How To Spot (Or Avoid) The 'Jersey Shore' Cast In Florence
The cast of the Jersey Shore has landed in Florence and scored a job at a pizza parlor for the summer. Angering most Italian officials (and probably locals), the tan cast members are not living la dolce vita yet. A spokeswoman for Florence's city council told the New York Post, "we needed to have some general rules on behavior in place. U.S. universities with study centers here are not very happy — they're afraid people will start drinking too much."
Whether you avidly watch their grueling GTL schedule or know the cast members only from their bumbling late night interviews, they're drawing quite the enthusiastic (read: screaming) crowd to O'Vesuvio Pizzeria. The pizza shop is used to accommodating long lines since it is steps from some of Florence's most famous tourist attractions and landmarks like the Piazza del Duomo and the Uffizi Gallery.
Herewith — a guide for Florence-bound travelers, whether you're hoping to catch a glimpse of Snooki serving you pizza or avoid her and her friends all together. (Photo courtesy of Flickr/thatguygil)
Where to Eat
Of course, food is among the chief reasons to travel to Italy. Florence is home to some incredible restaurants from tiny holes in the wall to upscale establishments, each with a passionate chef in the kitchen. Jersey Shore guido-lovers should make a pit stop at O'Vesuvio's, but only for their celeb-sighting fix. Pizza-lovers should skip the line and head to the infinitely more charming Boccanegra Enoteca.
Another restaurant sure to be free of "The Situation" and his boys is Sostanza/Il Troia — a delectable dinner spot loved by locals as much for its food (think Florentine classics like a bistecca alla fiorentina, delicious roasted chicken, and an unforgettable artichoke appetizer) as for its lack of ambiance. (Photo courtesy of noncirestacheviaggiare.com)
Nightlife
Florence's nightlife can be as raucous or laidback as you like, though locals tend to frequent lounges and bars.
The boisterous cast members have reportedly been spotted at Twice Club, which is not far from O'Vesuvio. Instead of risking a sighting (or worse, an encounter) — get out of dodge a bit by heading to Forte Belvedere, high on a hill overlooking the city. The fort, built in the late 1500s, is turned into an
They're also reportedly fans of Astor Cafe, a bar literally steps from the Duomo, known for hosting tourists at the start of their night. To start your night off right, head to Caffe Giacosa, a daytime café and nighttime cocktail lounge owned by Roberto Cavalli. Le Volpi e L'Uva is a quiet wine bar, if that's more your scene, while Dolce Vita is a favorite for happy hour on the other side of the river. (Photo courtesy of Flickr/talkoftomatoes)
Sightseeing
The Daily Mail spotted the cast members doing laundry at a local lavanderia when the girls aren't spending their days hitting the shops and visiting the Museum of Torture.
If following their lead seems like torture in and of itself, talk a walk through the Palazzo Pitti's Boboli Gardens and the Uffizi Gallery (where the cast and crew aren't allowed to film). Fashion lovers should hit the Museum of Salvatore Ferragamo to stare in awe at the historical shoe collection, while Santa Maria Novella is a must-see for its history selling perfumes to the Medici family and its glorious architecture. (Photo courtesy of Flickr/devilzkandi)
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