Coming from abroad?

If this is your first time in Pistoia, Florence, or even Tuscany… well, we've got you covered! Below, you'll find a list of our favorite places to eat, drink, visit, and relax!

Pistoia

Pistoia not only is the city where I (Ale) was born, but it is also the birth place of Enrico Fermi (1901–1954), winner of the Nobel prize for Physics. Fun fact: you might also know someone else who was born near Pistoia… Leonardo da Vinci! He saw the light in the city of Vinci, not far from here.

Places you should visit in Pistoia:

  • Piazza del Duomo: visit the amazing Basilica of San Zeno and discover the story of the old Saint Jacopo and his famous red cloak

  • Piazza della Sala: enjoy a lunch at La Bottegaia or a typical aperitivo from 6pm onward!

  • Museo Marino Marini

  • Fondazione Pistoia Musei

  • Basilica Madonna dell’Umiltà: do you know that its dome was designed by Brunelleschi?

Restaurants you should not miss in Pistoia

  • La Bottegaia, their tagliatelle al cinghiale are waiting for you

  • Ristorante Rafanelli, are you looking for the traditional Italian Sunday lunch? You’ve just found your restaurant (plus, it’s our favourite!)

  • Villa Zelma, do not miss a lunch or a dinner surrounded by our famous hills

And if you are looking for a perfect Italian breakfast, remember:

  • Bar Valiani, an historical bar in the centre of Pistoia

Montecatini Terme and its surroundings

Have you ever watched the award-winning movie Oci Ciornie? Then you might have spotted Montecatini Terme, a city known for its hot springs.

But we are sure you have heard of Massa e Cozzile, the birth city of our Lollo.

If you are looking for something authentic and out of the traditional tourist spots, we suggest you to spend an hour in Montecatini for a quick merenda at pasticceria Giovannini (their toast sandwiches and cornetti are amazing!) and then visit the surroundings: the Castello di Cozzile or the village of Buggiano Alto will take your breath away.

And if you feel hungry at the end of the afternoon, no worries: Villa Sermolli’s aperitivo is waiting for you!

Firenze la bella

No introductions are needed here. Lorenzo il Magnifico, Michelangelo, Filippo Brunelleschi, Dante Alighieri, Margherita Hack, Oriana Fallaci and Lollo are only some of the famous people who lived here.

We love Firenze and here are our favourite spots:

  • Piazzale Michelangelo and il Giardino delle Rose

  • Giardini di Boboli

  • San Frediano and il quartiere dell’Oltrarno

When it comes to eat…

And to drink…