Giovanni's shop was a highlight of my time in Florence (along with practically everything in this…read morebeautiful city). His knowledge, gracious manner and patience with customers made his shop truly special. Purchased some lovely Tuscan cigars and a Savenelli pipe. Giovanni reminded me to think of him and Florence when I smoked it. Of course I could do nothing different!

On a recent trip to Italy, I stopped in at Castellana looking for another pipe. While l love my new…read morepurchase, the highlight was talking with Giovanni, the owner. He was so helpful and one of the kindest people I have ever met. I hope to visit his shop again someday. He and his shop are an absolute delight!

Awesome little place. Pretty great range of cigar offerings. Very helpful folks working there. Had…read morea hard time finding cigars in the area--this place is GREAT! Thank you for a great experience!

I haven't actively looked for hookas, but if I was ever in the need to buy one I would likely come…read morehere and check theirs out, because I haven't really seen many around the center. They have not just the basics but a pretty decent assortment of cigarettes, cigars and pipes. In fact, when la Castellana is closed for a month of vacation in Ferragosto (the specialized cigar and pipe shop on the back of the duomo), he sends his clients over to this tabacchi! They always have unique gifts/souveniers on display, and altough they are a tad pricey, you gotta give it to these guys cause they are in the center right in front of the duomo!

For cigar smokers... After searching for a good cigar store (and coming up empty) we were pointed…read morein the direction of this store in Piazza della Repubblica. It doesn't look like a typical cigar store from USA however don't let its appearance fool you Very knowledgable, friendly well priced and a wide range of cigars. Centrally located and easy to find. Make it a stop on your visit to Florence.

There is a young man in this shop who is SO lovely. I was traveling through a few months ago, and…read morewanted to send a bunch (30!) postcards back to the US. Our entire transaction was 2 minutes long- 10 seconds to actually take care of the purchase, by card- and the rest was spent making small talk and laughing, in half-English, half-Italian. This morning I went back, as I have more postcards to send. The older man was working, and he did not speak ONE word to me. I asked for stamps in Italian, and he threw them at me. I tried to pay with my card, and he THREW IT BACK IN MY FACE and grunted. There was a line behind me, so he then proceeded to try to help the next person- a man. I then offered him cash for the mass of stamps, which he accepted, but our 30 second interaction included NO speaking on his part. Not a word. I feel so sorry for the younger man who works here (he's probably in his late-40s or early 50s) because he's amazing, and truly made one of my first experiences in Florence so wonderful. But the older man had the power to destroy 3 months' worth of wonderful experiences with the beautiful people of this country with his extraordinarily offputting rudeness!

Glorious, frothy cappuccinos. Fresh, delicious pastries. A no frills delight…read more Authentic little cafe in the south of the city. We basically came here for breakfast every day. Its big glass windows let you enjoy watching people pass by on its quiet surrounding streets. But don't worry, there isn't a tourist in sight. Even in the summer. Your company will usually be a lone Italian grandfather entranced with the day's headlines or a couple of elderly Italian women having a coffee catch-up. Just perfect if you're looking for a place to read the paper in the morning and enjoy a bite. Somehow, the two of us managed to get away with 2 pastries and 2 cappuccinos for like €3. The official menu prices suggest that coming here every day would make a little more of a dent in our vacation budget but maybe they just caught on to the fact that we were basically their main source of morning revenue. Can't wait to go back soon!

Tourists beware! I was ripped off by the woman working here. I bought some sodas and waters…read moretotaling €5.50. I gave the woman a €20 bill, and she gave me change as if I gave her a €10 bill. I know what I gave her, because I only had 2 bills in my wallet. Also, 20s and 10s look very different from each other. When I questioned her, she said "No, it's right." Instead of arguing with a scammer in another country, I walked away. She knew what she was doing... ripping me off!