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About Florence
About Florence
Attractions in Florence
Hotel Monna Lisa
This remarkable hotel consists of two parts: a lavish Renaissance palazzo and a modern wing that, while rather characterless, is ranged around one of the loveliest gardens in the city. It's not cheap by any means, but it is also one of the most remarkable options in this price range.
This remarkable hotel consists of two parts: a lavish Renaissance palazzo and a modern wing that, while rather characterless, is ranged around one of the loveliest gardens in the city. It's not cheap by any means, but it is also one of the most remarkable options in this price range.
Webpuccino
Duomo
This is the holy centre of Florence and once the site of the town's Roman temple. As the city emerged to become the dominant power in medieval Tuscany, it lavished money and genius on this piazza, a place for Florence to beat its chest proudly and show the world its greatness.
This is the holy centre of Florence and once the site of the town's Roman temple. As the city emerged to become the dominant power in medieval Tuscany, it lavished money and genius on this piazza, a place for Florence to beat its chest proudly and show the world its greatness.
Alle Murate
A must for visiting foodies, this elegant and discreet restaurant combines the best of contemporary Italian cooking with a monumental wine list featuring labels from throughout Italy and a few from France. Dine under the exquisite medieval frescoes, among them the earliest known portrait of Dante.
A must for visiting foodies, this elegant and discreet restaurant combines the best of contemporary Italian cooking with a monumental wine list featuring labels from throughout Italy and a few from France. Dine under the exquisite medieval frescoes, among them the earliest known portrait of Dante.
La Terrazza del Principe
Leave Florence without leaving Florence. From your garden table breathe in the bucolic views looking back to the south side of the city, mostly blocked from view by the greenery. The culinary theme is inventive Tuscan.
Leave Florence without leaving Florence. From your garden table breathe in the bucolic views looking back to the south side of the city, mostly blocked from view by the greenery. The culinary theme is inventive Tuscan.
Caffè La Torre
Caffè La Torre is a popular hangout near the Arno where you can eat and drink your fill without emptying your wallet. Live music goes on into the wee hours, with customers swaying and tapping along to jazz and blues or Latin rhythms.
Caffè La Torre is a popular hangout near the Arno where you can eat and drink your fill without emptying your wallet. Live music goes on into the wee hours, with customers swaying and tapping along to jazz and blues or Latin rhythms.
Il Vegetariano
One of the few restaurants to seriously cater to vegetarians, this is an unassuming locale with a great selection of fresh food, salads and mains. The menu changes regularly, partly dictated by the availability of fresh produce. Try the gazpacho (a cool Spanish, tomato broth) or risotto integrale con radicchio rosso (whole rice risotto with red lettuce).
One of the few restaurants to seriously cater to vegetarians, this is an unassuming locale with a great selection of fresh food, salads and mains. The menu changes regularly, partly dictated by the availability of fresh produce. Try the gazpacho (a cool Spanish, tomato broth) or risotto integrale con radicchio rosso (whole rice risotto with red lettuce).
Sostanza
This traditional Tuscan eatery is a good spot for bistecca alla fiorentina and the minestrone if you are not fussy about your surrounds. A no-nonsense approach dominates. Locals know the place as Il Troia - the (Male) Slut - because they say its 19th-century owner had the habit of touching up his guests. Don't worry, he's long gone.
This traditional Tuscan eatery is a good spot for bistecca alla fiorentina and the minestrone if you are not fussy about your surrounds. A no-nonsense approach dominates. Locals know the place as Il Troia - the (Male) Slut - because they say its 19th-century owner had the habit of touching up his guests. Don't worry, he's long gone.
Bartolini
If you're smitten with Italian food and are packing your bags with Italian cookbooks, save some room for the goodies in here: everything you need for the Italian kitchen, from polenta-stirring spoons to artisan ceramics.
If you're smitten with Italian food and are packing your bags with Italian cookbooks, save some room for the goodies in here: everything you need for the Italian kitchen, from polenta-stirring spoons to artisan ceramics.
