simon weiner

Florence is more than just art and the magnificent Duomo. There’s incredible food to be found in this ancient city if you know where to look (and where not to). Firenze is in the heart of Tuscany, so you can expect a number of rich Tuscan dishes on this list. We’ve also included a great rooftop restaurant since a roundup of the best restaurants in Florence wouldn’t be complete without one!

You might want to feel more confident knowing how to order food in Italian as you speak with your cameriere (waiter). They’ll help you choose the right vino (wine) pairing with your bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak) or panzanella (Tuscan salad). And Rosetta Stone can help you perfect your pronunciation with TruAccent, so you get instant feedback to sound like a local while you eat at these delicious restaurants in Florence.

Best restaurants in Florence near Ponte Vecchio and Uffizi Gallery

Chances are you’ll be spending some time near the Arno River as you explore the Uffizi Gallery, the most-visited museum in Italy. And it just so happens to be located really close to Ponte Vecchio, the historic bridge that is now home to numerous gioielleria (jewelry shops) that display endless emeralds, diamonds, brooches, and gold chains. After wandering through these two attractions, you’ll likely be hungry, so here are a few of the best restaurants in Florence, Italy, around the Uffizi Gallery.

Trattoria Antico Fattore

Price: $$ – Reservations recommended

A city as old as Florence deserves to have a historic trattoria as the first ristorante (restaurant) on this list. Trattoria Antico Fattore has been serving delicious Tuscan fare to locals and tourists since 1865! If it weren’t for the garland of greenery around the doorway, you could walk right past this little restaurant. Fortunately, now you know it’s one of the best restaurants in Florence, and you’ll head right inside.

At an establishment like this, we recommend letting the professional camerieri (waiters) suggest what to eat and drink. They won’t steer you wrong since the food is locally sourced with seasonal ingredients. We recommend trying the ribollita (bean soup), wild boar ragu, fagioli all’uccelletto (white beans in tomato sauce), or any grilled lamb dish.

Cantinetta della Terme

Price: $ – Great for seafood

This little restaurant might not look like much on the outside, but the menu packs a punch. Come hungry for frutti di mare (seafood) and dolce (dessert)! The interior is cozy with old wine cellar vibes, so it’s ideal for couples and pairs of friends dining out. You’ll see a wall of wines to choose from, but you can also let your waiter offer suggestions.

What should you order? Well, the seafood platter may sound like a menu item from the South, but it’s perfectly acceptable here too. In fact, it’s likely their most popular item along with their octopus. But save room for a treat—we think Cantinetta della Terme has some of the best tiramisu around. And the creme brulee is no exception either.

>> Planning your trip? Find out the best cities to visit in Italy!

The Fusion Bar & Restaurant

Price: $$$ – Reservations recommended

If you prefer a brighter, more modern place to eat in Florence, then head to The Fusion Bar & Restaurant. This is a great spot to dine at if you’ve been in Italy for several days and are looking for something a little different. You’ll find a variety of international tastes paired with classic Florentine flavors, including custom cocktails and even some vegetarian dishes.

As for food, we recommend trying one of the seafood dishes such as the ceviche or smoked salmon focaccia with goat cheese, spinach, and shallots confit. You won’t go wrong with the Tuscan pasta or margherita pizza either. It may be a little pricier than some restaurants, but the refined vibe might be just what you’re looking for.

Where to eat in Florence’s Santo Spirito district

Santo Spirito is the district across the Arno that’s considered the foodie destination of Florence. If you love food tours, you’ll likely be exploring trattoria and ristoranti in this area. But if you just want to know what to eat in Florence at some of our favorite restaurants, give these a try. 

Pizzeria Totò atto Il

Price: $ – Vegetarian options

We can’t write a list of the best restaurants in Florence without including a pizzeria. While Florence might not be as famous for pizza as Naples or even Rome, you’ll still find a great pizza while you’re here. Located near Palazzo Pitti (Pitti Palace), Pizzeria Totò atto II puts out some delicious pizzas. Normally, we don’t recommend many restaurants near tourist attractions, but this one is worth a midday stop. You’ll probably need to order your pizza to go (takeaway) since there are very few seats. We definitely recommend trying the calzone sfizioso!

