FLORENCE TRAVEL GUIDE

FIREFLIES TRAVEL GUIDES

FLORENCE

Florence is the beautiful regional capital of , and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy. It is acknowledged by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, and stepping onto its historic cobbles it is easy to see why. Cradled between the surrounding hills, the city hosts some of the most famous works of art on the planet and the whole of the city centre is packed with stunning palaces, churches and monuments. The surrounding countryside is well- known for its rolling hills and its wine—particularly the Chianti area between Siena and Florence.

DESTINATION: FLORENCE 1 FLORENCE TRAVEL GUIDE

Via del Termine 11, Florence ESSENTIAL INFORMATION +39 055 30615 www.aeroporto.firenze.it

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

The best way to get around the city is on foot. The city centre is not very large and is full of monuments and things to see. The local transport companies are ATAF and LI-NEA. A ticket can be bought in bars, tobacconists or any shop with an "ATAF" sticker in the window and it is valid for 90 minutes. Always remember to validate your ticket by stamping it on board the bus. POST www.ataf.net

Stamps can be bought from authorized TAXI tobacconists. Florence’s main post office is located: The main taxi companies are: Via Pellicceria 3, Florence

+39 055 273 6481 CO.TA.FI. www.poste.it +39 055 4390 Monday-Saturday 08.15-19.00 www.4390.it PHARMACY SO.CO.TA. Florence’s chemists are open from Monday to +39 055 4242 Friday from 09.00 to 13.00 and from 15.30 to www.socota.it 20.00. Addresses of chemists open during +39 055 4390 weekends and evenings are posted on the www.4390.it pharmacies.

TELEPHONE

Country code: +39

There is no area code but in Florence all phone numbers start with 055. Do not omit the zero.

ELECTRICITY

220 V

PERETOLA - AIRPORT

Florence’s airport Peretola, is around 5 km from the centre. A special bus called “Vola in bus” gets you into the city centre (S. Maria Novella railway station) in 20-25 min. from 06.00 to 23.30, every 30 minutes. Taxis from the airport to central Florence takes about 15 minutes.

DESTINATION: FLORENCE 2 FLORENCE TRAVEL GUIDE

CAFÉS CAFFÉ CONCERTO PASZKOWSKI With more than 150 years of history, this is one of the classiest cafés in the city. Declared a national monument in 1991, it is a must for a morning cappuccino and pastry, where you can dip into the bustling life of a Florentian at arms length. In the evening, it is noted for its piano music. Piazza della Repubblica 35, Florence +39 055 210 236 www.paszkowski.it

PASTICCERIA MARCELLO Where better to enjoy a cappuccino and an Italian gelato than under the Tuscan sun? In the bustling At Pasticceria Marcello you find a wide range of city of Florence there is wide array of cafés to sit pastries and desserts. Try the schiacciata fiorentina down and relax on and if you have a sweet-tooth, and the yoghurt cake with fruits. Light lunch is Florence will not leave you disappointed. also available here. CAFFÈ PASTICCERIA RIVOIRE Viale Europa 169, Florence +39 055 653 1510 This elegant café is renowned for the most delicious chocolate in Florence. Both locals and tourist are frequent visitors and it has a perfect location at . Piazza della Signoria 5, Florence +39 05 5214 412 www.rivoire.it

GILLI

Gilli is a liberty style café boasting Murano lamps, a frescoed ceiling and archs. This café is known for its good pastries and chocolates and all this can be enjoyed on the spacious terrace overlooking Piazza della Repubblica. Piazza della Repubblica 39, Florence +39 055 2138 96 www.gilli.it

CAFFÈ GIACOSA-CAVALLI

This is a historic café owned by the stylist Roberto Cavalli. Choose from a wide selction of pastries and cakes at breakfast and teatime. Via della Spada 10, Florence +39 055 277 6328 www.caffegiacosa.it

DESTINATION: FLORENCE 3 FLORENCE TRAVEL GUIDE

If your favourite painter is Michelangelo you DO &SEE shouldn't miss this basilica. This is probably the most exciting place associated with the famous artist in Florence. The Basilica di San Lorenzo is framed by the splendid, square-shaped Old Sacristy by Brunelleschi and the New Sacristy, by Michelangelo. Here you can find his sculptures for the tombs of Lorenzo and Giuliano Medici and fine examples of Mannerist architecture in the Biblioteca Laurenziana. Piazza San Lorenzo, Florence +39 055 216 634

