Moving to Florence opened my eyes to the world, and changed my world forever. This is my Florence. This was my journey. These were my experiences. And I wouldn't have traded it for anything- no worries, no regrets. To reflect on the two years in which my life, my heart, and my soul existed only in Firenze would take far too long. This is not meant to be an emotional outpour of feelings I have about Florence. Anyone that knows me, knows one thing- I fell in love with Firenze.
Today, when I talked about Florence my passion for the city pours out, not only to my friends, but also to clients and anyone who asks me about life in Florence. So come take a walk with me and discover my Firenze, La Bella Vita (the beautiful life)....
My Top 5 Florence Must-See's:
1.See the Duomo. Sit at an outdoor cafe piazza Duomo (Astor Cafe was my usual spot) and just bask in the beauty of this magnificent church. There are no words to describe the detailed architecture and history behind this famous Duomo.
2.Visit Piazza Michaelangelo. The hike up the windy hill is 100% worth the views at the top. Whenever I just wanted to get away from the chaos, I would hike up to Piazza Michealangelo. Just sitting there overlooking this beautiful city would remind me how lucky I was.
3.Visit the famous Ponte Vecchio. The Ponte Vecchio is one of the most well-known old bridges around the world. I still cannot believe I used to say "oh yeah I just live right off the Ponte Vecchio." It is a beautiful bridge lined with jewelry stores if you are like for shiny souveiner to bring back from Italy.
4. Hangout in Piazza Signoria. This square is filled with historical buildings including the Palazzo Vecchio (town hall) and the Uffizi (Florence's most famous art museum). The square is large and filled with many cafe's, to sit and have an espresso at.
My Top 5 Florence Must-See's:
1.See the Duomo. Sit at an outdoor cafe piazza Duomo (Astor Cafe was my usual spot) and just bask in the beauty of this magnificent church. There are no words to describe the detailed architecture and history behind this famous Duomo.
2.Visit Piazza Michaelangelo. The hike up the windy hill is 100% worth the views at the top. Whenever I just wanted to get away from the chaos, I would hike up to Piazza Michealangelo. Just sitting there overlooking this beautiful city would remind me how lucky I was.
3.Visit the famous Ponte Vecchio. The Ponte Vecchio is one of the most well-known old bridges around the world. I still cannot believe I used to say "oh yeah I just live right off the Ponte Vecchio." It is a beautiful bridge lined with jewelry stores if you are like for shiny souveiner to bring back from Italy.
4. Hangout in Piazza Signoria. This square is filled with historical buildings including the Palazzo Vecchio (town hall) and the Uffizi (Florence's most famous art museum). The square is large and filled with many cafe's, to sit and have an espresso at.
5. Make a shopping trip to Mercato Centrale (the central market) and The San Lorenzo Market. In Mercato Centrale you will find row after row of delicious, fresh produce, meats, and italian specialties. Grab a bite to eat, or gather your groceries for dinner, you will find many locals purchasing their daily groceries here. San Lorenzo is a tad more touristy. You will find booth after booth of everything from leather goods to lemoncello and touristy souveniers. It is fun to explore the markets as you will find traditional Italian goods at a great price.
My Top 5 Florence Must-Eat's:
1. Osteria Dei Baroncelli. Via Chiasso Dei Baroncelli 1. Located right down a small alley way off of Piazza Signoria, Osteria Dei Baroncelli is a one-of-a-kind Osteria in Firenze. To start have the mixed crostini which includes three different delicious tapenades (olive, chicken, and liver). For an entree- hands down the most amazing lasagne I have ever tasted in my life. I don't know what the secret is, but this lasagne is out of this world. I was addicted, eating it once a day when I lived in Florence. But, if lasagne isn't your thing go for the Gnocchi with gorgonzola and celery- a great choice when the staff would tell me I couldn't order lasagne anymore (we were friends and this happened quite a lot). However, they are famous for their Bistecca Fiorentina so if you love steak I recommend trying that. I am not a huge meat eater, but all of my guy friends loved the Bistecca Fiorentina at Osteria dei Baroncelli. For dessert- a nice glass of Disaronno and the panna cotta with mixed berries. Trust me- this meal will blow your mind. I still fantasize about the lasagne at least once a week.
2. Antico Noe. Volta dei San Piero, 6.The very best panino shop in Florence is located in an tiny alley way not far from the Duomo. They offer an incredible variety of Tuscan paninos which you can take away or sit and eat in the quaint alley way that is lined with tables and chairs. I highly suggest trying the #4 which is chicken, mushrooms, fresh mozzarella and a spicy rose sauce!
My Top 5 Florence Must-Eat's:
1. Osteria Dei Baroncelli. Via Chiasso Dei Baroncelli 1. Located right down a small alley way off of Piazza Signoria, Osteria Dei Baroncelli is a one-of-a-kind Osteria in Firenze. To start have the mixed crostini which includes three different delicious tapenades (olive, chicken, and liver). For an entree- hands down the most amazing lasagne I have ever tasted in my life. I don't know what the secret is, but this lasagne is out of this world. I was addicted, eating it once a day when I lived in Florence. But, if lasagne isn't your thing go for the Gnocchi with gorgonzola and celery- a great choice when the staff would tell me I couldn't order lasagne anymore (we were friends and this happened quite a lot). However, they are famous for their Bistecca Fiorentina so if you love steak I recommend trying that. I am not a huge meat eater, but all of my guy friends loved the Bistecca Fiorentina at Osteria dei Baroncelli. For dessert- a nice glass of Disaronno and the panna cotta with mixed berries. Trust me- this meal will blow your mind. I still fantasize about the lasagne at least once a week.
