La Specola is one of my favourite museums I have ever visited. The museum is a branch of the Natural History Museum of the University of Florence and is one of the oldest science museums in Europe, built in 1775 with the aim of gathering the natural treasures collected by different generations of the Medici family, such as fossils, animals, minerals and exotic plants. You really have to go. The displays are stunning and odd, also the Zoological Collection is full of specimens and old taxidermy pieces. On top of that there is also a quite "scary" collection of about 1,400 pieces of anatomical waxworks (made between the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century).

This bakery, frequented only by florentine people, is located in a street just outside the border (obviously imaginary) between the Florence inhabited by tourist and the one with the florentines. Beyond Piazza Beccaria you will find shops of all kinds and the slow life typical of the village. This bakery preserves all the authenticity of the old days. Do not miss the salty schiacciata (if you are looking for someone who makes sandwiches - here the service is not offered) and if you love herbs, their version with sage is not to be missed. Tip: It is better if eaten hot in the morning, more hours pass the more it tends to harden. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator

Piazza die Ciompi depicted here, along with San Lorenzo leather market and Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio host one of the many markets in Florence. Countless treasures; everything from antiques, leather goods, an amazing variety of fresh, typically organic fruits and vegetables, meats and cheeses of all sorts, cheap clothing, and a immediate submersion into the sounds and smells of Italian cultures. This is one of the only places I can experience the authenticity of Florence, these markets force me to speak Italian which is a rarity since this city flourishes with English speaking people and establishments.

Monkey Bar is the first place I discovered in Florence. In this small pub I found myself comforted with its dive bar feel. Lorenzo and Freddy, the bar tenders, greet their patrons with a kiss on each cheek, a sarcastic comment and cheap drinks. I have grown to love this small place; its welcoming atmosphere brings me instantly home in a city constantly bustling with mainstream tourism.

Best pasta and food in town! In a very cute setup