I think of myself as a mini expert on Florence, having spent 4 months there, I've explored enough restaurants and sights.
by traveller22 on February 8, 2006
I stayed in a private apartment in the city of Florence, right down the street from the Duomo. I highly recommend this area if you want to stay for a longer trip and get a real feeling for the city. Having our own kitchen allowed us to cook with food from the many markets in Florence. For us, it was the perfect accommodations to come and go from, all while saving money.
This is my favorite restaurant in the city. The food is amazing (try the Papa al Pomodoro) and the view is to die for. Try to request a table along the windows, although, all of the tables are fabulous. In the summer, the windows open and a wonderful breeze from the river flows through the restaurant.
I spent many afternoons in the Boboli Gardens with my painting supplies. It was a wonderful respite from the busy city life, and bringing a camera or paints is a wonderful way to document some of your trip, even for the novice painter. If you have Children they will love this place. There is plenty of grass and room to run, the statues are gorgeous and wonderful representations of old world Florence. If you climb the stairs straight through from the entrance it leads to an amazing view of the city.
Several days, when not in the mood for a entire meal at lunch, I would wander through the markets. It's a wonderful place to grab a sandwich or fruit and observe the Italians doing their shopping. The San Lorenzo Market had the food inside and all the leather, clothes, and pottery outside at stands.
A must do is taking a walk up the hill to the Piazzale Michaelangelo. This is by far the best view in the city. It can be quite a hike (1 hour walk from the duomo) or you can take a cab up the hill, although some of the best views are on the walk up. It is across the river from the duomo.
http://www.igougo.com/journal-j51393-Florence-4_Months_in_Florence_Italy.html
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