I had the blessing and good fortune to live for a couple of months in the beautiful city of Florence. And I discovered that gorgeous Firenze is an urban sonnata. Old history goes hand in hand with modernity’s hectic rhythm. It’s a city practically untouched by time, who still looms over the Tuscany landscape.
I fell deeply and madly in love with it with every step I took over its cobblestones, with every corner I turned my excited feet on, and with every wonderful thing I laid my eyes upon. Here are the 15 reasons why I am forever infatuated with this lovely città.
1. Its history
Amongst the Médici, the Pitti Palace, the Boboli gardens, Boticelli’s and Da Vinci’s amazing paintings, Dante Alighieri’s transcendent writing… Florence is tha cradle of the Renaissance, an arsenal of culture and history.
It’s also one of the few places that combines its Historical Centre with a luminous and quaint carosello, or carousel.
2. Its landscapes
I mean, look at this view. Tuscany is a perfect mix between green, rolling hills, beautiful vineyards and red tiled roofs.
3. Its pizza
And pastas. And soups. And desserts. And basically everything that falls under the category of “food”. Truly, it’s all simply scrumptious, melt-in-your-mouth delicious. But if you want the best pizza in town, then Gusta Pizza is beyond compare.
4. Its wines
They are ~to die for~. You’ve never known you loved wine so much until you’ve gone to an aperitivo. It’s like Italian happy hour: you buy one drink around 6 p.m., and there’s this whole buffet ready for you to devour. I personally recommend the aperitivo at Aldobrandini, located in Via Faenza. The exquisite wine is only 3€ a glass, and the varied bruschette will conquer your taste buds. My personal favorite was the tomato and olive oil.
And if you’re feeling romantic and want to enjoy your glass of wine, or a refreshing aperol spritz while looking at the sunset, then the restaurant located at the lookout point on Piazzale Michelangelo (where this picture was taken) or the terrace bar at the Westin Excelsior, SE:STO, are the perfect places for you.
5. Its market
And the countless things you can find at the Mercato Centrale. No more buying expensive souvenirs at the typical stores – if you’re in Florence, the Mercato is THE place to bring home wine, pasta, sauce, seasonings, liquors, and other Italian delicacies. Plus, its top level has turned into a hip and moden “restaurant”, where you can grab an amazing bite to eat after shopping.
I mean, it even says grazie on your way out!
6. Its bars and parties
Only in Florence you can go dancing on a beautiful lookout like Flo Lounge Bar, or dive into its cobbled streets for some salsa dancing at Salamanca, or even enjoy Fireworks reflecting on the tranquil water of the Arno River.
7. Its unmistakable Duomo
The jewel of the city – there are no words to describe its beauty. Climb to the top and you’ll see what I mean.
8. Its bridges
Ponte Vecchio is one of the most beautiful sights that could ever reflect itself on the Arno.
9. Its gelati
La Carraia has the greatest watermelon, apple, strawberry and lemon pie gelati, while Venchi, a delicious chocolate store, has the best chocolate gelati in town. After buying them, sit on the ledge of Ponte Santa Trinitá and admire the way the waters flow and how the city landscape envelops you.
10. Its sunsets
Nothing says *sigh* as well as these beautiful vistas. The red-tiled city turns orange and terracotta, playing with your eyes as the sky sways in pinks and blues.
11. Its improvised songs
Truly a sonnata made real, the city is surrounded by unexpected music. If you go in the afternoon to Ponte Vecchio, the Historical Centre or Piazzale Michelangelo, you’ll find artists performing amazing songs.
12. Its panini
The ones at All’Antico Vinaio are just as delicious as they are ginourmous. This famous establishment is so reknowned that the line to get a panino can go around the block. BUT THEY ARE WORTH IT. An almost “face-sized” panino with the ingredients of your choice. No regrets.
*That is the ~ACTUAL~ size of the panino.
13. Its museums
Only in Florence will you be able to admire Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli’s Birth of Venus.
Warning: they’re both nude.
14. Its lookout points
These views just take your breath away…
15. Its boars
This boar’s snout has been rubbed by thousands of hands, accompanied by a coin. The wish: being able to come back one day to this beautiful city. And we all want to go back.
Finally, whatever you do, YOU’LL FALL IN LOVE. You won’t be able to help it. This city conquers whoever dares set foot upon it.
We dare you to resist its red rooftops, its beautiful music-filled streets, and the fantastic aura that accompanies this city. We double dare you.
Keep rolling ‘til you find something you love…
