To Florence, With Love

A (Preliminary) City Guide to Florence

Nov 16, 2024

What seems like a lifetime ago (it was only a few weeks), I left Rome to visit the beautiful city of Florence. I’d gone before, but this time I was with a friend of mine who had studied abroad there during college. There’s something special about spending time in a place with people who know it better than you – getting a peek into the inner workings of their community and understanding why they fell in love with it in the first place.

I’m going to be adding to the list (perhaps in the form of a City Guide tab on the homepage), but here’s just a few places that I highly recommend you visit based on my most recent trips.

Places to Go

The Duomo

It’s only fair to start this list with the must-see Duomo. While the construction of this cathedral began in the late 13th century under the design of Arnolfo di Cambio, a well-known architect and sculptor who took his inspiration from the Gothic style, the construction of the cathedral wasn’t actually completed until 1368. Arnolfo, sadly, wasn’t around to see his finished work. It wasn’t until the mid-1430s, however, that the Duomo’s iconic red dome was added by the sculptor Filippo Brunelleschi – making it the fourth largest cathedral in the whole world. Its name, Santa Maria del Fiore (which translates to ‘Lady of the Flower’), pays homage to the symbol of Florence, the lily, and the ancient name of the town, Fiorenza. Not only is the Duomo an important religious site, but it also houses artwork from renowned artists such as Michelango, Donatello, and Giotto.

While the line is exasperating (the Duomo receives nearly 2 million visitors each year), it’s well worth the wait. And, if you’re in-line for awhile, you can always send a buddy to get some pre-entry emotional support gelato from Gelateria Edoardo Piazza Duomo. Conveniently, the gelateria is just in front of where the gilded ball that sits atop of the Duomo once fell onto the square (it’s marked on the ground with a circular, white marble plate).

Boboli Gardens

Located behind the Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens were laid out by the Medici family and became a model for many European courts. With grottos, fountains and Renaissance statues scattered around the gardens, it’s a beautiful place to stroll around, take in some art, and bask around in the sun.

Regular tickets cost € 6 but, considering the beautiful sculptures and just general sense of peace I felt walking around the manicured lawns, I’d recommend it.

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Osteria del Corso

While this restaurant is located on a busy street in Florence near the Duomo, it balances the act of being a fine-dining restaurant, while still making you feel right at home. The owner and waitstaff are incredibly kind and my friend is such a regular that they have an ongoing rapport. When I was last here, it turned out that Matt, the owner, had celebrated a birthday the day prior. So, naturally, my friend and I showed up to dinner with a bottle of wine and ‘forced’ him to sit at the table to toast his latest journey around the sun.

If the people aren’t enough to draw you in, the food and wine surely will. Everything is made with clear care and attention. Meat is king at this establishment, so don’t leave here without ordering their signature, mouthwateringly tender Florentine steak. Some other suggestions: the yellow pumpkin soup with truffle and toasted bread, risotto with courgettes and saffron, or any of their handmade pastas. If you’re feeling extra celebratory, they offer a great tasting menu that will leave you stuffed and happy. I’ve done the Brunelleschi menu which includes pici with tuscan ragout, beef silkroll with arugula, cherry tomatoes and parmesan, and a luscious dome shaped dessert that comes with cream and a red currant sauce (picture above).

Gucci Giardino

Run, don’t walk to the Gucci museum’s all-day bar/cafe in Piazza della Signoria. I’ll be the first to say, I usually leave museum-associated bars with a bitter taste in my mouth – even if it’s good, it’s rarely good enough to justify paying what I did. Gucci Giardino, however, is well worth whatever you’re going to pay.

Not only is the space itself absolutely stunning, drawing its design inspiration from a florist that once occupied this historical square, but the cocktails are crafted to perfection (and served in the cutest glassware). Plus, with your drinks you get some truly elevated bar snacks – I take your taralli and potato chips and raise you sweet and salty green olives that almost melt in your mouth + tomato-rubbed bread with flaky sea salt.

Ditta Artigianale

While it’s a chain and definitely not your traditional Italian cafe, it’s still worth a trip. The interior design is beautiful and calming and the space is large – leaving your plenty of room to spread out, study (during the appropriate hours), or simply take your time lounging in one of their comfy benches. For me, a student, it’s the perfect place to go for a study date, get my caffeine fix (they do specialty coffees) or even just a quick bite to eat while juggling a packed schedule.

Some favorites: their savory ham and cheese croissant, the soft scrambled eggs, and their crispy sweet potato fries with tangy aioli.

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Until next time, Florence!

Want to see more guides like this? Let me know in the comments!