The Ultimate Guide to Florence, Italy: The Best Things to Do

After two trips to Florence, it has quickly become one of my favorite cities in Italy to visit. I’m sharing my travel guide to the city, with all of the best things to do in Florence. From iconic landmarks like the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio to hidden artisan shops and beautiful boutique stays, Florence truly has it all.

I think Florence, for me, was a slow burn; I wasn’t totally sold on the city on my first go around. This fall, I spent 8 nights in the city; some said it would be too much, but honestly, I loved my time back in Florence. Florence has so much to offer in terms of architecture, history, culture, and food. And it takes a bit of digging to find the right spots.

As the Cradle of the Renaissance, Florence’s charm and allure are practically on every corner, ceiling, and wall you pass by. It feels like one big living painting, and the best way to soak it all in is truly by going for a walk through the historic streets. And what I love most about Florence is that it is mostly concentrated in a 30-40 minute walking radius, so you’re never too far from the next thing to do.

I spent hours researching all of the best restaurants, things to do, and where to stay in Florence for our second trip there. Vetting through countless shops and places to eat, I’ve narrowed down everything into this guide for Florence.

So if you’re beginning to plan your trip, give this a read. It has several gems from the classic sights to ones you may not have thought of doing for your time in Florence.

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels and Things to Do in Florence:

Hotels

1. Plaza Hotel Lucchesi ($$$), for the best riverfront stay near Santa Croce
2. Hotel Number Nine ($$ / Where I Stayed), for the best boutique wellness hotel in Centro Storico
3. AdAstra Suites ($$), for the best local stay in the artisan Oltrarno neighborhood

Airbnbs

1. 1 Bedroom Apartment in Santo Spirito (Where I Stayed), a cozy ground-floor apartment with a small outdoor space, steps from Piazza Santo Spirito
2. Casa Cosi — Sant’Ambrogio (Where I’ve Stayed), for a bright, renovated apartment across from the Sant’Ambrogio market in one of Florence’s most local neighborhoods
3. 1 Bedroom Chic Apartment Facing Palazzo Pitti, for an apartment directly facing Palazzo Pitti, with beautiful attention to detail
4. 2 Bedroom Luxury Apartment with Duomo View, for a spacious, modern apartment with Duomo views from both bedrooms
5. 2 Bedroom Penthouse Duomo View, for a design-filled penthouse with a rooftop terrace overlooking the cathedral

Things to Do

1. Accademia Gallery Tour (Home of Michelangelo’s David)
2. Sunset Food & Wine Tour (What I Did)
3. Pasta Cooking Class
4. Duomo Express Tour with Dome Climb
5. Tuscany Day Trip to Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa and Lunch at a Winery

Travel Tips

1. Rent a Car — The best way to explore Tuscany is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in Tuscany is quite easy. Book your car with Discover Cars here.
2. Get Cell Data Before You Arrive — We use Holafly unlimited data eSIMs for all international travel and recommend installing yours before you land. Maps, directions, and translations all work the moment you arrive. Pre-Purchase your Holafly eSIM here.
3. Book an Airport Transfer in Advance — For a smooth arrival, I recommend booking your airport transfer ahead of time with Welcome Pickups. They meet you at arrivals and handle the ride into the city so you can skip the taxi line.

Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip

Don’t miss my in-depth guide to where to stay in Florence, which covers the best neighborhoods to base yourself with curated hotels and apartments by vibe, budget, and travel style. For exactly how to plan your time, my Florence itinerary offers a curated day-by-day guide to make the most of your stay. Lastly, see my Oltrarno neighborhood guide and my guide to Florence with young kids, which covers the best things to do and tips!

If you’re planning on visiting Tuscany, start with my Tuscany itinerary for a practical, day-by-day plan, then dive deeper with my guide on the best towns to base yourself in Tuscany, my regional guide to Val d’Orcia, and my guides to San Gimignano, Siena, Pienza, Montepulciano, and Montalcino! For more on where to go in Italy, start with my list of the best cities in Italy and 10-day Italy itinerary.

