13 Jun 14X BEST TIPS FOR FLORENCE
Florence is the perfect Tuscan escape for a girl’s trip or a romantic getaway. With many great trattorias, charming streets, art masterpieces, and glorious views, there’s enough reason to explore this wonderful city. Find out about our favorite hotspots.
Florence is a popular weekend destination, not just for its great weather but also for its great museums and delicious food. We could literally eat pasta, pizza, and drink wine all day, but Florence has so much more to offer. So book your ticket, read this article, and have a great time in Florence!
Where to stay in Florence?
Are you in for a luxurious stay that is well-located and has the most beautiful view? Hotel Continentale is the place for you in Florence. We stayed at the four-star and designed Hotel Continentale for 2 nights during our time here. The hotels of Lungarno collections are all set in the most unique parts of both cities and Hotel Continentale certainly proves that. Situated to pretty much everywhere – but the moment you step in you don’t even realise it. Are you into shopping or more into culture, both options are around the corner! Florence is full of love and Hotel Continentale helps you to get that romantic experience.
Unique about this hotel is that some rooms and bathrooms are overlooking the famous Ponte Vecchio and River Arno. A glorious view you will never get bored of. It’s Amore! Rooms are warm and cozy, the bed is super comfortable, and the rain shower is fantastic (oh yes, rain showers are a thing). Besides, this resort has lots of amenities, including a rooftop bar (scroll down to our food/drink tips) and a spa. Book your stay at Hotel Continentale here.
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Where to eat in Florence?
Food food food! The Italian cuisine needs no introduction, so without further delay…read on for the food and drink tips.
Trattoria Cibrèo
We had a lovely evening at his cute little lively trattoria, located close to the Sant’Ambrogio market. On the opposite, you will find sister Ristorante Cibrèo, which is more expensive – and as a matter of fact, less tasteful, if you ask me. You can’t make a reservation and it seems the be a crowded and popular place, but it’s worth waiting for. They serve traditional tasteful Tuscan food and the vibe inside and outside is great.
Sergio Pollini
Streetfood! This one is for meat lovers so skip this one if you are a vegetarian. We came across this truck which is situated on a busy little corner of Via dei Macci. You can order a famous sandwich with tripe that comes with a spicy red sauce and a herb salsa verde. It’s super popular with locals and tourists and apparently often crowded.
Trattoria Da Ruggero
This authentic restaurant is located in the quiet and beautiful part of Firenze, 20 minutes walk from the center. It’s packed with locals and tourists so a reservation is a must. This trattoria serves good traditional food, simple but fresh for reasonable prices. From steak, pork chop, spaghetti, and tiramisu.
Trattoria Giovanni
Exactly how we like it, authentic food, great ambiance, wonderful service, and fair prices. Prepared with love. Located between the Arno river and the main station of Santa Maria Novella, in a narrow street. There’s no terrace, but the ambiance inside is great. The truffle pasta and tiramisu are a must-try.
Cucci Osteria
This high-end restaurant is famous all over the world, with restaurants in Tokyo, and Beverly Hills. Prices start at 20 euros for a starter, so get your credit card ready. You can eat in different rooms, one more lavish than the other. Cucci Osteria also offers experiences such as a wine tour. Check them out!
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Osteria dell ‘Enoteca
This culinary restaurant is located close to Palazzo Pitti. You can expect a very unique diner experience. After being guided to your table the staff takes you to the wine cellar to select your wine. How cool is that! It’s a small restaurant with nice dishes like a Florentine steak and Pasta with a Ragu. U must try is obviously the steak.
Ill Bufalo Trippone
You can get sandwiches, cold cuts and cheese at this cute little shop/wine bar located at Via dell’Anguillara. There are some seats inside but often taken. You could also consider taking out food and wine and sitting somewhere outside. What else do you need right?
Where to drink?
La Terrazza Rooftop Bar
Hotel Continentale has one of the most beautiful rooftop terraces in Florence. You can almost see and enjoy all of Florence from here. With glorious views of the Palazzo Vecchio, the Duomo, the Florentine hills and the Ponte Vecchio! It has a chic yet casual atmosphere, a great cocktail menu, nice seating, and friendly staff. Order yourself a fresh Aperol spritz and enjoy the view.
La Terazza Rooftop. Dress of Dante6
La Loggia
Another great spot for views over the city is La Loggia. Its value comes with a historical story that begins 150 years ago, finally resulting in the natural terrace which started to blossom in the 1800s. Because La Loggia has multiple indoor and outdoor spaces, you can come for lunch, dinner, drinks, and walks. That being said, prices are what you expect for such a high-class place, but every city has its lavish spots, and this is one of them. If you’re not willing to go all out but you still want to experience this spot, go for a drink for sure!
La Menagere
Best described as a chic bistro, where you can drink amazing cocktails alongside some tapas. Mind you, you can also book a table for romantic dinners or a pretty breakfast (they serve art-coffees!). Best of all, there is a bookshop, florist and library located on in the same place!
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Art & architecture
Art and culture lovers pay attention! The City is full of hiFlorence is not that big and therefore it’s possible to visit many magnificent works and great architectural buildings and museums.
Santa Maria del Fiore
This spectacular Cathedral is a must-visit when you are in Florence. It’s the third-largest church in the world and was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio. It’s massive and beautiful. Would you like to see it from another angle? Visit the Bardini garden, located on the hill right behind Palazzo Mozzi, offering the most beautiful views of the city of Florence. You don’t need to buy a new ticket, since your Boboli Garden-ticket offers free excess.
Boboli Gardens
Get lost in the beautiful Boboli Gardens, located directly behind Pitti Palace where the main entrance is. It’s more than just a Renaissance garden, it’s an open-air museum with beautiful fountains, architecture, and sculptures. Regular tickets are 20 euros.
Uffizi Gallery
Are you ready to see some outstanding paintings and sculptures from the Middle Ages to the Modern period? At Uffizi Gallery, you will find masterpieces of Michelangelo and many more great artists.
Where to relax?
Tired after a day of shopping or a night out with wine and pasta? Hotel Continentale has a Spa in its basement. Hello me-time! White Iris Beauty Spa offers amazing treatments such as hot stone massages, facials, scrubs, manicures, pedicures and so much more. You get zen the moment you arrive at the entrance. Another great thing to point out is that they use comfort zone products. I took the duo massage for 30 minutes which was so relaxing!
Ciao for now!
Cheers,
Sarah
Carla
Posted at 14:54h, 17 DecemberThank you for the tips! We will be in Florence for the last week of the year and this post will be our guide!
Wander-lust
Posted at 16:42h, 18 DecemberGreat, enjoy! 🙂