Things to do in Oltrarno, Florence

Palazzo Pitti was the chief residence of Florence's rulers. The Vasari Corridor links it to the town hall, and the Boboli Gardens lie behind it.

"Palazzo Pitti was the chief residence of Florence's rulers. The Vasari Corridor links it to the town"

These former Medici gardens behind Palazzo Pitti are a UNESCO World Heritage Site that influenced garden design at other courts. Visitors can explore the greenery, fountains and statues.

"These former Medici gardens behind Palazzo Pitti are a UNESCO World Heritage Site that influenced ga"

The district across the Arno, where the real Florentines live and work. Its back lanes are full of artisan workshops showing traditional craftsmanship like painting restoration, instrument repair and gilding, and the area is a good place for a Florentine steak dinner.

"The district across the Arno, where the real Florentines live and work. Its back lanes are full of a"

A hip, funky neighbourhood across the river. People sit on the steps of its piazza with takeaway pizza and enjoy the lively atmosphere day or night.

"A hip, funky neighbourhood across the river. People sit on the steps of its piazza with takeaway piz"

A 16th-century fortress built for the city's defence, described as one of the most beautiful of Florence's fortifications.

"A 16th-century fortress built for the city's defence, described as one of the most beautiful of Flor"

A fairytale-like artificial cave in the Boboli Gardens.

"A fairytale-like artificial cave in the Boboli Gardens."

An artisanal gelato maker that uses all-natural ingredients without preservatives, so the gelato is kept in covered canisters. Try the signature hazelnut, lavender, or the egg-based Crema Buontalenti.

"An artisanal gelato maker that uses all-natural ingredients without preservatives, so the gelato is "

A church halfway along the Vasari Corridor where you can peek into the corridor. The Medici used it to attend Mass unseen.

"A church halfway along the Vasari Corridor where you can peek into the corridor. The Medici used it "

The host names this part of the Oltrarno as one of his favourite areas of the district.

"The host names this part of the Oltrarno as one of his favourite areas of the district."

This wine bar is a relaxed place to sip Chianti. The host recommends its crostini, especially one topped with a buttery cured meat.

"This wine bar is a relaxed place to sip Chianti. The host recommends its crostini, especially one to"

The host names this very popular gelateria among his favourites.

"The host names this very popular gelateria among his favourites."

A lunch option especially recommended on weekends. Try the pappardelle with wild boar ragù.

"A lunch option especially recommended on weekends. Try the pappardelle with wild boar ragù."