Florence Streets
- H.B
- Apr 12, 2018
- 3 min read
Hi Guys!
I am a major sucker for beautiful architecture and literature so this place resonated with me (writing this I realise it can describe all of Italy).
You know how Italy has a life and charm of its own, one that no-one can resist?
Florence felt like it had a concentrated version of this. Every road you look towards was a piece of history. The feeling was incredible. It was also probably an added bonus that I only recently read Inferno and it was still fresh in my mind - it felt like the storyline was coming to life right in front of my eyes.
If you came here for the outfits, follow the link for the details! ;)
Places
Uffizi Gallery – Even if you’re not an avid art lover and critic (my hand would shoot up here while I look a little embrassed) this is a must visit location. Works by the greatest artists who ever lived including Caravaggio, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Raffaello line the already beautifully painted walls of the gallery. Being in the presence of these works humbles you – they withstand time and any societal changes - steady pillar in a society undergoing social and political changes over an immense period of time. Go see them. GO!
Galleria Della Academia – I will be honest: I only went to see David by Michelangelo. I will be honest again: I was not disappointed. The pure look of determination on his face and the bulging veins on his arm make him look so incredibly life-like that I expected him to start talking. Except if he did, that would be a little creepy. Talking of creepy, you may notice his arms are a little disproportionate to his body – keep in mind he was meant to be viewed from faraway.
Pointe Vecchio – A bridge, a bunch of shops, a LOT of tourists. Perhaps it’s down to my uneducated brain, but it didn’t stun me. Or perhaps it was just sensory overload anywhere you look.
The museum of Dante – With the limited time I had, I didn’t get a chance to visit the Death Mask of Dante, so GO see it for me and tell me how it was!
Boboli Gardens – The museum of Porcelain had a lot of interesting pieces. It also had an amazing window with a charming view. Probably my favourite part of Boboli Gardens. Definitely check it out, as it gets you away from the hussle and bussle of busy Florence.
Food
Trattoria Mario – We decided to go as we read they have the best steak (Bestecca Firenza) in Florence. I am going to get that out there before I say anything else: Yes, they do. We arrived for lunch hoping to get seated around half past 1pm but were told there was a queue, so come back in an hour. The wait was completely worth it. Keep in mind the “bistecca” is the size of a dinosaur as a lovely Brazilian couple exclaimed – so if not too hungry go for the “bistecchina”.
Gelateria Carabe – Hands down the best Gelato in the city. I would know. I tried like 13. In 2 days (and there I was earlier, complaining about kozunatsi…).
Moyo – Their brunch menu is amazingly tasty and the special includes porcini mushroom. They serve it until 5pm on weekends and although the place looks very contemporary, do not let that put you off.
Mercato di San Lorenzo – I was incredibly disappointed that it is closed on Sundays (queue crocodile tears). The pastries and meat smelled as delicious as they were. Certainly a not to miss for a quick afternoon pit-stop and break in between sight hopping.
Shopping
Shopping in Florence can be a real treat with price tags ranging from high street shops to couture labels – depending on how deep you want to go into your own pockets ;).
Although a lot of shops caught my eye, only one caught my heart - for an interesting piece of history stop by “Il Papiro” – one of the oldest paper shops in the town. They have their own factory and everything is hand made. Be warned: if like me you would sell your soul for beautifully monogrammed stationary, stay away from this place or you’ll spend every dime and forever!
I would say the entire city is walking distance - if running up 36,162 steps for two days seems acceptable to you (better make sure those shoes are comfortable, ya feel me??) .
H.B
xo
Comments