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Spare time
Sports
Whether you are here for a longer period to study, or a
short period but are a gym rat, you might find time or need to do some physical
activity.
| Gyms | Gyms in
Florence are often small and tucked in unlikely locations. They tend to
be found slightly out of the tourist areas, though there are a few in Santa
Croce. many gyms have a pay-per-visit option -- you can often buy a card
with 10 entries. This is an excellent option for frequent visitors or longer
term students etc. Try the yellow pages
to find a gym near you. In the search box type "palestra" and
"firenze" for the location. Below here, click the + for "vicino
a" and type your address in the box. Some good gyms are: KLAB is one of the fanciest in town and now opened up a location in san lorenzo; cityclub (North Florence); silhouette (viale dei mille). |
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| Yoga | Centro
Iyengar Yoga Via San Gervasio 18 |
For serious students of Iyengar yoga in other countries, it is a privilege to come to Florence and take lessons with Gabriella Giubilaro, internationally renowned and respected instructor. Her teaching style is strict, in the Italian manner, and her yoga style is pure. In one lesson with her it is possible to learn as much as in years elsewhere. If you are interested in attending a lesson, write to her (English spoken) and tell her about yourself. |
| Scuola
di Yoga BKS Iyengar |
This yoga school is more closely located to the centre, and the lessons tend to be less challenging than Gabriella's. Not all the instructors speak much english, but if you know some basic positions you could get by. They seem open enough to drop-in students. Call ahead, because lessons are mixed-level, but some are much more difficult. | |
| Basketball and Running | Albereta | On the far end of piazza
gavinana, along the Arno, is a publicly accessible garden with various sports
grounds (bocce, tennis, basketball etc) and a running area. A small payment
is supposed to be made to use these. There is pick up basketball most of
the summer months (may through october), usually around 5.30pm or later.
Players tend to be friend and approachable, and tend to rotate (rather than
be strict regulars). |
| Cascine | Behind the Ippodrome
in the large Casine park, at the north end of the city along the Arno is
another place to play pick-up basketball. For hours see above. The players
here are strict regulars and in order to play you may have to gain their
respect. |
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| Running | Albereta | There is a long running path through the front entrance of this park and along the Arno. (see above for location) |
| Cascine | Runners often come here to avoid traffic. Beware of the tuesday morning market, though! (see above for location) | |
| Stadio | The area around the stadium has a bike path and some park area that is often frequented by runners | |
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| Swimming | There are various public swimming pools in Florence (here is a list). In the summer they get really crowded. In the winter, most of the pools work on a booked time slot basis. | |
| Classical Music and Theatre | Teatro
la Pergola |
| Movies | English movies at the
Odeon twice a week: www.cinehall.it Full movie listing available at www.trovacinema.it |
| Video Rental | GMG Megastore, Viale Mazzini 14r is the nerdiest and largest private movie rental store in town, with over 15,000 titles. The membership for either the machine or the store is only 2.50E and the place is open till late at night. Skip blockbuster; make it a GMG night at your rental apartment. |
| Dance Clubs | |
| Tenax | Discoteca and often concert location |
| Bars | |
| Zoe | Great place to watch the locals all dressed up and out hunting. |
| Aperitivi | TIP... going for an aperitivo is sorta like going to happy hour, only with more expensive drinks, plus free food) |
| Capocaccia | on lungarno next to the Ponte Santa Trinità |
| Boston T Viale Europa 160 |
Not central. This aperitivo is less expensive than most, and the food is excellent becuase this is a real restaurant, so the stuff is really fresh. |
| Caffe la Torre | at the S. Niccolo tower - has good outside seating but is expensive |
| Hairdresser: Marilu Via Milanesi 61 |
This is my hairdresser. Marco and Rino run a tight ship; this
local stylist could practically be in LA. Cuts, colour and perms are always
right on. Both Marco (the boss) and Rino, as well as their colour staff,
take time to get to know what you want by showing you very specific pictures.
And best of all, his prices are unbeatable. Good for both men and women. Download and print the coupon from their website for a discount; please mention arrtrav too. |
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