Not me posting my Florence information 5 years after my final journey to Florence… 👀
That is one in every of my most requested journey guides (behind my Almalfi Coast information) and I’m lastly able to hit publish. I do know a lot of you might be planning upcoming Italy journeys, so I hope this comes on the excellent time!
Reality be informed, I in all probability postpone scripting this information for therefore lengthy as a result of I’ve SO a lot to say about Florence. I studied overseas right here in faculty and it simply maintain a lot that means to me. For that cause, I knew my Florence information couldn’t be rushed! (Hope it was well worth the wait! 😂)
What I like about Florence:
A lot of Florence really feels untouched by time. There are not any few allowed within the metropolis middle, so all the pieces is explored by foot. There may be a lot historical past, a lot tradition, and it’s simply so lovely, with a lot character. One other factor to like about Florence is its location, making it the right house base for plenty of day journeys, or a very handy “metropolis” vacation spot to pair with a couple of leisurely days spent wine tasting within the countryside. You may be in Rome in 1.5 hours, Venice in 2.5, and Naples in underneath 3.
How lengthy do you could spend in Florence? I’d personally need two full days in Florence. You can simply keep longer and prepare day journeys, or spend three nights and take your time exploring. It actually relies on what sort of expertise you wish to have, and the way far more in your journey you’d wish to see.
One other factor to think about is whether or not you’ll be visiting in excessive or off-season. In excessive season it will get actually actually crowded. We spent 4 nights there final time (as a result of I hadn’t been again since learning overseas) and I want we’d spent three (and spent one other night time in wine nation as a substitute) as a result of we had been so fed up with the crowds in every single place. Nonetheless, I might EASILY spend 4 and even 5 leisurely days in Florence (and coordinate a couple of day journeys) in off-season, when town is quieter.
In case you desire a smaller metropolis (vs. someplace like Rome) you might wish to spend extra time in Florence. Nonetheless, clearly there’s extra to “do” in Rome than Florence, however Florence is town I a lot desire. In case you desire much more motion and a quicker tempo, then you might be prepared to maneuver on from Florence after a few days.
What’s the language barrier like in Florence? In case you don’t converse Italian, you gained’t have an issue getting round, though I at all times assume it’s at all times most well mannered to no less than study a couple of Italian phrases to make the additional effort! Additionally, Google translate is at all times there if you happen to want it!
Suggestions for touring Italy generally: I wrote a complete weblog submit on that proper over right here! Shall be a useful learn earlier than you go.
Must you rent a journey planner or journey agent to plan your Italy journey? I’m at all times for this feature! I’m very professional outsourcing no matter I can, as you in all probability know by now. 😂 There are such a lot of methods you’ll be able to plan your journey, so many choices, that it will get so overwhelming in a rush. I at all times love having an knowledgeable to inform me the issues to be careful for, what to skip if it’s too touristy, to offer me higher local-loved choices, to reign me in if I’m everywhere and might’t make up my thoughts. (And let’s be sincere, I hate planning, so having somebody do all of it for me is large.) Plus, with a journey planner, you get perks like free upgrades and extra.
Moreover, it’s very nice to have if one thing does go improper (inevitably, each journey has its hiccups!) and also you need assistance developing with a plan B on the final minute!
For all these causes, I extremely advocate hiring my good friend Whitney and her crew. (Sure, my good friend Whitney of Atlas Adventures!) I can’t solely vouch for her character as a good friend, however I’ve traveled with Whitney a number of instances and she or he at all times is aware of the perfect locations and insider suggestions. Moreover, she really cares whether or not or not you’ve got an unimaginable time and her crew will at all times go above and past to make that occur! You’ll be able to study extra about her companies right here.
What to pack in your Florence journey? You’ll be able to see my Italy packing checklist submit and Outfits I Wore in Italy as a superb begin! In case you’ll be stepping into shoulder season, my chilly climate Europe packing checklist will likely be extra up your alley!
The place to remain in Florence:
The Look Lodge: We stayed on the Look resort and it was all the pieces we wished for our keep. It was fashionable, clear, cute, however not too costly. Better of all: it has a rooftop pool! To be sincere, I actually didn’t assume the pool mattered as a result of we might be out and about all day anyway, however after a sizzling day of sightseeing it was SUCH a deal with to have the ability to come again to the resort, take a swim, take pleasure in a cocktail on the roof, after which take somewhat siesta within the cool AC. Really, heaven. Extremely advocate this place!
Palazzo di Camugliano: Comes extremely really helpful by my good friend Whitney, who’s a journey planner and journey agent who makes a speciality of Italy, and that is her go-to 4 star resort! In case you e book together with her, she will get you free perks and upgrades! I like to recommend getting in contact together with her right here!
