Paul Lydka, concierge at the Four Seasons Hotel Florence, with some tips on Florence's best kept secrets, finding the perfect memento, romantic dining + more.
When friends are in town I take them for a drink at…Caffe Rivoire, situated in Piazza della Signoria. There is a fantastic terrace on the square overlooking the Palazzo Vecchio.
The restaurant that best shows off Florence is…Pandemonio. This is a family-run restaurant in San Frediano.
For the perfect gift/memento I’d shop at…
Scriptorium. Florence is internationally famous for its leather goods and Scriptorium has produced desk sets, stamps, agendas and bound books for more than 20 years.
Couples wanting a romantic dinner for two should consider…Il Palagio, our own restaurant.
For designer fashion, I steer guests towards…Via Tornabuoni for Gucci, Pucci, Ferragamo and Cavalli. There are several great local boutiques on Borgo degli Albizi.
Florence’s best-kept secret is…Palazzo Vecchio and its Salone del Cinquecento with its frescoes, paintings and statues.
If I were a visitor with a free day I would… Visit either the Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David or the Uffizi gallery, then the Ponte Vecchio Bridge and Piazzale Michelangelo.
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Qantas The Australian Way October 2009