These are a few of my favorite things-Florence, Italy
One of the public rooms at JK Place
There is sooo much to love about Florence…here are a few of my favorite things that I love and want to share… things that go beyond what you will find in your Michelin Guide! Of course you must see The Uffizi Museum, The Duomo and the Galleria dell “Academia…
First of all, you have to stay at JK Place, the most amazing boutique hotel ever.
Enjoying a Prosecco!
The public rooms are chic and cool and they offer complimentary snacks and Prosecco at all times of the day! That’s lovely!!! Luxurious rooms, great service and wonderful decor are just a few of the reasons you will fall in love with this hotel.
The Reading Room at JK Place
A beautiful guest room!
Just around the corner from the hotel, which is located just off the Piazza di Santa Maria Novella is the Farmacia di Santa Maria Novella, this beautiful building and perfumery have been here for 400 years. You may be familiar with some of these products which are sold in exclusive shops… here is where they are made.
Ask your concierge to set up a private tour of the shop and museum, it is free but a reservation is required. The tour is so worth it, it’s very short and filled with a rich history of the city and the first herbalists that started this historic pharmacy. If you love apothecary jars and gorgeous antique vessels, you will love it here!
Vintage Gucci evening bags
The original Gucci Store in Florence
Another favorite is The Gucci Museum in the Piazza della Signoria which is probably my favorite square in the city. The museum features an amazing book store, a chic, casual cafe and restaurant, a boutique and several museum floors which showcase the history of the Florentine House of Gucci.
A floor featuring original Gucci gowns with holograms showing the stars that wore them.
Another Florentine who started his business in this rich city is a man who designed shoes for just about every famous foot during the 1920’s through the 1960’s, Salvatore Ferragamo. The basement of his beautiful flagship store houses the wonderful Ferragamo Museum. If you don’t have an opportunity to go into the museum, at least visit the store. Within the larger store there is a small wonderful boutique that features current shoes that are copies worn by famous movie stars from Audrey Hepburn to Marilyn Monroe.
In the heart of the city is the cutest little fancy Italian deli called Procacci, on the prestigious shopping street, the Via de Tornabuoni. The “truffled” sandwiches are an institution in Florence. You stand at a bar and order an array of little finger sandwiches, a few sides and a glass of wine, you will be sure to get a table if you wait patiently. The little truffle sandwiches are just incredible!!!
Just across the Ponte Vecchio is The Pitti Palace and The Boboli Gardens
The Boboli Gardens is an elaborate park adorned with a range of stunning sixteenth- through eighteenth-century sculptures and garden temples. If times permits, visit the Pitti Palace, but the highlight to me were the gardens.
Also on the south side of the Arno is some wonderful artsy shopping to be had along the Borgo San Jacopo…
Off the Borgo San Jacopo is a great street with wonderful interior design and antique shops, the street is called Via dei Serragli. One of my favorite shops is Albrici.
One of our most memorable dining experiences was at the Restaurant San Jacopo in the Lungarno Hotel… beautiful views, gorgeous interiors and spectacular food. We all ordered the Seafood Quartetto which was unbelievably delicious!!!
The art at the restaurant is spectacular!
For a true Italian experience, be sure to eat at Trattoria Del 13 Gobbi or Trattoria Quattro Leoni
and Cestello for incredible seafood.
Nove is an ultra cool restaurant/bar also along the south side of the river that we loved. I tried my first Negroni here and was hooked! It’s a great late night spot.
Florence is just amazing… a beautiful little jewel in Tuscany that is heaven to explore!!!
The Boboli Gardens
There is so much more that you will discover on your own, but these are just a few of my favorite things!
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5 Responses to “These are a few of my favorite things-Florence, Italy”
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Beautiful and transporting. Thank you for taking me along on your trip to Florence. Let’s do it for real some day soon. xx
Love this Pam! You captured many of my favorite spots and some new ones! xo
Pamela, I love your pictures of Florence. Many of your favorites are mine too and now I have to look forward to visiting some of your new finds! Can’t wait!
Beautiful photos of your trip! Thanks for sharing your favorites and good memories! I’m glad you posted
Hi Pamela!
Thanks for mentioning Albrici as one of your favorite shops in Florence.
We look forward to see you on your next visit!