We managed to visit the city of Florence in Italy's north on a couple of different occasion during our travels of Italy. Battling it out on the streets with the throng of tourist, gypsies street merchants and their affiliated merch (including the ever so stylish, old school penis apparel see examples below), there is plenty to do and see in this grand old city.
If you are persistent and are willing to spend the days chewing pavement in the less crowded and touristy backstreets, you will find the beautiful, authentic and charming qualities which Florence has to offer.
Enjoy.