Florence

This small city rarely has new openings, especially amidst an economic crisis. As new places open, you’ll be the first to know. In the meantime, here are a few worth checking out:

Dondino Winebar

Moyé mozzarella bar

For foodies included, it’s hard to have a bad meal in this city. Home to the Cucina Povera (the Cooking of the Poor that originated from Tuscan peasants), its food is simple but delicious thanks to high quality ingredients. Unlike in the rest of Italy, Florentine bread is plain and unsalted. Its at the core of all meals. Much like in the rest of Italy, however, most meals are certain to include a base of garlic and extra virgin olive oil that is often made in the city’s surrounding hills.

Wine is key to the Florentine experience. Some of the best wines worldwide are made in the Chianti hills just outside of Florence. Most restaurants, however, serve a simple house wine that is typically heartier and less refined, just like the Florentines like it. Wine is enjoyed at both lunch and dinner and is an important friend to the enjoyment of the food. Likewise, the aperitivo is an experience that typically entails a snack with a drink. Much like for the Spaniards, this moment is an occasion for a chiaccherata (a chit-chat) before dinner because, after all, what’s physical nourishment without food for the soul?

A lifetime would not suffice to learn everything about Florence’s art. It’s of no surprise that the Stendhal Syndrome, by which a person can experience dizziness, hallucinations or other feelings related to being overwhelmed by too much beauty in art, is also known as the Florence Syndrome. Every single building is rich in detail (try to find the sketched profile on the Palazzo Vecchio facade) and color (observe the facades of the buildings along the Arno river, where the poet Ugo Foscolo found inspiration for To Florence), symmetry (check out the arches that lead from the Ponte Vecchio to the Uffizi) and purposeful asymmetry (the slightly uncentered tower on the Palazzo Vecchio). And within each of these gems are a myriad of charming courtyards, graceful sculptures, paintings and frescoes by some of the greatest artists of all time: Donatello, Michelangelo, Giotto, Botticelli, Fra Angelico, Ghiberti, Masaccio and the list goes on.

Here are some novels based in Florence:
http://www.teladoiofirenze.it/firenze-life-style/romanzi-a-firenze-3-grandi-autori/
and some books with stories that take place in Florence:
http://www.teladoiofirenze.it/cultura-firenze/3-grandi-romanzi-ambientati-a-firenze/

Yes, there are plenty of museums and churches to visit in Florence. A visitor would also be wise, however, to roam the streets and alleys with no purpose. The way the buildings envelop its passengers is cozy, just like the way the city is cradled by hills. There are few dangerous neighborhoods even by night. The Cascine and the Porta San Pierino are to be avoided and of course a vigilant eye is always recommended but, overall, you could walk the streets (with someone) at anytime; actually, the light changes the atmosphere drastically throughout the day so definitely explore it at varying times. Allow yourself to chat with a local along the way, make a new friend, try a new pastry, sneek a peek into a courtyard, live it like you were abiding to no watch.

Although Florence is rich in beauty, kids typically get bored at museums or by walking too much. A few tips: 1. Try to avoid the tremendous summer heat; 2. Give them ice-cream; 3. Check out if the museums have kid-friendly tours; 3. Get a hotel with a pool. Besides these obvious pointers, there’s a ton of secret stories behind the city’s art that could intrigue kids of any age. Look into Il Museo dei Ragazzi (The Museum for Kids) and the cool adventure park, Parco Avventura Il Gigante, just outside the city.

Florence's countryside provides a stunning backdrop for any type of exercise. Imagine staying fit by biking its hills, horseback riding in between vineyards, or practicing yoga amidst olive groves.

Ferragamo, Gucci, Pucci...Top designers hail from this city so it's no surprise that Florence offers some of the best shopping in the world. Yes, most of the designer items are just as expensive as in other countries but there is a more chic selection and display. There are also great, cheap finds like leather coats, shoes and accessories.

Besides fashion, don't miss out on buying some hand-made Florentine stationary.

Florentines not only know a good party but they are usually at the center of it. The men tend to follow where the American women go so touristy places like Space Electronic and most pubs have that kind of intent. If you can manage on feeling comfortable being stared at in heavily Florentine bars, you should venture there. You’ll be more integrated in the scene and probably have a chicer time. Note that, anyway, the variety of good places, especially not swamped with tourists, is limited. If visiting during the summer months, aim for the rooftop bars and those by the Arno. You’re sure to have an unforgettable time with a gorgeous backdrop of the city.