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Bart Spoorenberg

General Manager, born in 1967 — in Florence since 2011

Shop ’till you drop

Do you remember being a child and wanting to go to an incredible toy store? La città del sole is THE one, either your kids are infants or teenagers. They have quite the selection, be it telescopes, wood toys, puzzles or books. You will re-discover your long-lost inner child.

— La città del sole Via dello Studio, 23r

Heavenly relax

The Giardino dei Semplici is an antique botanical garden (one of the first in Europe) in the middle of Florence with greenhouses, a fountain, a small lake with ninfeas and plants and trees from all around the world. Take a relaxing stroll and enjoy peace in this hidden corner of Florence.

— Giardino dei Semplici Via Pier Antonio Micheli, 3

Food & Drinks

Simple and traditional with wooden tables and tiles on the walls, Vecchia Bettola is a lively Tuscan restaurant. The fried rabbit and the fried zucchini flowers are always a must. A more elegant space you’ll find at the Osteria del Pavone. Located in a historical Florentine location, they offer excellent service and extremely pleasing recipes (vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options as well). You will have to try the risotto with white onions cream, truffle potatoes and a bit of cocoa powder. Their natural wines list is a work of art.

— Vecchia Bettola Viale Vasco Pratolini, 3/5/7
— Osteria del Pavone Via del Pavone, 1r

Out and about

On hot summer days, take a trip to the Florentine hills. It‘s nice and breezy up there. And be sure to go to the small town of Fiesole and find the viewpoint overlooking Florence. It takes just 15 minutes by bus from San Marco to get to this little town on the saddleback overlooking Florence. A not so well-known walk in the surroundings of Florence, is the walk to Arcetri, behind Piazzale Michelangelo: Arcetri is one of the most important astrophysical sites in Italy, still contributing to international research with ESO and the European Space Agency.

— Fiesole 10km outside of Florence
— Arcetri City district of Florence