Questions on Florence?

Question

We are visiting Florence at the end of next month. I have been working very hard on my Italian! However, I know most European countries believe American tourists to be very rude. I have to say - not the case for all of us! My husband and I respect/appreciate and are polite to the people/places we visit. Hence my dilemma. I have been hearing from folks that some of the restaurants they go to - the menus do not have prices listed on them and succumb to sticker shock when the check arrives. How do we overcome this? We want to enjoy the wonderful cuisine but we are visiting 6 cities while in Europe and the dollar is very weak to the Euro and naturally do not want to break our budget on a meal. We are staying at the UNAWAY Hotel Firenze Nord. Anyone familiar with the area recommend a nice place nearby to dine?

Also, I have heard bits of pieces of info on shopping near the Duomo - what can anyone tell me abou that?

Answer 1

In this case...you will want to ask your hotel on local places to eat and shop. They are usually very helpful and informative. Plus...Italian's don't have too much of a problem with Americans...its the French that don't like us, lol. Man they were rude. Feel free to ask strangers too if you dare use your italian with locals, but usually they are excited to help.

But my only warning for Italy is this: Gypsies are real, and will pick-pocket you if you give them the chance. Being a tourist only makes you a target...so keep you money somewhere inside your clothing. My father had to actually pull one guy's hand out of his pocket!

And the Duomo is a must see...a marvel in architecture.

Have fun!

Answer 2

I just got back from Italy.  I was in Florence for 3 nights, it was a very pleasant trip. We stayed at Hotel Basilea, just 7 minutes away from the Santa Maria Novella railway station. Walking distance to the Duomo, to the museum where the David is, and near to a lot of piazzas.  The food was good, and the menus had prices on it. If you drink bear, ask for the bear from Italy instead of the importer one.  the importer one is very small is about $5. or $6. euros. whit the one from Italy is twice a big and the same price.  

There are many good places to eat. just about any where.  One of the times we ate at one of the piazzas, another time we ate in front of the Open Market piazza.  Sorry I am not sure where the Uniway Hotel is.

We went to Rome, Venice, Naples, Milan and the Amalfi Coast.

I personally do not recommend Naples. unless you are going just for the day ina tour to Pompeii.  The city is all run down. a lot (and I mean a lot) of graffiti everywhere. very dangerous also.

We had a great trip for 20 days, the people at the hotels were great, helpful, and courteous.  We had to leave at 6:30a.m. one morning, and they put out the breakfast for us as early as 6:00.  And I would go again and stayed at the same places again.

Answer 3

We enjoyed the little out-of-the-way restaurants is Florence and I don't recall them being too expensive, though the dollar was stronger against the Euro then.  Just enjoy!  You are going to Italia.  Cut back on something after you get home!  (Don't miss "David"!)

Answer 4

Definitely don't eat at a place that doesn't have a menu where you can see the prices, unless it is Il Latini. I was just researching restaurants today for a website I am working on - there is a lot of stuff out there on the web, unfortunately a lot of it is the same and a lot is outdated. That being said, I left some links below - mostly focusing on the Santa Croce area.

A couple of favorites where you won't break the bank:

Il Giova for dinner - near the Mercato Sant'Ambrogio http://www.florence-journal.com/florence...

Boccadama for lunch - Piazza Santa Croce

Answer 5

Most places here not only have prices on the menu, but have the menus posted outside or just inside where you can see the choices and costs. If you don't see prices, you can ask or just avoid the place - there are lots of choices. Generally places right in the tourist areas are more expensive.

One thing you should be aware of is things priced per etto or per etti on the menu. That's more or less equivalent to an American menu saying "market price", but at least a little more exact. What that is telling you is that the price is for 100 grams (approximately 3 oz). That will also be based on the pre-trimed and pre-cooked weight. You see this most often with fish like branzino (sea bass). They will present you with a beautiful, large whole fish for your approval. It will be good, but can be very expensive. You can always ask for a smaller fish or just avoid things that you don't know the exact price for. I've seen that more in Venice than Florence though.

While you're there try the Ribollita and the Cinghiale - and cantucci with vin santo after the meal.

There's a lot of shopping in the area around the Duomo. The department store Coin is just down the street. Is there something specific you're looking for? I pretty much pick up books when I go to Florence and shop in the town where I live or in Verona, Bologna or Milan.

Answer 6

I went earlier this year to Florence, I never saw a menu without the price.  Lots of the trattoria's have deals for starter and main course ,sometimes with a drink for around 10 euros.  The best place we ever ate in florence though, was in one of the side alleyways on our way to the Ponte Vechio , it had 20 different roll sandwich fillings to choose from and a glass of wine for 3 euros.  It was in both Italian and English and the man who was working there was very friendly.  There was only Italian eating there and it was great experience.  It was just a shutter pulled up and a little working area, so everyone stands on the little street to eat and there was a little rack to set your wine on while you ate the most delicious sandwich.  

The shopping area by the duomo is all street vender's, with lots of leather goods, but also clothing, shoes and other little things.  It is a fun area.

Answer 7

Where did you hear that most European countries believe American tourists to be rude? I've heard Americans say that but I haven't experienced that. What I've seen is that Americans are less likely to steal drinks on planes, let their kids run wild and screaming at the airports and on on the trains, pinch girl's butts or use filthy language.

I've never seen a menu, certainly not in Italy, that didn't have the prices on it. Maybe La Tour d'Argent in Paris, but I knew how much that was going to be. Obviously the answer is to ask how much it will be.

I can see though where menus without prices could result in rude American tourists and why I've never encountered either.

The folks Il Porcospino (Porcupine) speak good English and they love to have American guests. They are one restaurant that is eager to have return customers. They are located just west of The Basilica San Lorenzo and the food is quite reasonably priced.

There are a number of nice restaurants on the other side (south) of Point Vechio. I ate the Di Bardi. It was more upscale and pricey, had a great view and was excellent. You can navigate to their menu (and prices) on the link below.

In 2002 there was a store in the piazza outside Santa Cruce. My wife loved it because the propietor looked like George Clooney. She bought a full-length leather coat for cheap and I bought some black patent leather shoes for my tux for 20 euros - these are good shoes that I still wear. However, this April I could not find that store or anyplace in Florence that had those kind of deals. There's lots of shopping, but you might need a guide to find great value.

Answer 8

what have you heard is not true..It is 50 years that in my town prices of restaurant are shown out and inside on list..in every languages (chinese-japan included)..Now is also a law of CEE in every Europeans  Country  (from 2000)..There are also special launch for tourist..There are many fast-foods..we are plenty also of Mac.Donald. In Florence you may eat with 1 $ untill 200 $..The only one stupid rule is that you seat a table..We use to add 10% for service.

But it is written on menù..If you want save money go in Supermarket there are many dishes hot just prepared..(also small portions for single)..

By..by Francis- Florence town -Italy