Discovering: Florence
A Journey Through Time
Florence is a beautiful city with its rich history, STUNNING architecture, and delicious food/wine/gelato. After spending two perfect nights here, I needed to write all about my experience with you!
I need to start off by telling you all about this gorgeous hotel. From the moment we arrived at Hotel Calimala, we were welcomed by the friendly staff and bellman. The bellman instantly retrieved our bags as we checked in. The hotel itself is beautifully adorned with stunning chandeliers and contemporary touches, exactly the kind of comfort we were looking for to kick off our honeymoon. Our room was beautiful—exposed brick walls, a luxurious king-size bed, and a spacious bathroom.
After settling in, we made our way to the rooftop for lunch, which quickly became our favorite spot! The views from the rooftop were insane, offering goregous views of Florence’s skyline. Watching the sunset wash the city in soft pinks and oranges while enjoying a glass of wine was simply amazing. We loved it so much that we returned to the rooftop four times during our stay! (I’ll share more about the rooftop below.) If you’re looking for a hotel that combines luxury with the warmth of Italian hospitality, Hotel Calimala is where it is at! View website here.
Disclaimer: This beautiful hotel is in the heart of Florence. The location is 10/10. We decided to drive for our two week adventure, but l do not recommend driving to Florence unless you can stay calm in a high stress driving environment. The beautiful yet narrow streets are flooded with people. You must remain highly alert and calm as you navigate to your destination. Some roads are even forbidden to drive on, so you must pay attention to the ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) Zones - A ZTL area is a surveillance-monitored, traffic-restricted zone designed to cut down on motor vehicle traffic in larger Italian cities. It’s important to be mindful of these zones to avoid fines. If you'd rather avoid the hassle of driving, try taxis, buses, or trains. While driving was the best option for us, it’s important to be well-prepared for the challenges!
The Duomo
As we strolled through the bustling streets to meet our family for dinner, we couldn’t help but be drawn to the magnificent Duomo. You simply can’t miss it—its awe-inspiring architecture demands attention. The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore houses masterpieces by legends like Michelangelo, Donatello, and Giotto. While we didn’t have much time to explore the interior, the exterior alone was breathtaking! Later on, we chose to admire the view from a rooftop lounge bar. This was a great option since we’re not usually fans of tours or waiting in lines. With cocktails in hand and complimentary light snacks, we soaked in the stunning views of the cathedral. The rooftop lounge View on Art Rooftop Cocktail Bar is located inside Hotel Medici. No reservations were needed and you can take either elevators or stairs to the top!
We could see people all the way at the very top of Duomo, and I can only imagine the incredible views they were enjoying! If you have the chance, climb to the top for the most perfect view of the city—i’m sure it is worth every step! Get the directions here.
Pasta Class Florence
After soaking up those final moments with our families, we dove into our very first pasta-making class! (Technically our second—shoutout to our friend Emily, who hosted a pasta class for us and our friends. Love you, Em!)
I’m so glad we added this to our honeymoon, because it was such a fun and easy experience! There was also an endless supply of wine, so we helped ourselves to a few (many) glasses. We started by learning about traditions, different types of pasta, and ingredients before rolling up our sleeves and getting our hands into the dough!
We made 3 delicious pastas:
Tagliatelle for our Tuscan Ragu receipe (Zacks fave)
Tortelli for our Brown Butter Sage recipe
Ravioli for our Aglio, Olio E Peperonico recipe(MY FAVE)
Kneading was such a fun part, and our chef made it all feel so simple. With plenty of patience, they guided us through each step since most of us were beginners, but I caught on pretty quickly!
Aglio, Olio E Peperonico- This was delicious!
There's nothing better than a belly full of pasta and wine! Every dish we made was absolutely delicious. We used just a few simple ingredients, but everything was incredibly fresh and perfect. Learning how to create these recipes from scratch was such an amazing experience!
I left feeling inspired, with a newfound love for homemade pasta! Our chef even gave us full recipes for everything we created that day. We’re definitely having pasta-making date nights from now on! We actually learned that they will be opening another location in NY; I can wait to take another class! We loved it!
Piazzale Michelangelo
The next morning, we did some more sightseeing and one of the highlights was a stroll to Piazzale Michelangelo! As we worked our way to the top, the views kept getting better and better. Once we reached the top, the panoramic view was absolutely picture-perfect. We took some time to take it all in, admiring the iconic Florence skyline. It’s the perfect place for relaxing and simply enjoying the breathtaking scenery. Get the directions here.
The view
A little rainy, but still a picture perfect view!
Resturants & Rooftops
Angel Roofbar & Dining
I am so happy we choose Hotel Calimala, because we really did enjoy this rooftop. The vibes, view, food, and drinks were 10/10. We came upstairs 4 different times!
The first time we went was after our 2 hour ride from our wedding venue. We were super tired and hungry. The Aperitivo menu had 6 small plate options. We just looked at each other and decided to order one of each! It was fun, because it was our first meal as a married couple. We are such foodies and love to pick on different things. It was delicious!
