http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34546 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34546 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33700 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33700 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32862 With the added advantage of picturesque outdoor street market, with quality leather in all shades of the rainbow and styles from briefcase to handbags.
Mercato nuovo smaller market next to statute of il porcellino - the saying goes if you touch it you will return again, which would be wonderful mixing sightseeing, great food and shopping.
Ponte Vecchio for the special present of jewellery and watches.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32862 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31203 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31203 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30710 However if you go at 9pm on a Saturday evening in the summertime (when the gallery has late night opening), the windows are all open, the tourists have all gone, the cruise ships have set sail, you have the place to yourself.
The windows are all open to allow the summer breeze in and the live music being played by string quartets busking in the square below fills the rooms, making it one of the most amazing - unexpected - live music venues I have ever experienced.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30710 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28533 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28533 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27930 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27930 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27526 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27526 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25598 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25598 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25318 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25318 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25289 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25289 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25078 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25078 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24607 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24607 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24300
The people who run it (I think they're a family) are incredibly warm and helpful, and much better with customer service than at many places I've seen. They honestly did everything they could to make me feel like a member of the family, and it worked!

An added plus was the spectacular view from my room, so inspiring! As if Firenze isn't always enough of a draw in and of itself, this little place was a real gem and I think others will find it that way too.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24300 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24046 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24046 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23768 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23768 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23665 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23665 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23642
The city is not big, and you can easily cover most of the top sights if you're willing to do a bit of pedal power, plus you'll be doing your bit on travelling green!

Also, to stretch your deflated pound that little bit further, scoff down as much breakfast as you can (Italian brekkies are simple fares), and have a late lunch. Find a pizzeria the locals recommend, and don't be ashamed to order a very large pizza. Eat half, and ask to take away the rest (a good pizza should still be good even when it's cold and bashed around in your rucksack). While you're there, soak in the atmosphere, and enjoy the distinct flavours of each ingredient. Savour the bursting flavours of the tomatoes, the freshness of the artichokes, the subtle hint of basil, and the purity of the extra virgin olive oil drizzled on fresh mozzarella on the perfect stone baked dough base. Bellissimo! Enjoy it while you can, you simply won't be able to find pizza like they make it in Italy!

Back to the bicycle ride, I would start somewhere by the river, visiting some of the markets and the shops that are just about to open by mid-morning. Florentine streets are narrow, but you should always be able to find somewhere to lock the bicycle during stops. Be equipped with a sense of adventure, and feel free to wander off the beaten track, as somehow it'll always bring you back to the centre anyway. If you prefer, zip around the many piazzas and use speed to your advantage to get to queues early if you like museum hopping.

As the sun starts to sit low, return your bicycle (making note of the closing time where you hired it), and head up to the Piazelle Michelangelo (Michelangelo Hill) by bus. It's a very touristy part of Florence, but find a place to sit down, relax, and enjoy the spectacular changing hues of the sunset as it sails below the beautiful Florentine skyline.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23642 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23219 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23219 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23199
The location means you get cheaper room rates and heaps of extras - we loved the swimming pool, restaurant, bar and pretty surrounding olive groves.

We hired bikes and explored other parts of Tuscany - and the hostel organize tours to Pisa, Lucca and San Gimingnano.

Beautiful location, views of Tuscany countryside, great free breakfast, totally relaxing, and it was easy to pop into Florence, despite being in another town!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23199