To meet the spring in Florence is an obvious FLORENCE MARKET WALKING TOUR option, there are not many cities that beat it. In Sample food the way locals do – at the market. Florence there is so much to see and experience, Meander through Florence’s most vibrant market, and to alternate this with a good Italian ice cream sampling delicious local fare including Amalfi make your holiday unbeatable. The historic centre olives, cured Tuscan prosciutto, fresh bread, and a of Florence attracts millions of tourists each year, glass of wine. and it has been ranked as one of the world’s most visited by Euromonitor International. Tours run Monday to Saturday. More walking tours BASILICA OF SANTA CROCE are available from Urban Adventures. +39 345 088 2826 The church is located on the Piazza di Santa Croce www.urbanadventures.com and was rebuilt for the Franciscan order in 1294 by Holders of this guide receive 10% off. Book online Arnolfo di Cambio. Michelangelo is buried in Santa and use promo code AGEU at checkout. Croce among other great and good in Florence. Basilica di Santa Croce is the principal Franciscan CHAPEL BRANCACCI (SANTA MARIA DEL church in Florence, and a minor basilica of the CARMINE) Roman Catholic Church. The chapel is famous worldwide for its frescoes of 16, Florence Masaccio. They were a great inspiration for da +39 055 2466 105 Vinci and Michelangelo. The visit now includes an www.santacroceopera.it excellent interactive audio-visual tour. GAMBERAIA Piazza del Carmine, Florence +39 055 212 331 Villa Gamberaia is mostly famous for its sumptuous museicivicifiorentini.comune.fi.it Renaissance and Baroque gardens that is well- visited by gardeners and tourists from all over the TUSCAN WINE TOUR world. It is located 15 minutes from central Florence and surrounded by green hills. Via del Rossellino, 72, Settignano +39 05 569 7205 www.villagamberaia.com

BASILICA DI SAN LORENZO

DESTINATION: FLORENCE 4 FLORENCE TRAVEL GUIDE

Chianti in Tuscany is one of the world’s most In addition to wine, coffee is one of the most famous wine districts and Florence is one of the important drinks to the Italian people. At these cities located right in this area. The landscape here courses, held by English speaking teachers with is unique with green hills and vineyards lying next years of coffee experience, everyone interested in to olive groves. You can hire a car and visit one of coffee can get their questions answered. the vineyards on your own or book one of the Via delle torri 55, Florence many wine tours organised from Florence. +39 055 7320 049

www.aprireunbar.com One company organising wine tour are Tuscan Wine Tours by Grape Tours: LEONARDO DA VINCI´S MUSEUM Via de' Bardi 23r, Florence +39 331 3583 823 The museum is situated in the historic heart of www.tuscan-wine-tours.com Florence and shows in full-scale the perfectly working machines designed by the Great Master GALLERY Leonardo Da Vinci. The visitors can see the large models of the Leonardian machines. He can This is one of the greatest museums of the world experiment their mechanism and can realize that with masterpieces from the 13th to 19th century. the Master had already designed in his time The Uffizi is the most important and visited machines and principle that the modern museum in Florence and its most famous works civilization would afford only several centuries include Botticelli’s "Birth of Venus". The name of later. the Uffizi means offices and the museum was Via dei Servi 66/R-68/R, Florence completed in 1581. Since the 17th century, it has +39 055 282 966 been open to visitors and in 1765 it was officially www.mostredileonardo.com opened to the public. From 1st of April to 31th October - From 10 am to Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, Florence 7 pm From 1st of November to 31th March - From +39 055 238 8651 10 am to 6 pm www.uffizi.com Close to the Cathedral S. Maria del Fiore Tuesday - Sunday: 08.15- 18.50, Monday: Closed Piazza della Signoria DANTE'S HOUSE MUSEUM

