Historical Center & Tuscany

• Every month I write a post with my top pick’s and events around town so be on the lookout on the homepage
• Useful info about Florence, Italy that you should read before coming.
• Learn about Florence via literature, check out my “itinerary” through the city by reading books.
  
• Be brave and try local specialities like Trippa & lampredotto!
• This ‘food tour with a Florentine‘ is a great way to start off your culinary journey in Florence.
• Invite your friends over and have some else come make brunch for you – this is one company that will!
• Explore my favorite area of Florence – the Oltrarno or ‘Other side of the river’ 

• Escape to the countryside for a fabulous lunch overlooking the hills of Tuscany, this place is only 18 km away!
• What about a coffee overlooking one of the best views of Florence? Check this out.
• My top budget lunch spot in the center – you have to eat here!
• This museum is a hidden find in Florence and well worth a bus ride!
• Winter Blues getting you down? Here are 5 Tips to battling the blues in Florence.
• Visiting the Vasari Corridor, if possible, is one of the BEST things you can do in Florence. Many locals haven’t been!
• If you are into fashion – you MUST read this blog post. Vogue’s Fashion night out is coming to Florence, September 18th and there are a ton of awesome things to do.
• Florence itineraries under the stars
• How to stay cool next summer in Florence. tips here.
• Tour Florence’s gorgeous hidden terraces on top of many really nice hotels. They are open to the public in the warmer months.
• Visit Florence’s gorgeous Rose garden located underneath Piazzale Michelangelo. The perfect place to get the perfect panoramic view of the city and if your lucky, see beautiful flowers in bloom.
• Love to Dance? Check out my current 2012 list of clubs to shake your booty around the city.
• If the weather is not cooperating, this post has a great creative store where you can get all sorts of neat gadgets, games and gifts.
• Check out one of my favorite parks in Florence, Villa Favard (bring a picnic and some friends).
• Rent a bike (only 3 euros for an entire day for residents, and cheap for non-residents as well). Bike stands are at the train station Santa Maria Novella and Piazza Santa Croce and close around 7pm or when they “feel” like it.
• Florence has several film-festivals throughout the year, usually during spring and fall and here what was on the big screen this spring.
• Did you know there is a gorgeous Russian Orthodox church located near the Fortezza di Basso? It’s worth a visit and be sure to visit one of the antique markets on select saturday-sundays in the city.
• Hide out in one of the cities several library-cafe’s. Bring a book or take the opportunity to catch up with a good friend.
• If you’re a history nerd like me, get on the bus and visit one of the war cemeteries on the outskirts. Not only are the areas where the cemeteries are located stunning, it’s a chance to learn more about WWII and read the touching inscriptions of family members visiting the cemetery.
• Visit the (free) gorgeous church of San Miniato al Monte above Piazzale Michelangelo. Best views of the city and 1,000 years of history in one place.
• Be silly with your friends and take some vintage photos in the photobooth-fotoautomatica located on via agnolo. Warning, it can be addictive.
• Vintage is pretty popular in Italy, there are many shops in the center with cool items for sale and specific festivals. It is expensive but like me, you can always window shop for free.
• Step up your Italian-language learning and go to the movies. It’s a great way to beat the heat (or cold) and local cinemas offer special promotional cards to help save more cash.

Outside of the city:

Chiusdino, Tuscany

• San Galgano’s abbey is rumored to be where the story of King Artur’s “sword in the stone” came about. Indeed there is a medieval sword stuck in the stone in the chapel above the monastery. Highly recommend visiting (they also hold opera’s in the open-air abbey).

Monte Giovi, Rufina, Tuscany

• Hiking is one of my passions (when I’m not eating) and there is plenty of choice for those who love the art of trekking. My favorite place to go is here, close to my favorite restaurant, coincidence? I think not.
• A more detailed post about my Sunday escape to Monte Giovi – 30 minutes from Florence.

Venice & Viareggio (locations for Carnivale)

• Budget ideas/tips for those who want to experience Italy’s famous carnivale. Everyone should visit at least once. You can see 2013 carnivale updates in my February list of events.
• Our first time to Viareggio’s carnivale celebrations.