Travel Guide: Florence
Hi again! I finally rounded up all of my recommendations for a winter trip to Florence. Since we got back I have been feeling the “pressure” of the new year, this means I’m trying to finish a hundred projects. Does anyone else try to achieve everything before January ends? Hoping it’s not just me!
This was my first time in this beautiful city and I fell in LOVE. The history, the people and the food - my goodness, it was perfection! We arrived just after Christmas and stayed through the new year. So here it is, my (non-expert) guide to this lovely city.
Hotels
Westin Excelsior This is where we stayed and my god it was the most beautiful hotel. It started from the moment we walked in. The staff, the architecture, and wonderful service. We were able to upgrade as we are Marriott Bonvoy members and this is one of their top hotels in the world. If you follow me on Instagram you probably saw the hundreds of videos I took of our view. The balcony and the view of the city were breathtaking.
St Regis This is where we spent NYE and it was amazing. This hotel is across the courtyard from the Westin Excelsior. It has a gorgeous spa and amazing interiors. Again staying at a hotel of this caliber means everything is expertly done. We have been lucky enough to visit different parts of the world but I will say the benefits of Marriott Bonvoy have changed the way we travel.
Below are a few other hotels I have heard are amazing!
Restaurants
Trattoria Za Za - We went to this fun and lively place. There was a large line out the door but only took us about 10/15 minutes to get a table. The restaurant is quite large and each room is a little different. They also have covered and heated outdoor seating which I love because the people watching is amazing. We sat inside the large dining room and were surrounded by locals and tourists alike. They have an extensive menu with all of the region’s local dishes. I had a delicious rigatoni pasta dish that I did not share, haha and T had Florentine steak with an arugula salad on top. The meal was perfection.
Buca Niccolini was a great little restaurant we walked into after our tour at Galleria Dell’ Accademia to see the magnificent David. It was right down the street and was exactly what I was looking for. Pizza. Give me all of the Pizza. This place was simple but buzzing at lunchtime, the perfect little find.
This is me living my best life.
Sasso Di Dante This was a cute hole in the wall restaurant that we stumbled upon the first night. They only had about 6 tables and you could feel the energy in this place. I believe everyone dining was local and very close friends. It was so beautiful and not something you see very often. Long meals with friends and family and excellent house wine. This is a place that I would allow for the server to order for me. Truly special little Tuscan find.
Ristorante Olio - This restaurant was a recommendation of our lovely hotel and we only ordered one dish. This 32 Oz + Florentine steak. I apologize to anyone who is a Vegetarian or Vegan for the image. But I had to share a photo of this steak. It was served with grilled vegetables and Rosemary Potatoes. When I arrived in Florence I thought the Pasta and Pizza were all I would want, but as a red meat fan this was hands down the best steak I have ever had in my life. Also sorry for the picture quality- I am not a food photographer or blogger. Just someone who thinks about food all the time…
La Bottega Del Buon Caffe I have heard amazing things about this place. I wish we made it here, it was on my list.
*There are so many restaurants in Florence, I couldn’t even begin to say I know much when it comes to the cuisine or dining. These were some of my favorite places we went and when I go back I will take on the challenge of experiencing new places and eating everything. Like any and everything. - now I’m starving.
Fashion
Gucci Garden - “The House debuts the Gucci Garden inside the historic Palazzo Della Mercanzia, which housed the Gucci Museo. Conceived by creative director Alessandro Michele, the newly designed space features a store with one-of-a-kind items, the Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura— a restaurant by the three-Michelin-star chef—and the Gucci Garden Galleria exhibition rooms curated by critic Maria Luisa Frisa.”
The Gucci Garden was just amazing. They have a restaurant, boutique, and museum. Such an interactive and sensory space with such gorgeous pieces- from the archives and also one of a kind pieces for sale. I was so glad I was able to make it here and take my time to look at these garments. Things like this remind me why Fashion is a part of my soul. In my book, this is a MUST SEE!
Shopping Areas
Via de’ Tornabuoni is an Upscale shopping district featuring all the top names in Italian fashion. A must-shop area if you're looking to invest in designer goods.
Via Dei Calzaiuoli is 400 meters long and lined with shops, it connects Piazza del Duomo to Piazza Della Signoria. This was very close to our hotel and housed a wide selection of all different types of brands at many price points.
Via del Corso is a special small street that is lined with small boutiques that appeal to all different budgets so make sure to explore. Unfortunately, we did not have the best luck with shopping because they take holidays very seriously in Italy. Most stores were closed leading up and following new years.
Piero Puliti – Is a small men’s store located on Via Del Corso. T got some lovely handcrafted hats and they also had beautiful shirts and ties. I would recommend popping into small boutiques like this one. Speaking with the owners of the store was such a pleasure and a wonderful experience on its own.
Il Nobili Borgo Ognissanti 35/r - (This small store doesn’t have a website so I couldn’t link it) We bought a beautiful leather bag here, similar to a doctor bag. It was an expensive purchase but they only sold local leather so the quality was to die for.
That is it for my short travel guide to this amazing place. I will definitely be back and will make sure to share any additional info I find out about this lovely Tuscan city.
xx Ella