MUSEO GALILEO - INSTITUTE AND MUSEUM The Museum is located in a picturesque tower OF THE HISTORY OF SCIENCE house that illustrates the life of the poet and the Florence of his time through historical record and Florence, which has a long history of collecting art medieval finds. On the second floor it is also kept and artifacts of historical relevance, opened its the death mask of Dante. science museum in 2010. The exhibitions include Via Santa Margherita 1, Florence all kinds of inventions from history, with +39 055 219 416 (also fax) informative videos showing just how they worked. www.museocasadidante.it Galileo Galilei was one of the world's most [email protected] celebrated scientists and genius, and the is a tribute to him and all the work he GALLERIA DELL’ACCADEMIA accomplished in Florence. The Galleria museum is one of the most popular Piazza dei Giudici 1, Florence museums in Florence. It hosts famous sculptures +39 055 265 311 by Michelangelo, including the iconic “", that www.museogalileo.it is 5,17 m high. ITALIAN COFFEE, CAPPUCCIONO AND LATTE ART COURSES

DESTINATION: FLORENCE 5 FLORENCE TRAVEL GUIDE

Via Ricasoli 58, Florence Piazza dè Pitti, Florence +39 055 294 883 +39 055 294 883 www.polomuseale.firenze.it www.uffizi.firenze.it Tuesday - Sunday: 08.15 – 18.50, Monday: closed CATHEDRAL S. MARIA DEL FIORE GALLERIA DELLO SPEDALE DEGLI INNOCENTI Florence's main church is standing tall over the Galleria dello Spedale Degli Innocenti (Hospital of city with its magnificent Renaissance dome the Innocents) is not only a gallery and museum designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. The cathedral is exhibiting famous paintings such as "Madonna named in honor of Santa Maria del Fiore and was with Child" by Botticelli and “Adoration of the built on the site of the 7th century church of Santa Magi” by Ghirlandaio. It is also an institution that Reparata. To the right is Giotto’s Bell Tower, and has provided care of children and infants for more the Baptistery of S. Giovanni stands opposite the than 500 years. The building itself, designed by cathedral entrance. This remarkable historic Filippo Brunelleschi, is also a historic sight in the landmark should not be missed when in Florence. city centre. Piazza Duomo 17, Florence Piazza della Santissima Annunziata 12, Florence +39 055 230 2885 +39 055 203 7308 www.duomofirenze.it www.istitutodeglinnocenti.it The church of Santa Maria Novella was built This was the home of the Priori delle Arti, of the between 1279 and 1357 by Dominican friars, and Signoria and a ducal residence. Palazzo Vecchio, is located just across from the main railway station meaning "the old palace" and is located in Piazza which shares its name. Chronologically, it is the della Signoria. The building is now the town hall of first great basilica in Florence. Architecturally, it is Florence. It has large collections of paintings and one of the most important Gothic churches in sculptures. On the square just in front of Palazzo Tuscany. Inside the basilica, you will find Vecchio you see a copy of the famous statue masterpieces by Masaccio, Giotto and Brunelleschi. "David" by Michelangelo. This was where the Piazza di Santa Maria Novella 18, Florence original statue was situated before it was moved to +39 055 219 257 Accademia Gallery in 1873. www.smn.it Piazza della Signoria 1, Florence +39 055 276 8325 museicivicifiorentini.comune.fi.it/palazzovecchio

PALAZZO PITTI

Palazzo Pitti contains several different types of museums. The basis of the current palace dates from 1458 and was the residence of the bank man Luca Pitti. It was then bought by the Medici family in 1539 as an official residence of the ruling families of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. In connection with the Palazzo Pitti you find the which is one of Italy’s most beautiful gardens.

DESTINATION: FLORENCE 6 FLORENCE TRAVEL GUIDE

At Trattoria Omero typical Tuscan cuisine is served. DINING Some of the recommended dishes are fiorentina, fried brains, grilled chicken, fagioli al fiasco and tomato soup. Enjoy the lovely food together with beautiful views over the surrounding countryside. Via Pian dei Giullari 47, Florence +39 055 220 053 www.ristoranteomero.it

