Firenze in 4 months

A February 2006 trip to Florence by alyssa511

Quote: 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

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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 t...Read More

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Acqua al 2

Restaurant

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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 on September 29, 2006

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

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Ciro & Sons

Restaurant | "Ciro & Sons"

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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 on September 29, 2006

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

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Coronas Cafe

Restaurant

Quote:

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 on September 29, 2006

Coronas Cafe
Via del Corso
Florence, Italy

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Golden View Open Bar

Restaurant | "Golden view"

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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 on September 29, 2006

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

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Il Latini

Restaurant | "II Latini"

Quote:

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...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on September 29, 2006

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

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Giostra

Restaurant | "La Giostra "

Quote:

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 on September 29, 2006

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

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Ristorante Le Colonnine

Restaurant | "Le Colonnine"

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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 on September 29, 2006

Ristorante Le Colonnine
Via Dei Benci 6r
Florence, Italy
+39 (055) 234-6417

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Trattoria Mamma Gina

Restaurant | "Mamma Gina's"

Quote:

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 on September 29, 2006

Trattoria Mamma Gina
Borgo S. Jacopo, 37/R
Florence, Italy
055 2396009

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Trattoria Za Za

Restaurant

Quote:

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 on September 29, 2006

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

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Moyo

Attraction

Quote:

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 on September 29, 2006

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

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Central Park

Attraction

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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 on September 29, 2006

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

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All the Sights Are Worth Seeing

Story/Tip

Quote:

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 on September 29, 2006