Florence, Italy
Every city of our 2018 Europe trip was so special to us, but Florence was up there in the magical category. Florence is rich with culture and full of history. I visited right after High School and fell in love with the river as well as the delicious pasta! If you aren’t familiar with Florence, it is the capital of the Tuscany region and home to many architectural masterpieces and Renaissance art. Needless to say, there isn’t a lack of things to do or see!
Hotel:
We stayed at the best spot in Florence, Residenza Marchesi Pontenani. The size of our apartment and the hospitality was more than we imagined. It was walking distance to the river and so many other spots. I highly recommend!
Via delle Casine, 6, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Sights:
Academy of Florence, Statue of David and many other beautiful works.
Piazza Della Republica
Duomo Cathedral
We walked from our airbnb up to the Piazzale Michaelangelo to see the sunset. This was so magical! The Micahelangelo Plaza is across the river and offers stunning views looking back over to Florence.
Mercado Centrale, food market court type place. Tons of great options and fun atmosphere. Locale was a one of a kind bar- plants growing on the wall, the glass ceiling opened and the specialty cocktails were delish.
Restaurants:
All’Antico Vinaio, Via dei Neri, 74/R, 50100 Firenze FI, Italy
Osteria Santo Spirito, Piazza Santo Spirito, 16/R, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Gusta Pizza, Via Maggio, 46/r, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Noted as the Best pizza in Florence!
Trattoria Za Za, Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 26r, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
ZaZa is Very Touristy, but we loved our food and the unique atmosphere. It is in the thick of Florence, but busy, so make a reservation.
Osteria Pastella, Via della Scala, 17/r, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
THE BEST dinner in Florence. The Cheese Wheel Truffle Pasta is to die for! Will had the Lasagna- which was the most delicious lasagna I’ve ever had. The restaurant is located out of the main part of the city and near Piazza Santa Maria Novella. We went on a walk around the area after dinner and it was stunning- also a great way to digest all those carbs.
Gelato
Eduardo’s (Right by the Duomo, Cash only!)
La Carraia, (two of them in Florence, one by corso tintori and the other one is over the bridge.)
Via De Neri Gelato
Perche No, (Oldest gelato shop in Florence.)
Transportation
Travel Tip, You can’t hail a cab in Florence. You need to pre-order them using the app my taxi, or by calling the taxi companies (you can call one and it will come within 5 minutes). There are taxi stands throughout the city center.
+39 055 4390 or +39 0554242 → taxi companies