Osteria Tripperia Il Magazzino

Price: $-$$ – Traditional Florentine menu

An osteria is similar to a casual trattoria, and Osteria Tripperia Il Magazzino is a great foodie choice in Santo Spirito. It’s located a few streets away from Ponte Vecchio and Ponte Santa Trinita, so it’s easy to find. The interior is warm and inviting, though small like a traditional osteria. Still, there are tables for four people if you’re traveling with a few friends or family. 

You’ll find an extensive wine list here and it’s a great spot to try a hearty trippa (tripe) dish or even lingua di mucca (cow’s tongue) if you’re feeling adventurous. We also loved the gnocchi and mouth watering ragu here. This is your ideal place to eat if you’re looking for hearty, traditional Florentine food.

Trattoria Sant’Agostino

Price: $-$$ – Private rooms for groups available

Along with tasty Tuscan dishes, this restaurant offers an unusual chance to book a small room for a group of travelers. Space is a premium in Italy, so this is your best spot if you’re in Florence with several travel partners. The vibe is cozy without being too small, and they have a charming wine cellar that is sure to offer the perfect pairing to your primi (first course), secondi (second course), and dolce (dessert). Trattoria Sant’Agostino’s claim to fame is gnudi. Think of a ravioli filling without the pasta, and that’s exactly what it is—smothered in butter and sage. Because why not? It’s definitely worth ordering. Whether or not you share is up to you!

>> On your way to Rome next? Use our list of the best things to do in Rome!

Best places to eat in Florence near the Duomo

Florence is a delightfully walkable city so it won’t take long to get where you’re wanting to go. And it’s safe to assume that you plan to visit the towering Cattredale di Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the Florence Cathedral or Duomo. We don’t recommend many eateries near the cathedral since they are often tourist traps, so you’ll want to wander a little further away. Here are our recommendations of the best restaurants in Florence that are close to the Duomo.

Trattoria Dall’Oste

Price: $$-$$$ – Reservations recommended

This restaurant is almost certain to bring on the meat sweats. Trattoria Dall’Oste is a steakhouse with a well-deserved reputation as one of the best restaurants in Florence, so you’ll want to plan ahead and book reservations before you arrive. There are lots of seats, but we think the waiting area is also cool since you’ll see prime cuts of beef displayed in the windows. Along with the t

There is so much variation across languages that goes beyond simple differences in vocabulary. You may need to learn sounds that don’t occur in English (such as vowels with umlauts in German or tones in Chinese). You may need to restructure your sentences and use a different word order. And some linguistic concepts may only have loose parallels or may not even exist in English. One of the differences between English and Japanese that is sometimes overlooked is the usage of Japanese counting words, often referred to as Japanese counters. 

What are Japanese counters?

The basic Japanese numbers ichi, ni, san, etc. on their own only express pure numbers. They are sufficient for phone numbers and ID numbers, but they can’t be used to say you have a specific number of items. For that, you need to use a Japanese counter. Depending on the type of thing you want to quantify, you’ll use a different counter word. 

The need for counters in Japanese may be unintuitive at first, but it helps if you recognize that English also has counters! The most common English counter is “piece.” You don’t say “one art,” “two jewelries,” or “three papers” (unless you’re talking about assignments). Instead, you say “one piece of art,” “two pieces of jewelry,” and “three pieces of paper.” Other counters in English include “slice” (as in “slice of bread”), “glass” (as in “glass of water”), and the ordinal numbers (first, second, third, etc.)

Japanese counters are much more varied and cover many more types of items, but the concept is the same. You should assume you need a counter whenever you talk about quantities in Japanese.

How many Japanese counters are there?

The straightforward answer is there are around 500 counters in Japanese. The sheer number of counters may make you wonder, “How long does it take to learn Japanese?” But counters don’t need to be a sticking point. For the majority of situations, knowing just a few counters will suffice for clear communication.

Japanese counters chart

This chart summarizes the different counters that will be introduced in this article.

~Tsu counter: the most general Japanese counter

The most flexible—and thus the most useful—Japanese counter is colloquially referred to as the tsu counter. This is because almost all its words end with the hiragana つ (tsu).