The Ultimate Guide to Florence, Italy

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A Quick Look at Florence’s History

Florence’s history is a study in transformation from a modest Roman settlement founded in 59 BCE to the epicenter of Europe’s cultural rebirth. During the Middle Ages, the city’s strategic position along trade routes fueled its prosperity, but it was the rise of the Medici family in the 15th century that defined it. Under their patronage, Florence became the heart of the Renaissance, where art, architecture, finance, and philosophy converged. Figures like Brunelleschi, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo reshaped the intellectual and aesthetic landscape of Europe, while Florence’s banking innovations helped fund empires and cemented its influence far beyond Italy’s borders.

The city’s fortunes shifted in the centuries that followed through political upheavals, the Medici decline, and incorporation into a unified Italy. But despite the constant change, its legacy endured. Today, its architectural skyline is dominated by Brunelleschi’s dome, and the medieval Palazzo Vecchio stands as both monument and mirror. A testament to the city’s ability to evolve while remaining rooted in its remarkable past.

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Florence Planning Tips Before You Arrive

Best Time to Visit Florence

Timing is a big factor to consider for Florence if you’re concerned about crowds. While traditionally the peak season was June through August, it now stretches from mid-April through to the end of October. Truthfully, it is almost always busy in Florence, but the later into October or the earlier into spring, like March (excluding Easter week), the fewer the crowds will be.

In terms of weather, you have all four seasons in Florence. Summer is typically hot and humid, while the fall and spring seasons offer milder, more pleasant weather for visiting. Winter can be lovely, just bring a jacket or two.

How Much Time is Needed for Florence

For Florence, the city itself, I think three full days is adequate time to do all of the museums, enjoy the neighborhoods, and dine out. It would give you a well-paced itinerary that leaves time to shop and enjoy the atmosphere.

Travel Tip: See my Florence itinerary for exactly how I’d plan a visit.

Getting to Florence

By Plane

Florence is easy to reach by air, by flying into Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR), which is about 15 minutes from the city center by taxi or tram. The other hack is that if you’re not able to get a good flight into FLR, you could fly into Pisa International Airport and hire a taxi transfer or take the hour-long train (on our most recent trip, we flew into Pisa from Sardinia and used a private transfer).

Travel Tip: For easy, reliable private transfers, we always book with Welcome Pickups. It’s a seamless way to arrange a private driver in advance for airport rides, day trips, or hotel-to-hotel transfers across Europe.

By Train

Florence’s main train station, Santa Maria Novella, is a major hub with frequent high-speed trains from Rome, Milan, Venice, and other Italian cities.

By Car

You can easily drive to Florence, but know that the city center is mostly ZTL, a restricted area for residents only. If you cross into the ZTL, you will receive a fine by mail about 3-36 months after the fact (I’ve done it, not worth it!). So plan accordingly if you do come by car. My ideal itinerary is to start or end in Florence, picking up or dropping off your rental car at Florence Train Station to avoid the car in the city.

Rental Car Tip: We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.

Getting Around Florence

Walking is the easiest way to get around Florence. Your longest lengths of walking will always be a maximum of 30-40 minutes if you’re fully traversing the city. There are also Lime scooters if you want something faster. If you need to travel farther, Florence has a reliable public transportation system operated by ATAF, which includes buses and trams connecting the city center with surrounding neighborhoods.

Ubers and taxis can be very challenging to get. Uber virtually doesn’t work unless you’re booking a private black car transfer, which is very expensive (ours from Oltrarno to the train station was 80 euros). If you need a taxi, it’s best to have your hotel or accommodation call one, or use appTaxi (a phone app) to request. I will say, the three times we tried to call a taxi, it was very tedious, and two of the times we couldn’t get one.

Cash and Credit Cards in Florence

Most vendors accept credit cards in Florence; however, there are some smaller shops and street vendors who may request cash only. I recommend having some cash on you at all times.

Get a Prepaid SIM Card and Download Google Maps Offline

I tried out two different data plans in Florence: our Verizon international plan and the Holafly eSIM. The Holafly eSIM worked significantly better and was more reliable. I highly recommend getting one for your time. Another helpful tip for Florence is to have your Google Maps saved offline. For more on my experience with Holafly, read my review on why Holafly is the best eSIM for Europe.

