{"id":17384,"date":"2017-08-22T14:35:14","date_gmt":"2017-08-22T13:35:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/?p=17384"},"modified":"2025-08-23T19:51:04","modified_gmt":"2025-08-24T02:51:04","slug":"tips-florence-italy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/tips-florence-italy\/","title":{"rendered":"6 TIPS TO MAKE THE MOST OF A TRIP TO FLORENCE"},"content":{"rendered":"

Florence is a magnificent city, full of history and charm. There is so much to see that it can be overwhelming to decide what things to do whilst you are visiting. In this post we share 6 top tips to help you make the most of your time in Florence. These pieces of advice will help you to savour and enjoy the beauty of Florence and never want to leave!<\/p>\n

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1) AVOID THE GELATO MOUNTAINS<\/h3>\n

One of the most useful tips I learnt while in Florence was how to find the best gelato. Walking around the city centre you are lured by window-front gelaterias with high piled mountains of gelato but don\u2019t be fooled. I learnt from a local that these fancy \u2018ice cream mountains\u2019 aren\u2019t real gelato.<\/p>\n

In fact, the best gelato melts because it is fresh and doesn\u2019t have preservatives that allow it to be moulded that high. Look for the gelaterias where the ice cream is away from the window, and in modest tubs; that is the best stuff. My personal favourites are the \u2018Antica Gelateria Fiorentina<\/a>\u2019 near the city centre and \u2018Gelateria della Passera\u2019 on the Santo Spirito side of the Ponte Vecchio.<\/p>\n

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2) CROSS THE RIVER<\/h3>\n

When I first arrived in Florence, I flocked to the centre of the city to see all the sights, the Palazzo Vecchio and Duomo, but I quickly found myself disappointed by streets filled with chains and crowded with tourists. Where was the character, the charming Italian alleyways filled with bakeries and colourful mopeds?<\/p>\n

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I soon found out that to see Florence\u2019s authentic, less touristy side, all you have to do is walk to the other side of the river. The Santo Spirito and San Niccolo areas are where you\u2019ll fall in love with Florence. You\u2019ll find winding cobblestone streets dotted with flower pots, cafes nestled around fountains in small piazzas, hidden art galleries, hilltop views of olive groves, and the best food and nightlife in the city.<\/p>\n

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WHERE TO EAT IN FLORENCE<\/h4>\n

S. Forno Panificio<\/a> in the Santo Spirito area is the best bakery in the city. I probably tried every pastry and bread they make and there wasn\u2019t a single thing I didn\u2019t love. Plus, it is all made fresh right there every day.<\/p>\n

If you want delicious authentic Italian food, my favourites were: \u2018Il Santo Bevitore<\/a>, Trattoria Giovanni <\/a> (the peppercorn steak!), Trattoria 4 Leoni, and Signorvino (open terrace over the river with a view of the Ponte Vecchio). Some restaurants are pricier than others but, on one or two nights, the taste sensation is worth the investment!<\/p>\n

WHERE TO STAY: LUXURY HOTELS<\/h4>\n

Florence is filled with great hotels, villas, and more. If you are looking to stay in the heart of the city, some of the best reviewed luxury hotel options are:<\/p>\n