Travel Guide: Florence, Italy

Italy is a total dream come true! I had the chance to revisit this magical place in May with my boyfriend Matt. I first visited with friends back in 2008, but Italy becomes something entirely different when you’re with someone you love! #cuetheitalianlovesongs

We booked our multi-city trip through European Destinations, whom I highly recommend! Our plan was 4 nights in Florence, 2 nights in Rome and 3 nights in Positano on the Amalfi Coast.

Today I’m sharing my travel guide for Florence my favorite “major” city in all of Italy!

WHERE TO STAY:

We stayed at Hotel Laurus Al Duomo in Florence. Not only is this hotel in the CENTER of the city (just a stones throw away from The Duomo) but the rooms were spacious, clean and quiet! We truly enjoyed returning to this hotel after a long, hot day of walking around the city. They also serve a decent complimentary breakfast on their rooftop terrace, overlooking The Duomo!

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WHERE TO EAT:

Florence is extremely walkable, so each day we logged 10-15 miles of walking while touring the city. So when it came to pizza, pasta & gelato, I had ZERO problem indulging. Would you believe me if I told you I actually LOST 3 lbs. after my trip! Also, the wine in Italy has no ADDED sulfites (icky preservatives–that cause headaches), so you could literally drink ALL day and not get hungover. See I told you Italy was a dream come true.

Before traveling abroad, I did a TON of research to find LOCAL favorites and hidden gems. I didn’t want to get stuck in any tourists traps (beware of menus in English or those with pictures on them) and wanted the most AUTHENTIC experience possible.

Here are my favorites from the trip:

• All Antico’ Vinaio: You’ll wait in line to try the award wining panini (#2 in all of Europe). I had the prosciutto panini with porcini mushroom spread, ricotta and arugula–molto, molto buono! 

• Gusta Pizza in Piazza Santo Spirito- Hands down the BEST pizza, I’ve ever had in my life. If you have ONE meal in Florence, let THIS be it! A truly local gem, Gusta is famous for it’s “Neapolitan style “pizza (super, super thin).  Get there early as there WILL be a line, but it moves fast.  Grab 2 pizzas and some birra “to go” and enjoy on the steps of Piazza Santo Spirito!

• Grom Gelato: not all gelato is created equal. You’ll definitely want to try this one!
• Konnubio: for a fancy dinner! Snag the romantic “table for 2” on the steps if you’re lucky.
• Sasso Di Dante: located in the heart of the city. Order the truffle oil gnocchi pictured below, trust me!

• Il Pizzaiuolo: we heard from multiple locals, this pizzeria was one of the best! This was our second favorite (next to Gusta) in all of Italy! Be sure to make a reservation in advance.
• Caffè Gilli: opened in 1733, this place is a Florentine institution. It has survived the two world wars and was often frequented by aristocrats, politicians and Italian creatives (painters, sculptures and fashion designers). To this day, celebrities make it a point to visit this most special place! Choose a seat by the window, so you can look out on the Piazza della Repubblica and people watch!

 

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WHAT TO DO:

• Ponte Vecchio– stroll along one of Florence’s most notable attractions, the Ponte Vecchio bridge! Enjoy a gelato, people watch & shop for jewelry–especially gold. I purchased the most gorgeous gold hoop earrings here!
• Mercato Centrale – Old world meets modern day at this 2 story, indoor market. I like to think of it as Italy’s version of Whole Foods! The first floor is like a grocery store where you can sample traditional tuscan fare like dried fruits and cheeses, among butcher shops, produce stands and spice vendors. Then head upstairs for lunch at the modern food court, with endless options to choose from!
• San Lorenzo Market-an open, air street market, located just outside Mercato Centrale. Shop for leather goods–like belts, shoes and handbags. I scored this white, embossed snakeskin leather clutch:

• Piazza della Repubblica : Fuel up with “un caffe” at Caffe Gilli and people watch in the main square/city center of Florence.
• Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy– a 15th century apothecary, stop here to admire the beautiful interior and to purchase fragrances and rose water toner!
• Santa Maria Novella Church:  near the pharmacy and one of the most stunning  churches I have ever seen:

 

• Gucci Museo (Gucci Museam)-Florence is the location of the FIRST ever Gucci store, opened in 1921! Tip: skip the entrance fee to the tiny museum and get an espresso in the cafe instead! The monogram sugar cubes are the best part!

• Palazzo Pitti (Pitti Palace) and Bobboli Gardens– This sprawling palace and adjoining gardens are incredible! You could spend all day exploring the gardens, but I encourage you to take the vertical route, straight to the top! You’ll be greeted with the most beautiful rose garden I’ve ever seen and this view of Florence:

• Uffizi Gallery: one of the oldest and most famous art museums in the world, which house masterpieces by Leonardo DaVinci & Michelangelo to name a few.
• Academia Gallery: most famous for being home to Michaelangelo’s “The David” sculpture.
• Piazza Michaelangelo: There’s no better way to end the day, than with a hike up to Piazza Michaelangelo to watch sunset and steal the BEST views of Florence. You cannot come to this city and not see a sunset here. Tip: Bring your own bottle of vino to enjoy as the sun goes down.

Other Tips:

• Brush up on your Italian! Florence is considered a “major” city in Italy, however I had to use my language skills more than I anticipated.
• Ask locals like cab drivers, waiters and shop owners THEIR favorite places to dine in the city. Chances are you’ll get a more authentic answer than from the staff at your hotel, who can be motivated by commission.
• Have a plan, but be ok with going “off schedule”. Part of the fun is getting lost down brick lined streets and popping into places you discover along the way!

Have you been to Florence? What are some of your favorite spots?

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More Travel Guides (coming soon):

• Chianti, Sienna, San Gimignano & Pisa (Day Trip)
• Rome, Italy
• Positano, Italy (Amalfi Coast)