Loggia della Signoria
Built by Orcagna in the late 14th century as a platform for public ceremonies, this elegant arcade now serves as an open-air sculpture gallery, with highlights such as Cellini's magnificent bronze Perseo (Perseus). Also known as the Loggia dei Lanzi, the arcade was named after Cosimo I's Swiss mercenaries, the Lances, who were once stationed here.
Built by Orcagna in the late 14th century as a platform for public ceremonies, this elegant arcade now serves as an open-air sculpture gallery, with highlights such as Cellini's magnificent bronze Perseo (Perseus). Also known as the Loggia dei Lanzi, the arcade was named after Cosimo I's Swiss mercenaries, the Lances, who were once stationed here.
Data Records
Data prides itself on finding all sorts of obscure stuff in CD and vinyl which is quite a job considering the sheer volume of records stacked up in a seemingly arbitrary fashion. There's a big bargain section and some choice rarities out the back.
Data prides itself on finding all sorts of obscure stuff in CD and vinyl which is quite a job considering the sheer volume of records stacked up in a seemingly arbitrary fashion. There's a big bargain section and some choice rarities out the back.
Enoteca Pinchiorri
Hallowed turf in Italian gastronomy, this Michelin-starred place occupies an elegant palazzo with a delightful inner courtyard. It's famous for its tiddly portions of astounding contemporary Tuscan fare and a cellar chock-a-block with 80,000 wines. Trust the tasting menus - Tuscan, seasonal and vegetarian - and the suave sommeliers.
Hallowed turf in Italian gastronomy, this Michelin-starred place occupies an elegant palazzo with a delightful inner courtyard. It's famous for its tiddly portions of astounding contemporary Tuscan fare and a cellar chock-a-block with 80,000 wines. Trust the tasting menus - Tuscan, seasonal and vegetarian - and the suave sommeliers.
Bulgari
Italy's most prestigious jeweller is famous for large colourful stones in antique and slick modern settings, as well as for their glamorous celebrity customers. They also have a huge range of adornments from watches to perfume.
Italy's most prestigious jeweller is famous for large colourful stones in antique and slick modern settings, as well as for their glamorous celebrity customers. They also have a huge range of adornments from watches to perfume.
Meccanò
Of the three sprawling dance spaces the main one is given over to a rhythmic crew of go-go dancers. Thursday is house night but any day is quite all right too. And you may well find a good sprinkling of locals in here alongside the inevitable foreign student brigade.
Of the three sprawling dance spaces the main one is given over to a rhythmic crew of go-go dancers. Thursday is house night but any day is quite all right too. And you may well find a good sprinkling of locals in here alongside the inevitable foreign student brigade.
Il Rifrullo
A great bar on a quiet corner of San Niccolò, this place gets a chirpy, suave crowd and is a wonderful spot to mingle with the locals, refuel on an impressive spread of aperitivi and slip into delicious cocktails. Hunker down inside, sit down on the pavement terrace or opt for shady spot in the back.
A great bar on a quiet corner of San Niccolò, this place gets a chirpy, suave crowd and is a wonderful spot to mingle with the locals, refuel on an impressive spread of aperitivi and slip into delicious cocktails. Hunker down inside, sit down on the pavement terrace or opt for shady spot in the back.
Assunta Anichini
Founded in 1912, this is the oldest children's clothing shop in Florence. The styles of their exquisite suits and dresses have changed little since - all the clothes are still made by hand and with the best fabrics.
Founded in 1912, this is the oldest children's clothing shop in Florence. The styles of their exquisite suits and dresses have changed little since - all the clothes are still made by hand and with the best fabrics.
Il Cairo Phone Centre
A cheap net cafe.
A cheap net cafe.
Hotel Le Due Fontane
Inside, this three-star hotel is comfortable if unremarkable. However, just step outside the main entrance and you are standing in Piazza Santissima Annunziata, the most serene and arguably the loveliest of Florence's smaller piazzas.
Inside, this three-star hotel is comfortable if unremarkable. However, just step outside the main entrance and you are standing in Piazza Santissima Annunziata, the most serene and arguably the loveliest of Florence's smaller piazzas.
