Food writer Giulia Scarpaleggia shares her favourite spots in Florence, Italy, the place she calls home.
Giulia Scarpaleggia is an Italian food blogger, food writer and freelance food photographer. She loves her dog Noa and her cat Wolfi, enjoys her walks in the countryside and can’t say no to anything with chocolate.
Favourite shop Bizzarri Via della Condotta, 32 A charming and mysterious century-old shop with wooden shelves and big glass jars that preserve the ancient apothecary’s wisdom. You’ll find spices, essences and tinctures, as well as supplies for restoration, painting and photography.
Favourite café ChiaroScuro Via del Corso, 36 Pop by at breakfast for a cappuccino and a tiny rice tartlet, or enjoy a chat over a cup of your favourite coffee in the afternoon. Wide selection of coffees and teas. www.chiaroscurofirenze.it
Caffetteria delle Oblate Via dell’Oriuolo, 26 Inside the Oblate Library, this is the place to be if you want to take some time for yourself, enjoy a cultural event or try the excellent food in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. Superb view of the Duomo. www.lospaziochesperavi.it
Favourite market Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio Piazza Ghiberti Fruit, vegetables, meat, cheese, clothes and flowers. You’ll meet lots of locals here! Buy a panino and some fruit and enjoy your lunch in the nearby Piazza D’Azeglio.
Mercato di San Lorenzo Piazza San Lorenzo Food, fruit and vegetables in the indoor market, clothes and leather products outside. More touristy but just around the corner from the Duomo. Don’t miss lunch at Nerbone.
Place for a souvenir Flea market Piazza de’ Ciompi Tiny flea market with old jewellery, pottery, second-hand clothes, hats, pieces of furniture and chandeliers. Buy an old Tuscan postcard or black-and-white photos from big paper boxes.
Best view Basilica di San Miniato al Monte Via delle Porte Sante, 34 An elegant Romanesque church perched atop a hill overlooking Florence. It’s one of the highest points in the town, and quieter than the underlying Piazzale Michelangelo. Enjoy the view and the fresh breeze.
For more inside information on places to go and things to see in Florence, read the full article in issue 14 of The Simple Things.