Grand Lodge Minerva: This was one other resort possibility we had been taking a look at however ended up going with the Look as a result of we might e book it with much less factors. This place has actually nice evaluations and is so near the attractive Basilica of Santa Maria Novella that you would contact it–a superb location. It additionally has a rooftop pool!
AirBnB’s: Whereas I can’t advocate any particularly, there are many AirBnB choices in Florence. Any location inside the metropolis middle is an efficient location! Florence is so walkable that it’s actually arduous to go improper. Search for spots anyplace close to/across the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, San Lorenzo, or Santa Croce.
Rooftop views from the Look Lodge
One of the best Italian sandwich: rooster with rose sauce from Antico Noe
The place to eat and drink in Florence:
Very first thing’s first, do you want reservations?
YES. In case you wish to eat at peak hours, completely. In case you’re completely cool consuming at 10pm, in all probability not. However I’d at all times make them simply to be protected, particularly in excessive season! That being stated, if you happen to don’t get round to creating them, there are such a lot of nice locations to eat–simply be ready to eat at late, with the locals, after the hoards of vacationers are gone.
Now, earlier than we get into my reccos, let me preface right here that a whole lot of these locations are close to and pricey to me coronary heart as a result of they had been my favorites after I studied overseas. I can vouch that they’re nonetheless fantastic primarily based on my final go to (and since I’ve despatched a lot of you there and you’ve got messaged me with rave evaluations!) nevertheless, I do know the restaurant scene in Florence has primarily exploded since then. There are such a lot of extra up to date eating places to select from now–locations like Conde Nast and Eater will likely be good sources for that–so for certain do your analysis on these. Additionally take a look at Lady in Florence, she has so many superb reccos from an area perspective!
For my absolute tried and true basic Italian favorites which were standbys for a very long time, see beneath! (Additionally together with a couple of of Whitney’s reccos as a result of she at all times has the perfect ones!)
La Giostra: they make a pear ravioli that’s to die for—sounds somewhat bizarre, however belief me. Probably the most romantic eating places in Florence–the one lighting is string lights and candles. They’ve an English talking facet and an Italian talking facet. Do. Not. Miss. La Giostra.
Trattoria ZaZa: One other one in every of my all-time favorites. We went right here on a regular basis learning overseas and it nonetheless holds up. A lot that we went twice in our 4 days in Florence final time we had been there. The truffle pasta (get all the pieces truffle) truffle rooster and ribollita soup are to not be missed. They’ve a patio out entrance, and the eclectic house inside is busy, boisterous, with tiny tables and a complete lot of allure. You’ll be able to’t beat the meals and the welcome, cozy vibes.
Acqua al due: well-known for his or her blueberry and balsamic steaks! (I consider you’ll be able to nonetheless get a steak sampler and a pasta sampler to attempt a little bit of all the pieces!)
Antico Noe: A should for sandwiches–I dream of their rosé rooster sandwich. Don’t go to the sit down facet of the restaurant–you wish to wait in line on the sandwich store. Get any of the sandwiches with the particular rosé sauce!
Three benches: A landmark trattoria in Florence (the identify comes from the outdated location which was so small it actually had three benches). They moved to a brand new lovely rooftop location overlooking town which I haven’t been to, but it surely seems beautiful!
4 Leoni: A basic trattoria specializing in tuscan delicacies, identified for its scrumptious pasta and charming service.
Kebabs late night time: late night time kebabs are usually not the identical within the states. While you’re strolling house from a late night time out, get a kebab. Belief me. I miss them a lot!
Il Gatto e la Volpe: one other frequent hang-out we used to like after I was a pupil, and it’s nonetheless simply as scrumptious. They make their balsamic glaze in home and it’s completely to die for. (Purchase a pair bottles to take house if you happen to can!) The buffala mozzarella salad is a should order. Their pasta and risotto can be scrumptious! Ask for Fatjon and inform him I despatched you!
JJ’s Cathedral: an Irish pub that has a tiny balcony (with one desk) that has the absolute best view of the cathedral/duomo! In case you ever see it empty, go and snag the desk! One of the best place in Florence for a pint and other people watching!
Trattoria 13 Gobbi: Come to this charming, homey spot for Florentine steak (Bistecca Fiorentina) which is legendary on this area!
Trattoria Cammillo: An lovable, cozy, eclectic spot really helpful by Whitney. She says “the creme brûlée cheese starter is HEAVEN.”
La Managere: One other one in every of Whitney’s reccos if you happen to’re wanting one thing a bit extra fashionable and upscale! A phenomenal house.
