The next place on our Italy we stopped in was Firenze. We stayed in WoW Hostel Florence, which was about 15 minutes walk away from the Santa Maria Novella Train Station, and about the same distance to the Duomo. This hostel was perfectly adequate for our needs, it was clean, the staff were friendly and if you’re a comic fan this is the place for you.
Day 1
On our first day, after having settled into our hostel and dropped off our backpacks, we decided to go for a little explore and head towards the Pitti palace and boboli gardens. It cost 5 euro’s to get into the gardens, and they were very pleasant to walk around and offered magnificent views over Florence.
For dinner, we decided to eat near the Duomo, where Marcus had a famous Florentine Steak. Although quite pricey, I have been assured it was worth it!
Day 2
On our second day, we decided to go on a day trip to Pisa. The Trains cost us 7 euro each way, as there didn’t seem to be any way of getting a cheaper return ticket. I’m not sure what I was expecting from Pisa, but the tower truly is extraordinary and definitely worth going even if you just have a look. In order to climb the tower, you have to book a 15 minute slot for a whopping 18 euro.
For dinner we returned to Florence, and went to a very nice restaurant very close to the Duomo called Trattoria Da I Matti. I had spinach and riccotti ravioli in a butter and sage sauce which was divine, and we shared a tiramisu for dessert, yum!
After, we went for drinks at La Ménagère, which had a lovely atmosphere and I would fully recommend for anyone looking for a few classy drinks in an evening. Additionally, they also serve food which looked exquisite, and a Florist (handy hint for the boyfriends)!
Day 3
On our last day in Florence we spent the morning queuing and going inside the Duomo, which was just as exquisite on the inside as it is impressive on the outside.
After we had a wander through the narrow streets until we arrived at the Uffizi gallery. We did not actually pay to go inside, but the statues that are open to the public on the outside of the gallery are worth going to have a look at.
After, we decided to have a wander around and see the sights, first stopping at the Ponte Veccio, then off to find Il Porcellino, the famous Florence Boar, in order to stroke its snout so that we would one day return.We spent the afternoon wandering around and doing a bit of shopping, including a 10 euro ice cream!
In the evening, we had dinner, and then had a few drinks at Eby’s bar, where there were quite a few little restaurants that I wish we had had more time to try!
All in all, Florence was delightful, but would probably appeal more to those interested in classical art. Although Marcus and I can appreciate good art, it is not our passion and so trying to find things to do on a budget became a little hard by the end of the third day. However, Florence is a beautiful place and I would recommend it to anyone, art lover or not.
Ciao for now xo
