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Florence

Firenze in 4 months

  • by alyssa511
  • A February 2006 travel journal
  • Last Updated: September 29, 2006
Journal Usefulness Rating 3 out of 5
Journal Usefulness
12
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I studied abroad in Florence for 4 months. I became totally immersed in the culture and I got a taste of the tourists sights but also the culture, I have some great tips on what to see and do, where to eat and what to avoid.

Firenze in 4 months

Overview

If you are going to visit Florence I would recommend going in mid May to mid June, the weather is not too hot and perfect for this walking city. The main highlights of this Renaissance city are the Duomo, climb the tower or dome for fantastic views of the city, the signature feature of Florence's skyline, the Ponte Vecchio for beautiful jewelry, Bobili Gardens, the Uffizi Gallery for the best collection of Renaissance art, the Accademia for the famous David, the open air markets. Do not leave Florence without eating gelato, one of Florence's many claims to fame, along with their exceptional leather. Sample the delicious Chianti wine of the Tuscan region to pair with their simple cuisine. A stroll through one of the many lively piazzas at night is always memorable and a walk along the Arno is equally as beautiful.

Quick Tips:

Your hotel should have a good idea of local events. Also, if you know the dates you will be in Florence I would recommend checking the Internet for any holidays or local events.

Best Way To Get Around:

Florence is a city, but a small city and in order to capture its charm I would highly suggest walking.

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Acqua al 2

Restaurant

Acqua Al 2

I ate at Acqua al 2 three times while I studied in Florence. I highly recommend reservations because the restaurant is small, but popular among American students and locals. The cuisine is typically Florentine but with a little twist. Tables are close together but not uncomfortable. The house wine is very good and if you eat here you must try the 5 pasta appetizer, it includes 5 small portions of different types of pasta, changes every time we ate there, but all very good, the restuarant is known for this. The balsamico bisteca is delicious, it is a piece of steak, popular in this region but with aged balsamic, the mushroom chicken dish was also very good.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by alyssa511 on September 29, 2006

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Acqua al 2
Via della Vigna Vecchia, 40r Florence, Italy 50121
+39 (055) 284170

Ciro & Sons

Restaurant

Ciro & Sons

On a side street close to the Medici Chapels. Pizza is delicious and not too expensive. They "invented" their own type of pizza with pesto, buffalo mozzarella, tomato, and maybe some type of meat. They also have gluten-free pizza.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by alyssa511 on September 29, 2006

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Ciro & Sons
Antica pizzeria dell'arte Florence, Italy
+39 (055) 289694

Coronas Cafe

Restaurant

Coronas Cafe

I stopped here every morning for my espresso and probably two more times during the day for espresso or their amazing gelato. Crowded always with Italians on their way to work or on their lunch break. Best gelato I have ever tasted and during lunch they offer small complementary sandwiches and snacks. Everyone was very friendly and began to recognize my friend and I because that basically became our second home. Great location on Via Calzaiuoli between the Duomo and Piazza Signoria.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by alyssa511 on September 29, 2006

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Coronas Cafe
Via del Corso Florence, Italy

Golden View Open Bar

Restaurant

Golden view

The restuarant is located right on the Arno River. If you cross over the Ponte Vecchio coming from the direction of the Uffizi you make a left and the restaurant is on your left hand side. Beautiful views of the river, great wine, great food, and great jazz music. I recommend a reservation and ask for a table near the window for a spectacular view. A nice meal but also a great place for a couple. They offer complementary champagne while you wait for your table. Extremely polite as well.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by alyssa511 on September 29, 2006

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Golden View Open Bar
Via De' Bardi, 58 Rosso Florence, Italy
+39 (055) 214502