You can reasonably use the tsu counter with any inanimate object. This includes intangible things like ideas and problems. It’s also the standard counter used at restaurants when ordering food in Japanese.

The main downside of the tsu counter is that the quantities sound entirely different from the basic Japanese numbers. You’ll mostly have to disregard what you’ve learned about Japanese numbers when learning this new system. But you can practice keeping all your pronunciations straight in Rosetta Stone tutoring sessions with expert Japanese speakers. 

~Tsu counter chart

The tsu counter only covers the numbers 1-10, which are presented in this chart. If you’re unsure about the pronunciation of a word, check out our Japanese pronunciation guide.

~Tsu counter example sentences

When using a tsu counter in a sentence, there are two patterns:

• [tsu counter word] + [no particle] + [thing] + [remainder of the sentence]
• [thing] + [particle (usually ga or o)] + [tsu counter word] + [remainder of the sentence]

To say, “I bought two suitcases,” these are your options:

• futatsu no sūtsūkēsu o kaimashita (二つのスーツケースを買いました)
• sūtsūkēsu o futatsu kaimashita (スーツケースを二つ買いました)

Although the first pattern may be more intuitive from an English-speaking background, since the number precedes the item as in English, the second pattern is more commonly used in Japanese.

~Nin counter: the Japanese people counter

Since people are not objects, you’ll want to know how to appropriately count them so as to not offend anyone! The people counter uses the kanji meaning “person,” which looks like 人. Be careful though: The pronunciation of this character changes based on context.

For the most part, pronouncing this Japanese counter is just the basic Japanese number + nin. However, “one person” and “two people” are both irregular words. You’ll notice that they do resemble the corresponding tsu counter (one item = hitotsu and one person = hitori). “Four people” is also technically different, but the alteration is not very noticeable.

~Nin counter chart

For any number of people above ten, just follow the rules for larger numbers and add nin. (Numbers ending in four will have the altered pronunciation, such as 34 people = san juu yonin.)

~Nin counter example sentences

In a sentence, the pattern for the nin (人) counter is essentially th

If you’re heading to Florence but haven’t planned to visit any of the smaller towns in Tuscany, you’ll want to reconsider your itinerary. Even if you’re not much of a wine drinker—which may raise a few eyebrows in Italy—there’s an incredible amount of places to explore, food to eat, and sights to see on the best day trips from Florence. Honestly, you could stop in any little town along the way and love what you find. But if you’re looking for the can’t-miss places to visit in Tuscany, this list is for you.

Perhaps you’d like to see the “medieval Manhattan” of San Gimignano, or wander a vineyard in Val D’Orcia, or snap your own photo holding up the tower of Pisa. However you choose to day trip from Florence, learning Italian before you arrive is one way to make your trip even better. Italians love to talk, and they’ll happily converse with you as you practice speaking Italian with them!

Tips for getting around Tuscany on your day trips from Florence

Cities like Florence are easily walkable, but you’ll need to plan ahead if you’re wanting to explore the Tuscan countryside or head to the coast to see Cinque Terre. To reach some cities that we recommend for day trips from Florence, you could rent a car and visit several of them in a single day. Other cities, like Bologna, are best reached by train. 

You can easily book tickets on Trenitalia, which is the most popular booking site in Italy for regional and high-speed trains. They even have an app you can download. The stazione (station) you’ll use is called Firenze S. M. Novella (Florence Santa Maria Novella). Be aware that you’ll need to validate any regional (not high speed) biglietto (ticket) when purchased online. It’s usually as simple as clicking “Check In” on your email confirmation. 

If you choose to rent a car, make sure you’re comfortable driving a manual rather than automatic as there are limited automatic cars available. You’ll need to navigate narrow streets and plan ahead for where to park. Still, driving a car in the countryside of Italy is much easier than in the bustling streets of Rome. You might even try renting a vespa to travel to some of the nearby villages around Florence!

>> Use our list of the best cities to visit in Italy as you plan your vacation!

1. Lucca: the remarkable fortress city

From Florence: 1 hour by car; approximately 1.5 hours by train

If you want to hit up several Italian cities on your day trip from Florence, then we recommend starting in Lucca. It’s easy to get to by train or by car, though you’ll spend less on a train ticket than on benzina (gasoline). Lucca is a charming city that has roots dating back to the Etruscan era prior to the Roman Empire. It’s not as popular as many other destinations, which makes it a perfect city to visit around Florence. 

