Piazza Santo Spirito

I wanted to check out the Basilica but we got there while it was midday closed so we decided to walk around the piazza while we waited for the re-opening at 3pm. We happened to not only be there on a Sunday, but the second Sunday of the month, which is when they do hardware, leather, fabrics, etc. I wasn't necessarily interested in any of that (my preference would have been food on the third Sunday) but it was fun seeing people, especially locals, shop for stuff. It's a feast for the eyes, that's for sure. That being said, there aren't many newer Yelp reviews for this place but if you are researching this area, know that it is no longer a quiet, more local part of town. This is a full blown tourist destination now and the area shows it. I'd highly recommend the basilica. The cloisters are gorgeous, with a beautiful garden in the middle. You cannot take pictures inside for some reason, but it's still worth it.

Came to this jewelry store, Giuliano Ricchi, where I had a customized bracelet with beautiful charms to remind me of our visit to Florence - Ponte Vecchio bridge, palaces, fleur de lis, and heart locket. Outside, there was live entertainment at the square.

Fun market in this piazza the second Sunday of the month. Local craftsmen and vintage and antique items. Located in the Oltrano and a quick walk from the Pitti palace. The shopping was great fun and we went in the Basilica Di Santo Spirito after mass. The baptismal was open which is pretty rare-so for two euros we got to see some beautiful art including a the Crocifesso by a young Michelangelo Buonarroti which was stunning. I bought some beautiful items,went to a beautiful church and had a wonderful lunch. Go to the Oltrano it's a fun time.

This is a cool place to chill and have drink outdoors with your buddies. They got a couple good restaurants nearby.

This was my favorite Piazza in Florence. I lived a few blocks away from here and loved this area because it wasn't in the city center near the duomo. Most tourist flock to the duomo, but what most people don't know is that the Basilica of Santa Maria del Santo Spirito was being designed by Brunelleschi, but when he died his plans for the facade were never carried out so it has a simple minimalistic beauty to it. Inside the chapel you can view frescos by Lippi. One of the cool things about this piazza is that it lacks the tourists and sometimes outdoor movies are projected on to the flat/blank facade of the basilica. I miss this piazza a lot!

This piazza definitely isn't as touristy and doesn't have much to offer than other bigger piazza's, but it is worth checking out if you have the time. It has more of a quieter feel with less hustle and bustle. The Santo Spirito church is here as well (hence the name), but its appearance isn't as aesthetically pleasing as the other bigger monuments around. The people who hang out here are more local and the restaurants are as affordable (more trattorias and osterias; check out the "gusta" series!) and this area is more residential. A restaurant suggestion: go to Osteria Santo Spirito for their truffle and cheese gnocchi! A must try! There's a fountain in the middle that people drink out of! Yay for clean water! And you are bound to find people walking their dogs. Around the morning until 2pm, there's always a street market here selling clothes, produce, and other random kinks. I've never bought anything, but it's always fun to look around. I've been here once at night and it gets CROWDED. It was weird because I was never used to seeing this many people out at once in the piazza. All the restaurants and cafes basically turn into bars and become popular drinking spots. This isn't where you want to get s***faced drunk, but a great social place to come with friends and drink casually in public. Locals keep it classy in this area.

A real local spot in Florence -- a must in order to escape the crowds & find authentic food. Amazing markets the second & third Sunday of each month. Coffee: pittam'ingolli, Volume, Pop Cafe. Food: caffe notte, gurdulu, la casaligna, Chicco di Caffe, Osteria Santo Spirito, Al Tranvai, Pint of View, Gustapizza & Gustapanino. Drink: pittam'ingolli, Pop, Rasputin, Volume, Gesto, Gosh. Gelato: Gelateria della Passera. Bakery: on the corner of Piazza Santo Spirito & Via delle Caldaie.

One of my favorite places in Florence to get a casual bite to eat and drink. The square is always filled with locals at night and is much less crowded than on the other side of the river. During the day there is also a market where you can get food, leather goods, and more.

One of my favourite places in Florence. Much quieter than the north side of the river, which is where most of the city's tourist attractions are located, the Piazza Santo Spirito is a wonderfully atmospheric square, perfect for a relaxed meal, drinks and ice cream. The piazza's overlooked by the Basilica di Santo Spirito which, despite its unprepossessing exterior was one of my favourite of Florence's beautiful churches. The piazza and its surroundings are a wonderful respite from the hoards of tourists in better-known parts of the city.

Quite area than the north side of the river, as it's away from the tourist area. The piazza's is beside the Basilica di Santo Spirito. It's great for people watching!