Osteria Cinghiale Bianco: Ultimate Whitney recco–this spot is excessive on my checklist for subsequent time! Well-known for his or her boar steak and boar bolognese however they’ve a lot of choices on the menu if wild boar isn’t your factor. (Cinghiale is “boar” in Italian, and wild boar is legendary in Tuscany!)
Get an iced cappuccino or shakerato: You’ll see indicators for these in cafes–they’re SO GOOD. Nothing hits the spot on a heat morning like a Florentine iced cappucino!
Greatest views of the cathedral: from the Irish pub, JJ’s Cathedral
Gorgeous frescos on the ceiling of the duomo
View from the highest of the Duomo. (Definitely worth the climb!)
Issues to do in Florence
Piazza Michelangelo: well worth the climb up the hill for the views! Go early within the morning to keep away from the crowds, but additionally lovely at sundown, particularly if you happen to seize a drink on the restaurant to absorb the views. (Sure, it’s costly however you’re paying for the expertise!) A lot of the lovely photographs taken of the cityscape on this submit are from Piazza Michelangelo.
Ponte Vecchio: Florence’s well-known bridge lined with native jewellery shops! If you wish to store for some jewellery, this can be a enjoyable place to do it.
Piazza della Signoria: My favourite piazza, which you’ll know by it’s duplicate of the statue of David. It’s the one you stroll via from the Duomo on the best way to the Ponte Vecchio. There’ll typically be tremendous proficient avenue performers who sing within the piazza within the evenings. Seize a pizza and a bottle of wine and revel in them on the steps. (It’s probably too busy now to do that in excessive season however a pleasant deal with throughout off-season if the climate is sweet!)
Leather-based markets: there are two large leather-based markets in Florence: San Lorenzo and Porcellino. Each promote comparable items however I desire the San Lorenzo, near Mercato Centrale because it’s a bit larger. This can be a excellent spot to purchase cheap (however fairly!) leather-based gloves, scarves, and so on, however I desire Massimo for jackets as they’re a lot larger high quality. Be ready to barter!
Massimo leather-based: not removed from the San Lorenzo leather-based market is Massimo. A fantastic place to cease in to purchase a high quality leather-based jacket! My favourite merchandise in my wardrobe is STILL my leather-based jacket from Massimo that I obtained when learning overseas right here.
Mercato Centrale: the central meals market in Florence. Replenish on dried fruit (mango and pineapple are my favourite) olive oil, wine, meats, cheeses and so on! It’s busy with vacationers but additionally with locals doing their weekly purchasing, grabbing lunch or espresso, and so on! They’ve additionally transformed the highest flooring to be stuffed with native eating places, so it’s extra like a classy meals corridor up high!
Stroll up the Duomo or the bell tower: I extremely advocate shopping for skip the road tickets for both–it will get very crowded! I’ve climbed the Duomo a number of instances however by no means accomplished the bell tower, though I’ve heard good issues!
The professional’s of doing the bell tower are you can see the beautiful dome up shut, however the draw back is that you just don’t get to see the completely breathtaking frescos painted within the ceiling of the duomo! (Perhaps you’ll wish to do each!?) I’ll warn anybody who isn’t able to climb one million tiny steps or anybody claustrophobic that the Duomo climb is just not for you. At components it’s VERY tiny, slender, and darkish, however the views are 1000% value it.
Go to the Uffizi: Florence’s famed artwork museum the place you’ll be able to see works just like the Beginning of Venus up shut. (Which I beloved).
See the David: For all artwork lovers, seeing Michelangelo’s well-known statue of David on the Accademia Gallery in individual will likely be excessive on the checklist. Positively pay for skip the road tickets or a tour, as will probably be very crowded in excessive season. It’s a small museum, so it’s a fast go to and a pleasant strategy to begin the day!
Store on the Gucci flagship retailer: In case you’ve ever wished to purchase any Gucci, that is the place to do it! 😍
Make a journey to the designer retailers: I’ve by no means accomplished this, however know many who’ve (if luxurious designers are your jam) there are various completely different retailers to select from–extra information right here.
Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens: A phenomenal Renaissance villa you’ll be able to tour with essentially the most STUNNING gardens. (An ideal place to have a picnic, or for youths to run and play!) A should when the climate is sweet
For the perfect leather-based jackets, a visit to Massimo is a should!
