This park is home to beautiful sculptures, trees and fountains that offer the perfect location for a relaxing stroll. Spend an afternoon exploring the gardens and then grab a bite to eat at my favorite pizza stop coming up next.
5. SANTA CROCE
The Basilica di Santa Croce is the largest Franciscan church in the world. It is situated on the Piazza di Santa Croce, about 800 metres south-east of the Duomo. It is the burial place of some of the most illustrious Italians, such as Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli.
Sometimes it feels surreal to know that I walked by this stunning work of art each day on my way to school.
6. PIAZZA DELLA REPUBBLICA
Piazza della Repubblica is one of the main squares in Florence and marks the center of the city since Roman times. The piazza is full of life with cafes, restaurants, shopping and hotels all in close vicinity. It is considered to be the center of Florence and is often a theater to musicians and street artists.
7. SECRET BAKERY
After a night out at Kikuya, be sure to ask around about the secret bakeries in town before heading home. The freshest pastry you can ever get in Florence is between 1 am and 5 am because that is when the bakers are stocking up on inventory for the next day. Don’t be noisy, though, because the bakeries are surrounded by apartments where people are fast asleep, and you won’t be served without respecting the neighbors.
The most whispered-about secret bakery in Florence is Pasticceria Vinci & Bongini. It is located on via Canto Rivolto 2, an alleyway behind busy via De’ Benci. Not sure what to get? You can ask the baker for the one with the most Nutella, the one that literally just came out of the oven, or you can even ask him to recommend his favorite! You really can’t go wrong with this late-night snack, and there is no better time to appreciate such a treat than after a night on the town.
8. ACQUA AL 2
If you’re looking for a more upscale dinner spot, Acqua al 2 is my recommendation. Be sure to call the day before to make a reservation, and try their blueberry-infused steak. It may sound weird… but it’s famous and the perfect way to wrap-up your Florentine adventure.
You can expect the service at restaurants in Florence to be slow because they want you to sit back, relax and enjoy conversation over good wine and food. The art of slow living is just part of their culture, so try to really take advantage of it. Also, there is no need to tip! A service charge will already be included in your bill.
9. PIAZZALE MICHELANGELO
Finally… the place I realized that I would always carry a piece of Florence with me. Piazzale Michelangelo is one of the most famous lookouts for a panoramic view of the city. It’s quite a little trek to get there but once you arrive, you will be completely mesmerized. If you go at sunset, pop open a bottle of wine and take a seat on the steps to watch Firenze light up in the night. I never got around to going at sunrise, but I hear it provides an even more peaceful and less crowded experience. If you only have time to do one thing in Florence… this has got to be it.
@pastelsandpassports