Exploring Florence’s Oltrarno District: Cultural spots to visit, must go destinations and what to do, including handling your luggage, artsy vibes and eating gourmet.
As one of the most legendary cities in Italy and the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Florence hardly needs an introduction. This city receives close to 15 million overnight visitors every year, with many more visiting via day trips from Rome, Venice, and other popular Italian tourist destinations. Famous for the beautiful cathedral with Brunelleschi’s marvelous dome and the Uffizi Gallery, home to priceless masterpieces of the Renaissance and other artistic periods, Florence hardly needs an introduction to anyone in the know about European travel.
You would think, then, that there’s nothing new to discover in a city as firmly on the beaten path as this one. However, you’d be wrong. Florence sits on the river Arno, and the Oltrarno neighborhood takes its name from the fact that it is on the other side of the river from the historic heart of the city. While nowhere in Florence is truly free of tourism, this neighborhood doesn’t get the huge crowds you’ll find in the Centro Storico. However, it’s a fascinating area to explore that’s well worth adding to your itinerary when visiting the city.
Store your bags in Florence and explore this exciting neighborhood for yourself. Exploring the other side of the Arno lets you encounter another side of this popular city and get a glimpse of the authentic life of this Italian gem.
What to do in Oltrarno
Ordinarily, when you’re looking for major historical and cultural attractions, the center of the city is the way to go. Oltrarno, on the other hand, is all about the atmosphere. This is the trendiest neighborhood in the city, full of boutique stores, creative restaurants, and actual Florentines instead of just tourists.
Still, this is Italy, so even here, historical and scenic attractions are never far away. Here are some of the best things to do in Oltrarno to help you explore this lively neighborhood:
Piazzale Michelangelo
Usually the main attraction in this neighborhood, this piazza is the first and, for many visitors, the only thing they see in Oltrarno. But don’t let its popularity put you off. This square, dedicated to one of the most famous artists in history, is a beautiful place to see for yourself and a must-visit while you’re in the area.
The statue of Michelangelo’s David in the center of the square is a copy of the real thing, which you can see in Florence’s Accademia Gallery. But the beauty of the statue is enhanced by the incredible view of the terracotta rooftops of the city you’ll see from this scenic lookout. Visit at sunset, and you’ll find crowds but also one of the best and most unforgettable views of this beautiful city.
Villa Bardini
Also offering spectacular views of the city, the 17th-century palace also houses an impressive collection of art, focusing on work by Pietro Annigoni. Equally famous are the views from the beautifully manicured gardens of the Villa, which are almost as good as the ones you’ll find at the Piazzale Michelangelo.
Giardino di Boboli
This sprawling garden may be the best public park in all of Florence. The tree-lined pathways are a wonderful place to walk and enjoy spectacular views, and along the way, you’ll encounter beautiful statues and sculptures to add some artistic interest to your walk. The park also contains a botanical garden, an outdoor theater, several fountains, a porcelain museum, and a 16th-century hilltop fort. You could probably spend the whole day exploring this area by itself.
House of Galileo Galilei
The Italian Renaissance was more than just an artistic movement. It was also a time of scientific advances, and virtually no figure in the field of science at this time was more important than Galileo Galilei. Born in Pisa, which was then ruled by Florence, Galileo spent much of his working life in the city, and you can visit the house where he lived in Oltrarno and learn more about how his groundbreaking discoveries laid the foundation for modern science.
Where to eat in Oltrarno
Beautiful and historic attractions are all very well, but as with any Italian city, one of the main reasons to come to Florence in the first place is to enjoy the incredible food. Luckily, Oltrarno is one of the best places to sample both delicious traditional Florentine cuisine and the latest in ethnic infusion restaurants. Far away from the tourist restaurants with their inflated prices, Oltrarno can give you a taste of how real Italians eat.
Osteria dell’Enoteca
Combining the traditional and the modern, this popular restaurant is one of the best places to eat not just in the Oltrarno neighborhood but in all of Florence. Famous for delicious Florentine steaks, there is also a tasting menu that lets you sample a variety of exquisitely prepared local dishes. It doesn’t come cheap, with the tasting menu starting at €40 per person, not including drinks, but it’s worth considering if you have the budget. Reservations are definitely recommended.
L’OV
Tucked away down a side street off the Borgo San Frediano, a popular dining street in the district, this vegetarian restaurant is a great alternative to the often meat-heavy traditional cuisine of Tuscany. Offering a great selection of traditional dishes from around Tuscany and across Italy with a vegetarian twist, this is a good place to come even if you’re not avoiding meat.
Exploring Oltrarno
Oltrarno provides the perfect place to take a break from the tourist-crowded heart of Florence. With exceptional views, beautiful parks, historic buildings, and tons of great places to eat and drink, this is the ideal way to get a more authentic feel of the city. Leave the bags behind at a convenient luggage storage in Florence and experience this lively area for yourself.