Procacci
Truffles - particularly panini tartufati (tiny sandwiches with truffle pâté) - are the speciality in this divine little shop. Wash these tasty little numbers down with a glass of prosecco. You can also buy regional hams and other goodies. The green marble used for the bar and table tops is the same used in the city's great monuments.
Truffles - particularly panini tartufati (tiny sandwiches with truffle pâté) - are the speciality in this divine little shop. Wash these tasty little numbers down with a glass of prosecco. You can also buy regional hams and other goodies. The green marble used for the bar and table tops is the same used in the city's great monuments.
Hotel Continentale
Another in the growing chain of Florence's anti-antique hotels, this ultra-trendy number manages to incorporate a medieval stone tower while remaining aggressively 21st-century, with wired rooms, contemporary art and spare yet lush design throughout.
Another in the growing chain of Florence's anti-antique hotels, this ultra-trendy number manages to incorporate a medieval stone tower while remaining aggressively 21st-century, with wired rooms, contemporary art and spare yet lush design throughout.
Polizia Assistenza Turistica
A special branch of the police specifically for tourists.
A special branch of the police specifically for tourists.
Ostello Santa Monaca
Run by a cooperative, this friendly hostel is not as luxurious as the Archi Rossi on the other side of the river, but rates are as low as you can go in central Florence. While meals aren't served here there's a nearby restaurant.
Run by a cooperative, this friendly hostel is not as luxurious as the Archi Rossi on the other side of the river, but rates are as low as you can go in central Florence. While meals aren't served here there's a nearby restaurant.
Capocaccia
Fashionable Capocaccia is an elegant cafe-bar with an alternative menu of snacks by day and one of the places to be seen at night, when cool Florentines snuggle up to other cool Florentines and the self-conscious bonhomie spills out onto the street. Throw in the occasional DJ and you'll see why it's almost impossible to get your motorino through the throng.
Fashionable Capocaccia is an elegant cafe-bar with an alternative menu of snacks by day and one of the places to be seen at night, when cool Florentines snuggle up to other cool Florentines and the self-conscious bonhomie spills out onto the street. Throw in the occasional DJ and you'll see why it's almost impossible to get your motorino through the throng.
Dolceforte
This place sells exquisite chocolates, including sweet Duomos, Davids and Ponte Vecchios. The perishable cocoa confections are replaced with equally delectable preserves and jams in summer.
This place sells exquisite chocolates, including sweet Duomos, Davids and Ponte Vecchios. The perishable cocoa confections are replaced with equally delectable preserves and jams in summer.
Firenze Convention Bureau
Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
Follow your nose to this ancient Dominican apothecary, one of the world's oldest pharmacies. Housed in a 14th-century chapel, its ornately decorated and heavenly-scented rooms are stocked with a range of emollients, perfumes and herbal medicines designed to fix anything from tired eyes to cellulite.
Follow your nose to this ancient Dominican apothecary, one of the world's oldest pharmacies. Housed in a 14th-century chapel, its ornately decorated and heavenly-scented rooms are stocked with a range of emollients, perfumes and herbal medicines designed to fix anything from tired eyes to cellulite.
Galleria degli Uffizi
Designed and built by Vasari in the second half of the 16th century at the request of Cosimo I de' Medici, the Palazzo degli Uffizi, originally housed the city's administrators, judiciary and guilds. It now houses the world's single greatest collection of Italian and Florentine art. Be warned, if you don't book ahead you could be queuing for literally hours.
Designed and built by Vasari in the second half of the 16th century at the request of Cosimo I de' Medici, the Palazzo degli Uffizi, originally housed the city's administrators, judiciary and guilds. It now houses the world's single greatest collection of Italian and Florentine art. Be warned, if you don't book ahead you could be queuing for literally hours.
Dolci e Dolcezze
This place claims its torta di cioccolato (chocolate cake) is the 'best in the world'. Hyperbole aside, it's damned good, made with fine Swiss and Belgian ingredients and creamy Maremma butter. There are no tables so it's takeaway.
This place claims its torta di cioccolato (chocolate cake) is the 'best in the world'. Hyperbole aside, it's damned good, made with fine Swiss and Belgian ingredients and creamy Maremma butter. There are no tables so it's takeaway.
