Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy and certainly one of the most visited ever. On the web you can find guides of any type to visit the most characteristic places and the most famous restaurants. However, there are things that are not explained in the illustrated guides and that are preferred by locals for this reason.
There are activities and places to see that can not miss the visit, and not only: Florence is also customs, habits and things to do at night. You want to know what you can’t possibly miss? Here is a list of activities that you won’t find on any tourist guide, but that have been recommended directly by the locals!
The original gelato
Gelato (ice cream) is a very well-known tradition in Florence. For this reason there are many tourist places. But did you know that the first real ice cream was made in Florence?
Let’s talk about the Buontalenti flavour (known as Florentine cream), which took its name from the architect who created it. This ice cream is made only of egg yolks, milk, sugar and citrus aroma and it is absolutely obligatory to try it. A perfect place to eat it is definitely "Gelatieri Artigiani Fiorentini", also preferred by locals.
Calcio Storico
The Calcio Storico (historic football), is also known as Calcio Fiorentino and is a sport of tradition. This sport is a mix of many others, such as rugby, Greco-Roman wrestling and football.
The most famous period of this sport was the Middle Ages, in fact it was the favorite sport of the Medici family.
Even today there are representations of this ancient sport that take place in Piazza di Santa Croce, where every June each district joins to win the glory wearing also typical costumes.
The four districts are divided by colors and each of the teams face off in an elimination match.
Mercato Centrale
The Mercato Centrale (central market) is the ideal place for lovers of good food and especially for those who want to try all the traditions of Florence in one place. Wine, pasta, panini (the famous sandwich with lampredotto) are also accompanied by exotic cuisine and from around the world. It is located really close to the station of Santa Maria Novella and allows you to enjoy products of any type on tables shared between the local passes. An atmosphere of cooperation that warms the heart and allows everyone to try typical dishes with a few euros.
The true nightlife
The nightlife in Florence is concentrated in Piazza Santo Spirito, frequented by people of all ages and especially full of bars, pubs and clubs open until late at night. Here you can find all the entertainment you need, and it is a place frequented by locals.
This place was previously used by artists as a meeting point. The square is located in the Oltrarno and in the morning also houses several markets.
The real street food
Real street food is cheap and satiating, and Florence is no exception. The undisputed king is the panino con il lampredotto, a dish made with abomasum, one of the four sections of the bovine stomach, and served in a sandwich.
It is a classic dish of the poor cuisine that has become a legend, a bit like what often happens in Naples. The lampredotto cooks for hours with tomato, onion, celery and is served in a sandwich soaked in the same broth.
Even the schiacciata (flatbread) is a very famous street food, and its best version and the one preferred by locals is the one made with artichokes, Finocchiona salami and pecorino cheese. Finally, the coccoli: balls of fried dough served with cured meat and creamy cheese.
La Rinascente
In the Trianon Palace of the fourteenth century was born the Rinascente, a very famous shopping center and located in the heart of Piazza della Repubblica. The peculiarity of this mall is that on the fifth floor has created an open terrace with a restaurant that offers an incredible view of the square below. Here locals gather often, not only for shopping but also to see the beautiful city from above.
