Florence, Italy – a Digital Nomad’s guide7 min read

Florence, Italy – a Digital Nomad’s guide7 min read

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Florence is not just a touristic spot. Not only the cradle of culture or one of the most important art cities. It is also a great place to live. Florence makes you absorb the Italian lifestyle. Being it situated in the heart of Tuscany, it is surrounded by amazing landscape. The architecture and the ambiance of the city make you dream. The Italian cuisine, and especially the Tuscany one, is a real value added.


Where to stay:

Historical Center : For CULTURAL nomads

The cultural nomads will surely enjoy the renaissance spirit of the city center. Nearby the famous Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery, you will find plenty of places to stop for a coffee, aperitif or just an ice-cream to absorb the unique atmosphere. Since Florence is also a hometown of some worldwide-known fashion brands, the streets are full of shops and boutiques of the brands of all levels. It is really easy to get around because all the places within the city center are in walking distance. It’s worth to say, however, that the historical center is packed with tourists all year long.

Oltrarno: For ART nomads

The district called Oltrarno is located on the southern bank of the Arno river. It is famous as the most artistic part of Florence. The suggestive streets are lined with artisan shops, antiques stores, hand-made jewelry and leather shops. While in Oltrarno zone, you can relax yourself in the park of the Boboli Gardens attached to the Pitti Palace.

Novoli: For LIVE-LIKE-A-LOCAL nomads

Far from the tourist rush, but still just around 15 minutes by tram from the city center you will find the district of Novoli. It is mostly a residential district, but you will find everything you need for an everyday life. Novoli is also a university area, but suitable for the digital nomad lifestyle too. The coffee bars and restaurants are not missing and there is also a shopping center with a cinema and a big gym.

Campo di Marte : For SPORTIVE nomads

As Novoli, also the Campo di Marte is not a tourist place, but not far from the city center. This area can be considered a sport one because the stadium Artemio Franchi, home of the Fiorentina football team, is located there. Near the stadium you will find the Nelson Mandela forum, where many events and concerts take place. The Costoli swimming pool can also be nice to visit during warm Florentine summer.

Outskirts of Florence : For NATURE-LOVERS nomads

For nomads who are tired of the city life, the countryside is the perfect choice. Tuscany is a real jewel of nature characterized by breathtaking panoramas, vineyards and lovely small towns situated on the top or in the middle of green hills. Among them for example Fiesole, Bagno a Ripoli or San Casciano Val di Pesa. Beautiful and still comfortable to reach Florence.


Where to eat:

Trattoria dall’Oste – Their speciality is the famous Bistecca alla Fiorentina – the T-bone steak. Trattoria dall’Oste is a brand of four restaurants located in the city center, all with very pleasant atmosphere and especially high quality products and meat.

Antico Vinaio – Antico Vinaio is probably the most famous street food place in Florence. In 2014 it actually was the most reviewed restaurant in the world. Often you will find a long line, so you need to wait a lot, but the delicious schiacciata (Florentine sandwich) stuffed with super-fresh ingredients definitely worths it.

Misterpizza – While staying in Italy, pizza is a must at least once a week. Pizzeria Misterpizza is a simple, but nice place. The pizza is a very good and they can make also a gluten-free one! They have one restaurant right at the Piazza Duomo and another one (less crowded) just 10 minutes walking from there. The pizzerias are open until 4 a.m.

Kitsch deux – Kitsch deux is a bar famous for their aperitif. The thing about the place is that the aperitif will become real dinner. There is a buffet of all kinds of food: pizza, pasta, vegetables, meat. And the drinks are amazing!


Where to work:

Impact Hub Florence – Located in the Rifredi district, is a mix of innovation laboratory, accelerator, business center and social enterprise that offers coworking stations, offices, laboratories, consultancies and events.

Multiverso coworking – A cosy local coworking space located close to the Freedom square. It is a creative and innovative space where you can work, network and chill at the same time. Multiverso has branches in nine Italian cities, so in case you are planning to travel around Italy, this could be useful.


Where to chill and party:

Flo’ – If you are staying in Florence during the summer, Flo’ surely worths the visit. It is situated at Piazzale Michelangelo, which is the best point in Florence to see the panorama of the city. Thanks to its exclusive location, the atmosphere is very nice and elegant. Pay attention, there is a dress code.

Moyo – Moyo is a bar located in Santa Croce district, a nightlife hotspot. Moyo bar has really delicious cocktails and it is possible to have an aperitif there.

Bamboo – Bamboo is a club situated in the city center. Perfect place to go dance, maybe after a drink at some of the bars nearby. The parties, generally in Italy, don’t start before 11 pm.

Le Murate – Nice library cafe, with quite large outdoor space. It is a nice place to chill and have a beer or a glass of wine. Often they organize life concerts or other events.


Best time to visit:

Absolutely spring. During the winter and autumn Florence can be a bit cold and rainy. Furthermore, in majority of the old Italian houses they do not have central heating, so sometimes inside a house is colder than outside.

Spend a day as a local:

Enjoy the life! Eat, chill, sit on the stairs, have breakfast in bars and cafeterias and read newspapers. The Breakfast and the newspapers, this is what I love the most about Italy. Did you watch the movie “Eat, pray, love”? Yes, the life in Italy is exactly how they describe it in the movie. Full of flavours, coffee, smiles, pizza and happiness. Just chill and enjoy like locals do! And yes, do not forget about going to a bar for an “aperitivo” (aperitif), Italians love aperitifs!

Written By: Marketa Novotna, a passionate traveller from Czechia living in Florence.

Kika

Kristina Lukacova, a DN that enjoys good food, good wine and good vibes.

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