If you know me at all, you know Florence, Italy is BY FAR my favorite place in the world. I am slightly bias due to living there for 5 months but Florence is such a beautiful city.. especially if you know all of the “off the beaten path” spots! & that’s where i come into play. If you visit

1. Piazza de Michelangelo – this is completely free and provides the best view of Florence. 100% worth the walk. Buy a bottle of wine at the top or bring your own, there are no open container laws in Florence.
2. Watch the sunset from the rooftop bar at the Westin. It isn’t cheap but such a beautiful view.
3. Find the secret bakery. This isn’t the easiest task but bakeries in Florence make fresh croissants and treats all though the night to deliver to the local cafes in the morning. You can find a secret bakery by one of 2 ways.. the smell of fresh baked goods or the sound of college students drunkenly saying “shhhhhh”. The 2 rules of the Secret Bakeries are:
   • There is no menu. be prepared with 1 or 2 euros and get ready for them to crack open the door. You can request “something with chocolate”,  “something with fruit” or “most fresh” but you do not have much say other than that.
   • You have to be quiet. They will not open the door if you are loud and rowdy.
4. Visit the San Lorenzo market. If you are staying in an airbnb, be sure to grab some local fruits and veggies to make a real italian meal.
5. Climb the Duomo. Although the ginormous this is impossible to miss, not many people actually make the climb to the top. the views are worth it.