Top things to do in Florence, Italy and Nice, France?

Paola Francisca
I love Florence! A great city to walk, all major attractions are within walking distance. Tons of shopping, fantastic gelato, and dining. The Duomo is stunning right in the middle of Florence, reserve tickets to go climb the Duomo. Then walk over to the Uffizi Gallery- greatest collection of Italian paintings! Reserve in advance for tickets! Accademia - Michelangelo 'David , also reserve tickets in advance. Also I recommend take a wine tour in the Tuscany area! In France , Nice we mostly walked along the beautiful coast line Promenade de Anglais ! Beautiful walk and enjoy 4km of sea or bike! The city is beautiful with markets.

So instead of naming all the main highlights here (which any guide book can tell you) I'll give you a few hidden gems:
- go to the top of Rinascente (it's like the bay on Piazza Republica) they have a cafe / bar at the top that has great cocktails and a killer view.
- spend some time wandering around olta - Arno or the Santo Spirito neighborhood (other side of the Arno from the main tourist areas). This is a young, hip neighborhood filled with cool locals. Great shops, cafes and restaurants. If you're a foodie head to a restaurant called Il Santo Bevitore. It's simply amazing.
- hadn't opened yet when we were there in April but by now at the top floor of the San Lorenzo food market there's supposed to be a killer food court made of all local restaurants and is supposed to be amazing.
- go inside the baptistery of the duomo and the duomo museum, both are well worth it.
- if you're not that much into art go into Santa Maria Novella anyway and spend a little time in the cloisters. Same goes for San Lorenzo.
- if you are into art PM me and I can give you some seriously good tips. Also, buy the Firenze card, so worth the money
- finally, for a stellar meal, head to Tratorria Gozzi in San Lorenzo square. Hole in the wall, super local, absolutely delicious!

Affizi gallery if you appreciate art, walk around the old tourist area, perhaps take a tour with professional guide...it's worth it..it's really hot there already, just was there three weeks ago...

Just walking along the Promenade des Anglais in Nce is great, all day long but especially evenings. The Old Town has great shops, markets and restaurants and bars.

Head to the hill that overlooks the whole city. There are typically food vendors there in the evening and you can watch the sun set. Incredible view!

I have a few blog posts on the area from when we were there if you are interested? Piazza Michaelangelo is also a must for the views!

Are you a wine person? What kind of things do you like to do when seeing new cities?