@GreekGangster95 I agree. The lady at the beginning was harassing us for 5-10 minutes. Met quite a few travelers that got pickpocketed or scammed in Florence, which is sad since it is such a great town. Thanks for watching and commenting! Please subscribe if you haven't already.
Thank you very much. I had to delete about 3 minutes of the video with the lady in the beginning... It would be funny if it was not so annoying and uncomfortable. Thanks for watching and commenting!
I just visited Florence with my family. After coming from Lucca, (which is beautiful and quiet), Florence was OVERRUN with tourists, hordes and hordes. That being said, the Uffizi and climbing to the top of the Duomo was well worth it. Yes, there were beggars, but the police seemed to shoo them away.
the majority of my viewers are over 55, so I thought it best to let them know so they don't get in that line :) and its really hard to find hates for Florence (I could only think of 3 really (if you couldn't tell)) :)
no I do not want an elevator on the duomo. I am informing tourists that if they want the awesome view they will have to hike up to the top :) as the majority of my viewers are over 55 I thought it best for them to know not to get in the line to go up, and instead just head inside the church or better yet spend more time looking at the baptistery entryway. Put an elevator on a renaissance building, are you crazy? Honestly... think carlos :)
♥️♥️♥️ I’m not sure I could climb it now. So I’d be sure to “train” before my trip to be ready. And if I couldn’t get to the top, that’d be a pity. But a piece of art should NEVER be defaced just so all can see it. There is accessible art everywhere - especially in Florence.
Thank you! And you are right about the graffiti. It is a travesty. I will head out to the hills on my next visit to have a picnic and chill out with the family. Great tip! Hope to see you in Firenze! I owe you a vino!
I just got back yesterday and while I agree with your list, i must add some to your hates list, as we've witnessed in your video, Florence has a serious problem with beggars and people trying to sell you things, the sellers will back off if you tell them no but the beggars will not. I can safely say that there were no lines for attractions when i went, due to the time of year but trust me its warmer than here in the UK so i would recommend going this season. Second of all Florence is difficult to navigate at night and also expensive, however it is visually STUNNING and full of history. Love your videos mate. Take care.
If you're not satisfied with just the views from the top of the cupola and the bell tower, hike up to the Piazzale Michelangelo for even more breathtaking scenes of the city.
Love your videos! Love Florence! I was there in October 2018, the line up for the Duomo can be quite long, it is better to take a walk to Piazzale Michelangiolo and see Florence in all its splendor from there. Also something not to be missed are the Basilica of Santa Croce and Dante Museum.
Thanks. As always very informative. Nov. 1 thru Dec 15 2020 we will be in Florence. We have already put a deposit on an apartment and will be buying tour tickets and museum admissions next year. 2018, we spent 6 weeks in Barcelona. 2016, 3 months in Budapest. Yes, we have dealt first hand with pick pockets and local "con's" I have finally convinced the younger of my two sons to see Europe. He will greatly benefit from your advice and shared experience. Thank You
If you intend to visit 5 or more churches, museums and art galleries, it is probably best to get the 72-hour Firenze Card. Bookings are not required and you can just walk up to the express lane bypassing the long lines at the popular venues (exception is for the climb up the Duomo's cupola). Bear in mind, booking in advance at the Uffizi costs extra - this does not apply to the Firenze Card.
for eating I would recommend staying away from where you see tourists! Every place that's near anything the tourists can easily see is a no. It's a great city,try going in a few streets and you will find local food places where a plate is not 30 euros but rather 6 or 7, and it's probably gonna be more tasty (personal experience)
I was here in june 2012. I didn't mind the tourists, and I only saw a few gypsy beggars. Accomodation is no problem if you stay at a camping. The Duomo is a spectacular building. So much to see without having to stand in line and get charged.
Florence is probably one of my favorite cities in Europe. Not only because of everything it has to offer, but also because of th amount of beautiful places in Tuscany you can easily visit from Florence. Also, I was always facinated by the italian renaissance. The tourist places that usually have big lines are: Duomo, Galleria degli Uffizzi and Galleria dell'accademia. But many other places like: Basilica di Santa Maria Novella and Palazzo dei medici might not have those terrible lines. One additional point is, there are three ways of skiping lines: 1. Going there early in the morning (my least favorite) 2. Booking your ticket online (recommended) 3. Paying for a guided tour inside the museums. Il will be significantly more expensive, but this will give you not only the chance of skipping the line, but also to know and learn about everything you are watching. You are allowed to stay inside as long as you want after the guided tour finishes.
It would be a horrible loss to have been there and not learned as much as you could about the art in the museums. And, being given back the time you didn’t spend in line would pay for itself!
If it's your first time, definitely the Firenze Card is the way to go. All the crowded museums are covered and you get to skip. That said, if it's a trip where you won't go to the Marquee Museums, save your money. People are lining up for the Big Names.
