coming soon.
Evan and I first went to Florence when we found out my mom and step dad had a trip booked (this was all before we found out we were moving to London). So we booked a flight. To get to Florence we realized two airports- Bologna and Pisa were the best options. We went with Pisa as it had the best price & times (also hopes of seeing the leaning tower). The train goes direct into Florence so we did not need a car either (although beware as there is no A/C). 

My parents were staying at a lovely hotel, Hotel Lungarno. And when we went to book an option for ourselves we discover a lot was sold out for that weekend- summers in Florence are very busy. This was September. I did extensive research and will put lots of the hotels i checked out below. We ended up booking the boutique hotel- Verona's Jungle. It could not have been a better outcome. The hotel decor was amazing, safe, in a great area (less touristy as well) and the staff was so helpful. We booked a rate that came for breakfast and would order a quick 





Hotels:
Verona's Jungle
Belmond Villa San Michele
Portrait Firenze 


Restaurants:
Osteria del Cinghale Bianco- Evan and I booked this as many people recommended. Apparently Stanley Tucci dined here as well. However, we were less than impressed when we dined here. Willing to say it was a bad day but we did find the bread stale, Florentine steak not great and the pastas a tad oily. So proceed with caution.
The Menagerie
Caffe dell Oro - Italian spot great for lunch, located right on the river. A few tables outside. Really excellent seafood & pasta options. 
Borgo San Jacopo- Michelin starred fine dining restaurant part of Lungarno collection (like spot above). 
Golden View- some of the best risotto I have ever had. Every table has a view just about of the Pont Vecchio. One of the best meals we had in Florence.
Santa Elisabetta- 2 Michelin star tasting menu only seats about 6 tables. Excellent food. If Golden View is the best risotto this is the best pasta I have had. And it was gluten free pasta so bonus points! I loved this spot. 
La Giostria 
Alla Antica- you already know, the sandwiches. 

Drinks:
San Michelle
Rooftop at Portrait Firenza , La Terrazza 

Things to do
Gucci Musuem 
Duomo Tour- book these tickets in advance, they sell out quickly. 
David at Archileago Musuem- book tickets in advance to this. 
Wine Windows 
Uffizi Galleries
Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore
Ponte Vecchio- easy to see as you will walk over it, its in the center of the city.
Check out all the beautiful interior shops- great linens, home decor.