Florence Hop On, Hop Off and More

August 1

For all seasoned travelers (or novices!), we highly recommend starting your city touring with the red double-decker Hop On, Hop Off bus. If it's warm (like Florence in August), hop on the first bus and try to catch the upper deck front row.

We went around once with our orange headsets and tourist map to get our bearings. Then, we continued on the same bus to hop off where we wanted to take photos of an outstanding view at Piazzale Michelangelo.

By one o'clock, we returned to our Airbnb for some air conditioning and to prepare for the later afternoon through the evening.

Travel tips: Big hats, sunscreen (to re-apply, too), sunglasses, light backpack, tons of water, snacks, single Euro coins for bathrooms, and good walking shoes.

Our mission in the late afternoon was two-fold: "Get lost" and cross the Ponte Vecchio bridge. Unfortunately, even though the bridge was pretty and the surrounding streets were fun to explore, it was very touristy. It was packed <with people like us>, sky-high prices, and touristy restaurants.

We stumbled upon a cool Fusion Bar in the Hotel Arte (like a "W" Hotel) with delicious tapas or shareable plates. Later at night, we had dinner down the street from our Airbnb called Nerone Trattoria, where we had delicious pasta and pizza.

We're exhausted, full beyond words, and can't wait until tomorrow!

Oh, did I mention the gelato I tried today? Coconut and Tiramisu. (two separate scoops)