Azienda di Promozione Turistica
Loonees
You wouldn't know this place existed if you hadn't been told. Walk into the building and the door is to the left of the staircase. It's a fairly small 'club' - basically just a bar with an expat bent and occasional live music of dubious taste. Still it's a personable enough spot for a pint.
You wouldn't know this place existed if you hadn't been told. Walk into the building and the door is to the left of the staircase. It's a fairly small 'club' - basically just a bar with an expat bent and occasional live music of dubious taste. Still it's a personable enough spot for a pint.
Zoe
Zoe is popular with a sexy student crowd who come for the fruitylicous cocktails and the glowing red interior, bedecked with changing art exhibitions. The bar is so popular with young locals that they are known to spill out onto the street.
Zoe is popular with a sexy student crowd who come for the fruitylicous cocktails and the glowing red interior, bedecked with changing art exhibitions. The bar is so popular with young locals that they are known to spill out onto the street.
Basilica di Santa Maria del Carmine
On the southern flank of Piazza del Carmine, this chapel is a treasure trove of paintings by Masolino da Panicale, Masaccio and Filippino Lippi. Above all, the frescoes by Masaccio are considered among his greatest works, representing a definitive break with Gothic art and a plunge into new worlds of expression in the early stages of the Renaissance.
On the southern flank of Piazza del Carmine, this chapel is a treasure trove of paintings by Masolino da Panicale, Masaccio and Filippino Lippi. Above all, the frescoes by Masaccio are considered among his greatest works, representing a definitive break with Gothic art and a plunge into new worlds of expression in the early stages of the Renaissance.
Residenza Johanna
When it comes to Florentine beds, it's hard to get better value for your money than at this surprising little guesthouse. It is set in an imposing 19th-century building on a quiet street and is a welcome remove from the hubbub of central Florence.
When it comes to Florentine beds, it's hard to get better value for your money than at this surprising little guesthouse. It is set in an imposing 19th-century building on a quiet street and is a welcome remove from the hubbub of central Florence.
Hotel Silla
Away from the mobs yet within spitting distance of the Uffizi Galleries and the Arno, this straightforward Oltrarno hotel offers good value by Florentine standards. Its greatest feature is the large, rooftop terrace, which looks across a leafy park to the river.
Away from the mobs yet within spitting distance of the Uffizi Galleries and the Arno, this straightforward Oltrarno hotel offers good value by Florentine standards. Its greatest feature is the large, rooftop terrace, which looks across a leafy park to the river.
Palazzo Pitti
When the Pitti, a wealthy merchant family, asked Brunelleschi to design their home, they did not have modesty in mind. Great rivals of the Medici, there is not a little irony in the fact that their grandiloquence would one day be sacrificed to the bank account.
When the Pitti, a wealthy merchant family, asked Brunelleschi to design their home, they did not have modesty in mind. Great rivals of the Medici, there is not a little irony in the fact that their grandiloquence would one day be sacrificed to the bank account.
Hotel Savoy
Designed by Olga Polizzi in homage to Florentine designer Salvatore Ferragamo, this five-star splurge delivers up a supreme sense of well-being along with the knowledge that you are living, at least temporarily, among the uncompromisingly chic.
Designed by Olga Polizzi in homage to Florentine designer Salvatore Ferragamo, this five-star splurge delivers up a supreme sense of well-being along with the knowledge that you are living, at least temporarily, among the uncompromisingly chic.
La Pentola d'Oro
Long a jealously-guarded secret among Florentine gourmands, this place is a one-off. Signor Alessi is a man of encyclopedic learning who spends much of his time studying medieval recipes and transforming them into the most remarkable meals. The menu is largely up to his whim. There is no sign outside.
Long a jealously-guarded secret among Florentine gourmands, this place is a one-off. Signor Alessi is a man of encyclopedic learning who spends much of his time studying medieval recipes and transforming them into the most remarkable meals. The menu is largely up to his whim. There is no sign outside.