TRATTORIA BORDINO

If you find yourself in town at lunch time, Bordino offers you one the best lunches in the city. For dinner, the atmosphere enhances with candle lit Tuscan cuisine is known throughout the world for tables. From the menu you can choose typical its combinations of fresh ingredients. Try the recipes of the Tuscan cuisine. They are particularly ribollita (a kind of minestrone), pappa al pomodoro renowned for its Florentine steak which is cooked (tomato soup) and bistecca alla fiorentina on the barbecue. (Florentine T-Bone steak). Tuscan starters include crostini and bruschetta, toasted bread with various Via Stracciatella 9, Florence toppings. Don't miss cantucci with vin Santo when +39 055 213 048 you long for something really sweet. www.trattoriabordino.it

ALL' ANTICO VINAIO ENOTECA PITTI GOLA E CANTINA

This is a local sandwich bar that has to be seen This restaurant is built up from the owners' and visited before you impose it. The long queue passion for wine. They handpick only top quality could be a bit daunting but there is a reason why wines from small productions. To accompany the so many people are in line. Here you will get great fine wines, they offer a menu consisting of value for money, and the offer lots of good veggie traditional and modern Italian cuisine made from options. If you want to avoid the longest queues, only the freshest products. make your visit in the afternoon. Piazza de Pitti 16, Florence Via dei Neri 74, Florence +39 055 212 704 +39 055 238 2723 www.pittigolaecantina.com

ANTICA TRATTORIA DA TITO IL DESCO

At Antica Trattoria da Tito, a restaurant from 1913, This small bistro is wellknown for its warm and you can order a juicy and rare Florentine steak to a friendly atmosphere and its delicious food. The reasonable price. If meat isn't your favourite, enjoy dishes are cooked from organic products and if you some of the other dishes such as fresh homemade have any kind of allergy or looking for vegetarian pastas or cheeses in the lively and welcoming food this is a perfect restaurant to visit. Their dining room. opening hours are a bit limited so this is a perfect place for lunch. Via San Gallo 112, Florence +39 055 472 475 Via Cavour 29, Florence www.trattoriadatito.it +39 055 288 330 www.ildescofirenze.it TRATTORIA OMERO IO OSTERIA PERSONALE

DESTINATION: FLORENCE 7 FLORENCE TRAVEL GUIDE

IO Osteria Personale is located a bit outside the You will never get tired of Italian food but when touristic area of Florence, but the promenade you long for some other flavours, the Chinese along the river Arno makes it a pleasant restaurant Dim sum is a good option. Homemade experience. The cuisine is Italian and the dishes noodles, steamed dumplings and of course dim served and the service holds high class. sum are some of the dishes you can enjoy here. Borgo San Frediano 167r, Florence Via dei Neri 37, Florence +39 055 933 1341 +39 055 284 331 www.io-osteriapersonale.it www.dimsumrestaurant.it

TRATTORIA MARIO FATTORIA LE CAVE DI MAIANO

At Trattoria Mario, the sound level is high and At this country house, you can enjoy warm-weather lively. Here you will experience a true genuine lunches under the olive trees. The food is typical Italian meal with all that it means. The menu is Tuscan and everything is cooked only with organic written on a slate, the place is often very crowded products. This estate is located 5 km from and the waiters speaks almost only Italian, but the Florence. food here is incredible. As many other Italian Via Benedetto da Maiano, 11, Florence restaurants, they do not accept credit cards so +39 055 599 600 don't forget to bring cash. www.fattoriadimaiano.com Via Rosina 2r, Florence +39 055 21 85 50 ENOTECA PINCHIORRI www.trattoria-mario.com Corner of Piazza del Mercato Centrale Enoteca Pinchiorri is an exclusive restaurant with three Michelin stars where the cuisine has a fine THE DINER balance of classic and modern. The innovative cuisine is served by the attentive team in a With a charming decor inspired by an American luxurious and cosmopolitan ambience and the Diner, this restaurant serves bagels, burgers, wine list is legendary. pancakes and salads. It is mostly popular for its Via Ghibellina 87, Florence brunch but they serve these specialities all day. +39 055 242 757 Via dell'Acqua 3, Florence www.enotecapinchiorri.com +39 055 290 748 www.theflorencediner.com