Il Latini

Restaurant

II Latini

One of Florence's most popular restaurants is open for lunch but their meals are large so I would recommend eating there for dinner. There are two seatings, one at 7:30pm and one at 9pm. People gather in a mob in front of the door as the host yells out names, it's quite a sight. Large vats of endless wine, typical Tuscan cuisine, and waiters that make your experience one to never forget. It is family style so you are seated at tables with people you don't know but that makes it so much fun. There is a lot of food but if it is your first time at the restaurant I would recommend to try to assorted meats platter, definitely don't skip the bruschetta. Their ribolita or tomato bread soup is delicious. Known for their bistec, but there is a large variety of meats. A menu is available upon request but the waiters usually tell you what is made fresh for that day. There is desert if you have room but the desert wine, La Caudrina is fantastic as well as the biscotti. I ate there about 8 times while I was in Florence. My friend dated one of the chefs so we got special treatment but they are great and definitely not a restaurant to skip.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by alyssa511 on September 29, 2006

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Il Latini
Via dei Palchetti, 6r Florence, Italy 50123

Giostra

Restaurant

La Giostra

One of the best meals I had in Florence. The restaurant is located on a side street not too far from the Duomo and owned by a prince. He puts on a little presentation with the wine. We made the mistake of ordering an appetizer, do not do this because they bring out a complementary platter of various meats, cheese, and small vegetable appetizers, all delicious. For my main course I had chicken with vegetables and it was great. Portions are big but the restaurant is a little on the pricey side, but worth it.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by alyssa511 on September 29, 2006

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Giostra
Via Borgo Pinti, 12r Florence, Italy
+39 (055) 241-341

Colonnine (Le)

Restaurant

Le Colonnine

This restaurant was right on the corner of my street so I ate there a lot. Located near Santa Croce church. The pizza was fantastic, very thin but well done. I usually got the vegetarian pizza but the marinara was also great because their sauce is to die for. Cheap and quick.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by alyssa511 on September 29, 2006

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Colonnine (Le)
Via dei Benci 6R Florence, Italy
+39 (055) 234-6417

Mamma Gina's

Restaurant

Mamma Gina's

Usually very busy, not too far from the Ponte Vecchio. The waiters are great and extremely polite. The best eggplant parm I have ever had, not breaded, cut very thin with just the right amount of cheese and sauce. Great meal and not expensive. Really good dessert tray that they wheel over to your table, the pear in wine sauce was great.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by alyssa511 on September 29, 2006

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Mamma Gina's
Borgo S. Jacopo Florence, Italy

Trattoria Za Za

Restaurant

Trattoria Za Za

Located behind the Mercato Centrale, great outside seating which is a little more comfortable because inside is a little tight. I always had the Pizza Za Za which had pesto, mozzarella, and vegetables, amazing. Known for their ribolita, Tuscan bread soup with vegetables.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by alyssa511 on September 29, 2006

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Trattoria Za Za
Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 26r Florence, Italy
+39 (055) 215411

Moyo

Activity

Moyo

Mostly Italians but this bar was right by my apartment and I loved it. Very trendy but crowded with 20-something Italians. Serve lunch during the day and have wireless Internet.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by alyssa511 on September 29, 2006

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Moyo
Via de' Benci, 23R Florence, Italy 50122
+39 (055) 2479 738

Central Park

Activity

Central Park

My favorite club in Florence. It is located in the park, recommend a taxi, outside under large white tents, multiple dance floors, very crowded with Italians and American students, a great time, but don't go before 1am.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by alyssa511 on September 29, 2006

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Central Park
Parco delle Cascine Florence, Italy
+39 (055) 333 505

Florence (General)

Activity

All the Sights Are Worth Seeing

Don't leave without seeing the inside and climbing the Duomo, the east doors of the baptistry of the duomo, the Uffizi, the Accademia, Ponte Vecchio, Bobili Gardens, Santa Croce, Santa Maria Novella, Medici Chapels, and lively piazzas with outdoor cafes. Experience all that this beautiful city has to offer. This section isn't big enough so if you have any questions just ask.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by alyssa511 on September 29, 2006

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Florence (General)
Florence, Italy

About the Writer

alyssa511
alyssa511
Valley Cottage, United States

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