One thing i found not so good about florence is public transport and you have to buy ticket in advance because ticket machines are not everywere. If you buy the ticket in bus you have to pay 2 euro single trip whereas orignal price is 1.20 euro
I think Italy is all beautiful, but Firenze is really one of the most beautiful cities in the world, not just in Italy! De Medici family did a great job in the Renaissance period helping this city to blossom, especially when it's about (any form of) art.
Florence was beautiful and Pisa is only one hour north. If you want to go to Pisa, buy a second class ticket at Santa Maria Novella. For 30 Euros round trip. second class.
***** in 2011 it was 35 euros second class round trip. Unless Trenitalia lowered the fare. But it is nice to know. the next time I return. I plan to visit Sienna
David Miraglia Well, if you paid that, yes!, it does "I paid those 16 Euros only one month ago". Now you can travel from Florence to Pisa with regional trains for only 8 Euros (for a single trip), and to Siena is only 10 Euros. Regional trains in Italy are really cheap compared to Germany (for example), however, the worst part of travelling by train in Italy, is that for most Inter-city and High-Speed train a sit reservation is required.
Got back after a week there on friday, beautiful place, ofcourse there are a lot of tourists and pickpockets but Nobody robbed me, ignored the beggars, great food and chilled out nightlife, found an amazing roof terrace bar looking over the Duomo, ended up getting very drunk because I did not want to leave the view and was necking whiskey for a few hours but even while being in that state nothing bad happened overall great place to go and I recommend everyone to go there
Italy SUKKED! The food was awful even at 5 star places. PURE SHIT! I cook 10 times better than any of them. Other than the artifacts the people are nasty miserable arrogant losers and I am embarrassed to have Italian ancestors. Never seen more apathy and outright thievery and bitterness! talk about fall of the Roman empire!
gwenn stills well most of the worlds important inventions come from here, we obviously know more than fat, stupid gun banging yanks whose biggest contribution to the world is the big mac, get the fuck out of here
nice video, we just visited in late November and didnt find the amount of tourists too bad at all and no lines to get in anywhere ! accommodation, sure book ahead, theres many helpful hotel booking sites with ratings to help ! As for beggars and people selling you junk, this is a problem no matter when you visit. The only downside of our visit. In our Italian trip, Florence was by far our favorite city. The Duomo is essential to walk up IF you are physically fit enough, it is NOT an easy climb at all. But if youre reasonably healthy you should be fine, and the view is breathtaking, i cant recommend it highly enough, the highlight of our trip. If you feel you wont make it up the Duomo a great alternative for views of the city is Piazzale Michelangelo, you can access it by bus or you can walk, its up hill but its much easier to climb that the Duomo !
My wife and I want to go to the Biennale Europea d' Arte Fabbrile in stia this comming Sep. 5-8 with at least two days spent in Firenze. It is a late 10 anv for us and art education for business. We need the most economical way to get their and would like to know the mom and pop places to eat in stia and Frienze. Do you have videos on my questions or any insites. Thanks For all your teaching I cant wate to start befriending blacksmiths oilpainters and cooks through out the World.
no, December is pretty much fine with the lines, though right at Christmas time it can be a bit hectic but only right at Christmas as then the school kids have break
You should add the public transport Mark. Within 5 min of arriving an inspector watched us validate bus tickets in the wrong machine and then fined us €50 each and left without even saying where to pay it. Benvenuto!
You know that I remember now that we have our own David and Pietà in Bariloche, at the Cerro Otto center. They are reproductions in real size, and, yes, we were astonished. I can´t imagine what would it be to see the originals in Firenze and Roma.... And about the beggars, here we have them too, but they go away instantly if you say "no". It gave me a little bit of concern about this lady harassing you when filming. But, as you showed on your other video, better take precautions...
No one pickpocketed us, but that lady that was harassing us at the beginning of the video was following us for awhile and other people like her were rather annoying nad harassing but my wife can be forceful too so that kept them away. but overall you will be fine, just be smart
thanks! and you will have a great time. it is fantastic there, but get your Uffizi museum tickets online before you head out so you don't have to wait in line so long
The migrant problem is ten times worse now. They loiter in the squares, follow you and either try and sell you tat or just hassle you for money. It's a real irritation.
How DARE they be starving and homeless, chased from their own homes by drought, flooding and - appropriately, in light of these comments - the endless greed of man?!? HOW can we enjoy the bounty of our good fortune when constantly forced to *look at* those who have nothing?!? Tip: maybe don’t tour a church while you’re composing about your bad fortune. 🤨😖
@@kriskantu, what a filthy thing for someone to travel internationally, stay in hotels and eat all his meals cooked by others in restaurants to say. You sound American. Sadly, I hear that talk everywhere here.
@@moremerry57 Virtue signalling much?! Why don't you open your house to accommodate these dregs if you like them so much. They will happily leech off you.
