raincitygirl

August77, they don't need to be leather. It doesn't matter as long as they are really comfortable if you will be doing lots of walking.

August2015

August77, there are so many options for shopping in Florence! I bought my best pairs of shoes there, near Piazza Santa Croce. I also live in Seattle and went to Italy wearing my ugly Merrell Moab Ventilator with green Superfeet inserts. I had a light NorthFace rain jacket with me and it was sufficient, although definitely not as stylish as what the Italians wear themselves.

I was there in April and it was too hot. I bought several italian-made leather shoes while touring Florence. Italian-made shoes are so rare nowadays in the US. Good luck to you!

I am so envious.

greg

You can compare how much it cost to get Euro from BofA at home vs. from an ATM in Italy. All the info are listed at the BofA web site.

€200 example
Official rate 5/2, 1 EURO = $1.15

1. EURO ordered from BofA (8.4% premium over offical rate)
BA rate: 1 EURO = $1.2092 (BA padded themselves with 5% margin)
Total in $ = EURO * BA rate + $7.50 (normal handling charge)
Total in $ = 200*1.2092 + 7.50 = $249.34

2. EURO from BNL D'Italia ATM (3% premium over official rate)
Total in $ = EURO * Official rate + 3%
Total in $ = 200*1.15*1.03 = $236.90

3. EURO from other Italian ATM (3% plus $5, for €200, 5.2% premium over official rate)
Total in $ = EURO * Official rate + 3% + $5.00
Total in $ = 200*1.15*1.03 + 5.00 = $241.90

august77

yes, Italian shoes are the best. I can imagine there are brands there that can only be found in Italy.

I went to Italy last year in May and it was hot/dry. Sounds like this year is gonna be a bit different.

I agree with getting money from the BNL over there.

Now, I am looking for good seafood restaurants in Flornce...Yum

HappyTrvlr

Florence is in Tuscany and seafood isn't usually on their menus. Although with the size of Florence, you can probably find some.

raincitygirl

I didn't see too much seafood on any menus in Florence. If you want seafood you will have to go out to the Tuscan coast, Livorno or somewhere like that.
Looking at my weather app this whole week is sunny, dry and about 24 degrees Celsius. Florence can get rather humid as it sits in a bowl.
I wouldn't worry too much about the weather.

august77

Yes, keeping my fingers crosse for the weather. I will be there may 11-21.

Any favorite restaurants?

raincitygirl

Here are three places I had very good food in March:

Il Santo Bevitore, via Santo Spirito 64/66r
Make a reservation as it is very popular. Buzzy atmosphere. Food I would say is creative twists on seasonal classics, very delicious.
Just across the river in Oltarno, you could walk from your hotel.

JT Caffe, Piazza Pitti 32/33r Just across from the Pitti Palace
They make great coffee so is a good place to get coffee and a cornetto for breakfast.
They make all their pasta from scratch on site. I had a fantastic lunch there, the three course pasta degustazione, which is three small servings of a different pasta dish, served separately with a small glass of wine paired to the dish. I also had a half portion of the JT salad which was super fresh and delicious.
They have tables outside which is great on a sunny day for people watching.

The owner, Jennifer Tatanelli, also owns the leather/clothing store next door called Casini. Top quality beautiful things, expensive but long lasting. I am still wearing the 2 pairs of ballerina flats I bought there four years ago. Very friendly helpful service.

Third restaurant I liked: Buca Mario, Piazza Ottaviani 16r, this is just steps away from Piazza Santa Maria Novella. Make a reservation, also busy.
Delicious traditional Tuscan food and great service. A very welcoming place. ( I ate here three times and was practically a family member by the time I left. ha ha)

That should get you started. Have fun!

nytraveler

Because if you wear fabric sneakers in the rain all day they will soak up a ton of water and it's likely they will still be wet the next morning and unfit to wear.

italy2012

Fav restaurant in Florence--in the Oltrarno but very walkable--Quattro Leone. Make reservations, ask for outside seating, weather permitting.

cybertraveler

Another vote for Quattro Leone-good food, reasonable prices, friendly and authentic atmosphere. Just a short walk from the Ponte Vecchio, on a quiet little piazza. Have a great trip--we were in Florence for three solid days of rain a couple of summers ago, and it was still a nice trip. Hopefully, the sun will shine while you're there!

august77

these are all awesome! Thank you

I have also been recommended this one"Enoteca Pinchiorri "


I went to make reservations any day btw 11-16th of May and it was full. I have contacted Westin Florence to help me out. I wonder if it is worth it? Or if there is another way to get in.

thanks again

annhig

For a different take on food, try the cafe on the Mercato San Ambrogio near Santa Croce - you have to share a table but if you want to try real florentine specialities like tripe salad [really!] ribolata, and bread salad, this is the place. Wine bottles already on the table - you pay for what you drink [more or less].

raincitygirl

That cafe was part of my recent foodie tour Ann, and was really good. We had lasagne and pappa al pomodoro.

In regards to Enoteca Pinchiorri, it is a Michelin starred restaurant, very expensive and gets mixed reviews. I considered it but was put off by the prices and mixed reviews. The concierge at the Westin may be your best bet. If you can't get in, not to worry, there are many great dining experiences in Florence.

If you have a chance to do a wine tour, consider Castello di Ama, it was fantastic and has a superb restaurant. Apparently their pappa al pomodoro was said to be better than that of Enoteca Pinchiorri...for what it's worth.

august77

Thank you very much so many good restaurants!

annhig

That cafe was part of my recent foodie tour Ann, and was really good. We had lasagne and pappa al pomodoro.>>

I did a "foodie" tour there too, rcg, led by the owner of the nearby pensione I was staying in. She got us to try broad beans and ricotta together [or was it pecorino?] - at any rate it was very good. Later in my stay I picked up some pasta filled with ricotta and pears to bring home - subtle but also very good served with butter and sage.

floridagal2

Can you let us know the name of the cafe on the Mercato San Ambrogio?

raincitygirl

Ann, yes! Raw broad beans with pecorino...who knew? Really tasty.
I will have to try and look up the name of that place, it is a very casual and busy local place. ( and I was so busy enjoying the food I did not pay attention to the name) Or maybe you remember off the top of your head Ann?

raincitygirl

Found it. It is called Trattoria da Rocco. It is all enclosed in glass, you open sliding glass doors to go in. Sort of looks like a diner plunked down in the market.
You can look at it on Trip Advisor.

moosey

nytraveler, can I ask about the tissue-weight raincoat with a hood? Do you recall the brand? It sounds like something I need! I end up wearing my raincoat on the plane because it is too bulky to pack, but then I am also wearing a sweater and scarf - all nice once in-flight but kind of warm when dragging luggage through the airport! And is it water resistant or water proof? I generally prefer water resistant (and breathable).

I run in the rain and end up with soaked running shoes, and I have to say the Nike flyknit dry up very nicely (and I would have to think leather would eventually soak through if it was REALLY raining and take even longer to dry). In any event, as soon as you get to the hotel, take off your shoes, take out the insoles (most athletic shoes have removable insoles) and stuff the shoes with wadded up newspaper. This definitely dries out my shoes between runs, but that is almost 24 hours - hopefully it will work overnight for you.

LLBean makes a cute waterproof loafer that I have been wanting to check out, if you are looking for other options.

Have a great time! I had a fabulous meal at a place called Perseus, but that was 15 years ago (it is still there per TripAdvisor). Delicious food and wonderful service - the entire meal I felt like a guest in someone's home, and the waiters were really attentive and making sure I enjoyed every moment.