I don’t usually go to Florence after April. It is too hot and too crowded. This year is different. It has been much cooler than usual and because of restrictions there are few tourists about.
I can’t walk very far or very fast so I decided to stay a couple of nights so I could retreat to the hotel for regular breaks. I stayed at the Palazzo Guadagni where I stayed at Christmas. Christmas in Florence
It is in the Santo Spirito district. It is a lovely area between Palazzo Pitti and Santo Spirito church, with lots of small interesting shops, cafes and restaurants in the side streets.
The hotel has a wonderful loggia terrace, a great place for evening aperitivo, looking over the rooftops of Florence.
The view from my room was even better. If you go, ask for room number 8. I think it is the best one.
This is the view from the shower.
I was extremely lucky with the weather. It was pleasantly warm and the sky was cornflower blue. I wandered slowly past my favourite places.
I think this tiny balcony on the Ponte Vecchio has to be the cutest in Florence.
Neptune in the Piazza Signoria has been polished up recently and he is looking fierce. Neptune shines again
This one, and the one in Bolgogna, are my favourite Neptunes. I have seen some puny ones on my travels, but these two hold court over their piazzas. See the Bologna Neptune here…The Maserati Trident
I always call into Melaleuca on the bank of the Arno,the cafe run by an Australian and her Italian husband. I go for brunch where I can enjoy something I would eat at home in Brisbane…a little bit of home. A little bit of Australia in Florence
Nearby, in Via Santa Croce, I came upon the most beautiful shop, Aqua Flor. The only part open was the fragrance section where I bought a couple of small gifts.
I wish the rest had been open. All I could do was peer through the windows and wish I was inside. It will have to wait for another trip to Florence.
At the end of Via Santa Croce is this stunning building.
There are some very cute cafes and shops in this area too. There is much to be found in Florence if you leave the obvious streets and venture into the less well known areas. Get lost and just wander and you will be delighted with what you find.
I need to explore more when I can walk a bit more comfortably.
It was lovely to walk down memory lane through your images! Thank you..
By: andycotts7105 on June 2, 2021
at 7:57 pm
I love Florence! Being able to visit again was wonderful.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 3, 2021
at 4:59 am
thanks for the lovely images Deb,had a lovely short trip over breakfast with them.
By: paul anthony cowley on June 2, 2021
at 8:42 pm
The weather was perfect. It is great to be able to walk again and where better to do so than in Florence.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 3, 2021
at 5:00 am
What a wonderful tour guide you are Deb. So much enjoyed all fabulous phots Florence. Your Hotel I am sure will be on the wish list for all who hope to return. Hope your ankle gets stronger.
By: Camillus Davall on June 2, 2021
at 9:23 pm
I really like the Santo Spirito area. It is a little off the tourist path with small local markets and inexpensive restaurants. I like shopping in the tiny shops, often served by the owners and makers.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 3, 2021
at 5:02 am
Wonderful words and photos as always. Florence is looking so beautiful! Thanks for the tips, you are a great travel expert!
By: Jodie on June 2, 2021
at 9:30 pm
It was great to be able to walk in Florence in such beautiful weather. The city was pleasantly busy and I hope businesses are starting to thrive again.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 3, 2021
at 5:03 am
Thanks for the memories of a wonderful city, Deb. Wish I could visit soon. Take care.
By: Dianne Perrin on June 2, 2021
at 10:37 pm
Florence is one of my favourite places to visit. I am lucky to be able to do so often.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 3, 2021
at 5:04 am
Thank you for a gorgeous trip down memory lane to inspire thoughts of the future! Hope these special places are surviving?
By: Catherin on June 2, 2021
at 11:37 pm
I did see a few closed doors, but many of the shops I know are operating. I hope Italy will recover from the awful time it has had.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 3, 2021
at 5:05 am
Your wonderful photos make me wish I was back in Italy
By: Annie McMahon on June 3, 2021
at 12:12 am
It is great that Italy has opened up and I can travel a bit. Everyone has had a difficult time. I talked to people who are delighted to be working again and seeing people come to their city.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 3, 2021
at 5:06 am
So glad to hear that you are able to venture a little further from home now and I must have been lovely to stroll around beautiful Florence again.
By: Kerry on June 3, 2021
at 1:09 am
It was wonderful to be able to walk through this gorgeous city, even if I was very slow and couldn’t do all I wanted to.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 3, 2021
at 5:07 am
Lucky you! Pleasant weather in Florence at this time of the year! Usually it is too warm and humid… and full of tourists…
A sheer delight!
By: mulinodominillo on June 3, 2021
at 5:40 am
I know! It was wonderful. I felt so lucky to be there and be walking those beautiful streets under blue sky.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 3, 2021
at 6:13 am
So lovely that you are up and about again Debra. Thanks for your lovely recommendations x
By: Andrea Waterhouse on June 3, 2021
at 8:22 am
Florence was a good test for my foot. It was great to have the hotel to go back to so I could rest it for a while.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 7, 2021
at 11:17 am
Happy to hear that you are back to your normal activities.
By: Donna Gutierrez on June 3, 2021
at 4:07 pm
I am slowly getting better.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 7, 2021
at 11:17 am
Oh Deb, This is my favourite of all your Florence blogs. Just fabulous from every angle. Must note your new hotel choice, looks wonderful.
By: Dianne Cant on June 3, 2021
at 8:43 pm
The hotel is great. I stayed there at Christmas, but this time the loggia was open.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 7, 2021
at 11:18 am
I miss Florence! Thank you for the beautiful pictures of one of my favorite cities.
By: Alisa on June 5, 2021
at 11:52 pm
It is one of my favourites to. I feel very lucky to have been able to visit.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 7, 2021
at 11:18 am
Such fun to visit again here in Firenze & as always you capture so many of my favorite spots and some I’ve yet to visit! See you again for another Spritz! 😀
By: PostcardZ from Victoriav on June 7, 2021
at 6:55 am
I love visiting favourite spots and finding new ones.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 7, 2021
at 11:19 am
Thank you for taking us along with you to Florence-how I miss Italy! What are the current restrictions for travelling in Italy? We can’t go anywhere overseas really unless we want to be away for 3 months!
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on June 7, 2021
at 10:59 am
It is open for EU travellers and other places with some restrictions. I can go anywhere. Restaurants are now open for indoor as well as outdoor dining. It is great to be able to get out and about.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 7, 2021
at 11:21 am