Florence is fantastic for so many reasons. It is a walking city-literally, no cabs needed... for the entire city. It's also a great long weekend city. I don't know about you, but I love Italy.  I love the way of life.  I love the appreciation of fashion, architecture, decor, food, wine, religion, history, art, traditions.....is there more? Yes! There is... Romance! Italy lives up to the reputation of handsome men with all the right words.. think i'm wrong? GO! You will fall in love with everyone and fall even more in love with the one you are with... because, why? well because its incredible.

 Everything slows down, restaurants more intimate-hotels more boutique and ornate without being over the top.  This city requires you to explore, and exploring by nature is intimate.  You are traveling to a place where you need to learn about history to appreciate its beauty. And the history.. please, who has more history than Italy.. I might be safe to say no one. 

What to do: We hired a tour guide. This might be a place, where it is completely unnecessary.  We had a great time, but its a tiny city. You can explore in a day.  

Piazza della Repubblica: This is a city square with a merry-go-round in the center, surrounded by restaurants and shops. 

Uffizi Gallery: One of the world's top art museums; the majority of artwork is from the Renaissance period. So if you are an art lover, enjoy!

Ponte Vecchio: The hotel we stayed at was located one block away which was very convenient.  The bridge is lined with jewelry stores on either side.  In ancient times meat was sold-but the stench was too much for the Dukes who forbade it. This is the only bridge remaining after WWII, the enemies had a chance to bomb it but did not.  *If you are traveling to Florence, read the book Inferno by Dan Brown, it will give you insight to the city and get you excited to see the places in person.

Duomo: The Basilica is one of Italy's largest Churches.  It is a gothic style, and magnificent to look at during the day or night. 

David: Copy of David in the square near Chanel & Uffizi Gallery

Boboli Gardens: Gardens dating back to the 16th & 18th century.

Piazzale Michelangelo: Probably one of the greatest views of the city from above. This spot has a panoramic view of Florence and I recommend coming here at sunset and grab gelato from the café. 

Where to eat that we enjoyed:

Trattoria Camillo: This was a great spot. My favorite dish is Veal Limone and they did not have it on the menu; however, they made it for me when we came here. 

l'Parione: Definitely come here and request a table in the cellar.  You will be in an intimate setting surrounding but brick and wine bottles. Everything on the menu is amazing.  If you love red wine, you must ask for a Super Tuscan. 

Will come back with more options. 

Where to Stay: We stayed at the Hotel Lungarno which is a Ferragamo Collection hotel--what does this mean? Free entry to the Ferragamo Museum and other perks.

 The hotel is a boutique hotel located right on the river within a block from Ponte Vecchio. 

When we checked in I requested a river view, unfortunately the hotel was fully booked except the first night.  They put us in this room the first night.. It was great;however, to make up for not having it the full stay... they put us in the cave room.. which I personally called my castle-tower.  Because it is exactly what you envision your castle looking like.  The room is fantastically large...and all stone. I was the Queen of this Tower.. In Italy.. Does it get better? The answer... is NO. This was incredible. 

Day Trips:

Tuscany-Wine Country

Siena

Cinque Terre

Leaning Tower of Pisa