Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/914278
38 maltatoday SUNDAY 10 DECEMBER 2017 Travel THE NATIVE Travelling is always risky business – getting stuck in a touristy area with terrible meals. The same can be said of sightseeing, hotels and nightspots. Travelling to a place where you know people to recommend the right places makes your stay all the more enjoyable. Bekki Gaffiero, 23, was born in Malta, and has been living in Florence for the past three months. If you're visiting Florence, these are the places she recommends to hang out like a native. NEED TO KNOW Best time to visit The most popular time to visit Florence is in the summer months. The most comfortable of those would be May, June and September with July and August being pretty hot. Having said that there is no bad time to visit the city with plenty to do even in the winter. Currency As part of the Eurozone you can expect to use euros in Florence. Visas European citizens do not need a visa to visit Florence or anywhere else in Italy. BEST PLACE TO EAT In Italy, when it comes to food it's hard to go wrong. However, just like anywhere else, there are always those special places that really knock your socks off. All' Antico Vinaio will do just that. These guys serve, in my opinion as well as many others', the best sandwiches in Florence. The queues pour out of the two tiny adjacent restaurants on Via dei' Neri and due to their rapid turnover, freshly baked bread is constantly being brought out. I suggest you get there early to avoid long queues and trust me - you will not want to miss this one. BEST GELATO Possibly the best advice I can give you when visiting Florence is - always leave space for dessert. If not you run the risk of missing out on some incredible flavours. It just so happens that a couple of doors down from Florence's best place to eat, you will find Florence's best gelateria. Gelateria dei Neri is a small family-run shop producing their own gelato, granita and semi-freddo. Opt for two scoops and be sure to try their salted cara- mel as well as ricotta - pistachio cremino ice-cream. Though I warn you – any ice-cream after this one will be disappointing to say the least. FIRENZE Bekki Gaffiero, 23, was born in Malta, and has been living in Florence for the past three months It is well worth braving the queues outside All'Antico Vinaio to get your hands on Florence's best sandwiches Whatever happens always leave room for dessert. The best ice cream in Florence can be found at Gelateria dei Neri