Firenze in a frenzy
What I did in the capital of Italy's Tuscan region
I understand it's been quite a while since the last newsletter. I realize that's not an excuse, but the unpredictable weather in London has really affected my mood with seasonal depression. This is something new to me as I've never experienced it in the past living in LA. Consequently, I've lacked the motivation to write or create any content. However, now that Spring has arrived, I believe it's time to break out of this slump.
Ok, so, moving back to November 2023, I visited Florence to see a friend who recently relocated there from Manila to study fashion. (Hello, Nikka!) Despite her busy schedule with school, we managed to spend time together whenever possible. However, when I couldn’t meet with her, I explored the city as a solo traveler.
I’m no stranger to solo travel, but this was the first time I traveled alone around Europe since being married, and it felt strange not having my husband with me. We visited Florence in July 2018, an extremely hot and humid peak of summer. In contrast, experiencing Florence in a cooler month was a refreshing change.
My schedule spanned 5 days, with the goal to explore as many new places as possible. I departed from London Gatwick and landed at Amerigo Vespucci Airport. Due to flight delays, I didn’t reach Florence until the late evening. Luckily I found accommodation near my friend’s apartment (near Piazza Santo Spirito), and since it was too late to explore further into town, we opted to dine at a nearby trattoria in Santo Spirito called Borgo Antico. We ordered pizza and pasta to share.
Speaking of sharing, here are some spots in the city that I found enjoyable.
GELATERIAS:
Vivoli- While Vivoli is renowned for their artisan gelatos crafted with seasonal fruits and whole milk, pastries and other desserts, my primary reason for visiting was their affogatos. You might have encountered them frequently on social media due to their visually appealing preparation, but beyond their aesthetic appeal, they are undeniably delicious. Without a doubt, they are the best affogatos I’ve ever tasted.
Gellateria della Passera- Choosing between Passera and La Carraia is a tough decision, but if I had to pick, I’d go with Passera. Their pistachio gelato, in my opinion, is the best I’ve tasted, and pistachio happens to be my default flavor choice.
Gelateria la carraia- La Carraia is definitely a close second. I remember visiting during my last trip and thoroughly enjoying it.
Sbrino gelato- Sbrino was good, but it didn’t quite become my favorite. However, that doesn’t mean I didn’t finish my gelato.
RESTAURANTS/ EATERIES:
Cibreo Caffe- Enjoyed a solo al fresco lunch here. Gelatina di Curcuma (Turmeric, Yogurt and Lemon Gelée) and Tagliolini Cacio e Burro (Tagliolini with Cacio and Butter Sauce) is what I had ordered. The turmeric gelee was unlike anything I’ve ever tasted before, and the pasta was incredibly rich, creamy, and satisfyingly filling. I couldn’t finish it at the time, but looking back, I regret not eating every last bite because I still find myself dreaming about that dish.
Cammillo- Since we didn’t have reservations, I queued up even before they opened. Despite their busy evening, they were kind enough to seat us, and we were absolutely thrilled. Their stand out dish? The persimmon tiramisu. WOW!
Osteria Santo Spirito- This place turned out to be a bit of a wild card. It wasn’t originally on my list, but my friend heard from locals that it was delicious, especially their gnocchi. Upon arrival, we noticed a long line outside, which was a promising sign. I’m pleased to say that the gnocchi lived up to its reputation and was truly fantastic.
All’Antico Vinaio - It’s not surprising how popular this place is; they’ve even opened three spots right next to each other. Despite the long line, it moves so quickly. I also noticed they’ve opened one back home in LA as well.
la Menagére- I stumbled upon this place by mistake while searching for a vintage store. I made a mental note to return when my friend was off from school so we can enjoy coffee together. The cafe is beautifully adorned with flowers, and inside they sell gifts, fresh flowers, coctkails, and elevated cafe fare. It’s the perfect spot for a date or even a brunch date with a group of girlfriends.
Semel- Nestled in the corner of Sant’ Ambrogio market, Semel is a quaint hole-in-the-wall sandwich spot. I decided to try the cheese, pear and truffle sandwich, and it was a fantastic combination of flavors.
MUSEUMS:
Le Galleria degli Uffizi- The uffizi is a treasure trove of Renaissance art, housing masterpieces by renowned artists like da Vinci, Michaelangio, Botticelli and Caravaggio. The architecture inside is so breathtaking! You really get a glimpse of the cultural richness of Florence and the Renaissance period.
Museo Marino Marini- This museum showcases the work of Italian sculptor Marino Marini. Here you get to see his extinctive style and contribution to modern sculpture offering a unique perspective on Italian art in the 20th century.
Cocktail Bar:
Locale Firenze- Ranked at # 46 out 50 of the World’s best bars in the world, Locale Firenze is charming spot known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious cocktails. After dinner, we stopped by here for a nightcap; though I’ve been cutting back on drinking lately. Nonetheless, we decided to indulge in a belated birthday celebration for me and an early one for my friend. To our surprise, our waiter treated us to complimentary cocktails and appetizers, leaving us a bit tipsy by the time we left.
Coffee Shops:
Gucci Giardino 25- Luxury brand Gucci has a cute cafe next to the Gucci Garden. I came here for a quick pick me up, intending to grab lunch, but arrived in the late afternoon to find that they weren’t serving their main meals. Instead, they offered pastries, so I opted for a quick coffee and was pleasantly surprised when they provided complimentary biscuits to enjoy alongside it.
La Cite- My friend recommended this spot because she said this is where she comes when she wants to study. La Cite is an eclectic cafe featuring vibrant decor, serving coffee, snacks, wine and beer, along with a selection of books.
Ditta Artigianale- This coffee shop boasts several locations across the city. I recall visiting during my last trip and being impressed by the robustness of their coffee. Each spot is consistently bustling with individuals studying, working, or enjoying casual coffee meetups.
Here are some of my favorite shots and scenes from my trip
Grazie mille, Florence! Can’t wait to come back! <3