I somehow hate Italy. I was in Venice and it was beautiful but boring and Milano... Oh man that was like the worst trip ever. It's full of gypsyes and everything and it's so damn hot (i am more rainy mood man). Vienna and paris were the best for me. And Strasbourg is beautiful too.
you should come to Serbia :D we have buetifoul places like Belgrade (capital) personaly favorite city in world couse of architecture... then Subotica and Novi Sad... we of course cant be better than some european countryes where is all gothick architecture but we still have good architecture i dont need to talk about eat...the best in the world :P by the way if u go in Belgrade dont be scared if u after 5 minute feel like to home couse belgrade has some special efect idk why but all 3 times i go in belgrade after 5 minute in car i feel like to home :P if u wannt nature...national park Tara is best!! and Zlatibor!!! i mean Zlatibor for Skiing and Tara for summer...in Tara u have buetifoul lakes to swim :D but sometimes they are cold lol 😂 we in Serbia have best spas in world to go and relax...but if u have some problem better go in germoney :P žagubica lake is for me most buetifoul lake in world!! maybe lake maybe some kind of river idk but still worth to come!! in Bosnia you have one buetifoul Serbian city named trebinje!! its little old town! about 1400 years old! thats not it but i am bored of writting so i cant lol 😂 oh yes trebinje is wery close to dubrovnik!! its accualy behing one montain you can see from dubrovnik! greetings 😁 hope you will visit us sometimes!! oh i forgot whatch out for roads and ride cerefouly 😂😂 we have little problem with economy so roads are littttlllleee uh...
It’s bizarre how. I one comments on the fact that the crowds “miraculously” appear when the schools are out. I’m shocked that not one poster has mentioned the “coincidence.”
I was just in Florence. The big problem for me as an American was that there was absolutely no public space to sit down...without incurring a 5 euro table fee. This is a general problem in Italy but absolutely worst in Florence. Then too, the amount of fake goods produced by shysters was beyond incredible. I know you, Wolter, don't make it a practice to buy stuff. But really it was a world of fake leather and tchochkes. So, if you go to Florence, just ignore and enjoy the city. Finally, there are crazy amounts of people in the museums. I'm an academic who spends a lot of time behind the scenes in museums. The amount of people obstructing views as they take selfies, or simply take pictures of signs, plaques or artwork is annoying. That said, it's a cute city--I'm just pointing out the annoyances.
I’m shocked you find a scarcity of free places to sit surprising. As an American, one would think you’d be used to the idea. I suspect that you do not wander out American cities for very long at any time: we make them rather aggressively unfriendly to those who want to take a minute - or an hour. Your complaint about the quality of the tchotchkes was also rather embarrassing, as Americans are no longer known for their quality exports.
Nonsense: 1) Tourists are in touristic cities, and Florence is one of the most amazing city in the world 2) To avoid the lines at Uffizi and Gallerie dell'Accademia it's simple: just book your entrance and 3) don't you like walking up to the Duomo's dome to see the beautiful Vasari's frescos and the city from above?.. well... you can stay at home!
Because we will be useing our experance in our oilpaintings my blacksmithing and my wifes dresses. Is the trip a tax write off? at the very least are parts of the trip write offs? I would hate to be your CPA so anything you know is more then we do.
I am sorry for the sharp comment. It makes way mote sense if most of your viewers are.over 55. But we dont havr a way yo know that beforr hand. I sincerely reacted like that because that comment of yours is one of reason why people abroad hate how we americams behave when visiting and what we expect to see and what people can do.for us. On the othrr hand, it is.embarrassing, but i havr seen how.beatiful monuments.and landmarks have been ruined to accomoodate visitots. Thank you and good luck
he wants an original Renaissance building with an attached elevator! like if they didn't spend enough money in Restoration, and ultimately...break with the building harmony and essence.
While the point about the beggars is true, the rest of this video is only helpful if you want a lazy American's point of view. If you want truly helpful info stick to Frommer's or Rick Steves. P.S. No tourist should EVER carry a wallet in their pocket in Florence#
Is kicking the beggars permitted in Florence? It is in Rome.It really discourages them and it can be great fun too. And our kids really enjoy it. Once we were by the Vesta temple and a particularly obnoxious family of beggars was pestering us and the other tourists as well. It was a Mom, Dad, and a girl about 10 or 11. I kicked the Dad in the groin and then in the face when he bent over. When he fell to the ground the Mom tried to come to his aid but my wife and I tripped her and kicked the hell out of her when she was down. My kids took our lead and while my son held their daughter down, my daughter practiced her soccer kicks using the filthy little beggar's head for the ball. We then taunted them by yelling USA! USA! And then we retired to a restaurant and celebrated over Florentine steaks and left the filthy ones on the ground, all bleeding....Just kidding-bet you wanted to kill me, huh? Did tears come to your eyes as you read this? If 'yes' to either question, good for you!