So what should you do in this ancient walled city? Well, we recommend checking out the remarkably preserved Roman walls in Lucca’s city center on foot, with a bike, or on a tour. You’ll have your pick of churches to explore, but don’t skip Chiesa dei Santi Giovanni e Reparata that sits atop ancient Roman baths and a crypt. If you love a good panoramic view, climb the bell tower here or at Torre Guinigi. 

2. Pisa: the one with the leaning tower

From Florence: 1 hour by car; approximately 1 hour by train

While Pisa is a popular Florence day trip destination, it makes even more sense to combine this after spending the morning in Lucca. After all, it’s just 20 minutes away by car or 30 minutes by train for about 4 euros. It’s no secret that you’re probably most interested in taking that touristy photo of you pretending to hold up the leaning tower of Pisa. Most people do, so don’t hesitate to get your photo too! Though you can climb the tower, it costs about 20 euros, so we don’t recommend it as it’s quite expensive for what you get.

Instead, spend your time exploring the Duomo complex which includes Cattedrale di Pisa (Pisa Cathedral), Battistero di San Giovanni (San Giovanni Baptistery) and the Camposanto (cemetery). Each has their own unique features, like frescoes from the 14th century or bronze doors similar to the Florence Duomo. An afternoon in Pisa will be worth the effort!

3. Siena: the most well-known Tuscan town

From Florence: 1 hour by car; 1.5 hours by train

Perhaps one of the most famous medieval cities near Florence, Siena is considered one of the best day trips from Florence, Italy. The sight of the imposing bell tower in Piazza del Campo rising from the middle of this city on a hill will be instantly recognizable after you’ve visited this beautiful town. An interesting fact is that this city is home to Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, the oldest bank in the world, which

Bastille Day is the English term for la fête nationale (the national holiday) in France that celebrates French patriotism and values on the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille—one of the events that started the French Revolution. Each year on le quatorze juillet (July 14th), the French celebrate their country and its history with le défilé militaire (the military parade), le feu d’artifice (fireworks), and time spent with family and friends. It is one of the most iconic French festivals and worth experiencing in person!

Whether you’re joining this year’s celebration in Paris, want to prepare some Bastille Day food, or want to know more facts about the French Revolution, learning a few key terms and expressions can help you connect with the culture in France. Rosetta Stone can help you connect with French-speaking culture and holidays as you learn French to make it even more meaningful. 

Why is it called Bastille Day? 

The short answer is that in France, it is not. Le quatorze juillet is also called la fête nationale, but it is only in English that “Bastille” factors into the name. It could be that for English speakers, the translation “the national holiday” isn’t quite specific enough to point to France, so the historical connection to the Bastille makes it easier to recognize and refer to.

It is also not France’s Independence Day, though the date and some of the summer activities might be similar to Independence Day celebrations around the world. France was never a colony, and therefore never had to “win” independence, so they are simply celebrating a national holiday of patriotism.  

What is the history behind Bastille Day (la fête nationale)?  

The storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, is widely recognized as one of the events that began la Révolution française (the French Revolution). The national holiday of France is not based entirely on this event.

On July 14, 1789, a crowd seized a stash of over 3,000 weapons from the Hôtel des Invalides and marched on the Bastille—a medieval fortress turned federal prison that held just a handful of prisoners and a store of gunpowder. The crowds freed the prisoners, took the gunpowder, and then imprisoned and later killed the governor. 

One of the most often repeated facts about the French Revolution is a conversation between King Louis XVI and the Duke de la Rochefoucault-Liancourt. It is said that upon hearing of the siege, the King asked the Duke: 

• Mais c’est une révolte ? = So it’s a revolt? 

And the Duke replied: 

• Non, Sire, c’est une révolution ! = No, sir. It’s a revolution!

Why July 14 was really chosen

This first victoire (victory) over the monarchy sparked a series of rebellions that summer, emboldening the people of Paris, the population of France, and seekers of l’indépendance (independence) around the world. 