Views from Piazza Michelangelo
Apertivo from Piazza Michelangelo
View from Piazza Michelangelo at sundown
Sundown over the Ponte Vecchio
A visit to Mercato Centrale is a should
Visiting Fiesole with my mother again in 2009. I like this image of her ♥️
Day journeys from Florence:
Take the bus as much as Fiesole:
You’ll be able to hop on a metropolis bus from the Santa Maria Novella practice station to the little hilltop city of Fiesole, which used to accommodate a monastery and can be stuffed with Etruscan ruins. (The amphitheater is so cool!) You’ll be able to take within the beautiful views of Florence. There are a pair trattorias there the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in lunch, somewhat snack or one thing to drink. It’s solely about 20 minutes from town middle and an ideal strategy to spend the afternoon!
Day journey into wine nation:
I extremely advocate working an evening or two in wine nation into your itinerary whereas in Tuscany, however in any case, you are able to do a day journey from the middle of Florence!
You will have a couple of choices right here: lease your individual automotive and do a visit by yourself (which I don’t assume is well worth the problem for a day journey), or if you happen to desire to not fear in regards to the problem of driving and planning, there are various small group day excursions you’ll be able to take to maintain prices down (I did this with my mother when learning overseas), or you’ll be able to rent your individual personal driver. (Which is definitely cheaper than you would possibly assume!) No matter you select, there are many firms that do that if you happen to google, or that is one thing a journey planner can prepare for you. (I extremely advocate hiring Whitney and crew!)
If in case you have a pair nights to spare, and wish to deal with your self, I can’t advocate staying at Borgo San Felice sufficient, which is an historical city turned 5 star resort and vineyard. It was completely dreamy. (I have to do a complete completely different submit simply on that–see photographs beneath!) There are additionally tons of gorgeous agriturismos in Tuscany to select from.
Day journey to San Gimignano: (Under) and Siena
San Gimignano is an extremely charming, tiny midivil city within the coronary heart of Tuscany’s wine nation, not removed from Siena, which can be value a go to. I extremely advocate stopping at Podere La Morranaia and doing a tasting! I randomly discovered them on TripAdvisor on our final journey and we had essentially the most magical time there. Planning a tasting after which a pair hours to discover town/hang around after is ideal.
In case you don’t wish to lease a automotive or prepare a driver, there are many wine nation excursions you can e book as a day journey–that is what I did with my mother and it was a lot enjoyable! (That is one thing a journey planner might help you with or if you happen to google, you’ll discover a lot of choices!)
My cute Mother visiting San Gimignano when she came over whereas I studied overseas
San Gimignano a few years later with a significantly better digital camera! 😂
Cooking class with Nonna Ciana:
One other absolute GEM of an expertise is doing a cooking class with Nonna Ciana, who’s a spicy grandmother who invitations you into her kitchen to learn to make pasta the old style approach. It’s a small group setting (and Nonna’s household all helps out) and never solely will you choose up some nice cooking methods, you’ll meet some attention-grabbing individuals, too! This was really helpful to me by buddies and I’m so glad we did it. I inform everybody I do know it’s a can’t-miss if you happen to’ll be close to Siena.
I couldn’t uncover any pics from my Cinque Terre day journey in 2009 however right here’s a very fairly picture my good friend Victoria took! (She sells her lovely prints on Etsy!)
Day journey to Cinque Terre:
You’ll be able to simply hop a 2.5 hour practice from Santa Maria Novella to Cinque Terre, which is a cluster of 5 small cliffside fishing villages with essentially the most beautiful views. You’ll be able to hike from one to a different, take a small native practice from one city to the subsequent, or a mixture of each (which I’d advocate).
If you need half journey, half leisure, this can be a nice possibility. The views are so, so beautiful with the colourful buildings spilling over the seaside cliffs. Suppose White Lotus vibes with out having to go south. I solely did Cinque Terra as a day journey after I was learning overseas. I’d love to return and spend extra time! (In case you simply need some leisurely seaside time, you would simply spend a pair days right here!)
Whereas it’s attainable to do in a day, I do comprehend it does get extraordinarily crowded throughout peak vacationer season, so I’d be much less inclined to do a day journey then, quite, it is perhaps value spending the night time so you’ll be able to expertise the cities after the frenzy of day trippers go house. Simply meals for thought! One other time when a journey planner might help you weigh your choices!
In entrance of my outdated condominium, By way of Dante Alighieri 14 ♥️
Extra sources for planning your Florence journey:
I’m clearly not an area, and I haven’t spent a whole lot of time in Florence in a few years, so for an knowledgeable opinion, I like Lady in Florence and have been following her for years! Her web site is SO useful and she or he has tons of reccos on her weblog and instagram! You’ll be able to even rent her to assist plan your journey if you happen to’re solely involved in planning in and round Florence particularly! (She’s an American expat, so her perspective will likely be particularly useful for Individuals!)
Did you make it to the top of the submit!? I hope this was useful in planning your journey to Florence and that you just love this particular place as a lot as I do! ♥️