I had a shocked boiling anger inside of me. I was prepared to tear you apart by telling you that you were a horrible sadistic racist. Glad to know you were kidding :)
Oh god, haven't laughed this hard in a while :D Oh how I wish you were allowed to kick beggars! Not to the extent that you described, but just a kick to the leg or butt to shoo them away.
Only go there IF you like renaissance art art in general or if you like Michaelangeos works or if you're religious. Otherwise don't bother with Florence it'll have no appeal to you.
@tano micio: I never would call this annoying beggars and touts "Romani", as it would be insult to the Romani people. So, you have to think if not your comment was a little bit racist.
This is the most overrated over hyped city in Italy in Tuscany and in Europe do not go here if the big 3 and only reasons why you should ever step foot into Florence don't apply to you don't go here are the big 3 and only reasons why you should go 1. If you are into Renassiance art or art of any kind 2. If you are into Michaelangeos works 3. If you are religious If those reasons don't apply to you than don't go to Florence it will bore you go to Pisa instead it is essentially underrated considering its history and the Leaning Tower of Pisa
😂😂😂 Are there people unaffected by the art of the Renaissance? IF there are those not moved by Michelangelo’s genius, they SHOULD go to Florence so they can become enlightened. Another reason one goes there is convenience of transportation. It is a hub for Tuscany and the marvelous cities all through it. How sad to be so jaded and snobbish you’d actually divert people from Florence. … On the other hand, maybe you, like myself, adore it and are just endeavoring to stem the crowds. 😉😄
Thank you for sharing. I’ve been on the fence about stopping there. Glad someone has been completely honest. I answered no to those questions. Thank you again 🌸
Only go there IF you like renaissance art art in general or if you like Michaelangeos works or if you're religious. Otherwise don't bother with Florence it'll have no appeal to you.
@GreekGangster95 I agree. The lady at the beginning was harassing us for 5-10 minutes. Met quite a few travelers that got pickpocketed or scammed in Florence, which is sad since it is such a great town. Thanks for watching and commenting! Please subscribe if you haven't already.
Thank you very much. I had to delete about 3 minutes of the video with the lady in the beginning... It would be funny if it was not so annoying and uncomfortable. Thanks for watching and commenting!
If Florence were a person, it would be a wise old man in a small cottage with a big bookcase and lots of nice paintings.
+GreatJoFo I always imagine it as an old woman. (firenze is female)
you just described me
I see Florence as a dark haired woman with tanned skin, a white shirt, classic leather shoes and purse and all the things you mentioned before.
You all forgot that the food, here as in all of Italy, is marvelous!
Italy is a woman offering you magnificent food.
The lady heckling y’all in the beginning 🤣💀 great video! 👌🏼
I just visited Florence with my family. After coming from Lucca, (which is beautiful and quiet), Florence was OVERRUN with tourists, hordes and hordes. That being said, the Uffizi and climbing to the top of the Duomo was well worth it. Yes, there were beggars, but the police seemed to shoo them away.
FamilyManDave there are also a lot of American students there
the majority of my viewers are over 55, so I thought it best to let them know so they don't get in that line :) and its really hard to find hates for Florence (I could only think of 3 really (if you couldn't tell)) :)
its just awesome. it still gets me every time
no I do not want an elevator on the duomo. I am informing tourists that if they want the awesome view they will have to hike up to the top :)
as the majority of my viewers are over 55 I thought it best for them to know not to get in the line to go up, and instead just head inside the church or better yet spend more time looking at the baptistery entryway.
Put an elevator on a renaissance building, are you crazy? Honestly... think carlos :)
♥️♥️♥️
I’m not sure I could climb it now. So I’d be sure to “train” before my trip to be ready.
And if I couldn’t get to the top, that’d be a pity.
But a piece of art should NEVER be defaced just so all can see it. There is accessible art everywhere - especially in Florence.
Thank you! And you are right about the graffiti. It is a travesty. I will head out to the hills on my next visit to have a picnic and chill out with the family. Great tip! Hope to see you in Firenze! I owe you a vino!
I just got back yesterday and while I agree with your list, i must add some to your hates list, as we've witnessed in your video, Florence has a serious problem with beggars and people trying to sell you things, the sellers will back off if you tell them no but the beggars will not. I can safely say that there were no lines for attractions when i went, due to the time of year but trust me its warmer than here in the UK so i would recommend going this season. Second of all Florence is difficult to navigate at night and also expensive, however it is visually STUNNING and full of history. Love your videos mate. Take care.
Frank Boucherwitz thanks Frank!
Frank Boucherwitz that is true
I was there in 2008 and at that time I had zero issues. Spent many months and I had no issue with anything he mentioned. Florence is one of a kind.
If you're not satisfied with just the views from the top of the cupola and the bell tower, hike up to the Piazzale Michelangelo for even more breathtaking scenes of the city.
My favorite city in the world!
Love your videos!
Love Florence!
