Florence, Italy - Tips, Tricks and Travel Inspiration from Prince Adventures
1. If you’re looking to save a few dollars, dine outside of the main piazzas (squares). These public places offer the best views, so pay top dollar if you’re only in Florence for a day or two. If you’ve got a few days to spend, enjoy a cocktail or fresh spritz in a nearby laneway or smaller piazza. Not only are you likely to find space in the peak hours of the day, you’ll also enjoy spending a few less dollars on the same beverages or snacks. A great place for a cocktail is from the several restaurants and bars in Piazza di San Firenze. Here is a link to one we recently enjoyed with a group of friends.
2. Change your perspective, if you have the opportunity to see any city from above, you can absorb it from a new angle. We find it really interesting and enlightening. A great rooftop bar we recommend is Hotel Cavour, only open late afternoon to early evening. Be sure to make reservations if you plan to visit, as this patio seats few people, and priority is given to hotel guests. Speaking of aerial views of Florence, an absolute must do experience is to head to Piazzale Michelangelo.
3. Speaking of hotels, if you wish to stay in the heart of Florence, here we share a few suggestions we’ve personally stayed at or had travellers visit.
a. Bernini Palace - great location, walkable to most attractions, nice rooftop space, no bar service however, and lovely lobby bar. However, can be noisy with evening local holidaymakers or morning vendor traffic.
b. San Firenze Suites - if you want to book the top suite, with private space for relaxation, the Presidential Suite is complete with hot tub, and exclusive space with 24/7 panoramic views of the cathedral. Other room categories can be overpriced, and if you’re looking to splash out on a luxury hotel, there are better in the city unless it is specifically the view you’re seeking.
c. Hotel Cavour - amazing rooftop bar, quality rooms, good location walking to the Duomo of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
d. Hotel Berchielli, located alongside the Arno River - some dated decor, but an amazing view of the Arno River makes up for it. If you’re the type of traveller who says “I don’t really spend a lot of time in my room”, this may be the right choice for you with a good value location and walkability.
4. Let’s talk about the best Gelato in Florence. We recommend Gelateria La Carraia. https://g.co/kgs/guBnN3q We’ve been many times, and taste tested many flavours, so let’s call us experts. I do have some qualifications, I did found, and own a dessert bakery and food truck for a decade. The banana flavour is white, not yellow, that’s a tell tale sign the Gelateria can uses more natural flavourings in their flavours. Pistachio and Mint should be green, but not electric neon alien green, also look for that. Plus, what’s more, at this location, the bridge offers your especially great views of Ponte Vecchio and all the rowers.
5. The best way to see and experience all Florence has to offer is to book your stay with me, I’m a luxury travel advisor and I’m here to help. If you liked this information, or learned something new, please reach out, travel@princeadventures.com. I own a travel agency of five experts and we’re best prepared to pair you with a travel advisor who matches your unique travel style. A travel advisor who will help you design your dream trip to Florence, broader Italy, and beyond.
6. Wine windows in Florence are a charming way to enjoy a roadside quick glass of wine with friends. With over 250+ windows in existence, keep an eye out for them whenever you’re walking. Most however, are not operational and are filled in, we spotted about 25 of them on a recent trip. One that we found was operational and we recommend you visit. Catina de Pucci, check it out here.
7. A visit to Italy isn’t complete without a cooking class. Our group had a great time at a semi-private lesson with Chef David Rosati at Cooking Art Brunelleschi. Walking distance to many hotels we listed above. Click this link to check availability and to reserve your space. This is completely unaffiliated with us, we’ just like to share good experiences.
