After three days of train-hopping we finally arrived in Florence, where we would stay for two nights in a row. We stayed in a flat we found through Booking.com, not far from the center and near Arno River. If you're travelling to Florence check the linked flat, it was spacious and comfortable and the host was super helpful and friendly.
Now, Florence is magic. The air is different, the vibes are different, everything feels unique. We crossed Arno River to get to our flat and the view is so beautiful.
For a night walk head over to Piazza della Signora. It's the square between Arno and Duomo and holds a breathtaking space full of history. The Fountain of Neptune is a huge fountain located in the Piazza and was meant to be an allusion to Florence's dominion over the sea. Loggia dei Lanzi is basically the building with the three big arches that hold various statues, including Perseus with the Head of Medusa and you just stand there in awe observing it.
We had dinner at Il Toscanaccio, which was a cute little restaurant at Piazza di S. Firenze. Nice lasagna, great pizza, FYI. Then of course we went for ice cream at Vivoli, the first gelateria opened in Florence back in 1930. I had strawberry, blackberry and pineapple and ginger. Curious combination but delicious. No cone though, only cups.
After a very long hour of us walking around the city looking for a place to get drinks, we headed back to our flat only to bump into a street party, outside Caffe degli Atigiani. Apparently there was some kind of a concert earlier and the people just stayed at the caffe drinking. Good times, unexpected fun.
Now, Florence is magic. The air is different, the vibes are different, everything feels unique. We crossed Arno River to get to our flat and the view is so beautiful.
For a night walk head over to Piazza della Signora. It's the square between Arno and Duomo and holds a breathtaking space full of history. The Fountain of Neptune is a huge fountain located in the Piazza and was meant to be an allusion to Florence's dominion over the sea. Loggia dei Lanzi is basically the building with the three big arches that hold various statues, including Perseus with the Head of Medusa and you just stand there in awe observing it.
We had dinner at Il Toscanaccio, which was a cute little restaurant at Piazza di S. Firenze. Nice lasagna, great pizza, FYI. Then of course we went for ice cream at Vivoli, the first gelateria opened in Florence back in 1930. I had strawberry, blackberry and pineapple and ginger. Curious combination but delicious. No cone though, only cups.
After a very long hour of us walking around the city looking for a place to get drinks, we headed back to our flat only to bump into a street party, outside Caffe degli Atigiani. Apparently there was some kind of a concert earlier and the people just stayed at the caffe drinking. Good times, unexpected fun.
The next day starts with brunch at Melaleuca, a great cafe with reggae music and healthier snacks (although I did chose pancakes, of course). Highly recommended. Then at Gucci Garden which is perfect for any fashion enthusiast out there. It's a gallery dedicated to the history and all things Gucci, that could only be a bit better if it was in an actual garden. Nice little visit.
At night we head over to Firenze Jazz Festival. Free entrance, jazz music, street food, perfect combination. And ''no'' even though no one tells you that, you can't take the plastic cups with you. Super delicious burger from Ditta Eredi L. Nigro... food truck baby.
At night we head over to Firenze Jazz Festival. Free entrance, jazz music, street food, perfect combination. And ''no'' even though no one tells you that, you can't take the plastic cups with you. Super delicious burger from Ditta Eredi L. Nigro... food truck baby.
Ice cream at the famous Venchi, that has a wall of dripping chocolate and a big queue if you wanna get a cone. Mine (above) has raspberry bits on the cone and balls of stracciatella, pineapple and coconut and strawberry. Ooh it's worth it, trust me.
Also, big tip and please listen to me: Look for a pasta workshop in Florence. We signed up at Vivanda for a class. It's three hours that includes two hours of pasta making (three different types, linguine, ravioli and tortellini, the last two filled with either ricotta cheese or pesto) and one hour of eating what the class has made. It's €55 per person and it's an experience you must live in Italy. Above, the not-so-great pictures show the steps, and the last one is the plate we had afterwards.
All in all... Florence... is magic.
All in all... Florence... is magic.