In this episode of French People Arr. Rude, Sean and Brandon take on Florence—the Renaissance city that gave us Michelangelo, the Negroni, gelato, and flavorless bread. They unpack how to eat like a local, what to see beyond David, and why renting a car here is an instant regret waiting to happen.
What We Cover in This Episode
- The stigmas of Florence, and if they’re true
- Getting to and around Florence
- Where to stay, eat, and what to do in Florence
- How to spend 48 hours in Florence
Resources Mentioned in This Episode
- Florence Guide
- Best Restaurants in Florence
- Where To Stay in Florence
- Best Wine Tours from Florence
- Best Food and Drinks to Try in Florence
- Top Things to Do in Florence
Florence Podcast: Bonfires, Billionaire Bellhop, Boredom, and the Scoop on Medici
Segment 1: Florence Stigmas
Stigma #1 – Florence is an Open-Air Museum
Sure, it’s the birthplace of the Renaissance, but that doesn’t mean people are painting frescoes on the streets. Florence has incredible museums and cool art installations, but it’s also full of regular Italians doing regular things.
Stigma #2 – Wild Boar is a Florence Staple Food
True. Wild boar (cinghiale) is a staple, from pasta to stews. They’re so common in Tuscany that villas have electric fences to keep them out.
Stigma #3 – Florentines are Snobs
False. They did invent modern Italian, produce Dante, and house the Medici, but despite all that, Florentines aren’t walking around acting superior. If anything, they’re pretty laid-back.
Stigma #4 – Florence is a Big City
Not really. With fewer than 400,000 residents, Florence feels more like an oversized town than a metropolis. You can walk across the historic center in 20 minutes.
Stigma #5 – Florence and Tuscany Are Separate
Technically, yes. But if you say you’re “going to Tuscany,” no one thinks you mean Florence. They assume you’re headed for vineyards and rolling hills.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our article on the Best Florence Tours to Take and Why.
Segment 2: Getting to and Around Florence
Florence is compact, historic, and best explored on foot—but getting there (and getting around) takes some planning. Here’s what you need to know:
- Fly into a Major Hub: Florence has an airport, but most international travelers start their trip in Rome, Milan, or Venice, then take a high-speed train into the city.
- Rental Cars: Don’t rent a car unless you’re heading into the Tuscan countryside. Driving in Florence is a guaranteed way to get a ticket—just consider it part of the rental cost. If you do rent, use a major agency, park outside the city, and get an international license.
- Navigating Florence: From the train station, grab a taxi to your hotel, but confirm they take credit cards. After that, toss on your comfortable shoes—Florence was built for walking, and most of the historic center is pedestrian-only.
Segment 3: Where to Stay, Eat, and What to Do
Where to Stay:
Below, you’ll find our favorites mentioned in the podcast. For a full list, check out our article on Where to Stay in Florence.
- Florence is small, so you can’t go too wrong—just stay central.
- A 10-minute walk from the Duomo or a few minutes from the Arno river puts you near the best sights, restaurants, and nightlife.
- Great areas to stay: Santa Maria Novella, Piazza Santa Trinita, near Santa Croce, or by the Pitti Palace.
- Want countryside charm? Head to Fiesole or stay in a Tuscan villa.
- Avoid staying near Accademia (San Lorenzo & San Marco): If you’re going to stay farther out, go all the way to the Tuscan countryside.
What to Eat & Drink:
Below, you’ll find our favorites mentioned in the podcast. For a full list, check out our article on the Best Food and Drinks to Try in Florence.
- Florentine bread has no salt: A tradition from the Middle Ages when Pisa taxed salt imports. The custom stuck.
- Crostini: Tiny toasts topped with lard, duck liver, or pâté.
- Cured meats & cheeses: Order a tagliere misto at a wine bar and let them choose the best selection.
- Pappa al pomodoro: A rich, tomato-based bread soup.
- Pappardelle al cinghiale: Wide pasta with wild boar ragù.
- Bistecca alla Fiorentina: A massive T-bone steak, charred outside and rare inside.
- Negroni: A strong, bitter cocktail born in Florence.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our article on the Best Florence Tours to Take and Why.
What to Do:
Below, you’ll find our favorites mentioned in the podcast. For a full list, check out our article on the Top Things to Do in Florence.
- Art to see: Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia and Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus at the Uffizi Gallery.
- Ponte Vecchio: The only bridge spared from destruction in WWII, lined with centuries-old goldsmith shops.
- Tour the Vasari Corridor: A secret passage built for the Medici.
- Piazza della Signoria: Florence’s political heart, with statues like Perseus with the Head of Medusa and a replica of David.
- Mercato Centrale: A bustling food market where you can sample truffle pasta, lampredotto, and Chianti wines.
- Take a wine tour: Florence is in Tuscany, after all.
- House of Dante & Gucci Museum: Escape the crowds and learn about Florence’s literary and fashion history.
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Segment 4: Florence Itinerary
Day 1: Art & Indulgence
Kick Things Off: With an espresso at Caffè Concerto Paszkowski.
Morning Art: Head to the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David—but book your ticket in advance.
Lunch: If you’re on a budget, try a lampredotto sandwich at L’Antico Trippaio. Or, for something more upmarket, head to Ciro & Sons.
Afternoon: Stroll by the Duomo, then head to the Uffizi Gallery to see Botticelli’s Birth of Venus. Visit Gucci Giardino in Piazza della Signoria for a stylishly overpriced coffee.
Evening: Cross the Ponte Vecchio and enjoy an aperitivo at Panorama Bar or Le Volpi e l’Uva. Afterward, head to Osteria Cinghiale Bianco for dinner, then finish the night at Rasputin, a moody speakeasy.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our article on the Best Florence Tours to Take and Why.
Day 2: Choose Your Own Adventure
Option 1: Tuscany Day Trip
Spend the day exploring Chianti’s vineyards or medieval hill towns like San Gimignano. A wine tour is the best way to experience the Tuscan countryside without worrying about logistics.
Option 2: A Deeper Dive into Florence
Kick Things Off: With breakfast at Shake Café, near Santa Maria Novella.
Morning: Book a ticket to climb Florence’s Duomo for incredible views. Then, head to Mercato Centrale for lunch. Or, if you’re feeling brave, to Trattoria Mario to dine alongside locals.
Afternoon: Escape the crowds at Palazzo Strozzi, or check out Florence’s fashion history at the Gucci or Ferragamo museums. Literature lovers can visit the House of Dante.
Sunset: Walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo for the best viewpoint in Florence.
Evening: Start with cocktails at Le Petit, a stylish cocktail bar. Then, head to L’Osteria or La Buchetta Food & Wine near Santa Croce for dinner.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our article on the Best Florence Tours to Take and Why.
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