Yesterday I was recalling my fond memories of my visit to Zurich, Switzerland back in 2010. On a similar note, I have also been remembering my time in stunning Florence, Italy.
I am by no means alone in my love for Italy. The food, the architecture, the people and the language all fascinated me. So many aspects are ‘over the top’ which gives the country it’s unique charm.
Florence was my first of numerous cities in Italy and is a place I have dreamed of going to since I was a kid. I’m not quite sure how I first even knew it was a place but it somehow got on the list.
I couldn’t have made a better choice for my first Italian city.
Walking through the streets with my friend Brian, filming my Florence Italy video for this blog, I was enthralled by the marvelous statues, particularly the David.
I also had one of the best meals of my entire life here, lemon veal and spaghetti bolognese.
As a trip back to Europe is potentially in my near future *hint hint*, Florence is a city I would love to get back to and spend more time in. I’d even consider renting a flat, if I could afford it, and just hang out with the locals.
I’d also love to try and get to Sicily and Napoli, and check out some of the countless Italian lakes throughout the country, all of which there wasn’t enough time for during my last stay.
There is something special about Florence and Italy in general that I don’t think I’ll ever fully put my finger on but it’s a unique quality that brings people there time and time again, making them fall in love with a country that at the end of the day, looks like a boot!
Where is your favourite spot in Italy? Any suggestions for my next visit?
Florence is a fabulous first city to visit in Italy – frankly they are all wonderful but Florence really is so photogenic.
Never been to Italy, but hopefully will go there sometime. As you said too, I think I will also be fascinated by the history, architecture and most of all the food. Lemon veal sounds awesome!
Never had the chance to see Florence yet, but one place I can recommend is Genoa: beautiful history, architecture, people and great weather.
Florence was an early love of mine in Italy. It’s been years now and I’d love to go back. But I keep finding more and more gorgeous places to visit in Italy!
I love Napoli (Naples). I was there last April…stunning city, rich in history but full of contradictions. The grafittis (which many believe give the city its character), the stunning public art, the pizza (best pizza in all of Italy), the view of Mt. Vesuvius from the water, but most of all the Neapolitans. Naples is worth visiting!
I didn’t love Florence the first time I went- all the museums were closed and it was a holiday. I’d like to go back and experience the city when everything was open and working.
Italy is, definitely, on top of my list for countries to go to. I want to experience is elegance and romantic vibe and tell for myself if what I see in movies are true.
I just LOVE Italy! I could go back a million times and not get tired of it.
I didn’t fall in love with Florence, but I know I could! I think because I stuck to the tourist spots my first time, which turned me off a bit. The views from the cathedral were amazing though! I definitely want to go back and explore Tuscany from a more local perspective. Then combine it with a trip to Liguria and the Campania regions! Apartment is the way to go but also a lil mom n pop B&B in a rustic, stone Tuscan house would be awesome
The only problem with visiting Florence first is that the other cities might be a let down afterwards! I’ve been to quite a few Italian cities. Venice was a bit tacky (sorry!), Verona was a bit on the small side and also the coldest night’s camping I’ve ever experienced and Rome was totally overwhelming. Florence is just perfect. Perhaps I’ll move there one day!
I’m gonna have to go with Rome, followed by Venice. Venice, for me, is a place I’d only visit once. It’s beautiful and I’d recommend it highly, but it is such a gloomy place and so melancholic that seeing it once was enough. Rome on the other hand is amazing to discover over and over again. Haven’t been to Florence yet, so great to read your summary!
Florence isn’t actually my favorite place in Italy- I love Rome and the smaller coastal towns in Cinque Terre. I think the reason I don’t like it is because everything was closed the two days I was there and we couldn’t really do anything but walk around in the rain! maybe I should go back and retry it!
Oh! Haven’t really had a chance to hang out in Florence long enough to really experience it like you did, but it’s on my list. Will do! Thanks for sharing : )
Hey Brock, I know exactly what you mean. I’ve been to Florence twice and I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of it. If you haven’t been to Cinque Terre, you should check it out if you like to hike. Don’t go on very peak season (July-August) to truly appreciate it.
Hi Brock!
Check out Alberobello in Italy, it’s at the heel of the boot.
Google it
Sonia
I’d also love to go to Cinque Terre and to hike the Dolomites in the north. Then of course I haven’t been to Sardinia or Puglia yet either – would love to do all of those.
I’ve never been to a place in Italy that didn’t hold some attraction, and – believe me – I’ve been around. So where ever you go, you’re sure to find pure bliss and instagram moments:)
I like Florence better than Rome. Rome is too crazy for me and Florence is still big with plenty to see and do, but is much more manageable.
I agree, Florence is very nice. I remember it having somewhat of a smaller town feel and the Duomo Cathedral with its white stone is magnificent. Oh, and the steaks, mmm…
Florence is a beautiful city and one that I didn’t spend enough time in. When I return to Italy, I would definitely consider renting an apartment and staying there for a long period of time. It’s just that kind of city.
Visited Florence last month and I loved the architecture and the history, but the crowds were a bit too overwhelming. I’d imagined Tuscany as a laid back place to relax in the sun but Florence was a bit too busy with tourists. Pisa on the other hand, was right next door and a perfect place to enjoy Italy..
@Ayngelina – Ya, it holds a special place in my heart for sure.
@Mark – You’ve you get to make it to Italy?! One of my favourite places and SO much on offer.
@Adrian – I hope you can make it to Florence. I’ll add Genoa to my visit list!
@Natasha – That’s the tough thing about Italy for sure, places are so beautiful you want to revisit but there are so many OTHER beautiful places to visit for the first time.
@Vincent – I’m sold! Will hopefully get there in the next month or so!
@Jade – Yes, if everything is closed that puts a crinkle in the experience of Florence – especially because of things like the David that are such a big part of the city. I hope you get back.
@Wynna – I can tell you it really is what the movies say! Such a lovely place.
@Ali – Same here!
@Cristina – Yes, I’d like to go back and get more off the tourist route next time around. The region is nothing short of incredible.
@Arianwen – I felt the same as you. Florence was the best of them all. I felt Venice was tacky as well.
@Christina – I hope you get to Florence. Rome I felt there was just so much to see that you could spend quite a while there – though it’s pretty pricey.
@Carol – Yes, you need a few days to see some of the big highlights then find the lesser known goodies!
@Marisol – I LOVE the Cinque Terre! Such a stunning place.
@Sonia – Thanks Sonia! Will do!
@Leigh – Just toooo many options!
@Italian Notes – Yep! So much instagramming will go down on my next visit!
@Jeremy – I feel the same!
@Sam – Yes, much more manageable than Rome.
@Dean – I think an extended stay would result in finding a lot of really cool spots the 3 day visitor wouldn’t come across!
@Jason – Interesting that you found Pisa more relaxing.