Desirée Hotel
Composed of two mirror-image apartments in a classically bourgeois, 19th-century building, this small, family-run hotel offers remarkable charms at these rates. It's also spitting distance from the train station, which has its own benefits for late-night arrivals and early-morning getaways.
Composed of two mirror-image apartments in a classically bourgeois, 19th-century building, this small, family-run hotel offers remarkable charms at these rates. It's also spitting distance from the train station, which has its own benefits for late-night arrivals and early-morning getaways.
Artemisia
A help organisation for women and minors who have been the victims of physical and/or sexual assault. It can provide legal advice and counselling.
A help organisation for women and minors who have been the victims of physical and/or sexual assault. It can provide legal advice and counselling.
Antico Noè
It isn't pretty in this arcade but if you want to choose from almost 20 delicious, heaped and filling takeaway sandwiches from this Florentine institution, you'll have to run the gauntlet of the hobos. There's also reasonable food at the comfy cafe next door, where you can enjoy slow jazz and blues tunes with your meal.
It isn't pretty in this arcade but if you want to choose from almost 20 delicious, heaped and filling takeaway sandwiches from this Florentine institution, you'll have to run the gauntlet of the hobos. There's also reasonable food at the comfy cafe next door, where you can enjoy slow jazz and blues tunes with your meal.
Cappelle Medicee
It seems odd that the Medici chapels, built to balance the Brunelleschi sacristy on the other side of the church, have for organisational purposes been hived off from the church itself. Visitors enter from another point behind the church rather than from inside and thus have difficulty picturing how the chapels fit in with the rest of the complex.
It seems odd that the Medici chapels, built to balance the Brunelleschi sacristy on the other side of the church, have for organisational purposes been hived off from the church itself. Visitors enter from another point behind the church rather than from inside and thus have difficulty picturing how the chapels fit in with the rest of the complex.
Firenze of Papier Maché
There are masks for all occasions and sculpted icons for every taste at this atmospheric shop-cum-studio of 20 years standing. If you're travelling elsewhere in Italy you'll probably see rip-offs of Bijan's striking and clever creations but ask for one of his cards - it might be cheap but it's also original.
There are masks for all occasions and sculpted icons for every taste at this atmospheric shop-cum-studio of 20 years standing. If you're travelling elsewhere in Italy you'll probably see rip-offs of Bijan's striking and clever creations but ask for one of his cards - it might be cheap but it's also original.
All'Insegna del Moro
A handy pharmacy.
A handy pharmacy.
Boccadama
Mobbed by tourists during the day, this place and its location are best appreciated in the evenings when the locals reclaim them. There's a small menu of light and original dishes to complement the standard enoteca fare. The young staff are warm and friendly, and you can choose from hundreds of wine labels.
Mobbed by tourists during the day, this place and its location are best appreciated in the evenings when the locals reclaim them. There's a small menu of light and original dishes to complement the standard enoteca fare. The young staff are warm and friendly, and you can choose from hundreds of wine labels.
Tourist Medical Service
No appointment is required. Doctors speak English, French and German.
No appointment is required. Doctors speak English, French and German.
Luca della Robbia
This shop has been turning out handmade reproductions of robbiane (Renaissance-style glazed terracotta) since the 19th century.
This shop has been turning out handmade reproductions of robbiane (Renaissance-style glazed terracotta) since the 19th century.
Albergo La Scaletta
Hidden at the end of a monumental and classically Florentine courtyard, you will find a tiny lift that takes you to this charming if unassuming guesthouse. The best quarters are those in the back that look out across a tranquil series of red-tiled roofs to the bright green of the Boboli Gardens - one of the most charming views in town.
Hidden at the end of a monumental and classically Florentine courtyard, you will find a tiny lift that takes you to this charming if unassuming guesthouse. The best quarters are those in the back that look out across a tranquil series of red-tiled roofs to the bright green of the Boboli Gardens - one of the most charming views in town.
Baptistery
The Romanesque Baptistery may have been built as early as the 5th century on the site of a Roman temple. It is one of the oldest buildings in Florence. The present facade dates from about the 11th century. It is said that the eighth side represents the (nonexistent) eighth day of the week, which symbolises birth, death and resurrection all in one.
