We arrived in FLORENCE: Thrift Shopping, Ponte Vecchio, and Cool Bars!
Exploring Florence: Thrift Shopping, Ponte Vecchio, and Hidden Bars!
Florence is a city that effortlessly blends history, art, and style. In this post, we'll take you on our journey from Venice to Florence, where we explore the best of the city – from stunning bridges to hidden thrift shops and vibrant bars.
Leaving Venice – The Journey Begins: We said goodbye to Venice and boarded a smooth, comfortable train to Florence. Italian trains are a revelation – clean, spacious, and efficient. We opted for premium economy, which offered extra luggage space and larger seats for just a small additional cost. The journey was a breeze, and soon we were on our way to explore a new city.
Arriving in Florence – Our Cozy Apartment: Our Florence apartment was situated on the other side of the River Arno, away from the bustling city centre but still within a short walk to the main attractions. It was cozy and had a very Italian vibe, with a small terrace perfect for morning coffee. We couldn't wait to explore the nearby streets known for their cool restaurants, bars, and vintage shops.
Exploring Florence – The Ponte Vecchio: Our first stop was the iconic Ponte Vecchio, a bridge that is as rich in history as it is in beauty. Fun fact: during World War II, Hitler found the bridge so beautiful that he spared it from being bombed! Today, it’s lined with jewellery shops, making it a dazzling sight both day and night. We admired the views, snapped some photos, and then headed off to explore more of the city.
Thrift Shopping in Florence: Florence is a haven for vintage lovers, and we couldn’t resist diving into some thrift shopping. The shops here are filled with treasures, from designer bags to stylish jackets. Although we didn't make any purchases this time, the quality of the items was impressive. We found everything from €20 to €5,000 (~$23 – $5600 USD) Chanel bags, proving that Florence has something for every budget.
A Glimpse of Palazzo Pitti: Next, we strolled by Palazzo Pitti, a grand Renaissance palace with a fascinating history. Originally built for a wealthy banker in the 1500s, it was later acquired by the powerful Medici family. Today, it houses a range of museums and art galleries. The surrounding area is a peaceful retreat, perfect for soaking up the beauty of Florence.
Discovering Cool Bars in Florence: One of the highlights of our Florence visit was returning to a favourite bar from our previous trip. This tiny, charming spot has a great atmosphere, excellent reviews, and well-priced drinks. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Dinner in Florence – Italian Delights: We ended our day with a fantastic dinner at a local restaurant that was slightly fancy but not overwhelming. The food was incredible – we each had pasta with goose ragu, and truffle and rooster. Florence’s wine selection is just as impressive as its food, and we left the restaurant feeling thoroughly satisfied.
Final Thoughts
Florence is a city that never disappoints, whether you're here for the history, the shopping, or the food. From the iconic Ponte Vecchio to the hidden gems of the vintage shops and cool bars, there’s always something new to discover.