17 July 2016

Suitcase. Florence, Italy - Travel Guide

Our visit to Florence was a whirlwind of a few days. With so many sights to see, not to mention all the food we simply had to try, it was a busy, busy time. I almost felt like I needed a holiday afterwards. Ha! - says she still making her way around Continental Europe as we speak. Take a read below for all my top tips on what to see and where to eat.

  
So where to start? The sights I suppose. We based ourselves near the very famous Ponte Vecchio on the south side of the river which is actually a great spot to be as it's super central but not quite so busy.


A short stroll had us in the fashion district where I ooh'ed and aah'ed over Ferragamo before spotting a blooming bicycle in a nearby laneway which had me in raptures. What a cool way to get around town.


Of course you can't visit Firenze without a peek inside the Duomo. To be honest I thought the exterior was much better but I suppose you ought to stick your head in all the same.


Santa Maria church is lovely too. If you're an aficionado of churches, there are PLENTY to choose from here.


Florence can be quite a myriad of streets when you're in amongst it which is why a trip up to Piazzale Michelangelo is essential. As with most things in life, the view from the top is ace.


Boboli Gardens is another great day out but be sure to bring good walking shoes. This 11-acre expanse is kind of like an outdoor museum as it houses a range of famous sculptures from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Not to mention some fabulous hedge sculptures too!


And while you're there be sure to check out the attached Pitti Palace Museum, it had a fabulous fashion photography exhibit on while we were in town.


Crossing the line into the foodie realm of Florence, a peek inside San Lorenzo market is a rite of passage. If you're looking for some brightly coloured pasta this is the place.


And if you fancy a humongous wheel of parmesan then buy it from this guy, he was so delightful, always chuckling and clearly loved his dairy products.


If a rooftop cocktail is more your style then Hotel Continental has a swish roof bar with a view over the river and a great aperitivo offering.


Then afterwards stroll 3 minutes down the road to Signorvino for a wine and charcuterie board on the banks of the Arno. Perfecto.


One final foodie tip, if you find yourself at lunchtime with a grumbling stomach, you simply must eat a panini from All'Antico Vinaio. They're renowned as the best in the city and the chaps who serve you are jolly nice too.


So that's it. The Florence whirlwind was complete. We headed for Positano feeling happy and several kilos heavier. More coming from the Amalfi Coast next week...


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Photos by Krissie.