The kickoff of my two-week road trip: the cradle of the Renaissance with the Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral, the Ponte Vecchio and the Uffizi, plus narrow lanes full of trattorias and gelaterias.
For the best view over the city, it's worth the climb up to Piazzale Michelangelo shortly before sunset.
Independent arrival by car, about 10 hours depending on route and traffic, cost variable depending on fuel prices, tolls and season. Our Italy trip began with a long but varied drive from Frankfurt, past picturesque Alpine landscapes and through the wide plains of northern Italy. Regular breaks made the drive pleasant.
Quiet suburb away from the hustle of downtown, the center reachable on foot in about 30 to 40 minutes, 15 minutes by bike or by local train. €100 a night, good value for money. Spacious, quiet apartment with a lovely ambience, free bikes available, parking right at the property.
Verdict: A great place to stay for anyone who values a quiet location while still wanting to explore Florence flexibly. The free bikes and private parking in particular were a plus.
Central in Florence, just a few minutes' walk from the main sights, restaurants, cafés and public transport all nearby. €120 a night, reasonable value for money. Charming ambience with stylish furnishings, perfect location for exploring the city. Downside: very poor soundproofing, which meant we often slept badly.
Verdict: A great choice for travelers who want to experience Florence's vibrant life up close, though you should be prepared for considerable noise from neighboring apartments.
Centrally located, a modern yet cozy restaurant with authentic Neapolitan pizza, fresh ingredients, perfectly airy dough, friendly service.
Verdict: If you're looking for really good pizza in Florence, this is the place.
Central, near Santa Maria Novella train station. A stylish restaurant with a cozy atmosphere, known for homemade pasta prepared right at the table. The truffle pasta is an absolute highlight.
Verdict: A must for pasta lovers.
Near Piazza Santa Maria Novella, an authentic, cozy restaurant with a varied menu from fresh pasta to meat and fish dishes. The homemade pici and crispy pizza especially won us over.
Verdict: A real insider tip for honest Tuscan cooking in a relaxed atmosphere.
In the heart of Florence, a legendary sandwich bar with huge, freshly made schiacciata sandwiches. Despite the long lines, it's worth the wait.
Verdict: A must for street food lovers in Florence.
Centrally located, a cozy restaurant with Tuscan classics and modern creations, good wine selection.
Traditional Italian cooking, freshly baked bread and an inviting atmosphere. Homemade pasta and crispy wood-fired pizza especially recommended.
Central, not far from Piazza Santa Croce, one of the oldest and best-known gelaterias in Florence. Creamy, homemade gelato with intense flavors, especially the classic flavors like pistachio, nocciola and fior di latte impress. A special highlight was a cup of creamy vanilla gelato with freshly brewed espresso poured right into the middle.
Verdict: A paradise for ice cream lovers.
Central, cozy café with a charming atmosphere, friendly service, good coffee and fresh baked goods.
Right on the Ponte alla Carraia with a view of the Arno, one of the best gelaterias in Florence. The pistachio, tiramisu and dark chocolate flavors in particular are a treat.
A little off the tourist trail, focused on natural, high-quality ingredients without artificial additives. The creative flavors like ricotta & fig or dark chocolate with sea salt especially won us over.
Right on Piazza del Duomo, known for organic, handmade gelato and crispy, freshly baked waffle cones. The cinnamon, pistachio and fior di latte flavors especially won us over.
Central, famous for tiramisu considered one of the best in Italy, fresh, creamy and perfectly balanced in sweetness.
In the heart of the city, bookable daily, usually mornings and afternoons. Under the guidance of experienced chefs you learn the traditional way of making Italian pasta, from the perfect dough to skillfully shaping tagliatelle and ravioli. Afterward you enjoy your homemade dish together in good company.
Verdict: A great experience for getting to know Italian cuisine authentically.
On a hill to the south, reachable in about 20 to 30 minutes on foot or by bus/taxi. Known for its panoramic view over the city, especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset. A unique view of the cathedral dome, the Arno and the Ponte Vecchio, with a large replica of Michelangelo's David in the middle. Free to visit.
Verdict: The view is spectacular, an unforgettable experience.
In the heart of the old town, a paradise for foodies. Fresh produce from local vendors on the ground floor, a lively food court with Italian specialties upstairs. Open daily 9am to midnight.
Directly across from the cathedral, one of Florence's oldest buildings, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture, with world-famous bronze doors, including the "Gates of Paradise" by Lorenzo Ghiberti. Inside, a magnificent dome with golden mosaics.
Crossing the Arno river, one of Florence's most famous landmarks, one of the few medieval bridges still standing today, with small shops, nowadays mostly jewelers and goldsmiths.
Central, one of the most historic and lively squares in the city, once the forum of ancient Roman Florence, today lined with elegant buildings, traditional cafés and a striking triumphal arch.
In the heart of the city, the undisputed landmark with Filippo Brunelleschi's monumental dome, ornate frescoes inside, marble façade in white, green and pink. Climbing to the dome or the bell tower is worth it for a breathtaking view over the city.