Ha! This can prove to be more difficult than getting into the Uffizi on a Saturday. Most movies in Italy are shown almost exclusively in the Italian language, meaning they are dubbed and translated for foreign audiences— and sometimes not in the viable (read: easy to understand) way. Good thing the Odeon Theater is there when you need a film fix.

Popcorn anyone?

The Odeon theater, located in Piazza Strozzi (near Piazza Repubblica),  is practically the only place in town where you can see an American movie in its original language, and often it features Italian subtitles so you can practice your best Ciao! while enjoying a fun night on the town.

One of the biggest draws of the Odeon cinema is its beauty. The theater itself is housed in a 15th-century palazzo which maintains a uniquely original 1920s interior. This elegant 1920s style is characterized by ornate gold decorations, a ticket office done up in rich, dark wood and two stylish bars are featured prominently on opposite ends of the theater. Plush gold velvet seating makes for comfortable viewing (and spacious legroom!) and the enormous statues framing the screen add a touch of glamour.

By far, though, the Odeon’s best asset is the giant stained glass dome covering the main screening room. In the right light, the area becomes filled with colors and patterns. Simply stunning!

Other notable Odeon programs

The Odeon Original Sound Programme, hosted over the course of three to four nights each week, is a series of movies offered in their original language (again, typically English).  The selection is generally a mix of the big American theatrical releases and some smaller independent movies that have gained some critical recognition. Programming is not consistent week to week so make sure to check out the schedule beforehand. Note that Italian subtitles are almost always offered.

The other great initiative of the Odeon is that they host multiple film festivals. One that I love is the ’50 days of International Film’ hosted here every fall. Note that during festivals, the Original Sound programming moves to the Odeon’s sister cinema, the Astra 2 (in Piazza Beccaria).

Tickets cost only €7.50, with discounts available for students and for Wednesday night showings. Also, alcohol is permitted in this theater, so treat yourself to a pre-movie aperitif!

More film fun

Florence, with its multitude of diverse and international inhabitants has placed a particular emphasis on the arts, and as such they have hosted many annual film festivals concentrating on certain cultures or communities and their relevant films. The most famous events of the year are the Korea Film Fest, River to River (an festival focusing on Indian films), the Festival dei Popoli featuring documentary film, the Florence Queer Festival, France Odeon, the Women and Film Festival and others including children’s films and short films. The majority of these festivals are held between the months of October and December although spring does host a few as well.

You can check out this website for a list of Tuscan festivals or visit each festival’s site directly. Screenings during festivals are held at the Odeon and other central movie theaters, as well as specifically designated festival spaces.

Happy viewing!

The post Where to see English language movies in Florence appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Here are my top picks for where to ‘go’ when the going gets tough.

Cafes and Restaurants

Italians are a little protective of their places of hygienic refuge. This is why they usually put up a sign saying that the toilets are for paying customers only. However, various Florentine restaurants, bars and cafés have recently been told to share their toilet love—even when no one’s buying anything. As you can imagine, proprietors are still a little “pissed” about this new rule so you have two choices: piddle and run or buy a drink to go with your visit. I recommend the latter.

Department Stores

Coin (Via Dei Calzaiuoli, 56/R) and Rinascente (Piazza della Repubblica) are two big department stores located near the Duomo. What else do they have in common? Free toilets!

Both stores are open daily too though hours vary.

Public Toilets

The city of Florence has graciously built a series of public toilets in and around the city center, and most tourism offices now offer a guide to said public potties (see image above).

Although I have never tried these out, word on the street is that they’re not too bad. However, they are not free. A sitting at a Florentine public outhouse will put you out €.60-1 depending on location. If you feel the need to shower too, this will cost you €3.60. To plan your toilet tour, here’s a helpful map.

Mercato Centrale

After filling your basket with fresh produce from the Mercato’s stalls and maybe wolfing down Florence’s fabled lempredotto sandwiches, take advantage of the free stalls in San Lorenzo market’s main building (see map here). Toilets here are frequented, but clean.

Finally, a word on “Turkish Toilets…”

I feel the obligation to forewarn you on something you might encounter whilst public bathrooming in Florence. There is this monstrosity, this relic of the past that was somehow overlooked by the Renaissance movement. If you do come across that legendary ceramic hole in the ground  (i.e. the Turkish Toilet), please keep these steps in mind. First, use the foot grips. Second, empty your pockets. Third, relax and stand back while you flush. Amen.

The post Where to find the best public toilets in Florence appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Duomo do!

But, get this. Did you know that every 40 minutes Florence’s Center for Art and Culture also offers FREE guided tours of the church? Highlights of the jaunt include a look into the care and craft of that gorgeous facade, why the church was originally built, and more.  Tours are available in English and Italian.

Before you go…

If you plan to take a tour, enter the sanctuary via the left-side doors. The church is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and on Fridays from 10 AM to 5 PM; Thursday it’s open from 10 AM to 3:30 PM; Saturday it opens at 10 AM and closes at 4:45 PM. On Sunday, the sanctuary is only open from 1:30 PM to 4:45 PM.  And, the first Saturday of each month the church is only open from 10 AM to 3:30 PM. For information on special holiday hours and more, visit the Duomo’s official tourism site.

Note: If you want to see more of the basilica and travel up the stairs to the top of the dome, you’ll need to shell out €8. (Hint: We think it’s worth it.)

For more information and lots of budget tips for Florence, go here.

The post Florence Tip: Free Duomo tours appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.