Other Helpful Tips

• Book major attractions in advance — Florence is one of Italy’s most visited cities, and sites like the Uffizi Gallery, Accademia (home of Michelangelo’s David), and the Duomo often have long lines.
• Dress appropriately for churches — Shoulders and knees should be covered when entering religious sites, including the Duomo and Santa Croce.
• Protect your belongings — Like in any busy tourist destination, keep an eye on your bag, especially in crowded areas and public transport.
• Book restaurants in advance – All of the popular restaurants book far in advance. I’d get these scheduled in as soon as you know your dates.

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Where to Stay in Florence

Editor’s Note: I spent countless hours researching where to stay in Florence for our second trip. I came to a clear conclusion that the three best places to stay in Florence are the Centro Storico, Santa Croce, and the Oltrarno neighborhood. My preference? The Santa Croce neighborhood for a local feel and a longer stay, Centro Storico for the main sights, and Oltrarno for an artisan neighborhood.

Travel Tip: Read my guide on where to stay in Florence for an in-depth breakdown of the different areas of Florence and my recommendations for where to base yourself!

Best Hotels Near Santa Croce

1. Plaza Hotel Lucchesi ($$$ / My Top Choice)
2. La Maison du Sage ($$)
3. Residenza La Musa Amarcord ($$)

Best Apartment Rentals Near Santa Croce

1. Casa Cosi — Sant’Ambrogio (Where I’ve Stayed), for a bright, renovated apartment across from the Sant’Ambrogio market in one of Florence’s most local neighborhoods
2. Pietrapiana 34 Boutique Apartments, for a great collection of 12 apartments in varying sizes

Best Hotels Near Centro Storico

1. Hotel Number Nine ($$ / My Top Choice)
2. The Artists’ Palace Florence ($$)
3. Casa G. Firenze ($$)

Best Apartment Rentals Near Centro Storico

1. 2 Bedroom Luxury Apartment with Duomo View, for a spacious, modern apartment with Duomo views from both bedrooms
2. 2 Bedroom Penthouse Duomo View, for a design-filled penthouse with a rooftop terrace overlooking the cathedral

Best Hotels Near Oltrarno

1. Hotel Palazzo Guadagni ($$ / My Top Choice)
2. AdAstra Suites ($$)
3. SoprArno Suites ($$)

Best Apartment Rentals Near Oltrarno

1. 1 Bedroom Apartment in Santo Spirito (Where I Stayed), a cozy ground-floor apartment with a small outdoor space, steps from Piazza Santo Spirito
2. 1 Bedroom Chic Apartment Facing Palazzo Pitti, for an apartment directly facing Palazzo Pitti, with beautiful attention to detail
   

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The Best Things to Do in Florence, Italy

Explore the Centro Storico on Foot

One of the best ways to experience Florence is just to go for a walk through Centro Storico, the historic city center. I’d recommend an early start sans the crowds. Make your way around the Piazza del Duomo, stop into the Medici Chapels (book in advance), and continue to the grand squares that define the heart of the city.

Make your way to Piazza della Signoria, the political and historical heart of Florence, and home to the Palazzo Vecchio. This is also where the original David by Michelangelo stood from 1504 to 1873, a symbol of Florentine freedom, and now a copy is there (find the original in the Accademia).

From there, continue to Piazza della Repubblica, one of the most elegant squares in the city, lined with cafes and restaurants. The Piazza della Repubblica marks the exact center of ancient Florentia, the Roman city founded around the 1st century BCE. The centerpiece of the new square is the Arcone, a grand triumphal arch built in 1895 to celebrate Florence’s rebirth.

After that, continue onto the Ponte Vecchio, spanning the River Arno with its distinctive rows of shops; it’s not only the oldest bridge in Florence but also one of the most famous bridges in the world. Built in 1345, it’s a wonderful spot to end a walk and soak in the skyline of Florence.

Visit the Duomo Complex and Climb Brunelleschi’s Dome (Cupola del Brunelleschi)

You may feel overwhelmed when it comes to visiting the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the Duomo di Firenze. The truth is, it is overwhelming because the Duomo is actually a complex of 5 components: Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo itself), Brunelleschi’s Dome (Cupola del Brunelleschi), Giotto’s Bell Tower (Campanile), Baptistery of San Giovanni, and Opera del Duomo Museum (Museo dell’Opera del Duomo).

