If you read this post, you will know that I fell in love with Florence on our recent trip to Italy. I loved the quieter streets, beautiful scenic views, but most of all the gardens. In all honesty, I was very underwhelmed with most of the gardens or green spaces in Italy. Particularly in Rome and Venice. I don’t find the Italians to be the most attentive gardeners, compared to the Brits or the French. Happily, this was not the case in Florence. The Boboli and Bardini Gardens were not only beautiful but had some of the most amazing views of the Florence skyline.

We did the Boboli Gardens on our first day in Florence, but saved the Bardini Gardens for the morning of our second day. We had breakfast at our Hotel Torre Guelfa and then set off to find the entrance. Even though the gardens are not far from the hotel, we got lost. But in a city where every street is charming, that’s hardly a problem. We ended up finding a side entrance to the gardens via the bookstore on Costa S. Giorgio.

The view that hits you as soon as you walk in, is breathtaking. It was one of those moments where we looked at each other and just said “I can’t believe where we are!” We had many of those moments on this trip. Italy is a truly magical place! It makes you feel so small, in a good way. Most of Italy, Florence included, has so much history. The architecture really transports you back to a different time.

We spent the morning walking around the gardens. I can only imagine how amazing they are in the spring when everything is blooming! Maybe I’ll convince Brian to take me back?!

When it was time for lunch we headed back down towards the river to find something other than pasta, which we had already had plenty of! We stumbled upon Bulli & Balene which had the most amazing cicchetti (small snacks). I highly recommend stopping here if you find yourself in Florence. The staff was so friendly, the food was delicious and it has such a fun atmosphere. It’s also just around the corner from a delightful gelato shop (Gelateria Della Passera) if you’re in need of a little pick-me-up!

I had warned Brian before our trip that I would be stopping for gelato as many times as possible. But we were already 3 days into our trip and I hadn’t had any gelato yet! This was Brian’s first experience with real Italian gelato, and I’m happy he understood the obsession. There is nothing better than strolling around the beautiful Italian streets with a cone in hand.

We spent both evenings in Florence having a drink on the rooftop bar at Hotel Torre Guelfa. Watching the sunset over the city was so beautiful. We could see from the hotel tower that many of the residences have rooftop areas. I could get used to that view very easily!

Instead of calling it an early night like we had the night before (#jetlag) we decided to enjoy Florence at night! One thing we both commented on was how well-lit the city is as night. It might have just been the area we were staying, since we were so close to the river, but Florence at night is beautiful. We had dinner by the river followed by more gelato, this time from Gelateria Santa Trinita.

I remember standing on the Ponte Santa Trinita, watching the moon rise over the Ponte Vecchio feeling perfectly content! Not wanting to leave Florence, but feeling anxious at the same time. The next morning we were leaving for Lake Garda and I was excited for our next adventure! xo Bryn

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Dress: Hinge (sold out, similar), Shoes: Chanel (less expensive), Bag: Cuyana