Europe Travel Diary: Florence

Our Europe Travel Diary is an informal rundown of our day-to-day activities while backpacking Europe, starting with Madrid. This diary entry is based on our two nights in Florence. If you are after recommendations for Florence instead, we have a Florence Travel Guide coming soon!

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Day 17: Genoa to Florence

_20/10/2021

We managed to get to Florence in one piece after a much quicker journey from Genoa than we expected. Our Hostel was only a 15-minute walk from the train station so we set off with our backpacks through the streets of Florence. Once we eventually arrived it was too early to check-in so we dumped our bags and headed out in search of food.

Thankfully, just around the corner from our hostel was a large indoor market, with a produce market downstairs and a food court above. The food court almost had too much choice so we both couldn’t settle on one vendor and had to get different options – one of the main perks of going to markets! I settled for an Italian sausage meal with wedges and Alex went to a different stall to get a burrata and sun-dried tomatoes burger. Whilst the food was really enjoyable, we felt it was very overpriced for what it was so we’re not sure if we’d recommend it.

We then headed back to the hostel to check-in. Unfortunately, they allocated us a room at the furthest possible distance away from the lift on the 3rd floor. Once we got it and found our beds, we both agreed that the room was pretty decent. Again due to COVID, only 4/6 beds were available so Alex and I both took the bottom beds. You can tell we were backpacking because a sign of a good hostel is when they give you proper towels to use (free of charge) – luxury.

Having spruced ourselves up so we didn’t look half dead, we ventured out for a mandatory wander around the city. This was perfect timing we were able to see the city in all its glory under the setting sun. It really was beautiful (as the pictures will hopefully show). One of the highlights was the Arno river running through Florence and the beautifully wallpapered buildings lining its banks. Moreover, situated behind the many leather markets, we found a boar with a golden snout which, I thought, would give you good luck. Turns out if you rub the snout it is meant to mean you will return to Florence; basically the same thing!

Once we had walked around the majority of Florence’s city centre, we realised we were pretty hungry. This is where my research came into its own. Having researched Florence extensively, we walked over to a fully gluten-free restaurant where everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, could be done gluten-free. Given the amount of pizza we had consumed in Genoa, we decided to try some gluten-free pasta. The restaurant we went to had by far the best lasagne I’d ever had and I recommend this restaurant and this dish specifically to anyone who goes to Florence! Alex also thinks this is hands down the best lasagne ever even if it is gluten-free! We also finished our meal by sharing a gluten-free cheesecake which was also AMAZING!

We then went back home to relax in the late evening. By this time, two of our roommates had already checked. Unfortunately, this meant that Leah had a bad night’s sleep as one of their alarms kept going off and the other decided to fiddle with his locker at 3 am; not what you want after a long day travelling.

Are you interested in how we navigated Europe? Check out our guide on How to Travel around Europe on a Budget.

Day 18: Florence

_21/10/2021

Today started like most days, with a coffee. We then walked into the city centre for some more aimless wandering and to take in the sights.

One of our main aims in each place/city we visit is to buy a sewing patch. We thought this, along with the thousands of photos, would be a great souvenir from our travels. When we’ve (eventually finished) we plan on sewing them onto a blanket and keeping it as a giant memento. Thankfully on our wander, we found a patch to add to our collection.

We noticed the previous day that across the river and up on the hill was a vantage point. Alex obviously thought it would be a great idea to trek to, much to my annoyance. He finally managed to convince me it was a great idea to hike across to the other side of Florence and up the ridiculously steep steps. Despite the effort getting there, it is safe to say the view was definitely worth it!

Tiredness was again creeping up on us so we decided to head in the direction of the hostel albeit with a significant detour. We decided to stop off at the Magnum Factory where we could design our own Magnum ice cream. It definitely disappoint and I’m glad we remembered to visit. Apparently, before COVID you could make your own but we had to settle for the guy making them instead. We both had a vanilla base with white choc. I went with walnuts, hazelnuts and chocolate rice crispies. Alex went with marshmallows, rice crispy’s and smarties…of course.

Once back at the hostel, I fell straight asleep whilst Alex made use of his Kindle. Having awoken from my very long Siesta, we freshened up and went to another GF restaurant opposite the one we went to yesterday. As we both had pasta yesterday, we both decided to get the Diavola pizza; traditionally topped with mozzarella cheese, spicy salami and hot chilli peppers. We both agreed that this was easily the best pizza we had ever had and that we will definitely be those people that complain about the quality of pizza when we are back in England! We also both enjoyed our Aperol Spritzs’; fun fact, we can’t actually drink these anymore but you’ll have to wait for the Rome diaries to know why!

It was then back home to the hostel to pack for the following morning. Unfortunately we accidentally only booked two nights in Florence; this is one of our biggest regrets from travelling Europe. Not that I’m still bitter, but it was completely Alex’s fault!

Day 19: Florence to Rome

_22/10/2021

We arose early for an early leave. Despite the overcast conditions and significant puddles on the floor, we walked 15 minutes to the train station where we got (another) rubbish coffee before jumping on the train on our way to Roma. Despite me insisting at least 3 times that Alex should go into McDonald’s Cafe for some food, he declined each time. Safe to say he’d go on to regret this as he got hungry fairly quickly. What a shock. The lesson of the day, always listen to me!

Florence Summary

Really enjoyed the gluten-free pasta and pizza, probably the best I (Leah) have ever had. Also enjoyed touching the pig’s nose. However, Alex didn’t book it for long enough which I will forever be upset about.
Beautiful city, great vibe, easy to walk and get around. The hostel was pretty decent (apart from a guy waking us up in the middle of the night). The food was obviously amazing. Definitely should’ve stayed here longer.