Hi Reader,

In case you missed it, I’ve started a new series I’m calling 'Italy Diaries'. You can catch my previous emails here.

After going to culinary school in Calabria, I’ve become completely obsessed with all things Italy. And I know I’m not alone! So many people love Italy or dream about visiting it one day.

In this new Italy Diaries series, I want to share my favorite travel tips, hidden gems, and local food finds so you can enjoy this beautiful country just like I do.

Whether you’re thinking about joining me on a future trip (don’t worry, I’ve already planned all the details) or are just looking for advice for your own Italian adventure, I’d love to chat! You can always send me an email if you want personalized travel suggestions.

Today, I want to talk about Florence, a city so many people fall in love with...and for good reason!!

Florence has this perfect mix of big city energy and small-town charm.

The first time I visited Florence, it was February. And I have to say, seeing the city without many tourists was magical. I highly suggest visiting in the off-season if you want a more local, relaxed view of the city.

This time around, we went in September. While there were definitely more crowds, walking around in the nice weather made up for it.

Simply wandering the streets of Florence is entertainment in itself. If you slow down and take in your surroundings, you’ll start to notice funny signs, hidden details, and of course, all the stunning architecture.

A must-see stop is the Duomo, located right in the city center. While I’m not much of a history buff (food tends to consume most of my time while traveling, hahah), I can still appreciate the beauty and scale of these historic buildings.

While you’re walking around, make sure to check out Ponte Vecchio, one of the city’s most famous bridges, lined with jewelry and gold shops.

But really, all of Florence’s bridges are worth a visit. On this trip, we stumbled upon a musician playing “Hotel California” on one of the quieter bridges. With the Arno River in the background at sunset, it was definitely a vibe.

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That’s why I always say some of the most memorable moments come from “getting lost” and just wandering in a new city.

Speaking of sunset, even though it’s the “touristy” thing to do, hiking up to Piazzale Michelangelo to watch the sunset is absolutely worth it. If you get there early, you can grab a good spot and snap a photo with the entire Florence skyline behind you.

If you’re looking for a break from the busy streets, explore some of Florence’s gardens and green spaces. The Boboli and Bardini Gardens are both beautiful, especially when the plants are in bloom.

During this trip, we decided to go on a bit of an adventure using a random AllTrails map we found.

As long as you don’t mind dodging the occasional car on narrow roads, it’s such a fun experience! We walked from our Airbnb in the city to the trailhead, which turned into a long but scenic walk through the countryside, olive groves, and farms. The Tuscan hill views were some of my favorites of the whole trip.

If long walks aren’t really your thing (which I totally get), maybe experiencing the Tuscan hills through a winery is more your style. There are plenty of winery tours that leave right from Florence, many of which include olive oil tastings since a lot of vineyards also grow olive trees on their properties. If you’re lucky, you can even find a tour that includes a full meal so you can enjoy incredible Tuscan food alongside the wine.

Shopping is another must-do in Florence. You’ll see leather everywhere...from jackets, purses, wallets, and belts. Not all leather is created equal, though, so if you’re looking for a quality piece to bring home, I recommend Scuola del Cuoio (the leather school) or Pelletteria Artigiana Viviani.

Alright, now onto my favorite topic…the food!

Probably the "most popular" dish to try in Florence is the Florentine steak (bistecca alla fiorentina). As you walk around, you’ll notice restaurant windows proudly displaying these massive cuts of steak. If you’re able to splurge a little, I say go for it!

And since I know everyone loves a few restaurant recs, especially when you’re ordering something expensive like steak, here are some I’ve either tried myself or had recommended by the head chef from my culinary school days:

• Trattoria 13 Gobbi
• Ristorante Buca Mario
• Trattoria Marione al Trebbio
• La Buchetta
• Trattoria 4 Leoni
• I’Brindellone

While you’re at a nice restaurant, you might also want to try risotto. Just a heads up, like pasta, risotto in Italy is served more al dente than you might expect! Northern Italy, including Florence, is a great place to try risotto as your first course (primo).

You might also notice that some of the bread in Florence and Tuscany doesn’t have any salt. That’s because, during the Middle Ages, salt was taxed so highly that many couldn't afford to import it, so bakers learned to make bread without it. Even today, many people and restaurants still carry on this tradition.

Not all breads are salt-free, though. One of my favorites is schiacciata, a thin, focaccia-like bread that Tuscany is known for. It’s the base for some of the best sandwiches you’ll ever have.

Now, say what you want about the famous All’Antico Vinaio sandwiches, but I personally love them! Yes, they’re popular on social media, but for good reason.

Even our tour guide in Rome, Paola, said she’s a fan. You can’t go wrong with any of their sandwiches, though the “Paradiso” is my personal favorite. We also loved their porchetta sandwich. If you go, visit one of the less touristy locations to avoid the long lines.

For a more local option, L’Antico Trippaio is known for its trippa sandwich, which is definitely worth trying if you’re feeling adventurous.

Our favorite spot for gelato in Florence ended up being Edoardo il Gelato Biologico. The flavor and texture were incredible, and their sorbetto (non-dairy) options were just as good.

I’ll say this with every city! The beauty is in the slowness and the wandering. There are gorgeous views around every corner, you just have to take the time to look around and enjoy Firenze.

If you've been to Florence, I'd love to hear about your favorite part of the city!

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