A perfect day in Florence with pasta and gelato
Because Florence is a city that everyone must have visited at least once in their lives (well, "must" is an ugly word, but you know what we mean), we're happy to help you plan a perfect day in this beautiful city.
Start at coffee time
Our first stop is Caffè Gilli on Via Roma. Here, away from the crowds of tourists, you'll enjoy an espresso that has enriched Florentine mornings since 1733After this challenging introduction, you're really ready to get down to business, namely a visit to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, or "Duomo" to those in the know. The church's red-tiled dome is the centerpiece of the Florence skyline and, in our opinion, one of the most famous domes in the world. If only because it adorns so many photos of the city. Are you a sporty type? If so, you'll love climbing the 463 steps to the top of the dome. If you're more of a view enthusiast (and not necessarily in sports mode)? Climb Giotto's Campanille, the Gothic bell tower right next to the cathedral, and we promise you a phenomenal view of Florence.The cathedral, museum, crypt, baptistery and surrounding buildings are also well worth a visit. The cathedral, museum, crypt, baptistery and surrounding buildings are also well worth a visit. If you wish to do so, please note that you need an entrance ticket for certain parts, and that some parts of the complex are closed on Sundays.
Pasta break
We take you to the Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio, a place where you can find the true flavor of Florence. Forget the Mercato Centrale, this is where the locals come to do their daily shopping. Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle and taste the fresh sheep's cheese from one of the stalls, a flavor you won't soon forget... Then stroll along Via dei Serragli, in the Oltrarno district. Here you'll discover Trattoria Cammillo, an establishment that pays homage to Florentine cuisine with dishes like ribollita and bistecca alla fiorentina, served with Italian charm and conviviality.
Afternoon
After a delicious lunch and a full-bodied espresso, head for the Basilica of San Lorenzo and the Palazzo Vecchio. At the San Lorenzo market, you won't be able to resist adding a beautiful handbag or elegant hat to your wardrobe. And for a break, we recommend entering the Basilica di San Lorenzo, a beautiful Renaissance church designed by Michelangelo and Brunelleschi. From here, simply walk down Via dei Calzaiuoli to Piazza della Signoria, home to Palazzo Vecchio, Florence's grand town hall. Explore the palace's courtyards, halls and corridors before admiring the incredible collection of sculptures in the Piazza della Signoria, including a replica of Michelangelo's David.
Gelato break
It's said that gelato was invented in the Tuscan capital. So there's no better place than Florence to enjoy a gelato. And if you do so at LaCarraia, every Florentine's favorite ice cream parlour, you'll know you've come to the right place. And the road to get there is well worth the effort: you cross the Arno from Piazza della Signoria via the Ponte Vecchio, Florence's oldest and most famous bridge, with its incredible jewelry shops and photogenic central arches. On the other side of the Arno, turn right towards Borgo San Jacopo and return to the south bank of the river until you see Piazza Nazario Sauro. You can't miss La Carraia: where you see a long queue and a bright green and yellow sign hanging, this is the place to be. Can't make up your mind? Take a scoop of cream, a scoop of chocolate and a scoop of pistachio. Delicious!
Hiking in the Oltrarno
Oltrarno is one of Florence's trendiest neighborhoods, with artisan workshops, galleries and chic fashion boutiques. You'll also find the Boboli Gardens and the Giardino Bardini, both well worth a visit. Although Boboli is larger and better known, the view of Florence from the Bardini is incredible. What's more, the garden has beautiful wisteria flowers, many statues and far fewer tourists.
Aperitif time
Oltrarno is also the ideal place to enjoy an aperitif. Try Pitti Gola Cantina, a small wine bar overlooking Palazzo Pitti, or for something more playful, head to Mad Souls and Spirits. You can also opt for the Forte Belvedere terrace for an aperitif with superb sunsets and a breathtaking view of the city.
Dinner time
Fresh ingredients and local production are at the heart of Florentine cuisine, which translates into a plethora of restaurants where you can sample Tuscan flavors to the full. Try dishes such as tagliatelle with porcini mushrooms and truffles, pappardelle with wild boar and the emblematic bistecca alla fiorentina. Il Magazzino, a typical Tuscan tavern, attracts mostly locals, while Fuor d'Acqua is known for its fresh fish of the day, direct from Viareggio. For a family atmosphere and enchanting interior, La Ménagère is the place to be. For an evening of culinary delights, Enoteca Pinchiorri, a three-star restaurant located in the Santa Croce district, offers an experience that will amaze your taste buds.Florence is also famous for its street food, so consider local delicacies such as trippa (cow tripe), lampredotto (cow's stomach) and schiacciata (Tuscan bread salad).After a day rich in culinary and cultural discoveries, there's no better way to end than visiting Piazzale Michelangelo by night. Although many tourists visit here during the day, the evening offers a tranquil retreat with breathtaking views of illuminated Florence, an ideal time to end the day under the stars.
Decision
Florence is a marvellous city, you can do a city-trip, but even if you only spend a day there, you'll enjoy it from start to finish.
Want to visit Florence? Then check out our Firenze city trip or contact Inge for more information.