The BLT Guidebook

Centrally located in Italy lies the region of Tuscany- rolling hills, architecture, amazing food, and let’s not forget the wine. The capital of this region is Florence, serving as the hot spot and go-to favorite city for many tourists seeking good wine, culture, and a safe European city.

With its close proximity to other cities, we have ventured to Florence twice now. You can see our itinerary for our first European trip here and our second one here. The city does not disappoint- in almost every piazza there is something to look at, something to eat, and something to drink- including wine on the go. Without even stepping in a cathedral (Duomo), you can still enjoy the art and architecture this city has to offer.

Our first stay was in the city center, a half mile from the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and an even closer walk to the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze. Our second was in the Piazza di Santa Croce neighborhood. After thinking about both of the trips, I compiled a list of options I would choose from if I had the “perfect” day in Florence.

For my morning cappuccino

SimBIOsi Organic Cafè– SimBIOsi may be pure nostalgia for me. When I think of Florence, I think of this place with its cheap cappuccinos and brick walls. The perfect place to hang out in the corner of a mis-matched room and enjoy looking out the window. It has grown into a full café now- but still a nice place for a coffee.

Caffetteria del Grano– I think it was our last day of our second trip where we stopped in and realized that this place might actually be for locals. Many patrons came in, paying with cash, sipping espresso at the counter before they departed. It is definitely unlike the coffee culture in the US.

Rivarno Café– What I remember about this café is the shade of green around the walls, the scattered tables in the alley, the nook to place an order, and its location along the Arno River.

Finisterrae– We spent many mornings here, ordering multiple double cappuccinos and gazing at the Basilica of Santa Croce from a table in the piazza. The waiter who served us each time was gracious, kind, and memorable.

For amazing eats

Mercato Centrale– The first floor is an indoor market where you can buy your fresh pastas, meats, vegetables, similar to a Farmer’s Market. If I were a local, this is where I would do my grocery shopping.

The second floor is more like an eatery- anything your heart desires from plates of meat, dumplings, pizza slices to having a beer or selecting desserts. Many people stop in here to have lunch or a meal during the day. I would go back for the pizza al taglio!

Acqua Al 2– Recommended by a friend of a friend (seriously), this place did not disappoint. You can watch the chefs on a little TV screen outside of the restaurant and they have a famous blueberry sauce you can take home. One of the most memorable dishes was the pasta sampler- they bring you individual small bowls of pasta in case you can’t choose just one. We ate dinner here twice on our second trip.

I Fratellini– A hole-in-the-wall wine and sandwich shop to order delicious, flaky sandwiches piled with your choice of vegetarian or meat options. You just can’t go wrong stopping for lunch here.

Parione– After journeying from Rome on our second trip, the dish I ordered -truffle cream gnocchi- was quite memorable for me. They hustled us into one of the dining areas with a large, round family-style table. The service and the vibe were perfect for our first night.

David la Gelateria– You may have heard that gelato is popular in Italy. According to blogs like Slice of Italy, it’s important to buy gelato from shops that use metal tins with a lid instead of ones piling their product to catch your eye. This one was in a great location with many delicious, thoughtful flavors to choose from- all with a lid on them.

Café Pasticceria Gamberini– After wandering around the streets, we stumbled upon this place- and were glad we did. It is a full café, but we stopped at the glass cases and ordered desserts to go.

For cool hang out vibes

Alighiero Ristoro– Sit outside with the best view of the Basilica of Santa Croce in the Piazza di Santa Croce after you have accomplished a beautiful walk along the river or stair climb to Piazzale Michelangelo.

Osteria Belle Donne– the wine window (see Eating Europe’s list here) In the 1500’s, nobles and rich businessmen sold wine directly to their customers through these shop windows and where shop owners safely served wine during the plague of the 1600’s. A handful are open and operating in the city.

The Lion’s Fountain Irish Pub– This American-themed pub was a fun find while looking for a relaxed space to watch a soccer match. Overall, if you like the “pub” vibe, this is a great spot.

Dal Vinaio– This shop is on the corner of the Piazza della Signoria. It’s so small, you can only stand in it to order and take your food to go sit in the piazza. Great place for a to-go spritz!

JJ Cathedral Irish Pub– In the Piazza del Duomo, this pub stands out in a sea of amazing architecture. If you are able to get a seat outside, it has the perfect view of the Duomo. Pubs are my favorite because no matter where you are, they feel like home.

Viktoria Lounge Bar– We went here a few times because it was a block or so away from our second stay. The service was friendly, and the cocktails were excellent.

For culture

Free

Mercato Centrale– if you want to just experience culture or interesting food and not spend any money, you can “window shop” and get free samples.

Piazza della Signoria-represents the center of political life in the Middle Ages. It is essentially an open-air museum with culture and sculptures. During Christmas this past year, they had an impressive lightshow every night on the Palazzo Vecchio.

Piazza di Santa Croce -Beautiful piazza to spend time in as you look up at the basilica, which is noted to be the burial place for the “great and the good” in Florence. This is my favorite spot in Florence. During our first trip, the basilica stuck with me. It was also quieter than the other piazzas. During New Years Eve, there was a free concert on the steps of the basilica.

Piazza del Duomo-This piazza is the hub of culture and activity in Florence with the most famous cathedral in Florence. The Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral is a great example of gothic architecture. Honestly, I can spend all day just looking at the architecture. I’ve never seen anything like it.

Piazzale Michelangelo-If you want a little exercise and a beautiful view of Florence, you can walk the steps and enjoy the city from a different angle. At the top, there are souvenir and food carts if you wanted to have lunch and enjoy for longer than a glance.

Paid

Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze– Worth the visit- beautiful artwork as well as sculptures and the famous David. If you cannot get tickets, don’t worry! Both times we went, we got in line a half hour before the doors opened and had almost no wait.

Basilica of Santa Croce– Not only is the outside of this basilica beautiful, but the inside has intricately decorated tombs of Michelangelo, Dante (his remains are in Ravenna), Machiavelli, and Galileo.

Some extras

If I weren’t eating, drinking, or taking in the cultural surroundings of Florence, I would be…

• admiring Christmas decorations- if you’re a fan of Christmas lights like I am, Florence is a beautiful city wrapped up in lights in the winter. Every street gives your something new to look at.

• walking along the Arno River and gazing at the Ponte Vecchio

• taking a guided trip to the Chianti hills with Get Your Guide. We did a similar tour to this one and it was well-worth it.

• attending a soccer match at Stadio Franchi

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Have you been to Florence? Tell me what you would recommend!