Florence, the centre of the Italian Renaissance with its gothic Duomo and Michelangelo’s David is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. Although Florence’s population is relatively small, roughly 370,000 inhabitants, it draws millions of visitors a year eager to experience its splendour. To set the tone for a Florentine furore, here are our suggestions of where to eat, stay and love.
Eat
For an authentic meal at a traditional family-run Italian restaurant, Trattoria Mario is simply one of the best you will experience. Located near the Mercato Centrale and only open for lunch, Trattoria Mario’s menu is based on Tuscan home cooking and family recipes which have changed very little over the years. No advance reservations are taken so arrive early and pull up a stool around a shared table at this raucous, hectic, brilliant trattoria.
Stay
Set right in the heart of Florence, Firenze Number Nine is close to the Duomo, Medici Chapels, main train station and Ponte Vecchio. Renovated in 2012, the hotel has a full-service spa for you to indulge in a massage or any other treatments during your stay. Along with the majority of accommodation in Florence, it is not cheap to stay so close to the main tourist attractions, but is well worth the splurge.
Love
Naturally, when visiting Florence you cannot miss the must-see sights of the Uffizi Gallery (one of the world’s greatest museums with its Renaissance artwork), the Duomo – the Cathedral of Santa Maria dei Fiore and Michelangelo’s Statue of David to name a few.
For a truly memorable experience when visiting Florence, you do not need to be a lover of Italian opera to enjoy a performance in the beautiful and intimate setting of t St. Mark’s Anglican Church. With works such as Madame Butterfly, The Barber of Seville or La Boehme performed by professional opera singers in full costume and accompanied by top virtuoso pianists.
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