Moving to Florence - recommendations/tips/advice?

Big_Nothing

Well-known member
Afternoon all.

I'm going to be moving to Florence for a few months from the middle of July until Vietnam opens their borders and I can get back over there. (Fingers crossed my flight doesn't get cancelled)

I spent a day there once and loved the place. Decided instead of sitting here in Teesside getting increasingly frustrated that I'll setup somewhere else for a while. Do some cycling in Tuscany to try and shed a few pounds.

Has anyone spent any real time there? Any opinions or suggestions etc. would be greatly appreciated (y)

Bar/restaurant recommendations? Nice spots to sit near the river? Anything really!
 
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I am jealous of that thought. I would love to up tools and spend some time in Tuscany. I've cycled extensively there and love the place. I do wish you all the best with that plan and look forward to many a post on the life of a Boro fan amongst the rolling hills and vineyards.
 
I am jealous of that thought. I would love to up tools and spend some time in Tuscany. I've cycled extensively there and love the place. I do wish you all the best with that plan and look forward to many a post on the life of a Boro fan amongst the rolling hills and vineyards.

I'm a relatively novice cycler actually. Are there any spots, trails, areas or vineyards you'd recommend to cycle to in Tuscany? Going to try and make it a weekend hobby rather than reverting to my usual barfly tendencies.
 
Good luck BN
Love that part of the world - just gorgeous.

There will be loads of cycling blogs for Tuscany. Be careful tho’ some big hills around there too
 
How fluent is your Italian?

I find to fully appreciate a different society (away from major tourist spots) you need to understand the language.
 
Cheers, Finny. I'm honestly expecting my flight to get cancelled and see my hopes of a summer/autumn Italian adventure dashed but it's always been an ambition so worth taking advantage of the unusual freedom the pandemic has given me?

I'll take it easy with the cycling. I'm that out of shape i won't have a choice :unsure:
 
How fluent is your Italian?

I find to fully appreciate a different society (away from major tourist spots) you need to understand the language.

Hi, Redwurzel. My Italian is non-existent fella. As was my Vietnamese when I moved there. I'm patient and keen to pick up the language though. I'll practice some before I go. I found appreciating the society in Hanoi relatively easy through observation even without the lingo, it's so hard to learn. It certainly enhances the experience considerably if you can pick it up though of course.
 
Where will you be living, how have you arranged accommodation?

I'm going to be very central actually. Not far from a main shopping street. I arranged the accommodation through the internet, Facebook actually. Haven't paid anything yet, suppose I could get there and it not materialise/be as described but it wouldn't be the first time I've been in a new city and had to find accommodation. Why do you ask?
 
Just curious how you would go about finding accommodation to rent (presumably?) in a country you're not even in at the time. From my (limited admittedly) experience of renting it seems you have to jump through all sorts of hoops to secure the place or it's some kind of cash in hand job whee you don't exactly get what you think you're getting.
 
I've had one or two hiccups before but generally found it relatively easy. There were one or two options on Airbnb but they were a tad more expensive really. I joined Italian Facebook groups which helped find something decent I think. It's one month's deposit and payment upfront. Nothing especially flash but a double bed, desk for working, kitchen, bathroom and little balcony. I did find trouble with length of my stay though, 2-4 months is an awkward time frame for renting.
IMG_20200616_162944.jpg
 
Looks good, expensive?

I was watching something on TV the other day and they were in Florence (pre virus) and I was surprised at how quiet it looked
 
I'm a relatively novice cycler actually. Are there any spots, trails, areas or vineyards you'd recommend to cycle to in Tuscany? Going to try and make it a weekend hobby rather than reverting to my usual barfly tendencies.

There are so many routes depending on your ability and fitness levels and some amazing towns and villages to visit. The rolling hills south of the City are fabulous as you make your way towards Siena. Head to lmpruneta - you could either go up through La Panca to Passo de Sugame then down to Greve or through Chiocchio to Greve. In Panzano, you’ll be rewarded with a couple of great eateries. Panzano is about 35 kilometres from Florence

The road surfaces are wonderful in the Tuscan area. Radda and Vignamaggio are two other towns that should be on your must cycle to list. They are about 55 kilometres from Florence. Base yourself in Radda and cycle out to the Castello di Brolio via Badia di Coltibueno. Thats pure Chianti territory!


https://www.chianti.com/gaiole-in-chianti/castello-di-brolio.html
 
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I lived there for 4 years from 2010 BN, so happy to answer any questions. Can say that you'll defeintiely have a great time. Very envious now I'm back in London.

Beyond cycling tips, let me know what I can help with.... you jammy b****d!
 
There's a nice open air Lido near the football ground. We only stayed a few days, but it was that hot we needed a spot to cool down. We spent most of the day there and really enjoyed it.
 
Looks good, expensive?

I was watching something on TV the other day and they were in Florence (pre virus) and I was surprised at how quiet it looked

Surprisingly enough, Gene, it wasn't anywhere near as expensive as I imagined. There was tonnes of less attractive options for a lot more, if it's not kosher when I get there then I'll sort something else out. The fact that it was advertised within an Italian Facebook rental page reassures me a bit though.
 
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