My favorite serene spots in Florence with helpful tips for you

Solo birthday trips

Rainy April day in Florence, Italy:photo taken by my friend that lives in Florence.

The gutsiest move I've ever made was going on a solo trip on my 31st birthday. The reward and lessons have been immense!

I’m a gullible person but let me tell you that the lesson I found most valuable through traveling alone is self awareness. When you travel alone you become a bonafide problem solver. Perhaps its being removed from what ’s familiar and normal, but I convey a forceful aka I’m sweet, but don’t mess with me personality.

When I was in Napoli this spring I was heading to my Airbnb gardening class and I got completely lost. I started wondering the streets aimlessly, climbing up many stairs, and stumbling on too many cobblestones. The next minute I found myself Knocking on a door where an old man opened up. With my very limited Italian and creative hand signals I persuaded him to let me in and use his phone.

Being able to relate to someone that is totally different then you brings an amazing feeling. I guess in my case being charming while you are forcing and entering will do too. Honestly though, I think traveling solo makes you a a personable human being and who wouldn't want that, right?

Birthday getaways:

New friends on my first solo trip in Jaco, Costa Rica

These days birthday solo trips have become an annual tradition. Taking these trips has been a time for me to switch off the noise of my daily life, stay in the present moment, recharge, and reflect on things I usually don’t have the time too.

I admit having someone to travel with is fun, but solo travel has its perks in more ways than one. First of all, it teaches you a lot about yourself as you discover new things.  Then it forces you to meet new people that you might usually miss the opportunity to do so unless you’re alone.

Lastly, it allows you to move at your own pace without having to catch up with anyone else or drag someone up to your speed. If a solo trip is on your to-do list look no further than Florence; a peaceful town where beauty collides on every cobblestoned street.
 

Off the beaten paths in Florence:

As you can imagine Florence is a touristy city, so I quickly learned how to avoid the tourist traps. Spring is the time where most of the Scandinavians who are tired of winter come to thaw and eat gelato. So my primary plan was to enjoy Florence 100%  by avoiding all the tourists and dodging the overwhelming crowds. 

I went for a walk and discovered neighborhoods that made this city even more elegant when I started exploring and getting ideas down on where to start. The first night I decided to get together with my missionary friend and we caught up on our latest life events. I appreciated that moment because it enabled me to reconnect with an old friend and pick up where we left off.

Solo trips are fun and safe

People often ask me if I feel disconnected or have a tough time making friends during those trips, but I can honestly say I don't! It has actually helped me reconnect with long lost friends and make new ones in places I couldn't have imagined.

Statue of David at the Galleria dell'Accademia

The next day I decide to wake up early to explore the city and be the first one to stand in line to see the “Statue of David” at the Galleria dell'Accademia. After paying 15 euros to entrance ticketI basically had the entire museum to myself and was able to take lots of pictures of the statue without any photobombs in my way.

I mostly stood, gazing unobstructed in awe of the marvelous David's statue. I tried to imagine what Michelangelo was thinking when he decided to work on a block of marble that had been abandoned by other sculptors. It was so fascinating to think he once stood in front of this marble chipping away all the unnecessary portions.

While observing the realism of this detailed work you can’t help but be amazed at how human-like the marble statue was. Alas, the museum was getting crowded so It was time for my next adventure. 

Table for one at 4LEONI

Fiocchetti di pera in salsa di taleggio e asparagi a pear flavored ravioli with a cream base and asparagus

After a delicious lunch at the Trattoria Quattro Leoni, a meal that left my taste buds singing harmoniously I took a long scenic route and walked towards the Piazza Michelangelo to watch the sunset. 

The two unique things about Florence are the breathtaking sceneries and the delicious pastas. The calories you burn by walking uphill surely correlates with the feeling you’re about to experience.It’s almost like the hills were God’s way of saying to the Italians “you may eat all the carbs its ok”.

So when I made it to a top of an endless staircase to get to Michelangelo hill it was worth the sweat I broke to get there. I forgot to do this, but I advise that you bring a bottle of wine and some cheese (or a baguette) to have while you’re watching the sunset. .
 

Piazzale Michelangelo (Michelangelo Square) square with a panoramic view of Florence, Italy.

Rainy solo walks & reflecting on my life: 

The last day was the best part of my trip, even though it turned out to be a rainy morning. I really don't like the rain especially if I am unprepared for it. Usually, I would’ve avoided it, but I decided to stick with my plan to go to Giardino di Boboli. Again going on a rainy day was a  great way to avoid huge crowds and enjoy the serene garden.

After paying 10 euros for my ticket to enter the garden, I practically had the entire garden for myself. As I walked in the rain it brought a sense of peace and serenity. Yet again I was grateful for these experiences.  I often say "I wonder what I did to deserve this opportunity?” I have no answer to that question except to accept the beauty and blessings and to embrace what comes my way. I feel lucky that I'm beginning the year feeling refreshed and ready for whatever comes way.

Inside the garden of Giardino di Boboli

Would you go to Florence?

I hope that you will visit Florence one day or visit again. I've made a google map with the bold highlights and other favorite places I enjoyed. Remember no story or photo can begin to describe the most beautiful places in this world until you see it with your own eyes. Go somewhere and witness the beauty yourself.

Seeing something on a picture or hearing about it doesn't come anywhere close to experiencing it with your own eyes, smelling the aroma with your own nose, tasting the food with your own tongue, touching the old buildings with your own hands.

Have you been on a solo trip? What are some of your reservations?

Would love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment below.

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