Florence

Places to see in Florence:
1. Clearly, the Duomo (Catedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore), which is the main cathedral in the center of Florence. Climb to the top for only 6 euro and see one of the most amazing views of Florence. Notice the frescoes on the ceiling depicting the layers of Hell.
2. Piazza della Signoria. Contains a replica of the David by Michelangelo alongside the Palazzo Vecchio (former residence of the Medici family – used to be the most powerful family in all of Europe). Expensive eateries. Many famous statues around the piazza.
3. Ponte Vecchio (old bridge): Only bridge that did not get blown up in WWII built in the 13th century. Today contains many expensive jewelry stores. Always very crowded.
4. Piazzale Michelangelo: large square that overlooks all of Florence. Romantic spot for couples. If you have time climb up a little farther to the church of Santa Miniato and hear the monks chant at five o’clock on Thursday or Friday.
5. La Carraria: best gelato (Italian ice cream) in town. Located at the end of the Ponte alla Carraria (2nd bridge up from the Ponte Vecchio). Personal favorites: cookies, pistachio, and stracchiatella (chocolate chip).
6. Santa Croce: famous church that contains the sarcophagi of Michelangelo, Galileo Galeli, Niccolo Machiavelli, the head of Dante Allegheri, and other famous Italians. Beautiful stained glass windows and façade.
7. Via Tournaboni: famous shopping street in Florence. Contains all of the well-known Italian designers like Gucci, Emporio Armani, Prada, Feragammo, Pucci, etc. and also has Tiffany’s, Burburry, etc. If you can’t afford anything, it’s at least worth a walk!
8. San Lorenzo market: buy all leather goods and souvenirs here. Tons of little tents that sell everything you might want for lower prices than in the stores. I bought all of my gifts here. If time, check out the church of San Lorenzo and the Old Sacristy (make sure to read the plaques explaining Filippo Brunelleschi’s innovative ideas in architecture).
9. Accademia: museum that has the original David by Michelangelo. 10 euro, but well spent. You can’t leave Florence without seeing the original! Notice the disproportional hands and unfinished backside.
10. Uffizi: gallery with a colossal amount of art. If you’re not an art connoisseur, then skip this. If it’s your thing, then plan on making a reservation a day or two in advance to skip the long lines and get ready to see some of the most world-renowned paintings known to man.
11. Bargello: another museum, but not as art based. You can see Donatello’s two David’s here (the bronze is under restoration for all to see on the second level). Much less over-whelming than the Uffizi. More sculpture based. Contains other statues by Michelangelo, Verrochio, etc.
12. Brancaci Chapel: lesser-known, inside the church of Santa Maria del Carmine. Gorgeous frescoes done by Massacio and Massolino. Purchase a pamphlet or something so you understand the images from the Bible depicted. One of my personal favorites. Walk through the church when you’re finished and notice the Baroque architecture present and chandeliers.
13. Santo Spirito: another famous church designed by Brunelleschi. Excellent example of proportionality in architecture. See the cross in the back corner dedicated to a nine-year old boy who drowned in the River Arno.

Restaurants:
1. Acqua al Due: my personal favorite. Not too expensive. Known for its blueberry steak (awesome, very subtle taste) and balsamic steak.
2. Coquinarius: same price as above. Known for their pear ravioli.
3. Il Latini: awesome restaurant. More expensive. Tons of food. Must make reservations if you want to go. Only seating times are at 7:30 and 9:30 PM.
4. La Giostra: on the expensive side, but very good. Great food. Never heard a complaint about it. Complimentary champagne and appetizers.

Nightlife:
1. Michael Collins: great karaoke bar on Thursdays and Saturdays. Doesn’t pick up until late.
2. JJ’s Cathedral: in the Piazza del Duomo
3. The Old Stove: typical bar
4. Red Garter: American college kids (for the younger crowds).
5. Y.A.B.: go if you’re in college and want to dance.

Facts about Italy:
1. Italians eat three-course meals, typically. The first is an antipasta (appetizer, essentially) – typically bruschetta, prociutto (Tuscan ham) and melon, etc. Then a primo (pasta). Followed by a secondo (a meat dish). Not necessary to order all three, I usually just picked two of them (also gets rather expensive quickly if you order all three).
2. It’s not customary to tip in Italy. Only tip someone if they go above and beyond what’s necessary. This includes restaurants, taxis, hotels, etc.
3. If you go to a local bar on the street for a cappuccino, you will pay extra if you decide to drink it at a table. Italians drink their cappuccinos standing up at the bar and unless you decide you want to pay more, do the same.
4. Tuscany is known for their Chianti wine. It’s a type of red wine that uses grapes grown in Tuscany. It’s not authentic unless it has the black rooster seal with a pink band around the neck of the bottle.
5. Italians like to eat long meals and talk a lot, so you must ask for the check (il conto) at a restaurant if you want to pay. Otherwise, they will just leave you alone until you ask for it.
6. Florence is known for beef (il manzo) and their olives, besides their red wine. So try them if you see them on the menu.

Useful phrases:
1. Hello and goodbye: ciao
2. Thank you: grazie
3. You’re welcome: prego
4. Bathroom: bagno
5. Red wine/white wine: vino rosso/ vino bianco
6. Beer: birra
7. Piazza: square