The Romanesque Baptistery may have been built as early as the 5th century on the site of a Roman temple. It is one of the oldest buildings in Florence. The present facade dates from about the 11th century. It is said that the eighth side represents the (nonexistent) eighth day of the week, which symbolises birth, death and resurrection all in one.
Hotel Bellettini
Located near the Duomo and steps from Michelangelo's Cappelle Medicee, this small, friendly hotel offers good value by Florentine standards, making it a fine base for travellers who want a few more comforts than budget accommodation can provide - and are willing to pay a small premium for it.
Located near the Duomo and steps from Michelangelo's Cappelle Medicee, this small, friendly hotel offers good value by Florentine standards, making it a fine base for travellers who want a few more comforts than budget accommodation can provide - and are willing to pay a small premium for it.
Palazzo Vecchio
The 95m-high (312ft) bell tower of the fortress-like, rhomboid-shaped Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace) soars above Piazza della Signoria, another famous Florence emblem. The palace was built by Arnolfo di Cambio between 1298 and 1314 and has been the seat of civic authority ever since.
The 95m-high (312ft) bell tower of the fortress-like, rhomboid-shaped Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace) soars above Piazza della Signoria, another famous Florence emblem. The palace was built by Arnolfo di Cambio between 1298 and 1314 and has been the seat of civic authority ever since.
Gustavino
A young team have created this fresh dining idea, a modern enoteca-cum-restaurant, in which the menu covers all sorts of regional dishes, often with an unexpected twist. The tagliolini neri al riccio di mare con pesto (black pasta with sea anenome and pesto) is a good example. Metallic chairs and glass-topped tables lend a crisp air to the place.
A young team have created this fresh dining idea, a modern enoteca-cum-restaurant, in which the menu covers all sorts of regional dishes, often with an unexpected twist. The tagliolini neri al riccio di mare con pesto (black pasta with sea anenome and pesto) is a good example. Metallic chairs and glass-topped tables lend a crisp air to the place.
Central Post Office
Basilica di Santa Croce
Completed in 1385, this Gothic temple is as much the resting place of a Who's Who of Florentine greats as repository of stunning art. The magnificent facade is a neo-Gothic addition of the 19th century! Deceptive, huh? Michelangelo's tomb here was designed by Vasari. Galileo and the composer Rossini also rest in peace here.
Completed in 1385, this Gothic temple is as much the resting place of a Who's Who of Florentine greats as repository of stunning art. The magnificent facade is a neo-Gothic addition of the 19th century! Deceptive, huh? Michelangelo's tomb here was designed by Vasari. Galileo and the composer Rossini also rest in peace here.
Centro Turistico Studentesco e Giovanile
The main Italian student and youth travel organisation.
The main Italian student and youth travel organisation.
Enoteca Romano Gambi
Planning a picnic in the Parco delle Cascine? This traditional enoteca has quality food and wines from Tuscany and beyond, dispensed by friendly and helpful staff.
Planning a picnic in the Parco delle Cascine? This traditional enoteca has quality food and wines from Tuscany and beyond, dispensed by friendly and helpful staff.
Joshua Tree
Scruffy and relaxed, this is a tavern where bullshit is barred and the only Irish 'themes' come by way of Murphy's stout, moody shades of green and conviviality by the keg. It gets a lot louder as the night goes on but then don't we all?
Scruffy and relaxed, this is a tavern where bullshit is barred and the only Irish 'themes' come by way of Murphy's stout, moody shades of green and conviviality by the keg. It gets a lot louder as the night goes on but then don't we all?
Cabiria
Cabiria, a popular cafe by day, converts into a busy nocturnal music bar that continues on way past your bedtime. In summer, the buzz extends onto Piazza Santo Spirito, which becomes a stage for an outdoor bar and regular free concerts.
Cabiria, a popular cafe by day, converts into a busy nocturnal music bar that continues on way past your bedtime. In summer, the buzz extends onto Piazza Santo Spirito, which becomes a stage for an outdoor bar and regular free concerts.
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