All the guidebooks warn against winter Florence like it's some frozen wasteland. Absolute rubbish. January is when this city finally belongs to actual Florentines instead of cruise ship herds trampling everything with their selfie sticks and terrible restaurant choices.

Museums practically empty - I've had entire Uffizi rooms to myself on Tuesday afternoons. Restaurants give proper service instead of rushing you out for the next tourist wave. You can photograph Ponte Vecchio without elbowing through crowds like some demented rugby scrum. Yes, it's cold and occasionally rainy. Pack a proper coat like an adult.

Hotel prices drop by half, restaurant reservations become possible again, and bartenders actually remember your order after two visits. The light in January is spectacular for photography - soft winter sun cutting through mist over the Arno beats harsh summer glare every time.

Uffizi with six other visitors beats summer sardine can conditions. Every. Single. Time. Stop listening to people who need 25°C sunshine to enjoy art and architecture. Florence in January reveals itself properly instead of hiding behind tourist theater.