There are a few ways to go about it, but after visiting it twice, my top recommendation is to do three things: 1) Climb Brunelleschi’s Dome, 2) Visit the Cathedral itself, and 3) and do the Opera del Duomo Museum.

Travel Tip: This Skip-the-Line Duomo Tour with Guide and Brunelleschi Dome Climb is a great way to see the Duomo and Dome.

The best way to do all three is to get the Brunelleschi Pass (book far in advance for your slot; it sells out months in advance), which is a 3-day pass to the Florence Duomo Complex and includes a reserved time slot to climb the dome. The climb is a steep 463 steps, but it is worth every sweat for the panoramic views and up close look inside the dome. (Note: if you’re afraid of heights or claustrophobic, this is NOT for you.) Make sure to wear appropriate clothing when entering a cathedral.

After you do this, you can use your pass to visit the other spots in the complex. I would not go out of my way to climb the bell tower, as the view is virtually the same as the dome. The museum itself is worth it as it explains the history and significance of the UNESCO cathedral and its construction.

Travel Tip: Book this after-hours VIP tour to have private access to the terraces of the Duomo

Sunset Food Tour Through Oltrarno

One of my favorite tours I took in Florence was this sunset food tour through Oltrarno. Our knowledgeable local guide took us through the neighborhood to about 5 locations. We started with drinks, light bites, wine, and tried the pecorino cheese and the famous gnudi from a trattoria. Some other highlights included visiting a wine window and ending with artisanal gelato. For me, a food tour is such a great introduction to the city’s culture through food. It’s concise, takes about 3 hours, and includes enough food and drink for a full dinner. Book the food tour here.

Take Film Photos in a Vintage Photobooth, a Fotoautomatica

As you explore Florence, you’ll see several of these photo booths that take a set of photos on black-and-white film. They make for such a fun souvenir to take home. We did it a few times at their several locations across the city (there are five in total). You’ll need coins to do it, and my recommendation before going to one is to look at recent reviews to see if it is in working order. It takes about 4 minutes for the film to develop, and once you put the coins in, there is about a 3-second delay before it fires off all the frames! Be patient; the photos are very clear.

Where to find the Vintage Photo Booths

• Via dell’Agnolo
• Via del Proconsolo
• Largo Fratelli Alinari
• Via Santa Monaca
• The Student Hotel

Spend a Morning at Palazzo Pitti and Giardino di Boboli (Boboli Gardens)

One of my favorite mornings in the city was spent exploring the grand halls and rooms of the Pitti Palace and then strolling the Boboli Gardens. Set in Oltrarno, the Pitti Palace was a Medici residence in the 15th century and later served as the residence of Napoleon Bonaparte during his rule over Italy.

Today, it houses several incredible rooms to see, like the Royal Apartments of the Medici and Savoy Families, a Museum of Costume and Fashion, a Gallery of Modern Art with 18th–20th century Italian paintings, including works by the Macchiaioli, Italy’s impressionist precursors to the famed Palatine Gallery.

You’ll want a few hours here if you plan to see all that is in the palace itself, and then have time to stroll the gardens. I’d avoid hot hours at the gardens as it is quite exposed. With your Boboli Garden ticket, you also have access to the Bardini Gardens (Giardini Bardini), a five-minute walk away.

Do the Museums

Where to start with Florence’s museums? I find it quite overwhelming, and it’s nearly impossible to visit all of them unless you have several days. So I’m including my favorites, in order of the ones I’d prioritize visiting. I’ve also included the amount of time I’d recommend for a visit, in case you’re looking for something quick or longer.

Museo Nazionale del Bargello (1-2 hours)

One of my favorite gems in town, and often not busy! The Museo Nazionale del Bargello is housed in Florence’s oldest public palace (built in 1255), which later became the city prison. This art museum boasts one of the world’s great collections of Italian Renaissance sculpture and decorative arts: masterpieces by Donatello, Michelangelo Buonarroti, Benvenuto Cellini, the Della Robbia family, and more

Gallerie degli Uffizi (2 to 3 hours)

Originally commissioned in the mid-1500s for offices of the Medici government, the building was later converted into a museum that now presents an unparalleled collection of Western painting from the 13th to 18th centuries, anchored by gems such as The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli. This place gets SO packed, and you have to pre-reserve a time slot to enter. My recommendation is to buy a combined pass that includes entrance to the Uffizi Gallery, Pitti Palace, and Boboli Gardens. Another way to get an advanced reservation is this entry ticket with an optional tour, or this VIP Small Group Tour that skips the line.