CACIO VINO TRALLALLÀ

This picturesque little restaurant serves local, seasonal food. At Cacio Vino Trallallà you can feel the genuine atmosphere of the city, even if it is well-visited by tourists. Make sure to ask the owners for a wine recommendation. Borgo SS. Apostoli 29, Florence +39 055 215 558 www.caciovino.it Monday - Saturday: 18.30 – 23.30, Sunday closed

DIM SUM

DESTINATION: FLORENCE 8 FLORENCE TRAVEL GUIDE

Via Porta Rossa 63, Florence BARS &NIGHTLIFE +39 055 264 5354 www.slowlycafe.com

TENAX

Open since 1981 and is one of the best places in the city for listening to good live music and international DJs. Live concerts and various events are held here at a regular basis. Via Pratese 46, Florence +39 055 308 160 www.tenax.org Florence boasts a lively nightlife scene. Most bars have some sort of happy hour, which usually lasts HARRY’S BAR for many hours and is often accompanied by substantial snacks. Dance clubs typically don’t Harry’s Bar is a swanky place with trademark open until very late in the evening and don’t get Bellinis and fine martinis. Since 1953, the bar has crowded until 01.00 or 02.00 in the morning. Cover been one of the most famous restaurants / bars in charges are steep, but it’s fairly easy to find free the world. The magnificent terrace overlooking the passes around the city. Arno River and in the background, is a wonderful place to admire a beautiful sunset DOLCE VITA Florence. Lungarno A. Vespucci 22, Florence Dolce Vita is a classy bar with a large veranda and +39 055 2396 700 cosy inner rooms that recall the high-life of Fellini www.harrysbarfirenze.it films. They offer cocktail service all day and small exhibitions and mini-concerts are held here. OTEL VARIETE Piazza del Carmine 5, Florence +39 055 284 595 Bring your friends to Otel Variete, which is the www.dolcevitaflorence.com ideal place to have fun, eat and drink in an elegant ambiance. Here you can have dinner and at the ASTOR CAFE same time watch a cabaret and other variety shows or dance to the rhythm of the most famous Astor Cafe is a burger and sports bar. It is a great international DJs. This is a unique venue in place to go to for a chilled night out with tasty Florence and should not be missed. beer and cooling drinks. They are also open during Viale Generale Dalla Chiesa 9, Florence the day if you would like to pop by for a snack. +39 055 650 791 Piazza del Duomo 20, Florence www.otelvariete.com +39 055 239 9318 www.astorcafe.com MOYO

SLOWLY BAR Moyo, one of the most popular spots in Florence where you can relish fine quality cocktails in a This is another see-and-be-seen Florentine hot modern atmosphere. With an ideal location, in the spot. Here you can order classic cocktails and very heart of the cities party scene this is the place aperitifs to drink and enjoy them with Tuscan-style to start a memorable night out. snacks.

DESTINATION: FLORENCE 9 FLORENCE TRAVEL GUIDE

Via de’ Benci, 23, Florence +39 333 857 4545 www.moyo.it Monday - Sunday 20.00 - 03.00

YAB

Put on your fines and head over to this club and dance the night away with friends and love once. YAB is the spot hosting different themed nights so check out the website for detailed information. Via Sassetti 5, Florence +39 055 215161 www.yab.it Monday - Sunday: 22.30 - 04.00

PUBLIC HOUSE

If you would like to go to a quirky, off-beat bar and hang out with the locals then this is the place to head for which is located near the train station. Public House offers great craft beers in a retro feel ambiance and it tends to attract an eclectic group of people. Via Palazzuolo, 27, Florence +39 339 3022330 www.publichouse27.com Monday - Sunday 18.00 - 02.00

MAYDAY

Although Maybe is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Florence's busy and vibrant nightlife scene, it is still one of the best places to relax and enjoy a drink while chatting with friendly locals. The attentive, fun staff, the tasty cocktails and the comfortable ambiance makes this the perfect place for a date night or gathering with friends. Via Dante Alighieri, 16, Florence +39 055 238 1290 www.maydayclub.it

