Posts by author Marc Justin Cinanni
That's not a painting; Cadaqués, Spain is that beautiful! Jorge Franganillo
Salvador Dalí, the super-famous surrealist painter who spent his later years in Cadaqués once said: “I settled here for the light breeze, the uneventful landscape and the absence of wild boars.” Really? No, he didn’t say any of that. But he did build quite the seaside house and workshop on the banks of this magical » Read more
Souvenirs a-plenty at the San Lorenzo market in Florence. Photo: Old Fogey 1942
With the crazies of the holiday season upon us, our minds turn to those uber-important consumer questions: What will I bring home for my aunt so-and-so? What will hard-to-buy-for brother actually enjoy? What about Mom who’s awaiting both my present and my presence? Hey, you’re in Florence, consider this a good thing! Do not waste » Read more
Take in a sunset concert at Ponte Vecchio. Photo: Zhang Wenjie
You splurged on a scarf you couldn’t afford? Waiting for an urgent bank transfer from mom and dad? Whatever, you’re broke, you’re in Florence and you don’t know what to do. Well, rejoice my friend, here are some free activities to explore. Music 1. Every night, the organ goes wild at the Santa Maria de’ » Read more
Biking through Florence. Photo: Michelle Brunner
Unless you’re that guy I see once in a while on his unicycle circling the Duomo, chances are you ride a bike. And since you’re reading this, chances are you have some remote interest in visiting Florence. So why not combine the two? Join a bike tour before it joins you! What? Here’s a quick » Read more
The author prefers the Santa Croce neighborhood. Photo: Joe
People are always asking me for pointers on where to stay in Florence. If casa Marc is available then hey, no problem. Otherwise, here are the neighborhoods I suggest when choosing a hotel: Steps from the Station: Santa Maria Novella I know a guy who always insists on picking hotels near train stations to save » Read more
Dressed in Florence. Photo: Robert Sheie
Let’s face it. Most of us look like Clydesdales trotting around Florence in our clunky running shoes and baggy Bermuda shorts while the locals prance down the sidewalk like fashionistas of cool. So what can we do about the not-fitting-in situation? Read on my friend, read on. Start with the shoes Let’s start with the » Read more
Aperitivos in Florence. Photo by • Moes •
Since arriving in Tuscany, you’ve not only developed a palate for fine wine, but also a handsome routine where every night you like to indulge in an aperitivo. The only problem is that it’s been putting a real dent in your budget. So here’s what to do to keep the coins in your pocket and » Read more
Waiting around for a train in Florence's Santa Maria Novella station? Don't forget to stamp your ticket! Photo: Sammy
Instead of my usual banter about the best things to do in Florence, I’m going to try something different. No recommendations this time. At least, not the usual kind. Instead, here are some activities to avoid – expensive bad ideas, hence the crummiest things to do in my city. 1. Eat Near the Duomo It » Read more
Florence heats up in the summer sun. Photo: James-Hetherington
One thing you won’t see during the summer in Florence is people chugging down hot bowls of soup. With an average high of 88 degrees in July and August, this town really tends to sizzle. But besides the usual beach trips and dipping in and out of public pools (see previous post), what can you » Read more
Strolling through the streets around the Duomo. Photo: Rodrigo Soldon
Florence was recently billed as the most polluted city in Italia. Not cool. So what did the mayor do? He started kicking out cars from the center in favor of more pedestrians zones. Coolissimo! So which streets are making happy feet? Check this out to know more. The Danger Duomo The first area to go » Read more
No matter what type of traveler you are, at some point you will feel the urge to visit that very special European (no pun intended) monument: the toilet. And when that happens in crowded downtown Florence, you’ll want to find free and functional public washrooms. Here are my top picks for where to ‘go’ when » Read more
A view of Greve in Chianti. Photo: tacowitte
Many would say visiting Florence without dousing yourself in Chianti wine makes for an incomplete trip. But did you know that the Chianti region is not only a basin for wines but also home to walking trails that will awaken the dormant hiker buried deep inside every Cheapo. Greve in Chianti, today’s featured destination, is situated about » Read more
The Paperback Exchange in Florence. Photo: Paperback Exchange
Has pluri-lingual traveling turned your Anglo mind to sludge? Thinking of cheaply nursing your neurons back to English reading form? Well, just a few streets away from the Duomo’s tourist circus in Florence is a little piece of paradise disguised as a bookshop called The Paperback Exchange. Florence’s English-language bookstore Located at Vialle delle Oche » Read more
Trees provide some shade at Le Cascine park. Photo: g_u
There is no reason why your Florentine holiday should feel like you’re walking on the bubbling surface of the sun. (Unless of course you are a seasoned fire walker, in which case your callused feet will feel right at home.) For all other readers, here are a few activities in Florence that will keep you » Read more
Tired of arriving to your destination looking like you’ve just emerged from a human car wash? Well, how about getting to Florence refreshed, reposed and with the swagger of a Medici prince? Check out these tips to save energy, time and money when arriving in Florence: Lean toward Pisa (the airport, that is) Florence has 1.5 airports. The » Read more
The food on offer at Mercato Centrale. Photo by bongo vongo.
The average biped can only take in so many renaissance masterpieces without eventually giving in to an empty stomach. So where to eat cheap in the heart of Florence? Well, here’s the thing: You’ll be tempted by quaint little trattorias offering tourist menus and a mustached host romancing you towards a table next to Laura » Read more
The hills of Fiesole. Photo: Maarten
Florence—architectural empress, city of beauty, city of love. Florence—city of body jams, packed piazzas, and tourist traps. The hoards of keen tourists can be exhausting and if you’re like me, you just want a little patch of peace from time to time to re-sharpen your explorer senses. Enter Fiesole, a charming village on Florence’s doorstep. » Read more
