Find the Best Things to Do in Centro Storico

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About Centro Storico

Centro Storico Photo courtesy of Duomo

The city center of Florence holds all the goodies for every traveler. A small city as a whole, the center is mostly pedestrian where you can reach anything very easily. The nightlife is rather lively throughout the center. The pubs and bars are famous in the center for their history and their service. 

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See & Do

Palazzo Vecchio is a landmark that shows off the nobility and the history of Florence. Once home to the Medici family, now the offices of the mayor and city hall, you can still visit the inside of the palazzo. The Duomo is the centerpiece of the city. Designed by Brunelleschi, the huge dome sticks out among the terracotta roofs of the city. Besides the Duomo, there are many churches you can visit in the historical center such as, Santa Croce, Santa Trinita, Santi Apostoli. They are all designed differently, from centuries ago and some were even renovated recently to give a fresh look to each facade.

Eat

Enjoying a cappuccino is a must do when visiting Florence. Caffe Paszkowski is a historic cafe that has cappucini ready to order and great entertainment at night. The historical center has many other types of Italian cuisines you can try. If you only want a sandwich, Vinaino di Parte Guelfa or if you would like some home cooking from a Florentine family go to Pangies Bistrot. Among the cafes, there is ChiaroScuro which offer specialty cappuccino and coffee drinks.

Party

Dancing the night away is one option you have at the many dance clubs in the historical center. YAB is one hot spot that is located right behind Piazza della Repubblica. Opening at around 12am this party keeps rocking until 4am. Space Electronic Disco is located closer to the main train station which caters to the younger study abroad crowd but has 2 floors of dancing space. The party doesn’t have to end either when you are enjoying your time at these clubs. They are open late.

Stay

There many elegant, superb looking hotels in the historical center. Holding true to its Renaissance style, the Savoy Hotel is by far the most debonair of all the hotels. A quite expensive stay there is also a gourmet restaurant that pours out into Piazza della Repubblica. Golden Tower Hotel located near Piazza Strozzi is another hotel where once lived the wealthy Strozzi family. This hotel has a spa attached to it where you can enjoy a nice facial after a long day of sightseeing.

Shop

Shopping in the center is a fun experience. For the shoe lovers out there, Romano Shoes is a must stop shop. They have their own line of fabulous shoes among many other designers as well. They have a online shop as well. If you are a book lover, the Paperback Exchange is where you should venture to. It is an English bookshop with many English books. There is a fantastic boutique near the Duomo called Echo that has very unique designs for the ladies.