DESTINATION: FLORENCE 10 FLORENCE TRAVEL GUIDE

Via degli Strozzi 6, Florence SHOPPING +39 055 284 735 www.bottegaveneta.com

BULGARI

Italians love accessories, and so does the rest of the fashion world. When visiting Florence, you are bound to leave with a piece of jewellery or a watch. At Bulgari you have a magnificent collection to choose from. Via dè Tornabuoni 56, Florence +39 055 239 6786 Florence’s two central streets, via Tornabuoni and www.bulgari.com via della Vigna Nuova, are the best places for the most exclusive boutiques, leather goods and DOLCE &GABBANA stylish shoes. Here you can find most of the internationally known Florentine fashion brands Being in Florence, we are fully aware of that this such as Roberto Cavalli, Gucci, Salvatore lifestyle brand does not need an introduction. You Ferragamo and Ermanno Scervino. simply cannot be in Italy without visiting Dolce &Gabbana. Besides shops, Florence is rich in open-air markets. Via degli Strozzi 12/18, Florence If you want to buy leather goods or clothes, go to +39 055 281 003 the market of San Lorenzo, which is located in the www.dolcegabbana.it centre of the city, or to the Market of the Porcellino, which is sheltered under the sixteenth- BURBERRY century Loggia del Porcellino. Hearing the name Burberry, most of us come to GIOIELLERIA CARLO PICCINI think of their exceptional trench coats and their trademark tartan pattern. This British luxury house If you are interested in original gold or silver still remains at the top when it comes to posh jewellery, head for the Ponte Vecchio and its tiny sophisticated design. botteghe orafe (craftwork shops). One of the most Via dè Tornabuoni 29, Florence renowned is Gioielleria Carlo Piccini, managed by +39 055 293 811 Carlo Piccini and his son Massimo. They are www.burberry.com specialising in hand crafted jewels in gold and in platinum with precious stones. DIESEL STORE Via Ponte vecchio, 31, Florence +39 055 210 891 Edgy, cool, filled with attitude and of course the www.carlopiccini.com Jeans. Diesel is one of those stores that you enter and you just feel the personality. Take a look at BOTTEGA VENETA their signature jeans, the popular fragrance or their cool accessories. Leather, leather, leather, it is almost a guarantee to Via dei Lamberti 13, Florence walk out with a beautiful bag or a lovely pair of +39 055 239 9963 shoes when visiting this boutique. Bottega Veneta www.diesel.com also have a dangerously lovely home and furniture line. SAN LORENZO MARKET

DESTINATION: FLORENCE 11 FLORENCE TRAVEL GUIDE

San Lorenzo market is the largest and most Mercato Centrale Firenze is a large covered popular street markets in Florence with hundreds marketplace where real, authentic Italian food can of stalls selling clothes, souvenirs and leather be bought and where the very best food that goods. Just a short walk, just around the corner Florence and Italy have on offer can be found. On from the main piazza "Piazza della Signoria" you the second floor there is a food court where you will find this market. Take your time and browse can relish high quality food while soaking in the through all the beautiful things and make sure to vibrant atmosphere. be ready to bargain. Piazza del Mercato Centrale, Florence Piazza San Lorenzo, Florence +39 055 239 9798 www.mercatocentrale.it BARBERINO DESIGNER OUTLET Open 10.00

Barberino Designer Outlet is the perfect shopping destination just 30 minutes from Florence. Here you can find 200 of the most luxurious designer fashion brands up to 70% less. With cafés, restaurants and tax free shopping available, there’s everything the discerning shopper could ever desire. Via Meucci snc, 50031 Barberino di Mugello (FI) +39 055 842 161 www.mcarthurglen.it/barberino

LOUIS VUITTON

This French fashion house is in parity with the Italian ones. Louis Vuitton is known for the excellent quality and has been described as the world's most valuable luxury brand. If you feel like window shopping or buying a unique piece for your wardrobe, Louis Vuitton is always a safe bet. Piazza degli Strozzi 1, Florence +39 055 266 981 www.louisvuitton.it

THE MALL

The fashion addicted should definitely go to The mall, 30 minutes’ drive from Florence, where all fashionistas will find discounted clothes, shoes, bags and accessories from the top stylists’ past collections. Brands such as Gucci, Valentino, Fendi, Tom Ford, Armani Jeans and Lanvin are housed here. Via Europa 8, Leccio Reggello +39 055 8657 775 www.themall.it

MERCATO CENTRALE

DESTINATION: FLORENCE 12