Firenze from the Bell Tower
View of Florence from Piazzale Michaelangelo (March 2011)
Florence, the heart of Tuscany, is one of the most popular spots in Italy. When visiting Italy, most tourists include it in their itinerary even if they have already been. In all the time I’ve spent in Florence, I still haven’t discovered it all. Although countless amount of tourists flood the city, you still get that city that hasn’t changed since the Renaissance. Florence is located in Tuscany which means Wine Country. Be prepared to taste the best Chianti, maybe even go on a wine tour. It’s really hard to narrow down the best things to do in Florence but i’ll give you a few of my favorites!
The most important part of visiting Italy is the food. if you don’t have the opportunity to eat at some of the countries best restaurants, it could ruin Italy for you. I have compiled a list of the top restaurants I’ve tried and approved!
Yellow Bar – Via del Proconsolo, 39r
Yellow Bar is one of the more touristic spots I will recommend but it has the most amazing pasta it’s definitely worth going. Upon entering the restaurant, the hostess takes you by the fresh pasta being made while your assuring yourself you will be ordering it. At Yellow Bar, one of my favorite pasta dishes was everything (sorry I couldn’t choose!). Additionally, they have an amazing steak dish with a bed of arugula topped with parmigiano cheese. When in Florence, a majority of the restaurants require a reservation, but at Yellow Bar, you don’t need to worry. Yellow Bar has two floors and a large dining room upstairs that you almost never have to wait for a table.
Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori – Via dei Magazzini, 3 (next to the Gucci Museum)
I tried to get a reservation weekly at Vini e Vecchi Sapori because of my love for the restaurant, the food and the staff. The staff remembered me once I came for my second time and continued to give me a reservation when others seemed to find it impossible to get a reservation there. With that being said, this restaurant is difficult to book so I recommend having your hotel call right away upon arrival in Florence because this is one restaurant you do not want to miss out on. The wait staff is all family and they have a fun time joking around with the patrons. As for the menu, the owner frequently changes their dishes but I recommend any pasta dish that appears on the menu. One thing that always is on the menu is the Raspberry Tiramisu which I advise trying because it will be the best dessert you have while you’re in Italy (I still dream about it to this day). Additionally, be prepared to sit with other patrons because this restaurant is small. If you’re looking for classic Florentine cuisine this is your spot!
B. Ice (Gelateria) – Borgognissanti 150/r
I can’t take credit for discovering B. Ice. My Cross-cultural Communication professor introduced my class during an assignment while visiting this cute little families Gelateria. This spot is a bit out of the main part of the city, but definitely worth the walk if you want some gelato, just think of it as walking off your cone! (The walk is roughly 17 minutes from the Duomo). All of the bins aren’t overflowing with crazy artificial colors like you find in the heart of Florence. Each flavor is only made if the specific ingredients are in season to assure the best tasting gelato flavors. All of their flavors are all natural, making the taste so unique. I have no other suggestions of Gelaterias because I was so loyal to B. Ice. 
Things to Do in Florence
Il Duomo – The ticket costs €10 and covers the Duomo, Bell Tower, Museum, and the Baptistry. Make sure you get to the duomo and campanile early in the morning to avoid the long line the curves around the building. You will be able to get the best views of Florence from the Duomo or Bell Tower, so this is a must!
Tuscany Bike Tour – There are a ton of other tour companies for biking around Florence but I have to admit, this is definitely the best group around. The tour guides are young and fun making the day super enjoyable. They’re well informed and speak great English! The tour includes a roadside van, bike, helmet, complimentary water bottle you can take home, lunch (wine), wine tasting, olive oil tasting, and a winery tour.
Florentine Soccer Game – Try and attend a soccer game if you can. Soccer is such a big part of the Italian culture that it’s definitely worth witnessing all the craze at a soccer game. I was lucky enough to be able to attend the Roma vs. Fiorentina match and I can highly recommend going to it. Stop by the When in Florence office where they can help you find tickets for the game. (When in Florence can help you with booking other things as well and they’re a good reference for things to do when visiting!)
Uffizi Gallery – The first time I stepped in the Uffizi Gallery, I didn’t see the exit till 6 hours later (yes, 6 hours). The Uffizi has more rooms than you can count of thousands of famous pieces. Try and reserve you tickets to the Gallery in advance to avoid long lines outside.
Giardino delle Rose – This is a lovely little garden on the walk up to Piazzale Michaelangelo where many tourists and Fiorentini spend time laying around the garden on a sunny day. The smells of the flowers fill the air around Springtime.
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