Renaissance Revelations: Exploring Florence with Lena

Florentine First Impressions

After months of anticipation, Lena and I finally touched down in Florence! The air was crisp, carrying the scent of blooming flowers and the promise of adventures to come. Stepping out of the airport, I felt a surge of excitement, a feeling I always get when visiting a new place. I was eager to dive headfirst into the heart of the Renaissance, and I knew Lena was too. I was also excited to finally use the camera I bought specifically for this trip, hoping to capture all of the architectural wonders and share them with you all.

Our hotel, Orto De Medici Hotel, proved to be a charming haven, conveniently located near the city center. After a quick check-in, we were ready to start our Florentine exploration. The city was bustling, a vibrant tapestry of locals and tourists alike, all eager to soak in the beauty and history that Florence had to offer. And so our Florentine adventure began, with a promise of art, history, and a whole lot of Italian charm.


Discover the charm of Florence at Orto De Medici Hotel, where comfort meets convenience near iconic attractions like the Duomo and Medici Chapels.

The beauty of Florence isn't just in its monuments, but in the way it makes you feel – inspired, connected, and utterly alive.

Our first stop was the iconic Piazza del Duomo. As we approached, the sheer scale and grandeur of the Florence Cathedral, or Duomo, took my breath away. The intricate details of the marble facade, the towering dome designed by Brunelleschi, it was all simply awe-inspiring. I spent a good while snapping photos, trying to capture the magnificence of the cathedral from every angle. Lena, ever the patient one, indulged my photographic enthusiasm, offering helpful suggestions for framing and composition. The square was alive with activity, people milling about, pigeons fluttering, and the sounds of Italian chatter filling the air. It was the perfect introduction to the vibrant energy of Florence.


Explore the architectural splendor and vibrant atmosphere of Florence's iconic Piazza del Duomo, a cultural gem in the heart of the city.

After soaking in the Duomo's splendor, we made our way to Caffè Gilli for breakfast. Founded in 1733, this historic café exuded old-world charm. We sat outside, enjoying the pleasant spring weather and indulging in cappuccino and delicious pastries. The café was bustling with locals and tourists alike, a lively mix of conversations and clinking coffee cups. It was the perfect spot to people-watch and soak in the Florentine atmosphere. Sipping my cappuccino, I felt a sense of contentment wash over me. This was exactly the kind of experience I had been craving.


Experience timeless elegance at Caffè Gilli in Florence – where every sip and bite tells a story steeped in tradition.

Next on our list was the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze, home to Michelangelo's David. I had seen countless images of the statue, but nothing could have prepared me for the experience of seeing it in person. The sheer size of the sculpture, the incredible detail of the marble, and the raw emotion captured in David's face were all truly remarkable. I spent a long time simply standing in awe, admiring Michelangelo's masterpiece. The Accademia was also hosting an exhibition celebrating Michelangelo's 550th anniversary, which added another layer of depth to our visit. Lena, with her keen eye for art, pointed out subtle details and nuances that I might have otherwise missed. It was moments like these that made traveling with her so special.


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

For lunch, we ventured to Il Vezzo, a charming restaurant known for its authentic Tuscan cuisine. The restaurant was cozy and inviting, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We ordered the beef ragu with pappardelle and grilled pigeon, and each dish was a culinary delight. The pasta was cooked to perfection, and the ragu was rich and flavorful. The grilled pigeon was tender and succulent. Lena and I shared a bottle of local wine, savoring the flavors of Tuscany. It was a truly memorable meal, a perfect blend of delicious food and warm hospitality.


Discover authentic Tuscan flavors at Il Vezzo, Florence's beloved Italian restaurant offering a delightful dining experience.

After lunch, we did some shopping. Lena and I stopped by Mio Concept Store, a boutique near Santa Maria Novella that specializes in artisan-made goods. Lena, with her eye for unique jewelry, was immediately drawn to the displays. I, on the other hand, was fascinated by the handcrafted journals, imagining myself filling them with my travel musings. We ended up buying a few souvenirs, supporting local artists and taking home a piece of Florence with us.


Explore Florentine artistry at Mio Concept Store, featuring unique handmade crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs in the heart of Florence.

As the afternoon waned, we decided to make our way to Piazzale Michelangelo, a panoramic viewpoint offering stunning views of the city. The walk up the hill was a bit strenuous, but the reward was well worth it. As we reached the top, the entire city of Florence unfolded before us, bathed in the golden light of the setting sun. The Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio, the Arno River, all the iconic landmarks were laid out in a breathtaking panorama. Lena and I stood in silence, simply taking in the beauty of the scene. It was a moment of pure magic, a perfect ending to our first day in Florence.


Experience the stunning panoramic views of Florence at Piazzale Michelangelo, an iconic plaza that captures the city's beauty and charm.

For dinner, we had reservations at La Giostra, a family-run restaurant known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious Tuscan cuisine. From the moment we walked in, we were treated like royalty. We were greeted with complimentary glasses of prosecco and a platter of antipasto, a warm and welcoming gesture that set the tone for the evening. The restaurant was bustling with a mix of locals and tourists, creating a lively and convivial atmosphere. For our main courses, Lena ordered the pear and ricotta ravioli, while I opted for the seafood pasta. Both dishes were exquisite, bursting with fresh flavors and cooked to perfection. The service was impeccable, attentive without being intrusive. It was a truly memorable dining experience, a perfect blend of delicious food, warm hospitality, and charming ambiance.


Discover La Giostra: A premier Tuscan restaurant in Florence offering authentic Italian cuisine amidst enchanting surroundings.

After dinner, we decided to explore Florence's nightlife. We stopped by Bitter Bar, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar known for its innovative concoctions. The bar was dimly lit and intimate, with a retro atmosphere that transported us back to the 1920s. The bartender, a true mixologist, crafted us some unique and delicious cocktails, each a work of art in itself. Lena, ever the adventurous one, tried a cocktail with some unusual ingredients, while I stuck to a classic Old Fashioned. Sipping our cocktails, we soaked in the atmosphere, enjoying the smooth jazz music and the lively conversations around us. It was the perfect way to end our first day in Florence, a nightcap that left us feeling relaxed, content, and excited for the adventures to come.


Discover Bitter Bar in Florence – where inventive cocktails and a lively atmosphere create an unforgettable night out.

As we walked back to our hotel, the streets of Florence were quiet and peaceful, a stark contrast to the bustling energy of the day. Looking up at the stars, I felt a sense of gratitude for this incredible experience. Florence had already captivated me with its beauty, its history, and its charm. I knew that the next six days would be filled with even more discoveries, more adventures, and more unforgettable memories.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio and Boboli Gardens. I can't wait to relay all of our experiences back to you!

Good night from Florence!