Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Therefore, TT_ invites locals and creatives to share their most cherished places at their favorite destinations. Today: a FLORENCE city guide through the lens of GILI BIEGUN, FOUNDER OF JOYS MAGAZINE. Cover photo by Szymon Brzoska
Gili Biegun’s presence is immediately noticeable when she enters a room. Her bright energy, put-together outfits, and radiant smile make it impossible not to look at her. The fashion photographer and Editor-in-Chief of JOYS magazine grew up in Israel and has been living in Florence, Italy, since 2010.
Since then, she’s seen every bar, museum, restaurant, and coffee spot Florence has to offer. Nightclubbing isn’t her cup of tea since content creation and working for JOYS keep her occupied from dusk till dawn. JOYS is a biannual independent fashion and culture magazine featuring original stories from a unique point of view. The online edition is a constantly updated platform that explores the intersection of fashion, culture, and lifestyle. “My favorite part is the creative process—curating content that resonates with our audience and brings joy to the readers,” Gili says, smiling.
Also, read: THE BEST LUXURY HOTELS IN BERLIN, GERMANY
FLORENCE THROUGH THE LENS OF GILI BIEGUN
“The first time I set foot in Florence was a captivating experience—a city of history, art, and timeless beauty. I was 15 years old and came to explore Renaissance masterpieces with my art class, and since then, I have been obsessed with it ever since.” In 2010, she had the opportunity to move to Florence, and she “hasn’t looked back.” At first, she moved to Italy to study Architecture and Structural Engineering at the University of Florence. She stayed for the slow-paced Dolce Vita lifestyle. “It is the most beautiful city in the world. My fascination with architecture, art, and photography convinced me it’s the place to stay and explore. I occasionally discover new things about Florence, so I cannot imagine leaving any time soon.”
“THE FIRST TIME I SET FOOT IN FLORENCE WAS A CAPTIVATING EXPERIENCE—A CITY OF HISTORY, ART, AND TIMELESS BEAUTY.”
Gili Biegun
And then there’s the city’s energy. A vibrant place like Florence feels like an international village, Gili explains. “It’s small, cozy, relaxed, yet vibrating with a young, multilingual crowd. Many foreigners that live here call themselves citizens of the world. It describes my energy in Florence as well.”
FLORENCE CITY GUIDE
Florence is a city to make memories of, and Gili knows from her experience. Her favorite memory? “Making out on the Ponte Vecchio at sunrise with a stranger who is now my husband. I was very drunk; it was almost 12 years ago. But somehow, I remember that moment very clearly.”
FLORENCE’S BEST NEIGHBOURHOODS TO GO STRUTTING
“San Niccolò, of course. It’s a central quarter within the old city walls, yet still very traditional and beautiful. Also, I live there.”
WHERE DOES THE FASHION CROWD GO FOR A DRINK?
“Locale – undoubtedly, it’s the most fashionable restaurant and bar by chef Simone Caponnetto. It’s located in the old city center on a quiet street and looks like a straightforward place from the outside, but once you step in, there’s a full world to discover.”
BEST RESTAURANTS IN FLORENCE
“The high-end Michelin-starred restaurant I love is Il Palagio at the Four Seasons by chef Paolo Lavezzini. It’s one of the world’s most elegant and delicious dining experiences, not only in Florence. Second, Il Gusto di Xinge by the incredible Xin Ge Liu is one to try. It is the city’s best Chinese restaurant and one of my top three. Xin Ge Liu came to Florence to study fashion at the famous Polimoda fashion school, and she translates her love for fashion into every dish she makes. At last, on the less touristy side of the river, I always recommend trying Atelier de’ Nerli by Daniele Cavalli, an artist, designer, and chef Gianluca Camilotto. It’s a gorgeous art gallery and restaurant—I would say it’s the place to be.”
FLORENCE’S BEST COFFEE BARS
“Ditta Artigianale is one of the city’s most famous cafe chains. The coffee brand, owned by Francesco Sanapo, has five different locations in the city, from the very central Via de’ Neri (the most popular location) to Piazza Ferrucci, which is my local cafe and where we photographed one of the main editorials for JOYS volume 13. I would also recommend visiting their cafe school in Piazza Carducci, which has a beautiful interior.”
“Rifrullo in San Niccolò is my main caffeine supplier, but they also make a fantastic Negroni and offer a great lunch. In summer, I’d recommend checking out their garden, and in winter, the fireplace at the back. I often work on my laptop there in the late mornings and early afternoons.”
BEST BARS IN FLORENCE
“At first, Formaggiotecca is a wine and cheese bar near my home in San Niccolò and close to my heart. Probably the bar I go to most often. Second, Rasputin in Santo Spirito is a unique secret underground cocktail bar hidden in a regular apartment building. There is no doorman or hostess. You need to buzz the door, and someone will get you. Third, for a younger, lighter vibe, Colle Bereto in Piazza Strozzi and Santa in Piazza Santa Maria Novella is always fun.”
WHERE TO BRUNCH IN FLORENCE
“Angel Rooftop Bar is one of my favorite spots and must be part of my Florence city guide. It’s located on the roof of Hotel Calimala in the heart of the city center. It is one of the most beautiful restaurants in the city. Their brunch is phenomenal, offering stunning views of the city. Melaleuca is situated on the riverfront near Ponte Alle Grazie, and it’s one of my favorite brunch spots. They make the best cinnamon rolls in Italy. Floret is a hidden, healthy lifestyle restaurant inside the Luisa Via Roma store and must be part of my Florence city guide. It’s my favorite place when I need a break from heavy Italian food and crave a nutrient-rich meal. It is the healthiest and most stylish brunch option in town.”
FLORENCE’S BEST SHOPS
“A Florence city guide isn’t complete without Luisa Via Roma. The original multi-brand physical space in Via Roma 3 is in the city’s heart. It’s my favorite shopping spot globally. Fashion Room is a beautiful, unique fashion books and magazine store near Polimoda’s campuses. It carries a large collection of professional fashion books and magazines worldwide. Looking for a gorgeous gift? Sileno by Sileno Cheloni is my go-to perfume boutique and experience in Via San Niccolò. Giunti Odeon is situated in the city center. This store is in an old cinema that was recently renovated and transformed into a bookstore. Finally, the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is a must-visit in town. This store has been a museum on the same grounds as the ancient pharmacy since 1221.”
PEOPLE WATCHING
“In summer, I always sit in one of the outdoor areas of the restaurants and bars in San Niccolò before sunset. It’s when all tourists pass by on their way to Piazzale Michelangelo—the best view for sunset.”
BEST DESIGNER VINTAGE SHOP
“On the second Sunday of every month, there is a beautiful vintage market in Piazza Santo Spirito. My favorite found there was an original Valentino Tie for 10 euros.”
WHERE DO LOCALS GO?
“Chalet Fontana is a beautiful Italian cafe with a hidden garden my dog loves running in.”
ONE THING NOT TO MISS…
“The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most beautiful Tuscan landmarks I’ve been to, and a trip to Florence won’t be complete without a stroll among the most important masterpieces of the Renaissance.”
