Where To Go In Florence, Italy

By INGRID K. WILLIAMS, www.nytimes.com

In San Lorenzo, new spots with style and international flair are now attracting legions of foreigners and Florentines alike.

Abutting Florence’s main train station, San Lorenzo is a maze of mostly dingy streets that locals typically avoided, especially after dark. But since the district’s historic Mercato Centrale opened its gorgeous upper floor — a gleaming space filled with vendors of Tuscany’s finest artisanal foodstuffs— in 2014, the entire neighborhood has been looking better. By day, the streets surrounding Mercato Centrale are still packed with stalls peddling leather goods, cheap scarves and kitschy souvenirs to tourists. But at night,new spots with style and international flair are now attracting legions of foreigners and Florentines alike.

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   CreditAndrea Wyner for The New York Times

   La Ménagère
   The rambling old building that housed one of Florence’s oldest housewares stores reopened last June as a genre-busting gathering place. Still called La Ménagère and spanning over 16,000 square feet, it is a cosmopolitan complex with a coffee bar, flower shop, restaurant, cocktail bar and, in a nod to the previous tenant, a retail area with handmade ceramics and housewares.
   Via de’ Ginori 8r; 39-055-075-0600; lamenagere­.it

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   CreditAndrea Wyner for The New York Times

   Lo Sverso
   This convivial bar threw open its doors last May with live music, domestic craft beers on tap and creative cocktails mixed with house-made syrups and tonics.­
   Via Panicale 7/9r

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   CreditAndrea Wyner for The New York Times

   Polpa
   A trend that began in Milan is evident in this “burger trattoria” opposite Mercato Centrale. It focuses on quality ingredients, like a Chianina beef burger topped with pancetta, herbs and pecorino.
   Piazza del Mercato Centrale 22r; 39-055-286-770;polpa.it/it/firenze

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   CreditAndrea Wyner for The New York Times

   Sabor Cubano
   The heady scent of mint and a call of “Hola!” from behind the bar welcome visitors to this intimate cocktail bar, which was opened by a Cuban bartender. The house specialty is the mojito, best sipped at an alfresco table.
   Via Sant’Antonino 64r; 39-331-773-1536; saborcubanofirenze­.com

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   CreditAndrea Wyner for The New York Times

   My Sugar
   Immediately after opening last July, this tiny artisanal gelateria catapulted to the top of best-gelato lists thanks to scrumptious flavors like melacotta (ricotta, apple, cinnamon and honey), which are made by hand daily on site. 
   Via de’ Ginori 49r; 39-393-069-6042

Recommended Things To Do In Florence Italy

CATEGORIES: ITALY

Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance – Florence is a cultural, architectural and artistic gem – from visiting world famous museums to sampling local wine in a corner bar, there is plenty to see and do in Florence, and the city will easily keep you busy for a week
.

However, keep in mind that with all the entrance fees, the costs can easily add up, but on the other hand you won’t want to miss out on all the great attractions for being cheap.

Instead, spend on the attractions and save on accommodation, and stay in one of the many apartments on GowithOh - that way you can cook your own meals, which will save you a lot of money!

Here are some of the best things to do in Florence …

Museums

There are a number of excellent museums in Florence, from sculpture museums to science – there is even a museum dedicated to the luxury brand Gucci!

The most famous museum however, is Uffizi, one of the most popular museums in the world, with collections of Renaissance paintings and sculptures from classical antiquity. 

The entry fee is €11, and it’s not uncommon having to wait in line for hours, so the extra €4 for booking in advance could very well be worth it, as you will save a lot of time that could be spent in the museum rather than outside of it.

Other popular museums include Bargello, Accademia Gallery and Pitti Palace (with the beautiful Boboli Gardens).

Santa Maria del Fiore

Also called “Duomo di Firenze”, this is the most beautiful cathedral in Florence, and is the symbol of the city – it’s possible to climb up to the huge Dome (€8) to get a view overlooking the city. But keep in mind that there are 464 steps to climb!

Ponte Vecchio

Built in the 14th century, Ponte Vecchio, which literally means “old bridge”, is the oldest and most famous bridge in the city.

Unlike most bridges, this one is known for having shops still built along it, a tradition which was once common in Italy. The little buildings hanging off it over the river can be seen from the Uffizi.

Most of the shops are traditionally mostly jewellers since the days of the Medici.

Boboli Gardens

Boboli Gardens which are located behind the Pitti Palace, is one of the most beautiful and relaxing spots in Florence. With fountains, flowers, tree-lined lanes and wonderful views of the city, the Boboli Gardens are not to be missed!