One of the things that we did just before moving back to Colorado from Frankfurt was to take our normal walk through the neighborhood and take photographs. For the most part, we took them so that we would have them to remember our time there and the places that we visited frequently. They obviously aren’t the typical tourist type of pictures, but it might give you a sense of what it is like there. Our apartment was located between the university and the old opera house and we walked these streets every day as we didn’t have a car and used public transportation to get around. We got used to going to different stores with apartments above them for dry goods, meat, produce, bread, and of course the pharmacy. So, join us as we walk from our apartment building towards Altstadt in Frankfurt.
Our Apartment BuildingView from the Front of the Apartment BuildingThe Penny Store (Dry Goods and Groceries) Across the Street from Our Apartment BuildingOur ButcherThe Pharmacy on the Corner Across from Our ApartmentOffices and Apartments as We Walk Down the StreetAlmost to the Opera HousePark for Everyone in the Neighborhood Walking Around the Old Opera HouseView as You Get to the Front of the Old Opera HouseSubway Station Surrounded by Stores and ApartmentsMain StreetOld Town Up Ahead (and Time for a Beer)
There are many cities in Europe that are very walkable and one of the most walkable is Florence. With its cobblestone streets, beautiful architecture, and plazas with cafes and restaurants, you can literally spend all day just wandering around the heart of the city. Don’t limit yourself to the main streets, though, as some of the most interesting shops and restaurants can be found by wandering the side streets. With the Duomo visible from almost every corner of the city, even if you get yourself a little lost, you can always head for the dome in order to get yourself back to bustling tourist areas.
Getting Away from the Crowds
Quiet Side Street
Bustling Piazza
Old Door in the City
Busy Street with Shops
We found it completely safe to wander the side streets and never worried about the people that were around us, but we also limited our wandering to the daylight hours. Walking the narrow streets will take you on a trip back in time as you get a feel for what it must have been like to live in the city hundreds of years ago when artists and philosophers wandered the same passageways. One of the best ways to get a true sense of the beauty of the city is to walk along the Arno River with views of Ponte Vecchio. Obviously, these streets will be a little busier, but the crowds reduce as you get farther away from the main bridges.
Crowed Street with Wonderful Architecture
Finding the Dome
View from a Bridge over the Arno River
Heading to the Clock Tower
Walking Around Florence
As popular as Florence is as a destination, you will often find yourself surrounded by throngs of people clambering to see the same sights as you. Sitting in one of the outdoor cafes and watching the crowds go by while having a wonderful glass of Tuscan wine can be a great way to relax and recharge in the beautiful surroundings. If you have the energy, walking up the hill to the Piazzale Michelangelo will provide you breathtaking views of the city. As you come back down the hill, you will find some wonderful restaurants and shops if you decide to spend some time on that side of the river before crossing back over to the heart of old town. The streets on that side of the river will also be a little less busy as well, but the quality of the locations will not disappoint.
Looking Away from the Heart of the City
Walking to Piazzale Michelangelo
Ancient Door
Crossing the Arno River
Busy Shopping Area
There is something truly romantic about wandering the side streets of such a beautiful city as Florence. Regardless of the city that you are visiting, there can be many treasures to be found if you are willing to just turn off of the main streets. Obviously you need to be careful in some places as pickpockets can also be found once you are away from the crowds and are more vulnerable, so always be aware of your surroundings. Stop, go into the shops, talk to the locals, and perhaps enjoy some gelato, you will find those moments as special as seeing the Duomo or going to the museums.