I was there in October 2018, the line up for the Duomo can be quite long, it is better to take a walk to Piazzale Michelangiolo and see Florence in all its splendor from there.
Also something not to be missed are the Basilica of Santa Croce and Dante Museum.
Thank you!!!!! Awesome! I love Italy and all over Europe! Been there many times. could not love it any more than I do now! Thank you Wolter!
good point
I'm lucky I saw all this in 1982 before the internet maxed out all the access. I never had to wait
I've never stood in line for the Duomo although I've visited it several times. Make sure to arrive early and not in high season, of course ;)
Completely accurate. There’s also some things to add like cars trying to run you over.
WENT IN 1981. GLAD I DID IT.
I enjoy your travel videos. Your personality and humour make it fun to watch. :)
p.s the right spelling (at 3:44) should be 'Renaissance'. ;)
Danke schoen fuer das schoene kommentar. wir haben diese video am ende Juni gefilmt.
mfg!
Informative!! Keep it up. :)
Thanks. As always very informative. Nov. 1 thru Dec 15 2020 we will be in Florence. We have already put a deposit on an apartment and will be buying tour tickets and museum admissions next year. 2018, we spent 6 weeks in Barcelona. 2016, 3 months in Budapest. Yes, we have dealt first hand with pick pockets and local "con's" I have finally convinced the younger of my two sons to see Europe. He will greatly benefit from your advice and shared experience. Thank You
If you intend to visit 5 or more churches, museums and art galleries, it is probably best to get the 72-hour Firenze Card.
Bookings are not required and you can just walk up to the express lane bypassing the long lines at the popular venues (exception is for the climb up the Duomo's cupola). Bear in mind, booking in advance at the Uffizi costs extra - this does not apply to the Firenze Card.
for eating I would recommend staying away from where you see tourists! Every place that's near anything the tourists can easily see is a no. It's a great city,try going in a few streets and you will find local food places where a plate is not 30 euros but rather 6 or 7, and it's probably gonna be more tasty (personal experience)
I was here in june 2012. I didn't mind the tourists, and I only saw a few gypsy beggars.
Accomodation is no problem if you stay at a camping. The Duomo is a spectacular building. So much to see without having to stand in line and get charged.
Florence is probably one of my favorite cities in Europe. Not only because of everything it has to offer, but also because of th amount of beautiful places in Tuscany you can easily visit from Florence. Also, I was always facinated by the italian renaissance.
The tourist places that usually have big lines are: Duomo, Galleria degli Uffizzi and Galleria dell'accademia.
But many other places like: Basilica di Santa Maria Novella and Palazzo dei medici might not have those terrible lines.
One additional point is, there are three ways of skiping lines:
1. Going there early in the morning (my least favorite)
2. Booking your ticket online (recommended)
3. Paying for a guided tour inside the museums. Il will be significantly more expensive, but this will give you not only the chance of skipping the line, but also to know and learn about everything you are watching. You are allowed to stay inside as long as you want after the guided tour finishes.
It would be a horrible loss to have been there and not learned as much as you could about the art in the museums.
And, being given back the time you didn’t spend in line would pay for itself!
we Loved Florence nice memories
I was in Firenze couple of times Nov/Dec last time in 2003 no crowds then same for Venice
I recommend the Firenze card. Trumps all lines :)
If it's your first time, definitely the Firenze Card is the way to go. All the crowded museums are covered and you get to skip. That said, if it's a trip where you won't go to the Marquee Museums, save your money. People are lining up for the Big Names.
I really love your videos. Very helpful thank you :)
One thing i found not so good about florence is public transport and you have to buy ticket in advance because ticket machines are not everywere.
If you buy the ticket in bus you have to pay 2 euro single trip whereas orignal price is 1.20 euro
I think Italy is all beautiful, but Firenze is really one of the most beautiful cities in the world, not just in Italy! De Medici family did a great job in the Renaissance period helping this city to blossom, especially when it's about (any form of) art.
the Medici rebuilt the world
@ummiehummie Cool. How were your legs afterwards?
Florence was beautiful and Pisa is only one hour north. If you want to go to Pisa, buy a second class ticket at Santa Maria Novella. For 30 Euros round trip. second class.
David Miraglia I paid 16 Euros from Santa Maria Novella to Pisa Centrale "Outward and Return", and 20 to Siena.
***** in 2011 it was 35 euros second class round trip. Unless Trenitalia lowered the fare. But it is nice to know. the next time I return. I plan to visit Sienna
David Miraglia Well, if you paid that, yes!, it does "I paid those 16 Euros only one month ago". Now you can travel from Florence to Pisa with regional trains for only 8 Euros (for a single trip), and to Siena is only 10 Euros. Regional trains in Italy are really cheap compared to Germany (for example), however, the worst part of travelling by train in Italy, is that for most Inter-city and High-Speed train a sit reservation is required.
I was in Florence a few months ago and that same gypsy was pestering me at the Duomo and in front of Dante's house.
