Travel
Valentina Barrabuffi
The capital city of Tuscany, Florence offers an artistic balance to the region’s agrarian charm, with its wealth of Renaissance treasures, from the Duomo to Michelangelo’s David. We asked Florentine resident, Valentina Barabuffi, for an insider’s tour.
A Note About Valentina
It would be fair to count Valentina as one of Tuscany’s contemporary treasures, such is her passion for the region. Born under the Tuscan sun in the small town of Cortona, the journalist, photographer and content creator is now settled in Florence with her young son Lorenzo – a base from which the duo criss-cross the country, capturing what Valentina calls “the beauty of my Italy”.
If You’re Craving Some Florentine Culture
Absolutely not to be missed are the treasures kept in the two most important museums in Florence: Galleria degli Uffizi, where you can admire Botticelli's Primavera – one of the artist’s most celebrated paintings and among the most famous works of the Italian Renaissance – and the Galleria dell’Accademia, home to Michelangelo's David.
Palazzo Strozzi is the most famous museum of contemporary art in the city, known to “change shape” depending on the artist and exhibition it is hosting, and the installations they introduce.
An unusual place, off the beaten track but full of charm, is the Giardino dell'Orticoltura which boasts a majestic 19th-century greenhouse that makes it a magical place. The tepidarium was designed by the engineer Giacomo Roster, who realised a romantic structure in iron and glass which earned the nickname the “crystal palace”. From the greenhouse, a small pathway leads to the upper part of the garden with its splendid panoramic terrace, the Orti del Parnaso. In the evening, the greenhouse is illuminated, and the view of the garden is unforgettable.
There are also many interesting small museums, such as La Specola, a natural history museum located near the Pitti Palace, and considered the oldest scientific museum in Europe.
The Gucci Museo is a journey through the history of the fashion brand, conceived by the brand’s recent creative director Alessandro Michele. Located in the heart of Florence, in the 14th-century Palazzo di Mercanzia, on the ground floor you can also dine at the Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura, run by the triple Michelin star-winning chef.
A walking tour of the historic districts of San Frediano and Santo Spirito is another must, and a great way to discover the variety of craft stores and art galleries.
Where To Eat And Drink In Florence
Bars
For an aperitif, one of my favorite places is the Loggia (or roof bar) at the Hotel Palazzo Guadagni, an ancient palace dating from 1505, with a breathtaking view of Piazza Santo Spirito.
Il Santino, also in the Santo Spirito district, has an delightfully intimate atmosphere. Very small, with just a few seats, it is definitely one of the best places to have an aperitif in the city centre.
Finally, Atrium Bar at The Four Seasons Hotel Florence is the destination for the best cocktail in town.
Restaurants
Among the places I recommend you try are the Cibrèo venues in the historic district of Sant'Ambrogio (you have to order the tagliolini cacio e burro and the chocolate cake) and Trattoria Cammillo, open since 1945 and known for its great ribollita.
At Trattoria Sostanza and the Antica Mescita San Niccolò you will taste true Florentine culinary tradition.
Where to go for the best ice-cream in town? The historic Vivoli ice cream shop is located in the beautiful Santa Croce neighbourhood. It has been a reference point in Florence since 1930, and the place to taste the real Italian artisan gelato.
Where To Shop in Florence
You can't leave Florence without shopping! In addition to the famous Via de’Tornabuoni, home to Florence’s fashion boutiques, I recommend you visit the Officina Santa Maria Novella and the Ginori store.
Famous all over the world for its perfumes and lotions, the Officina Santa Maria Novella was founded by the Dominican friars shortly after their arrival in Florence in 1221. The friars began to cultivate medicinal herbs in their gardens to prepare medicines, balms and ointments for the small infirmary of their convent and today the tradition is carried on and renewed.
In Via dei Rondinelli you will find the store of Manifattura Ginori, a historic brand of artistic ceramics and Florentine craftsmanship. The business dates back to 1735, and since the beginning of the 20th century it has combined its own artisanal knowledge with the artistic creativity of important Italian designers and those from further afield.
Those in search of sunglasses should visit speciality store, I Visionari, while UB Firenze is the go-to for lovers of vintage furniture, interior design and modern art – collectors who appreciate contemporary beauty with a touch of the past.
