Ruthi Daugherty

Travels

Florence & Rome, Italy

 

Charming, romantic, and irresistible, Florence is a treasure trove of art & culture.

The birthplace of the Reneissance, it still maintains a reputation of being a central hub of creativity, expression, and discovery. It simultaneously feels deeply historical and also refreshingly relevant.

Fresh bistros, craft cocktails, and an inspired food scene brings a contemporary feel to the stone-lined walking streets.

The looming Cathedral with it’s contrast of colors and detail is something to behold. And while a long, stair-filled climb will give you city views from the dome, a walk around the exterior is just as awe inspiring.

A sunset hike to Piazzale Michelangelo will dazzle with the Tuscan colors aglow.

Florence is rich in history and culture and should be high up on any kind of "must see” list.

 
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COFFEE, TEA & JUICE

  • La Menagarie - LOVED this spot. I recommend it for coffee, breakfast/lunch, drinks (amazing), dinner (amazing) and shopping. It's beautiful and the food/drinks are very good.

  • Artigianale - coffee shop w/ good filter coffee and non dairy milk options. (other location)

FOOD

  • Amble - cute little vegetarian lunch spot and vintage furniture store tucked in a hidden courtyard. 

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DRINKS

  • Lo Sverso - cute little cocktail spot. 

  • Locale - AMAZING. Reminds me of Redbird in LA because it has a retractable glass roof that stays open. Lots of plants and a beautiful interior. We had incredible drinks here and wonderful service. Definitely more expensive than the rest of the city but SO worth it. 

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ACTIVITIES

  • Cathedral Santa Mario del Fiore - I die. The main church in the center of town, it’s ridiculously beautiful and worth climbing the Duomo.

  • Piazzale Michelangelo - great view of the city from here. Sundown would be ideal

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TRAVEL

  • We drove to Florence, but be sure to pay attention as certain parts of the city are off limits to any cars that aren’t local residents or taxis. The signs are very hard to miss. I recommend asking the rental car spot for a map or researching online ahead of time.

 
 
 

ROME

OUR TIME IN ROME WAS PRETTY SHORT (A FEW DAYS), BUT ROME IS SO AMAZING! YOU’LL BE WALKING DOWN THE STREET, TURN A CORNER, AND BAM THERE’S THE TREVI FOUNTAIN OR THE PANTHEON. ALL THE HISTORIC SITES ARE WORTH VISITING, ALTHOUGH WE HAD BOTH PREVIOUSLY DONE THE BIG ONES (THE COLOSSEUM, VATICAN, ETC.) SO WE STAYED IN OUR LITTLE NEIGHBORHOOD THIS TRIP.

FOOD

  • La Barrique - DELICIOUS home cooking run by one couple. Rezzie recommended (as anywhere really) 

  • Ecru - if, like me, you crave some healthy foods by this point in your trip :)

  • Casa Coppelle - super yummy dinner spot

DRINKS

ACTIVITIES

  • Cruise around at night (friends recommended Rick Steve’s Rome Night Walk), the city is pretty magical at night.

TRAVEL

  • Again, be sure to pay attention as certain parts of the city are off-limits to any cars that aren’t local residents or taxis. The signs are very hard to miss. I recommend asking the rental car spot for a map or researching online ahead of time.

Bold - Highly Recommend

Travel, Travel GuidesRuthi Daugherty