A city of art, history, culture, and gastronomy, Florence is an idyllic Italian destination for international travelers, and especially those interested in exploring local flavors and cuisine. No matter your preference, the Tuscan capital offers a range of delicious choices to surprise your palate, from unique street foods to elegant, fine dining experiences. The quality […]
7 Best Restaurants in Pisa: Traditional Trattorias to Fine Dining
Pisa’s cuisine is as well-loved as the city itself. Its gastronomic diversity between land and sea gives you dishes that will remain with you long after your trip is over. And in our round-up of the best restaurants in Pisa, you’ll find everything from casual pizzerias, to traditional trattorias, to formal restaurants. No matter where […]
Gluten Free Florence: Complete Guide to Restaurants, Dishes & a GF App
Italy is a country where things like pasta and pizza can seem like crucial components of the national identity, so you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s maybe not the ideal destination for gluten-free travelers. Luckily, that assumption couldn’t be further from the truth! And that’s particularly true if your itinerary includes places where pizza and […]
Our Top 9 Picks for Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Italy
If you’re keeping score, there are 381 restaurants in Italy that have earned one, two, or three stars from the esteemed tire company, Michelin. That makes Italy the country with the third most Michelin stars on the planet (after France and Japan). Which is really saying something, considering Italian cuisine is also known as “cucina […]
Where Do Locals Eat in Florence: Must-Try Markets, Pastries, Street Food, & More
Let’s face it: Florence is crawling with tourists. During high season the streets and sites are packed, and tourist traps masquerading as authentic restaurants are on every corner. For the unprepared but curious traveler seeking the real deal, you might be wondering where do locals eat in Florence? With over 2,000 restaurants in Florence, there […]
Florence on a Budget: Where to Stay, What to Eat, & More
Most travelers, regardless of economic status or travel style, love finding a good deal. Given Italy’s popularity as a tourist destination, however, it can be a little more challenging to travel on a limited budget. Challenging—but by no means impossible. Visiting Florence on a budget may mean planning a trip for a different time of […]
Tuscan Cheese: A Guide to Caciotta, Pecorino, Ricotta, & More
When you get a basic overview of Italian food, you’ll quickly realize how regional the cuisine is. So regional that one dish can change in subtle yet meaningful ways between neighboring towns, let alone entire regions. So, when a cheese connoisseur headed for Tuscany starts looking into what uniquely Tuscan cheeses they should try, they […]
The Ultimate Guide to Christmas Markets in Florence and Tuscany
The beauty of Tuscany is evident year-round, but it is especially enchanting during Christmas. The charming Tuscan villages dress up for Christmas, with their decorated streets and stores, markets, and activities that take place around the holidays. This makes the Christmas markets in Florence – and Tuscany – special places for locals and visitors alike. […]
From Florence to Cinque Terre: The Ultimate Guide
Easily accessible from Florence, Cinque Terre is an idyllic destination on the Ligurian sea made up of five villages that comprise one of the most famous national parks in Italy. From Vernazza’s picturesque landscapes, to Riomaggiore’s crystal-clear water; Monterosso’s winding streets, Corniglia’s sweeping views, or Manarola’s stunning buildings, each town has a different atmosphere worth […]
The Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Florence
Once upon a time, if you asked the average Florentine waiter for a meat-free meal and then took issue with the bits of pancetta in your greens, you’d hear something like, “That’s not meat, it’s flavor”. Completely devoid of the sarcasm you might assume would accompany such a retort. Yes, Florence loves its carne. But […]
The Ultimate Guide of Top Things to do in Pisa
If you are a curious traveler and would like to explore more about this charming city, discover our list of the top things to do in Pisa. City of art, history, and culture, Pisa is one of the must-see destinations in Tuscany and an essential stop when you spend a few days in Florence. Being home to […]
Apericena, Italy’s Favorite Tradition (and How It’s Different From Aperitivo)
When the day starts coming to an end, and you finally decide to sit down for a break from all that site-seeing, it’s the perfect moment to enjoy the Italian tradition of aperitivo. Aperitivo, or Apericena – however you might hear it called – is an essential moment of the Italian experience. A time to […]
7 Luxurious Boutique Hotels in Florence
While there are plenty of excellent hotels and BnBs in Florence, there’s something special about staying in a boutique hotel. Perhaps it’s the attention to detail in the amenities, or the quick and helpful hotel staff. Whatever the joie de vivre, these boutique hotels in Florence make hospitality an art. Imagine it: you’ve finally blocked […]
10 Must-See Festivals in Tuscany: Jousts, Fireworks, Cheese-Rolling, and More
For all its well-deserved history and art accolades, Italy is a land of festivals. Regardless of where in Italia your travels take you, and when you choose to visit, chances are that you’ll end up finding a local festival to attend. Festivities are diverse; they can be centered around the celebrations of traditional dishes, religious […]
Public Transportation in Florence: How to Get Around Like a Local
Get around like a local when you take advantage of the robust public transportation in Florence when you hop on a bus, train, tram, e-bike, or scooter! While the best way to explore Florence is on your own two feet, using one of the many options of Florence public transportation is preferred to see more […]
Our 7 Picks for the Best Italian Restaurants in Florence
We’ll just come right out and say it: it feels silly to be talking about the best Italian restaurants in Florence! It reminds us of a video by Italian TikTok creators lionfieldmusic: “Do Italians eat Italian food in Italy?” (If you’re on the app, look them up! They post hilariously wholesome content about Italian culture.) […]
5 Delicious Fiesole Restaurants (and How to Get There)
With over 2,000 restaurants in Florence, there’s no shortage of great places to eat in the heart of Tuscany! You can find just about every cuisine within the city center, but if you expand your horizons to the areas surrounding Florence, especially Fiesole, you’ll discover even more great eats. Here are our favorite Fiesole restaurants. […]
Lucca Day Trip from Florence: Must-visits and Insider Tips
A treasure fortified by Renaissance walls, Lucca is one of the most beautiful cities in Tuscany. Located just one hour and 20 minutes from Florence by train it’s the perfect destination for a day trip. So to get the most out of your outing, we put together this list of top things to do on […]
How to Plan the Ultimate Tuscany Road Trip
You’ve seen all the big tourist sites, you’ve enjoyed a walking tour with an expert local guide, and maybe you’ve even hopped on a train to enjoy some day trips around the gorgeous Tuscan countryside. But after all this, you still feel like you’re missing something during your visit to Tuscany. If you’re one of […]
The Wine Windows of Florence and Where to Find Them
Ah, Florence. The city that makes you sigh with its art, gelato, and good food. But did you know this picturesque Tuscan town also hides a unique phenomenon? It’s called buchette del vino (wine windows). Buchette del vino, or wine windows, are a peculiar feature of Florence. They are little windows with inscriptions on the walls of […]