The second instalment in my five minute guides to Italian cities is the beautiful Florence/Firenze. After Milan we went to Verona (a two day guide to is pending) and then on to Florence last week before driving down to the Amalfi coast. I wouldn’t recommend visiting Florence in July like we did, even though we had a fantastic time I feel that you’d get more out of the city in the last Spring or early Autumn.
What to wear: Florence is less about following the trends like in Paris and London, and more about dressing effortlessly stylishly and classically. Think little floral print summer dresses with leather thonged sandals and cat-eye sunglasses in the Summer and oversized jumpers, skinny jeans and chelsea boots in the Autumn/Winter.
In the beauty bag: I kept my makeup to an absolute minimum due to the unrelenting heat, but didn’t leave the hotel room without Revlon Kiss Me Coral lipstick.
Where to eat: Giovanni’s on Via del Moro do the most incredible Fiorentine steak (a local must) and has a lovely atmosphere- always buzzing. Then pop over to Rivalta Cafe on Lungarno Corsini for a post dinner Spritz- a wine based cocktail that absolutely everyone in Italy sips.
Where to visit: The Ponte Vecchio is a must, as is the Uffizi gallery, however just wondering around the city is easy and there’s no need for taxis or public transport as everything is in walking distance- just follow your nose! The San Lorenzo street market which takes place daily from 10am-8pm serves up a delightful mix of Italian leather and exciting trinkets. I picked up a beautiful pair of plain leather sandals for just 30 euros.