Travel NOTEBOOK

The Delhi-based designer was enamoured by Florence’s rich culture and legacy

Walking to every place is a must. The city is a living museum and nearly everything one does has cultural and historical value.

Haute destination Florence is history and culture alive. It’s a real treat that places like this exist, and the smallest thing you do is somehow connected to centuries of traditions that are still alive, evolving and living through new generations of culturally aware people, designers, architects, and artisans.

Precious shopping There are a host of artisans with centuries-old heritage techniques who make coin purses, wallets, and boxes, by stretching and fixing leather on ancient stencils to mould them into practical little pieces.

Things to do Surround yourself with local people and things as much as possible. That’s what makes travelling a culture hop.

Favourite stay I opted for a furnished apartment on Via del Tornabuoni, where all the elegant shops are. The place buzzes during the day and is silent and closed in the evening. From my apartment, there was a view of the roofs and domes of the medieval city.