When thinking of Italy, Florence and Tuscany also come to mind, awakening a longing for distant places. Nestled in the gentle landscape, the city conveys a blend of historical splendor, artistic inspiration, and Italian joie de vivre. It is full of elegance and timeless beauty. Buildings and alleyways whisper stories from past centuries, telling of the Medicis and the artists of the Renaissance.
Giulia, Marketing Manager at paradis collections, called Florence her home for five years. Her "nonna" still lives there. Giulia learned countless insider tips from her. We'll share some of them with you, and who knows, maybe you'll soon be following in Giulia's footsteps. Enjoy!
To the museum | To the museum
Giulia's favorite museums in Florence are the Uffizi Gallery . This place of concentrated art history always offers new discoveries and perspectives. Another highlight for her is the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum . It tells the fascinating story of the brand and how the shoemaker became a favorite of the stars.
Un consiglio segreto | An insider tip
Markets in Italy are a place where life meets in all its colorful splendor – from everywhere, you can hear the cheerful greeting of "Buongiorno." Giulia's favorite place to visit was the Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio , followed by an espresso at the iconic Cibrèo Caffè just around the corner.
Sant' Ambrogio, with its more than 150 years of history, is the oldest market in Florence, and Cibrèo operates several other venues in the area. Each is an experience in its own right, but the TEATRO del SALE is the place to experience theater in all its theatricality, accompanied by culinary delights. The in-house cultural association, Circo-lo, entertains its guests there with a program of around 240 shows and dinner events per year.
A walk through the gardens | A stroll through the gardens
With its somewhat dusty pink façade, Villa Bardini overlooks Florence. Its garden invites you to linger and marvel. Especially in spring, when the fresh greenery and blossoms of the trees and shrubs sprout in all their lushness, this place is a refuge of tranquility, beauty, nature, and, thanks to its many statues, art. After the walk, Giulia recommends lunch or an aperitif at the Chalet Fontana at the end of Via di San Leonardo.
Gelati! Gelati! | "Ice Cream Time"
Florence also offers numerous gelaterias with ice cream to suit all tastes. Even Giulia can't decide, so she recommends two places for us. Vivoli has been making and serving homemade ice cream for almost 100 years. A stone's throw from Santa Croce, sweet-tooths can enjoy not only traditionally made gelato but also an affogato, said to be the best in the city. Go there and try it.
On the other side of the Arno, near the Basilica di Santo Spirito, lies Gelateria Sbrino . The ice cream is locally produced and well worth the trip.
Time for an aperitif
Italy without an aperitif? Unimaginable. So Giulia whisks us away to two favorite spots to sip on the typical Italian lifestyle. The I Ghibellini bar, next to the restaurant of the same name, offers a homemade and therefore irresistible buffet in a relaxed atmosphere.
On the other side of the Arno, a little removed from the hustle and bustle of the city, lies Il Santino . Here, you can enjoy cheese and exquisitely prepared meats as an aperitif.
Tresori vintage | Vintage treasures
For a truly authentic shopping experience, Giulia recommends Beatrice Albrici's store on Via dei Serragli. With Recollection by Albrici, she has created a charming vintage experience, presenting a carefully curated collection of vintage clothes and accessories. Unique furniture, mirrors, chandeliers, and one-of-a-kind pieces give the whole place a special atmosphere. Giulia definitely considers it a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
Panini con foto | Fresh bread with a photo
For Giulia, a visit to the charming S.forno bakery on Via Santa Monaca is an absolute must. The delicious breads, sandwiches, and paninis are known throughout the city, making it worth the trip.
...if only because there's an old-fashioned photo booth right in front of the bakery. These photo booths capture memories in analog format and are scattered throughout the city.
One night in Florence | One night in Florence
Casa G. Firenze feels like a hideaway amidst the city's hustle and bustle, yet is centrally located. Just minutes from the Duomo, modern design blends with Florentine history.
The Ottantotto , on the other hand, is a charming boutique hotel that you'll want to move into immediately. It's a gem in the Oltrarno, a short walk from Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens.
The look of the day | The Florence outfit
What does Giulia wear while strolling through the streets of Florence? On the first day, it's the Jules dress – airy and ideal for hot summer days. For the second day, she opts for silver Ecla trousers paired with the whiteMerle wrap top .
Leave a comment