The many reasons I love Florence

I can still remember the exact moment the pear and pecorino ravioli hit my taste buds while sitting in the twinkle-light draped dining room of one of Florence’s most coveted restaurants: La Giostra. When I think about that meal, I’m reminded of the captivating architecture, the genuine leather markets, and of course, the food, and remember why Florence, Italy is one of my favorite places in the world.

I took my first trip to Florence in 2017 with my college roommate. It was our ‘we just graduated from the University of Pittsburgh’ gift to ourselves (second to the gift of our actual college degree, of course). We booked our flights, found cheap (seemingly non-sketchy) hostels and packed our bags for a victory lap after four monumental college years.

Instantly, I fell in love with the city. There was hustle and bustle, yet quaint European charm. The Italian women, dressed in chic linens and leather, were a stark contrast to my Pitt sweatshirt and athletic leggings. After a quick and necessary outfit change, my roommate and I walked the city, across the bridge to the Piazzale Michelangelo lookout and back over the Arno to a pasta-making class. During our time there we had gelato every day (sometimes more than once), Italian sandwiches bigger than our faces, and yet, always had room for dinner.

I loved my trip to Florence so much that I booked another trip back with my now-husband, where he actually studied abroad in college. This time, we booked restaurants in advance and I made sure to leave a lot of room in my suitcase for the inevitable items I’d buy and bring home. This is the trip where I had the mouth-watering pear and pecorino ravioli at La Giostra, and I’ve thought about it just about every day since.

Now, I’m no stranger to cities. From living in Pittsburgh, Sydney, New York, and Charlotte, to exploring European cities spanning from the Lisbon coast to the streets of Dublin, London, Barcelona, and Rome, every city has its own incomparable charm and magic. But there’s just something about Florence that makes me want to book my next trip back before I’m even wheels-up headed home.

Is it the best city in the world? Of course there’s no way for me to know for certain, but what I do know are the many reasons why I love spending time there:

I love pasta

I know loving pasta isn’t groundbreaking or anything, but I REALLY love pasta. I love it in its many forms: cold, hot, short, long, wide, skinny, and covered in just about any sauce. When I went to Italy for the first time, I knew the pasta there would be unparalleled to the rigatoni and jarred sauce I was making at home. What I didn’t expect was for it to be so good it would be permanently engrained in my memory like that pear and pecorino ravioli. The experiences at small tucked-away trattorias were just as good as the big names…and this is just in terms of the pasta! Don’t get me started on the sandwiches, the bruschetta, the gelato, and of course, the wine.

The freshness of the ingredients and the authenticity of the cooking has yet to compare to anywhere else I’ve been. I’ve never had a bad meal in Florence, and as a self-proclaimed foodie, that’s enough of a reason for my to keep coming back.

I love architecture

For those who haven’t been to Florence, picture it like an open-air museum boasting terracotta earth tones, Renaissance architecture, cobblestone streets, and open piazzas. The side streets feel like an escape from the bustling town center where the Duomo is just as breathtaking as the pictures make it seem. That’s what I love so much about walking around Florence - one minute you can be in the center of the action snapping pictures of the iconic buildings, and the next you can be strolling a quiet street with a gelato in hand. Busy or relaxing, Florence offers any type of day you’re looking for, and everything seems to flow together like a piece of art.

I love walking

Speaking of walking the streets of Florence, that’s another reason why I love this city so much: the walkability! Whether it’s exploring the shops, walking to and from dinner, or crossing the Ponte Vecchio bridge over the Arno, there’s so many places to go and things to see – just by foot. The streets invite you to wander and get lost in the Florence charm, from artisan workshops, to small cafes and leather shops. For those who really love to walk, the view from the top of the Piazzale Michelangelo promises 360° views that will take your breath away – if the steps to the top didn’t already.

I love shopping

For my fellow shopaholics, Florence doesn’t disappoint.

Walking through areas like the San Lorenzo Market, you'll find stall after stall piled high with beautifully crafted leather bags, wallets, belts, jackets, and shoes. You'll want to brush up on your bartering skills before heading there, as there's an undeniable thrill in finding a supple leather jacket or a stylish handbag at just the right price. If you're looking for artisan crafts, head over to the Oltrarno district where you’ll find smaller, family-owned workshops where you can watch the craftsmanship in real-time.

The blend of higher-end markets and local, family-owned shops makes it easy to find something special and authentic to bring home from Florence; I know I certainly never have a problem finding something!

I love traveling

Finally, Florence is the perfect hub for travel. Its geographical location, right in the heart of Tuscany, combined with Italy's incredibly efficient and modern train system, makes it easy to navigate to other destinations on your European adventure.

From Florence, you’re just a bus ride away to the rolling hills of the Tuscan vineyards or a quick trip on the train to cities like Rome and Venice. Although, once you get to Florence, you may not want to leave!

I love…Florence

So, is Florence the best city in the world? I’ll hold that claim until I visit another city that compares to the culture, tradition, art, incredible cuisine, and beautiful sights, all while being completely walkable by foot. I can spend the morning sipping a cappuccino at a cafe, shop the markets in the afternoon, and relax by the water with a glass of red at night.

I recommend Florence to all my friends who ask where they should take their next trip, and I always keep my fingers crossed they’ll invite me along. I know I’ll be back soon, as there’s no number of La Giostra reservations that will ever curb my craving for that pear ravioli dish.

Until next time, Florence.

JB

Is Florence the Best City in the World?