Well, it IS her neighborhood. 😉
Got back after a week there on friday, beautiful place, ofcourse there are a lot of tourists and pickpockets but Nobody robbed me, ignored the beggars, great food and chilled out nightlife, found an amazing roof terrace bar looking over the Duomo, ended up getting very drunk because I did not want to leave the view and was necking whiskey for a few hours but even while being in that state nothing bad happened
overall great place to go and I recommend everyone to go there
hated the handbag sellers and beggars ruining that gorgeous city!
gwenn stills Ignore them
Italy SUKKED! The food was awful even at 5 star places. PURE SHIT! I cook 10 times better than any of them. Other than the artifacts the people are nasty miserable arrogant losers and I am embarrassed to have Italian ancestors. Never seen more apathy and outright thievery and bitterness! talk about fall of the Roman empire!
what do oppressed toothless drunken brits know...NUTHING ur country is SHIT!
gwenn stills well most of the worlds important inventions come from here, we obviously know more than fat, stupid gun banging yanks whose biggest contribution to the world is the big mac, get the fuck out of here
nice video, we just visited in late November and didnt find the amount of tourists too bad at all and no lines to get in anywhere !
accommodation, sure book ahead, theres many helpful hotel booking sites with ratings to help !
As for beggars and people selling you junk, this is a problem no matter when you visit. The only downside of our visit.
In our Italian trip, Florence was by far our favorite city.
The Duomo is essential to walk up IF you are physically fit enough, it is NOT an easy climb at all. But if youre reasonably healthy you should be fine, and the view is breathtaking, i cant recommend it highly enough, the highlight of our trip. If you feel you wont make it up the Duomo a great alternative for views of the city is Piazzale Michelangelo, you can access it by bus or you can walk, its up hill but its much easier to climb that the Duomo !
I go in october i cant wait
Wolter, Florence 11 years ago?! 😲Did you ever go back? Would you recommend it today? Grazie molto😊
My wife and I want to go to the Biennale Europea d' Arte Fabbrile in stia this comming Sep. 5-8 with at least two days spent in Firenze. It is a late 10 anv for us and art education for business. We need the most economical way to get their and would like to know the mom and pop places to eat in stia and Frienze. Do you have videos on my questions or any insites. Thanks For all your teaching I cant wate to start befriending blacksmiths oilpainters and cooks through out the World.
I bet you had THE BEST time.
“Mom and Pops” were the only places we ate, and we ate like very savvy Queens!
Nice video ,but a big disadvantage is the thiefs,sounds a bit dangerous...
I know... well the hair is taking care of itself ;) unfortunately and I am trying to cut out the OKs too... baby steps you know ;)
what about the beggers and pickpockets?
Sehr hübsche Stadt 💐👌
2:11
When I were in Florence I was really terrified, the atmosphere was very tense.
Are the lines in these kinds of places long in december as well? I am going on a road euro trip and will be visitng the famous cites at that time
no, December is pretty much fine with the lines, though right at Christmas time it can be a bit hectic but only right at Christmas as then the school kids have break
went in May. No tourist hordes or accommodation issues
You should add the public transport Mark.
Within 5 min of arriving an inspector watched us validate bus tickets in the wrong machine and then fined us €50 each and left without even saying where to pay it. Benvenuto!
nice
You know that I remember now that we have our own David and Pietà in Bariloche, at the Cerro Otto center. They are reproductions in real size, and, yes, we were astonished. I can´t imagine what would it be to see the originals in Firenze and Roma....
And about the beggars, here we have them too, but they go away instantly if you say "no". It gave me a little bit of concern about this lady harassing you when filming. But, as you showed on your other video, better take precautions...
The best time to visit Florence is night. Which means after midnight. Seriously. A totally different experience. Source: I'm a local.
your children are so lucky
the woman at the beginning isn t an Italian woman.... let s say this... ;)
+Roberto Bellone you sure she's a woman, mate?? lol :D
LucaKiss70
ahahahah.... no... I m not sure :D :D :D
Thanks for letting us know that the first thing is that you are racist fucks
Roma Gypo
Ruben Diaz blacks aren't italian
Agh another video with a misspelled caption. RENAISSANCE. Figure it out dude
What about the food?
Verty helpful video. I am visiting Florence in January. I will be very weary of the pickpockets. Did anyone pickpoket you?
No one pickpocketed us, but that lady that was harassing us at the beginning of the video was following us for awhile and other people like her were rather annoying nad harassing but my wife can be forceful too so that kept them away. but overall you will be fine, just be smart
Great thanks for that. I will let you know how my trip goes. Keep making the videos, they rock.
thanks! and you will have a great time. it is fantastic there, but get your Uffizi museum tickets online before you head out so you don't have to wait in line so long
Tell me about it, I'm here now!!! The most beautiful city in the world but my god the touts, the rude people and the beggars
Now i understand why the old ladys were following Ezio Auditore every time they see him lmao
The migrant problem is ten times worse now. They loiter in the squares, follow you and either try and sell you tat or just hassle you for money. It's a real irritation.