2. Antico Noe. Volta dei San Piero, 6.The very best panino shop in Florence is located in an tiny alley way not far from the Duomo. They offer an incredible variety of Tuscan paninos which you can take away or sit and eat in the quaint alley way that is lined with tables and chairs. I highly suggest trying the #4 which is chicken, mushrooms, fresh mozzarella and a spicy rose sauce!
3. Gusta Pizza. Via Maggio 46r. Is located just on the other side of the bridge, Ponte Santa Trinita, near Santo Spirito. They offer true Italian pizza, thin crispy crust, with fresh basil and mozzarella. Some of my favorite memories are of summer nights sitting in Santo Spirito square with Gusta pizza and a box of wine. Oh, and I will never forget the valentines day I shared a heart shaped pizza <3
4.Il Francescano. Largo Bargellini 16. A true Florentine restaurant, Il Francescano, is a small hole in the wall located off of Piazza Santa Croce. Beware the menu is only in Italian, and from what I remember, the servers don't speak much English- but that is all part of the experience! I discovered Il Francescano when my Italian friends invited me to a nice dinner. They ordered everything for us, but every single dish was better than the next. Il Francescano is a special place, not swarmed with American students, and reserved for special occasions. I was taken to Il Francescano on my 21st birthday and will never forget that incredible meal we devoured.
5. Il Due Fratellini. Via Dei Cimatori, 38. This tiny sandwich shop, or shall I say window, is directly off of Piazza Republica and you cannot miss it because there is always a line around the corner. These small Tuscan sandwiches are packed with fresh meat and veggies and served on a hot Tuscan roll for only 2-3 euros! I frequented this place after long days working in Piazza Republica as the small delicious sandwiches made for the perfect afternoon snack.
My Top 5 Nightlife
*I am only going to list some nightlife suggestions because, well, I was a club promoter so if anyone knows nightlife- its me. Here are my suggestions if you are looking for a night out in Florence.
BARS:
-Astor Cafe: Cafe' by day, lounge by night, Astor is a second home to me. The best pre-game place in Florence. Cheap drinks, great staff and amazing location (right next to the Duomo). Live DJ every night and if you are looking to meet young people, this is the place to be. Also, the owner is American so they always have "American" events- Thanksgiving, NFL Sunday's games etc. Looking to meet people? Head to Astor and you will walk out with a group of life long best friends- well, at least that is what happened to me.
-Lions Fountain Irish Pub: Your standard Irish pub, with a great selection of drinks and wonderful bartenders that will serve you with a smile. They often have live music and karaoke nights!
-Uncle Jimmy's: Owned by the same people as Lions Fountain, Uncle Jimmy's is another excellent pub option.
CLUBS:
VIP tables and bottle service available every night at the following clubs, for more details on bottle service and up to date nightly events feel free to drop me a message:
-Twice Club
-Space Firenze
-YAB
-Full Up
-Club 21
....So there you have, MY Florence. If you have the opportunity to visit the city of Firenze, I highly suggest you do it! It truly is a beautiful city rich in history, art, culture, food, wine and of course....nightlife.
4.Il Francescano. Largo Bargellini 16. A true Florentine restaurant, Il Francescano, is a small hole in the wall located off of Piazza Santa Croce. Beware the menu is only in Italian, and from what I remember, the servers don't speak much English- but that is all part of the experience! I discovered Il Francescano when my Italian friends invited me to a nice dinner. They ordered everything for us, but every single dish was better than the next. Il Francescano is a special place, not swarmed with American students, and reserved for special occasions. I was taken to Il Francescano on my 21st birthday and will never forget that incredible meal we devoured.
5. Il Due Fratellini. Via Dei Cimatori, 38. This tiny sandwich shop, or shall I say window, is directly off of Piazza Republica and you cannot miss it because there is always a line around the corner. These small Tuscan sandwiches are packed with fresh meat and veggies and served on a hot Tuscan roll for only 2-3 euros! I frequented this place after long days working in Piazza Republica as the small delicious sandwiches made for the perfect afternoon snack.
My Top 5 Nightlife
*I am only going to list some nightlife suggestions because, well, I was a club promoter so if anyone knows nightlife- its me. Here are my suggestions if you are looking for a night out in Florence.
BARS:
-Astor Cafe: Cafe' by day, lounge by night, Astor is a second home to me. The best pre-game place in Florence. Cheap drinks, great staff and amazing location (right next to the Duomo). Live DJ every night and if you are looking to meet young people, this is the place to be. Also, the owner is American so they always have "American" events- Thanksgiving, NFL Sunday's games etc. Looking to meet people? Head to Astor and you will walk out with a group of life long best friends- well, at least that is what happened to me.
-Lions Fountain Irish Pub: Your standard Irish pub, with a great selection of drinks and wonderful bartenders that will serve you with a smile. They often have live music and karaoke nights!
-Uncle Jimmy's: Owned by the same people as Lions Fountain, Uncle Jimmy's is another excellent pub option.
CLUBS:
VIP tables and bottle service available every night at the following clubs, for more details on bottle service and up to date nightly events feel free to drop me a message:
-Twice Club
-Space Firenze
-YAB
-Full Up
-Club 21
....So there you have, MY Florence. If you have the opportunity to visit the city of Firenze, I highly suggest you do it! It truly is a beautiful city rich in history, art, culture, food, wine and of course....nightlife.
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