The Danger Duomo

The first area to go completely car-free was the ring around the Duomo. It seems ludicrous in retrospect, but just two years ago the snaking lines of church-goers ran the risk of “attack by speeding car.” But not anymore. The entire Duomo ring is now carless and harmless. But do keep an eye out for the bicycles, horses and determined stroller-pushing nonnas.

Okay, that’s great. But what about the rest of the monuments (or monumental walking hazards)? Well, it’s just been announced that as of June 24, 2011, the following parts of the city will be completely car free! (Click here for a map of the city’s new pedestrian zones.)

Palazzo [“it’s a”] Pitti there are so many cars

Remember the good old days of getting clipped by the mirrors of passing vehicles while walking from Ponte Vecchio to Palazzo Pitti? Ah, the nostalgia of injuries past.

Okay, it never happened but now it surely never will because the entire Piazza de’ Pitti area will soon be traffic free. That includes that congested 5 inch-wide deathtrap of a sidewalk all the way from Ponte Vecchio to Palazzo Pitti. (But please, hold your applause until the end.)

Shopping Sanctuary

Florence, city of fashion, has a street called Via Tornabuoni where you’ll find the shops of style sultans such as Gucci, Prada and Emporio Armani.

And soon, that little strip of garment pedigree just off Palazzo Strozzi will be – wait for it, wait for it – traffic free! Just imagine meandering with a gelato in your hand and gazing through the windows of fashion greatness with only the sounds of ringing cash registers echoing through the street. Sounds about right, doesn’t it?

Be the best pedestrian you can be

In Italy, two pedestrians per day are killed by cars. This is a place where even motorcyclists use their mobile phones when they drive. Be careful!

Sidewalks are notoriously narrow which makes walking in the street a common habit. Italian drivers may be very good at slalom but still, make use of your peripheral vision!

The post Florence’s New Pedestrian Zones: Where you can put your foot down appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But never fear, here’s a quick primer in what to look for in a Roman street sign–and where to look!

Where to look for your sign

In Rome’s center you’ll often find addresses posted on marble-like plaques on the sides of buildings. When looking for “Via dei Banchi Vecchi,” for example, you’ll need to look high up on the side of the building, where you’ll see the little plaque. Don’t get frustrated if you can’t find it right away; sometimes you have to walk a few blocks on the same street before spotting one.

Street signs come in all shapes and sizes. When not posted directly onto the buildings, you’ll find regular white street signs with black lettering. You may even see a black square sign with addresses posted directly above an advertisement, for example, for a movie or an art exhibition.

Regular street signs. Photo: N. Arriaga

Where to find your number

So you’ve found the street–now let’s find the street number! This, too, is sometimes easier said than done.

Often, odd numbers will be on one side of the street and even numbers on the other. Don’t assume that sequential numbers will be across the street from each other. “46” for example, might be several blocks away from “45” and “47.” Or the numbers could run in sequence (as pictured above).

This even-odd inconsistency tends to drive tourists mad, but after a while, you’ll get used to it. (And relax. Remember that you’ll probably make some of your best “discoveries” while wandering around a bit lost!)

Other confusing street signs

Although most of the signs posted around Rome are intended for automobiles, a few are important for pedestrians to understand. These include:

“Area Pedonale”

The “Area Pedonale” sign shows a man walking, signifying that you’re entering a pedestrian-only area. In other words, no cars allowed.

Pedestrians only! Photo: N. Arriaga

“Parcheggio Cani”

You’ll know you’re in Italy when you see this one. The sign says “Dog Parking.” While Italy is pretty dog-friendly, some businesses don’t allow you to bring Fido inside. To make nice, certain shops have set up a sort of “dog parking” station, where owners can literally tie up and “park” their dogs.

Parcometro

Believe it or not, tourists often confuse these parking meters with telephone booths. Maybe the “P” painted on it causes them to think of a “phone”? Perhaps it’s all those buttons? I’ve seen people struggling, without any luck, to find the phone receiver. No folks, these are parking meters.

If you’re looking for a phone, they’re silver and orange. Unfortunately, they’re growing scarce, but seem to still be placed around busy (and noisy) intersections.

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