Flawless Florence

Flawless, Fierce, Flirtatious, Fashion, and just straight-up FAB. Florence is personally my favorite city in the world. I know, a bad marketing move setting the bar so high, however, if you enjoy history, food, beauty, culture, shopping, or just being a human, Florence is the city to visit.

Prework: I really got into the mood when I watched the Medici TV Show. America's own Dustin Hoffman plays Giovanni de Medici. The Medici family took civilization, Florence, and art to the next level. You really can't visit Florence without seeing their coat of arms or their name. I recommend reading or watching up before you head to Florence. I also enjoy the Stanley Tucci episode: Tuscany.

Other famous people who are also synonymous with Florence are: Michelangelo (Sistine Chapel and David), Leonardo da Vinci, Dante (Divine Comedy), and Galileo.

I see a little silhouetto of a man

Scaramouche, Scaramouche, will you do the Fandango?

Thunderbolt and lightning, very, very frightening me

(Galileo) Galileo, (Galileo) Galileo, Galileo Figaro, magnifico

Where have I stayed: 25 hours hotel. This is my favorite place I have stayed and the whole hotel is Dante's Divine Comedy themed. Their bar, activities, and bakery are all great. Perfect location to walk the whole city.

Garibaldi Blu and Eurostars Florence Boutique are also nice and clean hotels.

Bo aw SkybarJin Bo Law Skybar

Food and drink:

• La Giostra

• Trattoria Za Za - A must each time you go! If you like truffles, you will be in heaven. Reservations for lunch during busy times are recommended. (Picture of menu and pasta below)

  • This is near the outdoor markets, so easy to do back-to-back.

• Restaurant Buca Mario - Reservation needed. Two seatings each night. (Pear dessert pictured below)

  • Florentine steak, pasta, and dessert are all delicious

• The Red Garter - Karaoke fans here you go!

• Osteria Santo Spirito

• All'Antico Vinaio - there will be a long line, but it is so worth the wait. We got this to-go on a rainy day. Best panini's in the city.

• Trattoria 4 Leoni

• Babae for the wine window.

• Giacosa1815 Firenze - the birthplace of the Negroni

• Procacci wine bar

• Pizzium - best pizza in the city

• Vin santo - Osteria Belle Donne

• Café Scudieri (pictured below)

• Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio - ate breakfast here for a quick meal, cheap and delicious

• San Lorenzo Central Market - food hall (description pictured below)

• Osteria Belle Donne - wine window Stanley Tucci goes to

• Osteria Cinghiale Bianco - Stanley Tucci rec (pictured below)

• Sant’ Ambrogio - Stanley Tucci rec

• The Friends Pub - we watched a futbol game here and they have a good beer selection

• Gelato at La Carraia or Vivoli

• Berberè Pizzeria Santa Croce - same chain in NYC, but yummy.
  

Must see and do:

• Hike to see the sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo. We did Aperol Spritz's at Vip’s Bar. Great spot to post up. Another time, we got up an hour before sunrise, walked the city with no crowds, and watched the sunrise. No crowds were great!

• Boboli Gardens

• Gucci Museum

• Cappelle Medicee

• Bargello national museum

• Duomo Tour - we did the one where you climb to the top. (Picture taken on the tour below)

• Museo Galileo - you can see his finger preserved!

• Academia Museum - highly recommend doing a tour when they first open. The best way to see David and understand some of the artwork. Hint - The medieval art has all the gold backgrounds, and as the Renaissance emerges you can see more details in the backgrounds of the paintings.

• Uffizi Gallery - highly recommend doing the first tickets of the day to beat the crowds. We bought our tickets online in advance. The early tickets are usually the cheapest as well. I would do audio guides versus a paid tour. (Right and left pictures below)

• Piazza della Signoria - worth paying to go inside.

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Final thoughts: My biggest regret the first time I visited Florence was only doing one night. I think if you are coming back one night works, but for your first time I recommend at least two, but three nights feels right.