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We decided to stop by Florence on our way to Rome from Ljubljana. Florence, the capital of Italy's Tuscany region is a 5 hour drive from Ljubljana.
Florence is buzzing with energy, it's the perfect destination to stop and watch as everyone else rushes about. Full of arts and crafts boutiques, colourful markets, awe-inspiring architecture, history, with a little crazy mixed in. (scroll down to find out why I call it crazy)
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| Streets of Florence by Matic Zupanc |
Here are my Top 5 Amazing Places to Visit in Florence:
Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 41, 50123 Firenze
For those in the 'know' this is the place to take your coffee and soak up the Florentine vibes.
Locals come here to grab their expresso in the morning, afternoon and evening, yep coffee culture here is alive and thriving. Recently listed in the 15 best places for coffee by foursquare https://foursquare.com/top-places/florence/best-places-coffee
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| Coffee&Kitchen/ Florentine Coffee Culture (lower right) by Matic Zupanc |
2. For Gluten-Free Pizza - DA GARIBARDI
Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 38r, 50123 Firenze
www.garibardi.it
If you’re searching for an authentic Florentine pizzeria with extensive Gluten-Free options then look no longer – this is it!! Less than five minutes from the Basilica di San Lorenzo (one of the largest churches of Florence) and the famous market Mercato di San Lorenzo, sits Garibaldi.
Garibaldi’s have created a separate Gluten-Free menu which includes specialities such as Riboletta (a Tuscan bread soup), several choices of fresh homemade pasta, gnocchi, pizza, homemade bread and of course desserts. I had the gluten free Margherita which was delicious. I thoroughly recommend Garibaldi’s whether you’re gluten-free or not.
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| Trattoria da Garibardi |
3. For the Views - PIAZZALE MICHELANGELO
Perched on a hilltop, guarding the Florentine city below is the Piazzale Michelangelo. With a panoramic view of Florence, it attracts a LOT of tourists taking selfies, but seriously the view is so awesome we couldn't stop ourselves taking a selfie or two...
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| Photo by Matic Zupanc |
4. Where to Stay - HOTEL ALINE
Via Ventisette Aprile, 14, 50129 Florence
http://www.hotelaline.com
We stayed at the low -budget Aline Hotel, close to the historical centre of town and within walking distance to EVERYTHING. It was perfect for a single nights stay in Florence, with a comfy bed and balcony overlooking Florence's colourful terracotta rooftops.
5. For a little Romance - RIVER ARNO
Take a sunset-stroll along the river Arno, which cuts though the city, stop for a cocktail at one of the numerous bars along the way and marvel at the light as it shimmers over Ponte Vecchio.
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| Ponte Vecchio, Florence |
Extra Top Tip: Parking!!!!
If you're driving to Florence then watch out for the pricey car parking! We paid 25 euro to park our car in a private garage overnight. There are a couple cheaper options if you plan ahead and do a bit of research (which we didn't of course!)
Also watch out for other drivers - driving in Florence is a mission in itself, cars, buses, scooters, bikes, pedestrians that don't look as they cross the road, tourists taking photos - Florence is loud, noisy, hot, and a little bit crazy! (but we loved it)
If you get the chance to visit Florence I hope you enjoy it as much as we did! Let me know what you think of the city when you do....