On July 14, 1790, the first anniversary of the siege, la Fête de la Fédération celebrated the unity and resolve of the French people. This was actually the reason the date was chosen for la fête nationale, which began nearly a century later on July 14, 1880, to celebrate French patriotism and values. 

What happens on Bastille Day? 

One of the longest-standing traditions is le défilé militaire, which has been held since 1880. The parade has taken place in multiple locations in Paris. In 1919, it was held on Les Champs-Élysées to celebrate victory in La Grande Guerre / La Première Guerre mondiale (World War I), and it was held here from 1980-2023. 

It showcases those who serve in the armée (French Armed Forces) and pays tribute to France’s territories, honoring the country’s political allies and partnerships and commemorating world events. The parade for Bastille Day 2024 will feature the Olympic flame and is currently scheduled to be held on Avenue Foch, just on the opposite side of the Arc de Triomphe (a national monument in Paris). 

Other common Bastille Day activities include the Patrouille de France (a military flyover displaying the colors of the French flag in plumes of smoke), fireworks displays, concerts, and balls. The Président (President) also gives a discours (speech). 

Who celebrates Bastille Day? 

In addition to the over 6,000 participants in the parade, thousands of spectators flock to the annual event. Parisians and visitors alike spend the day picnicking on the green spaces of Champs de Mars.  Restaurants and musées (museums) are filled with both locals and tourists. 

Those who cannot attend may watch the televised parade with family and friends, enjoy a game of pétanque (a lawn game similar to bocce ball), and have a pique-nique (picnic) or barbecue. For some, it might simply be a nice day off during the summer. 

Expats or those who appreciate French culture may also celebrate with French-themed dinners or concerts. There are Bastille Day celebrations in cities around the world such as La Nouvelle Orléans, La Louisiane (New Orleans, Louisiana), Liège, Belgique (Liège, Belgium), and Montréal, Canada, because of large French populations or the city’s connections with associated events in history. 

What to say on Bastille Day

A common expression for the day is Vive le quatorze juillet !  (Long live the fourteenth of July!). What else might you say to celebrate Bastille Day in France? 

What foods are eaten on Bastille Day? 

As with other holidays in France, where there is a gathering of friends and family, there will be food! There is no better way to celebrate on a summer day off than un pique-nique of simple traditional French foods, which is how many in France will spend the day. 

While there are no specific Bastille Day foods for this fête (holiday), many celebrate with simple peasant foods to remember those who overthrew the rich and powerful in la Révolution française. It’s also nice to find foods that are simple to prepare, easy to pack, and enjoyable in the heat of summer. 

For a picnic outdoors, try: 

• une baguette = a baguette
• une bouteille de vin = a bottle of wine
• de la charcuterie = deli meats
• des cornichons = gherkin pickles
• du fromage = cheese
• des gougères = french cheese puffs
• un pan bagnat = a stuffed and pressed picnic sandwich 
• du pâté  = pâté (molded p

Italian is a language deeply connected with the culture it is part of. Whether you are interested in style, arts, and history or passionate about food, you can use plenty of topics to dive deep into Italian culture. So, the easiest way to learn to speak Italian is actually to immerse yourself in it.

But don’t worry—you don’t need to move to Italy to learn Italian! Choosing a solid learning method that helps you deeply understand the language in its context is what you need. Rosetta Stone’s Dynamic Immersion method taps into how you learned your first language as a child: a proven mix of techniques that will help you speak Italian like a native. To help you even more, we have put together seven easy tips for speeding up your language-learning process while having fun.

1. Speak Italian every time you can

Take every opportunity to practice your new language. Finding native speakers or other students to speak Italian with will train you to understand different accents and pronunciations. It will also help you explain your thoughts and build confidence to engage in complex conversations.

Practice at home

Practicing alone at home is also very helpful. It may feel weird, initially, but try to build a conversation (even if it’s a monologue), explain a complex matter, or tell a story out loud when no one is around. This way, you can hear yourself speaking Italian without fearing judgment, and you might spot the words you struggle to pronounce.

Find your local Italian community

Go to Italian cafes or restaurants and try to order in Italian. If the waiter also speaks Italian, they might love being able to help you say a few other helpful words. You can also find an Italian local market where you can chat with people, or you can practice with another Italian learner in a local school.

