Why Florence is the Italy of Your Dreams

This blog post is apart of a series about my European adventure to Paris, Italy and Portugal to celebrate my best friend Liz getting married. I learned so much by planning this trip by myself, with tips from Liz and a shared spreadsheet with my other bestie Steph, I couldn’t let the opportunity by to share what I learned with you!

When I dreamt about Italy, I was dreaming about Florence. The capital of Tuscany, Florence is the home of the Renaissance and the dreamy Italian town you want when you think about Italy. Here is why I would move there in a heartbeat and why, if you go to Italy, it should be at the top of your list!

1. Walkable. Our Air B&B was just on the other side of the river from Florence city center. We could see the river and town from our window and it was fabulous. The walk from the train station to our place was 30 minutes. If it wasn't for all our bags, I would have walked. But the bus worked just fine. You can buy a ticket at the train station or on the bus itself.

Once we dropped our stuff off at the apartment it was game time. Luckily we had three days and I could have stayed even more! Walking through the cobblestone sidewalks and small side roads was perfection. I felt like I was in a dream. Statues popped up everywhere. And I just felt like a part of history. I couldn't help but run my hands over the ancient buildings.

2. THE BEST FOOD EVER. We had been in Europe for three days when we arrived in Florence and the three days we were in Florence were the best meals I've ever had in my life.

• La Menagere {Via De Ginori, 8/R 50123 Fireneze} - This is where the wedding welcome dinner was hosted and it was comeptly Instagramable! So many lovely trinkets and lush flora! The scallops and pesto were on point!
• La Milkeria {Borgo degli Albizi, 87, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy} - Another Instagramable place, and my very first Italian espresso! I missed having crepes in Paris so I had one here and it was delicious!
• Carduccio {Sdrucciolo de' Pitti, 10/R, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy} - Liz gave us her guide to Florence and this cute cafe was on the list. I loved that they had a little alcove in the back with one small table and chairs that looked up to the sky and apartment windows above.
• Bebi {4/R, Piazza S. Spirito, Firenze, FI 50125, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy} - THE BEST Lasagna I've ever had in my entire life. We also had an cheese plate as well! But that lasagna had a flavor I cannot wait to try to recreate at home...cloves? IDK but I could have eaten it everyday for the rest of my life.
• Borgo Antico {Piazza Santo Spirito, 6-red, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy} - Ocean Eyes always wanted pizza while in Florence and I always wanted pasta, so this was the perfect place. I had ordered pesto {my fave} and it came out red! I was nervous, but it was GREAT. And you cannot go wrong with a Florence pizza. Ocean Eyes was a happy camper all three days!

3. Gorgeous. Be prepared to stay out late without even noticing. The sun {in summer} doesn't set until almost 10PM! Which is great because there is so much to see. My favorite was the Duomo. The pink, green and white marbled cathedral was the most magnificent thing I've ever seen. Luckily there are plenty of places to sit and marvel at its massiveness and age. Of course you'll want to visit David and the Galileo Museum as well. I didn't get to go to the museum, but the video and photos Steph sent made it look like space and globe heaven.

4. That view. The wedding was held at Villa La Vedetta {Viala Michelangio, 78 50125 Firenze}. Steph and I had went directly to Liz's room to help her get ready, so we were ourselves dressed to the nines when we walked out onto the back patio of the Villa. Coming around the corner to see the sun low in the sky with the Duomo in the distance and a forever stretching view of Florence is something that will be with me forever. Head up there yourself or if it is closed for an event, try Piazzale Michelangelo, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy.

I cannot say how much I loved Florence. It is what dreams are made of! If you have been, share with me in the comments below. If not, let me know if I have you convinced, I could go on! LOL