Yep, tragic situation. As the demographics change, who is going to restore, maintain and protect all the art and statuary...
How DARE they be starving and homeless, chased from their own homes by drought, flooding and - appropriately, in light of these comments - the endless greed of man?!?
HOW can we enjoy the bounty of our good fortune when constantly forced to *look at* those who have nothing?!?
Tip: maybe don’t tour a church while you’re composing about your bad fortune. 🤨😖
And that lady is still there, I just left Florence
Haha...at least you know that these dregs are still well and alive leeching off the kindness of fools that gives them money.
@@kriskantu, what a filthy thing for someone to travel internationally, stay in hotels and eat all his meals cooked by others in restaurants to say.
You sound American. Sadly, I hear that talk everywhere here.
@@moremerry57 Virtue signalling much?! Why don't you open your house to accommodate these dregs if you like them so much. They will happily leech off you.
I somehow hate Italy. I was in Venice and it was beautiful but boring and Milano... Oh man that was like the worst trip ever. It's full of gypsyes and everything and it's so damn hot (i am more rainy mood man). Vienna and paris were the best for me. And Strasbourg is beautiful too.
Gee, thanks for sharing. 😳🙄
Firenze not florence
you should come to Serbia :D we have buetifoul places like Belgrade (capital) personaly favorite city in world couse of architecture... then Subotica and Novi Sad...
we of course cant be better than some european countryes where is all gothick architecture but we still have good architecture
i dont need to talk about eat...the best in the world :P
by the way if u go in Belgrade dont be scared if u after 5 minute feel like to home couse belgrade has some special efect idk why but all 3 times i go in belgrade after 5 minute in car i feel like to home :P
if u wannt nature...national park Tara is best!! and Zlatibor!!!
i mean Zlatibor for Skiing and Tara for summer...in Tara u have buetifoul lakes to swim :D but sometimes they are cold lol 😂
we in Serbia have best spas in world to go and relax...but if u have some problem better go in germoney :P
žagubica lake is for me most buetifoul lake in world!!
maybe lake maybe some kind of river idk but still worth to come!!
in Bosnia you have one buetifoul Serbian city named trebinje!! its little old town! about 1400 years old!
thats not it but i am bored of writting so i cant lol 😂
oh yes trebinje is wery close to dubrovnik!! its accualy behing one montain you can see from dubrovnik!
greetings 😁 hope you will visit us sometimes!!
oh i forgot whatch out for roads and ride cerefouly 😂😂 we have little problem with economy so roads are littttlllleee uh...
You’ve sold me!
#6 Fiorentina games
Disagree. I was in Florence in Jan. no lines, easy to eat out, hostel only booked a week in advance and was only 20 euros and super nice and central.
It’s bizarre how. I one comments on the fact that the crowds “miraculously” appear when the schools are out.
I’m shocked that not one poster has mentioned the “coincidence.”
RENASENCE! yes spelling!!!!
Too much face time. Show scenery while you talk.
Why would you hate walking up all the steps? They had to do it in ancient times, people are just too fat and lazy now! :)
I agree w/you.
… but I wonder if at least a few didn’t hate it too. 😉😜
So.. Gucci, Armani are not cheaper in Italy
😜😆😂🤪
As American designers are cheaper in New York, and French designers are cut rate in Paris?!?
What a bizarre assumption.
I was just in Florence. The big problem for me as an American was that there was absolutely no public space to sit down...without incurring a 5 euro table fee. This is a general problem in Italy but absolutely worst in Florence. Then too, the amount of fake goods produced by shysters was beyond incredible. I know you, Wolter, don't make it a practice to buy stuff. But really it was a world of fake leather and tchochkes. So, if you go to Florence, just ignore and enjoy the city. Finally, there are crazy amounts of people in the museums. I'm an academic who spends a lot of time behind the scenes in museums. The amount of people obstructing views as they take selfies, or simply take pictures of signs, plaques or artwork is annoying. That said, it's a cute city--I'm just pointing out the annoyances.
I’m shocked you find a scarcity of free places to sit surprising. As an American, one would think you’d be used to the idea. I suspect that you do not wander out American cities for very long at any time: we make them rather aggressively unfriendly to those who want to take a minute - or an hour.
Your complaint about the quality of the tchotchkes was also rather embarrassing, as Americans are no longer known for their quality exports.
Nonsense: 1) Tourists are in touristic cities, and Florence is one of the most amazing city in the world 2) To avoid the lines at Uffizi and Gallerie dell'Accademia it's simple: just book your entrance and 3) don't you like walking up to the Duomo's dome to see the beautiful Vasari's frescos and the city from above?.. well... you can stay at home!
Thank you!
Wait, aren't you a tourist, as well?