Travel to Italy

If you visit Italy, always try to speak with the locals. Italians value connecting with people and will try their best to talk to you even if they are not fluent in English. Conversely, they absolutely love it when someone makes the same effort, and they will praise you for it.

Common Italian greetings are a fantastic icebreaker. Be bold and don’t hesitate to ask them to slow down or repeat when you engage in a lightning-fast Italian conversation. Here are a couple ways you could ask them to slow down:

• Potrebbe parlare più lentamente, per cortesia? = Can you speak slowly, please?
• Mi scusi, potrebbe ripetere? = Sorry, could you repeat?

You can also use common Italian phrases to keep the conversation flowing and speak Italian more confidently.

>> Check out the top cities to visit in Italy!

2. Build a vocabulary in the things you are passionate about

All of us have one or more topics we are passionate about. You may know everything about a specific sport; you might love how wine is made; you could be passionate about skin care or bird watching. Whatever you love most, make the most of it! Read, study, or watch content in Italian about the topic you’re passionate about.

Familiarity with a topic that you enjoy will help you fill the language gap and quickly pick up the specific vocabulary. Also, it’s a great way to trick your mind. Your attention will switch from a homework state of mind to one of eagerness to discover more about your passion.

Not to mention, it’s exciting to spot differences and similarities of words between the US and Italy in the specific field you love.

3. Build the habit of reading in Italian

Reading in Italian will help you widen your vocabulary over time. Start easy and slow with some children’s books but try to be consistent. Setting a 15-minute reading time daily will be more effective than reading hundreds of pages occasionally.

Kids’ books are an excellent way to build this habit. They are usually simpler and shorter, and you will enjoy reading them without getting overwhelmed.

If you want to read the news, Ansa.it is the website of the Agency of Publishers dedicated to providing local and international news written in Italian, along with some videos that help you hear people speaking the Italian language. 

Social media is also an exceptional source for reading and listening. Look for Italian creators like writers, poets, or book reviewers. You may discover your next favorite writer!

4. Improve your listening abilities while having fun

Understanding native speakers in another language can be tricky at first. Every language has a characteristic inflection and speed that you need time to get used to. In the case of native Italians, their accents change significantly from town to town, and, in some cases, they may use dialect expressions that are hard to understand.

In fact, there are about 30 indigenous languages spoken in Italy! But learning how to speak Italian (as opposed to Sicilian or Fruilian) will get you the farthest in conversation.Here are some useful tips to help you:

Watch Italian movies

Watching movies is an excellent way to get your ears used to the Italian language. Pick a selection of classic and modern Italian films with English subtitles to get comfortable with different speech registers. Remember to set your starting point depending on your confidence in the language you are learning.

If you struggle following the subtitles, watch reruns of your favorite shows you’ve seen but change the language to Italian. Knowing the context of the conversations will help you a lot. If you already have an intermediate level understanding, try to skip the subtitles and see how much you understand.

Step up your game by watching talk shows and interviews

Talk shows and interviews are also a top choice to learn how to speak Italian, but they may be more suitable for an advanced learner. This kind of speech is usually faster and more complex because it may feature people with different accents using a more conversational and spontaneous tone. The topics are also more complex than regular conversations, but it’s a great way to push your knowledge.

Listen to Italian music

Music is also an easy way to immerse yourself in Italian language and culture because you can listen to it during the day. Which music genre suits you the best? Traditional, rock, pop—you have a lot of options to dive into.

Live lessons at Rosetta Stone

If you prefer more guidance with a dedicated tutor, Rosetta Stone’s Live Lessons allow you to get real-time instructions from a native speaker. Just choose the topic you want to practice and have fun while expanding your knowledge.

5. Speak with your hands

There are no surprises here: Italians speak with their hands a lot. Understanding and using this nonverbal communication technique is like unlocking the secret code of the Italian language.

Hand gestures can highlight a message or even completely replace it when used as a reaction. Also, we are very physical, so don’t be surprised if hugs and pats on the shoulder are a part of greetings.

Watch locals as they communicate and you’ll quickly pick up on specific hand gestures that seem to have a specific meaning. Sometimes they’re paired with a quick word like dai (come on) that’s often used to try to convince someone to do or agree with something.

6. Learn a few tricks about Italian pr