Aperitivo Menu
Tagliere -Typical tuscan platter with cured meats and cheeses. Followed by seasonal fruit, toasted nuts, jam, & homemade milk bread (delicious)
Hummus -with sour chickpeas salad. Accompanied by labaneh, mix of vegetables(peppers and eggplants), pickles, hot chili peppers, green herb sauce and our homade pita bread
La Mista -Refreshing green salad with cherry tomatoes
Fried Meat Ravioli -Slow-cooked meat wrapped in pasta dough & deep-fried. Served alongside with yogurt, green leaves & fermented chili (delicious)
Cigar's -Smashed potatoes and caramelized onions & leek wrapped in dough. Deep fried & servedalongside with a tahini sauce & spicy oil
Patata Perfetta -Fresh cut potato fries with lemon zest. (dipping the fries in the chili yogurt was delicious!)
Each bite was a tasty! Whenever we revisit, I honestly would reorder all 6 plates again! Both nights we came up for drinks and the vibes. Dining under the stars while surrounded by the twinkling lights of the city was a for sure one of the highlights of our stay!
Get the directions here.Hotel Calimala also has a formal dining option. The drinks were delicious! The food was fresh and authentic. We loved the tapas-style dining experience, especially the homemade bread served with a variety of dips. We also loved the fresh oysters and cerviche! They offer indoor and outdoor seating. Get the directions here.
Meze Wild Dining
Panini at ‘Ino
When it comes to Italian sandwiches, ‘Ino is a must-visit!!! I had the Super Italiano and Zack had the Sicuro. Both were toasted to perfection and the flavors were 10/10!
Get the directions right here.
La Menagere
For breakfast, we met up with family at a gorgeous, chic bistro known for its creative cocktails and elevated café vibe. The menu offered a variety of breakfast options, including a classic American breakfast, along with an impressive selection of specialty coffees and teas. After our meal, we spent the morning exploring and shopping, discovering the cutest little treasures they had for sale. There was a variety of little areas to relax and unwind at. They also had a huge beautiful bar. I highly reccommend to stop in here on your next trip! Get the directions here.
Caffe San Firenze
This was a super cute cafe with an american breakfast. I had a western omlette with ham and cheddar cheese and toast. It a perfect place for people watching!
There is so much history everywhere we went. Look at what our menu said “You are inside Palazzo Gondi, a gem of isth Century's Florentine architecture. From 1504 to 1508. Leonardo da Vinci lived right here, in a house later demolished to accommodate an enlargement of Palazzo Gondi. Here Leonardo began painting the world's most iconic portrait, Mona Lisa. Maybe, right in the spot you are sitting now.” There are just so many gems in Florence. This was for sure one of them. Get the directions right here.
Gelato
No trip to Florence would be complete without indulging in its famous gelato. We stumbled upon Gelateria Choccolatte. I tried the coconut and savored every bite.
We followed up with a delicious hot cup of coffee.
Get the directions here.Cocktails
We loved grabbing drinks at Locale. Its a vibe for sure. It has sophisticated, trendy, lively vibe. They had a lot of mood lighting, plants everywhere, and has indoor/ourdoor options. They gave us complimentary water and snacks. They have very creative cocktails that were deliscous. I would for sure come back!
Get the directions here.Wandering Through History
Every corner of Florence tells a story, and we enjoyed wandering through its cobbled streets, soaking in the art, culture, and vibrant atmosphere. The city has so much to offer, you dont really need a plan to enjoy. Just walk around, eat the food, and enjoy!
Shop ‘Til You Drop
Florence is a shopper’s paradise, filled with boutiques offering everything from high fashion to handmade crafts. Whether it was leather goods, handmade jewelry, or designer bags, there is plenty of shopping to do!
Two things on our list that we didn’t have time for:
Visit the oldest pharmacy ever in Florence.
Visit a Wine Window! The little windows were a safe way for shopkeepers to sell wine and food with minimal contact during the bubonic plague. Now we can walk up to these cute little windows, and order a yummy glass of wine! Wine windows are scattered throughout Florence, but most of them can be found in the Santo Spirito district and the city center. A full map can be found on the Buchette del Vino website.
If you do these things, let me know what you think!!!
Top 5 things to do that are free in Florence
Piazzale Michelangelo: For stunning panoramic views of Florence, hike up to this famous lookout point. It’s especially beautiful at sunset, providing a perfect backdrop for photos.
Walk along the Arno River: Stroll along the banks of the Arno, enjoying the picturesque scenery, charming bridges, and the vibrant atmosphere. It’s a peaceful way to experience the city.
Visit the Basilica di San Lorenzo: While there is a fee to enter some parts, you can explore the exterior and the nearby Mercato Centrale for a taste of local life and culture.
Explore the Oltrarno District: Wander through this less touristy area known for its artisan workshops, quaint streets, and local atmosphere. It’s a great way to experience the authentic side of Florence.
Piazza della Signoria: This lively square is home to impressive sculptures, including a replica of Michelangelo's David. Enjoy the atmosphere, take photos, and admire the historic architecture surrounding you.
These activities allow you to soak in the beauty and culture of Florence without spending a dime! There is sooo much to do in Florence! Don’t forget to add this gorgeous city to your list!
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Final Thoughts
Florence is a beautiful. We loved the two nights we spent here. We for sure would of enjoyed an extra night here. Honestly 2-3 nights is perfect! I hope my journey inspires you to discover this enchanting city and create your own memories in the heart of Tuscany! Until next time, keep wandering and embracing the artistry of travel.
