bill Gates, Anthony Kiedis, among others. If you're looking for the best meal you could possibly have in Florence, it would be here.

4) La Carraia Gelateria: This excellent gelataria is located off of Ponte La Carraia. With one of widest selections of ice cream this is something no one should miss out on. With a perfect position, by the river, one can sit while eating looking over the water. La Carraia is known throughout Florence for it's ice cream, visited frequently by students and locals alike.

5) Santo Bevitore Restaurant: Just on the other side of the river, this restaurant offers candlelit dinners and particular meals. The menu changes with every season, so you are likely never to find the same meal. Mainly aimed at fine dinners, the meals are a bit pricier than most restaurants. There is an adjoining wine bar where experienced and would-be wine enthusiasts can taste the many tones of Tuscany.