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Florence is renowned for old masters and history, but it’s also a living city with a vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene. Handsome and historic, it’s bursting with quirky shops and quality crafts, making it one of Europe’s most civilised weekend destinations.
We spent a busy week researching the latest yarn trends and technology at the Pitti Filati fair, so we were glad for some time to relax and sight-see at the end of the trip.
Read on to see what we got up to in beautiful Florence, showing you our favourite places to shop, eat and visit!
Where to shop: UB
This quirky store on Via dei Conti is a treasure trove of goodies, full to the brim with antique decorations and retro furniture. Seek out a hidden back room with the most amazing collection of vintage wallpaper, including 60’s floral designs and geometric prints.
Ub Firenze / Via dei Conti 4r – 50123 Firenze – IT | https://www.ubfirenze.it/
Where to shop: Ottod’ame
The beautifully merchandised Ottod’ame sits on Via della Spada and houses a wide range of fashion brands with a concept store feel. While we visiting there was a stunning ‘White Like Milk’ display, showcasing their all white styles along side pops of graphic colour.
Via della Spada 19r | https://www.ottodame.it/
Where to eat: Gusta Pizza
You can find Gusta Pizza in one of our favourite areas in the city, just south of the river and surrounded by lovely boutiques and antique shops.
This rough and ready pizzeria makes the most delicious pizza, it’s definitely worth a visit. It’s definitely service with a smile here, the staff are so friendly and welcoming. *They also make heart shaped pizzas!
Top tip: Take out your pizza and eat on the steps of the Basilica di Santo Spirito and people watch the evening away. Follow with an alfresco drink outside one of the bars on the Piazza Santo Spirito!
46R Via Maggio
Where to eat: Gelato Santa Trinita
Let’s face it, you can’t to Italy without sampling the local gelato. This Gelateria has the best in Florence (and that’s saying something!) and sits on a corner with views of the river and the Ponte Vecchio.
Top tip: The Sesamo Nero gelato is a must-try. This mysterious grey ice cream tastes better than it looks (something along the lines of hazelnut but with a more intense flavour).
Piazza Frescobaldi, 11/12 R
Where to go: Boboli Gardens
Walk off the pizza the next day with a day out in the sun at the Boboli Gardens. Enter through the magnificent Palezzo Pitti and you are welcomed by the most beautiful landscaped gardens full of statues, fountains and even mazes.
Spot the pistachio coloured Kaffeehouse, perched halfway up the hill. It has the typical trompe l’oeil frescos on the walls and we could quite easily imagine ourselves living there!
Entrance is €10 and this includes entrance to the Forte Belvedere and Giardino Bardini.
https://www.polomuseale.firenze.it/en/musei/?m=boboli
Where to go: Il Duomo
The cathedral of Florence is known for its distinctive Renaissance dome. Its name Saint Mary of the Flower refers to the lily, the symbol of Florence. The entrance fee allows you to roam through the Cupola (the dome) and the Campanile (the bell tower) and the views are breathtaking from the very top.
Top tip: Visit 23 Via dello Studio to see where the artists and stonemasons devote their time to maintaining and conserving parts of the historic building.
https://www.ilgrandemuseodelduomo.it/monumenti/1-cattedrale
What to see: Forte Belvedere
If you can tear yourself away from the stunning views, Forte Belvedere is currently showing the Antony Gormley HUMAN exhibition until 27th September. His beautiful cast iron figures are displayed throughout the grounds, adapting to their surroundings and differing in relation to their location and position.
https://whitecube.com/news/antony_gormley_at_forte_di_belvedere_florence_italy/
Photos courtesy of Pinterest
