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.

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).

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.

This secret garden, positioned behind San Miniato al Monte, just a few steps away from one of the most beautiful look out points Florence has to offer, Piazzale Michaelangelo. Here is a quaint whimsical hideaway. Coming from my small town roots, completely surrounded by nature; finding this miniature grove was a gold mine. Here, you will find trees, things I immensely love and miss; this slice of nature here gives me a refreshing taste of purity and comfort.

One of the most Magical place from Florence.