Because we will be useing our experance in our oilpaintings my blacksmithing and my wifes dresses. Is the trip a tax write off? at the very least are parts of the trip write offs? I would hate to be your CPA so anything you know is more then we do.
I am sorry for the sharp comment. It makes way mote sense if most of your viewers are.over 55. But we dont havr a way yo know that beforr hand. I sincerely reacted like that because that comment of yours is one of reason why people abroad hate how we americams behave when visiting and what we expect to see and what people can do.for us. On the othrr hand, it is.embarrassing, but i havr seen how.beatiful monuments.and landmarks have been ruined to accomoodate visitots. Thank you and good luck
I notice the beggar is not from Italy as she is speaking a language that is Not Italian. Don't like to be panhandled anywhere.
he wants an original Renaissance building with an attached elevator! like if they didn't spend enough money in Restoration, and ultimately...break with the building harmony and essence.
While the point about the beggars is true, the rest of this video is only helpful if you want a lazy American's point of view. If you want truly helpful info stick to Frommer's or Rick Steves. P.S. No tourist should EVER carry a wallet in their pocket in Florence#
Is kicking the beggars permitted in Florence? It is in Rome.It really discourages them and it can be great fun too. And our kids really enjoy it. Once we were by the Vesta temple and a particularly obnoxious family of beggars was pestering us and the other tourists as well. It was a Mom, Dad, and a girl about 10 or 11. I kicked the Dad in the groin and then in the face when he bent over. When he fell to the ground the Mom tried to come to his aid but my wife and I tripped her and kicked the hell out of her when she was down. My kids took our lead and while my son held their daughter down, my daughter practiced her soccer kicks using the filthy little beggar's head for the ball. We then taunted them by yelling USA! USA! And then we retired to a restaurant and celebrated over Florentine steaks and left the filthy ones on the ground, all bleeding....Just kidding-bet you wanted to kill me, huh? Did tears come to your eyes as you read this? If 'yes' to either question, good for you!
lol
Omg you legitimately had me going!
Unoriginal Username Thanks! What did you think? How did it make you feel?
I had a shocked boiling anger inside of me. I was prepared to tear you apart by telling you that you were a horrible sadistic racist. Glad to know you were kidding :)
Oh god, haven't laughed this hard in a while :D
Oh how I wish you were allowed to kick beggars! Not to the extent that you described, but just a kick to the leg or butt to shoo them away.
i actually know someone who said Florence is not so very italian place :)
We all know a few kooks! 🤪😉
They make life interesting, but we don’t follow their directions!
I think it's hilarious when tourist complain about tourist...WTF!! lol
Stai a casa tua!!!!
😄♥️
I can’t blame you.
But, if I can, I’ll be back. (I don’t hate anything about Florence. And I’ll not make a pest of myself like do many “visitors.”
Only go there IF you like renaissance art art in general or if you like Michaelangeos works or if you're religious. Otherwise don't bother with Florence it'll have no appeal to you.
The whole planet is over rated really, give it a miss
Your videos are great but pleeeease stop touching your hair and saying "ok?"!
Could you please try not to be racist? "Gypsy" isnt exactly a nice word. The correct term is Romani. They're an ethnic group. Don't be racist.
Your comment is 100% racist
Giacomo Cappi Please explain?
Do you tell that to the Gypsy Kings?
@tano micio:
I never would call this annoying beggars and touts "Romani", as it would be insult to the Romani people. So, you have to think if not your comment was a little bit racist.
It is not THE correct term. It's your term.
This is the most overrated over hyped city in Italy in Tuscany and in Europe do not go here if the big 3 and only reasons why you should ever step foot into Florence don't apply to you don't go here are the big 3 and only reasons why you should go
1. If you are into Renassiance art or art of any kind
2. If you are into Michaelangeos works
3. If you are religious
If those reasons don't apply to you than don't go to Florence it will bore you go to Pisa instead it is essentially underrated considering its history and the Leaning Tower of Pisa
😂😂😂
Are there people unaffected by the art of the Renaissance?
IF there are those not moved by Michelangelo’s genius, they SHOULD go to Florence so they can become enlightened.
Another reason one goes there is convenience of transportation. It is a hub for Tuscany and the marvelous cities all through it.
How sad to be so jaded and snobbish you’d actually divert people from Florence.
…
On the other hand, maybe you, like myself, adore it and are just endeavoring to stem the crowds. 😉😄
Thank you for sharing. I’ve been on the fence about stopping there. Glad someone has been completely honest. I answered no to those questions. Thank you again 🌸
Widen your vocabulary......."and all that kind of stuff"......."and all that kinda great stuff" just annoying.
You know he is a professor. He has a wide vocabulary. He doesn't need to be pretentious and display it.
Only go there IF you like renaissance art art in general or if you like Michaelangeos works or if you're religious. Otherwise don't bother with Florence it'll have no appeal to you.
What IS IT w/you?!?