The Other Side of Florence - Itinerary 4

Itinerary created by

Valeria

What you’ll do

This itinerary will explore a very different Florence: the one that lies on the other side of the river Arno, but hides just as many jewels as the part better known to most tourists. Among more touristy spots like Palazzo Pitti and hidden gems, I’m inviting you on a journey that combines famous sites and the city as mostly locals know it. By the way, the other side of Florence is where most locals prefer to go out - and we’ll explore some of their staples together.

To get to the other side, you can either cross the Ponte Vecchio or one of the bridges on both sides of this iconic landmark: Ponte Santa Trinita or Ponte all Grazie.

Choose the option that fits you the best

Ponte Vecchio

Historic bridge with unique shops

Category

Sightseeing

Direction

Ponte alle Grazie

Modern twist on classic bridge

Category

Photospot

Direction

Ponte Santa Trinita

Renaissance bridge over Arno River

Category

Sightseeing

Direction

1.3 km (0.8 mi)

5 min

If you take Ponte Vecchio, visiting Palazzo Pitti would be the next easiest thing to do as it is located just about 5 minutes walk from there. However, keep in mind that visiting it may take quite some time, especially if you want to visit Giardino di Boboli as well. Still, it is absolutely worth it and I highly recommend you get the joint ticket to visit the gardens as well as the palace.

Palazzo Pitti

Opulent palace with diverse museums

Category

Museum

Est. Price

Direction

2.6 km (1.6 mi)

9 min

Boboli Gardens

Historical park with art and nature

Category

Park

Est. Price

Direction

6.1 km (3.8 mi)

15 min

But, as promised, there’s more to see on this side of Florence than this beautiful and famous palace. Actually, the area is so full of really cool spots that you can spend several days exploring each part of it. But first, let me take you for a little climb to enjoy the most gorgeous panoramic views over Florence!

Sistema delle Rampe del Poggi

"Restored 19th-century hillside treasure"

Category

Sightseeing

Direction

1.4 km (0.9 mi)

3 min

On your way to Piazzale Michelangelo, one of the hottest spots in Florence, make sure to stop by Sistema delle Rampe del Poggi, a wonderful decorative caves with running water and fountains inside. While not really hidden, not many people know about this beautiful and delicate construction.

This one is optional

Piazzale Michelangelo

Scenic city view in Florence

Category

Sightseeing

Direction

1.1 km (0.7 mi)

2 min

Now, some may say that Piazzale Michelangelo is not that much of a hidden spot anymore (eh, it used to be a couple of years ago!) but I bet that very few tourists would know of the church located even higher - but quite easily accessible from the piazza.

This one is optional

Basilica di San Miniato

Romanesque basilica with scenic views

Category

Sightseeing

Direction

4.6 km (2.9 mi)

10 min

Whether you choose to go down from the Piazza Michelangelo or choose to forgo the destination altogether, there’s yet another part of the city to explore.

Basilica di Santo Spirito

Artistic treasure in historic church

Category

Museum

Direction

2.3 km (1.4 mi)

10 min

After that, make sure to visit the famous Capella Brancacci located inside the church of Santa Maris del Carmine and known as one of the most illustrious Renaissance artworks, started by Masaccio e Masolino da Panicale and completed by Filippino Lippi.

Cappella Brancacci

Renaissance frescoes in Florence chapel

Category

Museum

Est. Price

Direction

1.2 km (0.8 mi)

4 min

There’s hardly a batter place to finish your day in Florence, whether you choose to stay in the Santo Spirito or San Frediano districts in one of their numerous bars or choose some really sophisticated locations higher up the hills like Il Conventino Caffe Letterario or Serre Torrigiani, offering great food and even better views!

Choose the option that fits you the best