Cultural and Artistic Adventure in Florence with Friends

A Day Immersed in Florentine Grandeur

Florence, oh Florence! Today was a whirlwind of artistic encounters, historical explorations, and a touch of retail therapy. It’s days like these that remind me why I started this blog – to share the sheer joy of experiencing different cultures and the stories they hold. Forget about being a call center agent for a moment, today I'm an art connoisseur, a history buff, and a bit of a shopaholic, all rolled into one.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Buca San Giovanni Frigest. The restaurant was right next to the Duomo, and I must say, it was a great start to the day. I had made sure to communicate my dietary requirements, and the staff was very accommodating, ensuring my meal was prepared safely. The food was delicious, and it's always reassuring when a restaurant takes allergies seriously. It’s these little things that make traveling so much more enjoyable, especially when you’re far from the comforts of home.


Experience authentic Italian flavors at Buca San Giovanni Frigest in Florence – where tradition meets taste in an inviting atmosphere.

After breakfast, we headed straight to the Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze, eager to see Michelangelo's David. As we approached, the excitement was palpable. Even Klaus, who usually prefers the tranquility of our garden in Bonn, was buzzing with anticipation. The queue was long, but thankfully, we had pre-booked our tickets. I highly recommend doing this, as it saves a lot of time and hassle.


Discover the masterpieces of the Renaissance at the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze, home to Michelangelo's iconic David and more.

Stepping inside the Galleria, I was immediately struck by the sheer number of people. It was crowded, but the atmosphere was charged with a sense of reverence. And then, there he was – David. Michelangelo's masterpiece is even more breathtaking in person than in any photograph. The sculpture is colossal, and the detail is astounding. I found myself circling him, trying to take in every angle, every curve, every muscle. It’s hard to believe that such perfection could be carved from a single block of marble.

Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.

The Accademia is not just about David, though. It also houses a remarkable collection of paintings by Florentine artists, mostly from the period 1300–1600. I was particularly drawn to the works of Botticelli and Ghirlandaio. Their use of color and their ability to capture human emotion are truly remarkable. We spent a good couple of hours wandering through the galleries, soaking in the beauty and history. Sofia, with her ever-present curiosity, peppered me with questions about the artists and their techniques. It was a joy to share my knowledge with her and to see her eyes light up with understanding.

Leaving the Accademia, we made our way to Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of Florence. The piazza is a bustling hub of activity, with tourists, locals, and street performers all vying for attention. The square is surrounded by impressive buildings, including the Palazzo Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Loggia dei Lanzi. In the center of the piazza stands the Fountain of Neptune, a magnificent sculpture by Bartolomeo Ammannati. Today, the square had a special buzz, with a local street food market adding to the vibrant atmosphere. I couldn't resist trying some of the local delicacies, including a lampredotto sandwich, a Florentine specialty made with the fourth stomach of a cow. It might not sound appealing, but trust me, it's delicious!


Experience the timeless beauty and vibrant culture of Piazza della Signoria, a historic square that embodies the spirit of Florence.

For lunch, we had reservations at Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura, a Michelin-starred restaurant located within the Gucci Garden. The restaurant is a celebration of Italian cuisine with a modern twist. The ambiance is chic and stylish, and the food is exquisite. I opted for the tasting menu, which included a selection of the chef's signature dishes. Each course was a work of art, both visually and gastronomically. The flavors were complex and surprising, and the presentation was impeccable. It was definitely one of the most memorable meals I’ve had in a long time.


Experience fine dining at its best with innovative Italian cuisine at Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura in Florence.

After lunch, it was time for some retail therapy. Florence is famous for its leather goods, and I was eager to visit Scuola del Cuoio S.r.l., a leather school and workshop located behind the Basilica di Santa Croce. The school was founded after World War II to provide vocational training to orphans, and it has since become one of the most respected leather workshops in Florence. As I stepped inside, I was immediately enveloped by the rich aroma of leather. The workshop was a hive of activity, with artisans cutting, stitching, and embossing leather goods. I watched in fascination as they transformed raw materials into beautiful bags, belts, and wallets.


Explore Scuola del Cuoio in Florence for exquisite handmade leather goods and immersive crafting experiences that reflect Italy's rich artistic heritage.

I spent a good hour browsing the shop, admiring the craftsmanship and the quality of the leather. I was particularly drawn to a beautiful leather handbag, but I hesitated to buy it. It was quite expensive, and I wasn't sure if I really needed another handbag. But then I remembered something my mother used to say: Life is too short to deny yourself beautiful things. So, I decided to treat myself. I also picked up a small leather wallet for Klaus and a leather bracelet for Sofia. It feels good to support local artisans and to bring home something that is both beautiful and functional.

Our final stop for the day was dinner at Il Latini, a traditional Florentine trattoria known for its Bistecca alla Fiorentina. The restaurant is located in a maze-like building, and the atmosphere is lively and convivial. We were seated at a communal table, surrounded by locals and tourists alike. The menu is simple and straightforward, focusing on traditional Tuscan dishes. We ordered the Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a thick-cut steak grilled over a wood fire. The steak was cooked to perfection, rare and juicy, and it was seasoned simply with salt and pepper. It was served with roasted potatoes and white beans, and it was absolutely delicious. The portions were enormous, and we struggled to finish everything, but we didn't want to leave a single bite.


Discover authentic Tuscan cuisine at Il Latini in Florence - where tradition meets flavor in every dish.

As we walked back to La Torre Dei Salterelli, our stomachs full and our hearts content, I couldn't help but smile. Florence had cast its spell on us once again. It's a city that is both beautiful and chaotic, ancient and modern, refined and rustic. It's a city that stimulates the senses and nourishes the soul. And it’s a city that I know we’ll be returning to again and again.


Discover the charm of Florence at La Torre Dei Salterelli, a pet-friendly hotel in the city center, close to iconic landmarks and local attractions.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Basilica di San Lorenzo and the Cappelle Medicee. I’m particularly looking forward to seeing the Medici Chapels, as I’ve heard they are incredibly opulent and beautiful. But for now, it’s time to rest and recharge, ready for another day of Florentine adventures. I am also looking forward to visiting Mad - Souls & Spirits, a local bar, for a relaxing evening.

The events in Florence this week include the Florence Vintage Market at Palazzo Corsini and the Firenze Flower Show at Giardino Corsini. There is also the Mercatino Regionale Francese in piazza Santa Croce. There is so much to see and do here!

The Pasqua 2025 sale at Florence Leather Market is also ongoing, offering 40% off on all Italian leather bags until April 22nd. This is a great opportunity to purchase handmade leather bags crafted in Florence.