Tusting Travels: A Trip to Florence
Welcome back to Tusting Travels; this time, Italy's artistic home, Florence, is in the limelight.
Florence is a city full of art, food, wine and captivating, engaging Florentines. It will sweep you off your feet with romantic corners and grand Renaissance Architecture. The first tip: travel in the off-season. Florence is beautiful all year round - not just when the sun is beating down in the summer months. Pick early autumn or spring to beat the crowds and be rewarded with a slightly more special Firenze.
Where to Stay
Stay south of the river, around Santo Spirito in the Oltrarno neighbourhood. There are lots of romantic Airbnbs in this area and it provides easy walking to the majority of the city’s delights. If you wanted a hotel stay, a stay at Casa G Firenze is highly recommended – near Santa Maria Novella, this part of the city has a few more tourists, but being a 4-minute walk from the Duomo might make it worth it. If you wanted to go all out and really treat yourself, Villa San Michele reopened this year, just outside of Florence in the Fiesole hills. It lets you escape from the busy city and offers pure Tuscan indulgence.
Where to eat
Italy is known for its cuisine, and Florence is no exception. When in Italy, sticking to the region’s speciality is the way to go, and Tuscany is famed for its delicious pastas and jaw-dropping steaks. For a traditional trattoria that will have you smiling from the moment you enter, Vini e Vecchi Sapori offers the most delicious and joyful experience in Florence. Definitely call ahead to book, as there is always a queue. For a more refined dining experience, and one of Florence’s hidden gems, Cucina, tucked away in the Oltrarno neighbourhood, is a firm favourite. A more modern take on classic Tuscan food, the team here only work with seasonal, fresh food. You might be surprised by the menu, but it will not disappoint.
For a more casual drink Il Santino and Enoteca Bellini are the locals’ favourite wine bars, the later you arrive, the more fun there is to be had. Delicious aperitivos to be eaten and even more delicious wine to be drunk.
Now, you cannot leave Florence without having a gelato – and Gelateria Della Passera is simply the best in the city. You will likely have to queue, but it will be worth it!
What to do
Florence is a city full of touristic landmarks, and it is easy to get quite overwhelmed by the choices. There are some classics that are classics for a reason, walking up the hill to watch the sunset over the city is magical; however, we recommend walking a little further than Piazzale Michelangelo to Forte San Miniato for a slightly less busy viewing experience.
The Uffizi gallery is well worth the price of a ticket; the masterpieces inside will hold you captivated. If you like a slightly smaller gallery experience that doesn’t require a couple of hours spare, then we would recommend taking a look at Palazzo Strozzi – they are currently showing a brilliant Rothko exhibition.
If you fancy an afternoon of shopping, the roads around Santo Spirito hold handfuls of independent Italian stores, some of the best men’s wear and vintage that the city can offer.
The perfect travel companions...
Of course you will need some bags! The Large Weekender or Explorer is the perfect couples weekend-away bag, they will easily fit everything you might need. Plus, you will fit right into the chic yet laid-back style of Florence.
Take a Canvas Easy Tote for an easy and stylish all-day bag that will fit all of your shopping and still look chic when out to dinner (also perfect for the flight or train journey to get you there).
