After spending six weeks here in Florence, I would like to call this somewhere that has become a special place in my heart. I have seen so many different sights that this amazing place has to offer. I have also eaten at many different places and have tried so many new things. Florence has been nothing short of amazing. If you ever find yourself here in Firenze, do yourself a huge favor and do not miss out on the bests of Florence.
Where to eat...
Best Places For Lunch:
Panini Toscano
My absolute favorite place for lunch to get a fantastic panini. Everything is so fresh and delicious. The people who work in the panini shop are so sweet. You get to taste all of the different products and then create your very own panini. Its a must.
Pinos
Super cute sandwich shop owned by Pino and his family. If you are a Stag, there is a Fairfield University flag hanging up in the deli! Get the chicken best, its amazing!
All' Antico Vinario
This place is SUPER famous. You have to go at least once, its super popular. There are a bunch of them on the same street. Even though it may be a wait, completely worth it
Mercato Centrale
I LOVE this place. The first floor is a really cool traditional food market and upstairs is a food court. There are so manyd offrent vendors selling all types of food. The food is so fresh and delicious.
Shake Cafe
If you need a break from all the pasta, rice, bread and etc. Head here! The salad and smoothies are so yummy and refreshing it will give you some USA vibes.
Best Places For Dinner:
La Buchetta
I loved this place had to be by far one of my best meals in Florence. I had the best Tiramisu of my life here. The menu is so good and the wait staff are so nice, really take the opportunity and go there, you wont be disappointed.
Acqua Al 2
BY FAR THE BEST STEAK I HAD IN FLORENCE. I had the Blueberry steak and hands down one of the best steaks ive ever had in my life. It was so tender and the blueberry sauce was to die for.
La Giostra
Super romantic, the place is all candlelight with twinkling lights on the ceiling. The food was so yummy and the resturant itselfis very famous.
Il Gatto E La Volpe
Another one that is one of the go to places in Florence, this restaurant has penne alla vodka, and its amazing. Another special part of this place is their balsamic. They have homemade bread and you dip it in the homemade balsamic and trust me it doesnt get better then this.
Osteria Santo Spirito
I absolutely loved this place. Its in a very local part of town, its very quiet and quaint. This restaurant serves up truffle gnocchi and its absolutely to die for. I also had an amazing salad with chicken and pineapple here.
Best Places For Dessert:
My Favorite Cannoli: Don Nino
Treat yourself. This cannoli was my favorite treat, it was a few steps away from my apartment and it was the perfect late night snack.
Gelato:
Gelati del Bondi
Went to this gelato shop with my class that I was taking. The owner is a professor at the school I studied with, hes so nicce and knows everything abotu gelato. I had the best Pistachio gelato of my life, its so fresh and delicious.
La Carraia
Another one of my favorites, they have Baci gelato, its located right near the Ponte Vecchio so go get a gelato and enjoy it overlooking the river!
Best Things To Do:
The Duomo
Make sure you take the time to go inside and appreciate the Duomo, its beautiful and its the 3rd largest cathedral in all of Europe so you have to go.
Piazzale Michelangelo
One of my favorite spots, even though its a little bit of a hike to get up top, you can see the most stunning views of FLorence. Go up here with your friends at sunset, have a drink, relax and look at the view.
Ponte Vecchio
Best place to go shopping! There is so many cute shops and you get to go walk across the old bridge.
Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens
This place was gorgeous. Get tickets to go inside the palace and look around at all the beauty it has to offer. Then get tickets to the gardens and hike up the hill. The view is gorgeous.