Museo Sant’Orsola Firenze (1 hour)

One of my favorite finds was Museo Sant’Orsola Firenze, a contemporary art museum housed in an old convent. There were several exhibit spaces and virtually no crowds here.

Palazzo Gucci (30 minutes to 1 hour)

As a flagship space for the luxury brand Gucci, Palazzo Gucci features a museum-exhibition space that traces the brand’s archive. This was a fun, quick visit, and it was super interesting to see Gucci’s past. The bag room was amazing!

Palazzo Strozzi (1 to 2 hours)

One of the finest civil-Renaissance palaces in Florence (started late 1400s by the Strozzi family), Palazzo Strozzi features characteristic rusticated stonework, a symmetrical plan, and a grand courtyard. It hosts major exhibitions linking historical art with contemporary culture, which rotate, so be sure to check what is on offer!

Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze (1 to 2 hours)

Established in its current museum form in the 19th century, the Accademia Gallery is best known as the home of Michelangelo’s David and the largest concentration of his sculptures, along with other Renaissance and 19th-century works. This one gets very packed, and a timed entrance slot is necessary to enter.

Get Wine at a Historic Wine Window

You’ve probably seen the videos of the ever-so popular wine windows in Florence, and yes, they’re worth doing at least once or twice. I loved learning more about the history of these, dating back to the 1630 bubonic plague; they began as a way to do contactless transactions. Well, they were revived again in 2020, and there is even the Buchette del Vino Cultural Association, which has helped preserve and certify the windows. Some fun locations to try these are:

• Babae (the first wine window to go back into operation)
• Cantina dei Pucci
• La Buchetta Food & Wine 2
• Osteria Belle Donne
• DiVin Boccone

Peruse the Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio

Less polished than the famous Mercato Centrale, Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio is where the locals of Florence actually shop. Mornings are the best time to visit; you’ll have a great feel for what a real food market is like in Tuscany. Stop by for a paper cone of fried seafood or a plate of tripe stew at the market’s beloved trattoria, and you’ll taste a Florence that belongs entirely to the Florentines. My suggestion? Hop on this market food tour to get a local take on the food culture of Florence.

Visit the Basilicas of Florence

Florence is home to several outstanding basilicas, each with their own unique structure and interiors. If I had to choose three to visit, it would be the Basilica di Santo Spirito, the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, and the Basilica di Santa Croce di Firenze.

Basilica di Santo Spirito

Located in the Oltrarno district, Santo Spirito is a masterpiece of early Renaissance architecture designed by Filippo Brunelleschi in the mid-15th century. Its serene, harmonious interior embodies Brunelleschi’s ideals of proportion and light. The church houses important artworks, including a wooden crucifix by the young Michelangelo in the sacristy. Less crowded than other Florentine landmarks, it offers a peaceful glimpse of local life and spirituality.

Basilica of Santa Maria Novella

Built by the Dominicans beginning in 1279 and completed with Leon Battista Alberti’s elegant marble facade, Santa Maria Novella stands near Florence’s main train station and is celebrated for its vast collection of Renaissance art. Highlights include Masaccio’s Holy Trinity and Ghirlandaio’s frescoes in the Tornabuoni Chapel. The adjoining cloisters and chapels form part of a museum complex, making it a rich destination for both architecture and art lovers.

Basilica di Santa Croce di Firenze

Begun in 1295 and attributed to Arnolfo di Cambio, Santa Croce is Florence’s grand Gothic church known as the “Temple of the Glories of Italy.” Its vast interior houses the tombs of luminaries such as Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli, making it both a sacred site and a national pantheon. Despite its somber grandeur, it remains an active Franciscan church and a poignant symbol of Florence’s artistic and intellectual legacy.

Stop into the Historic Perfumery at Officina Profumo – Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella

Whether or not you want to stock up on perfumes or beauty products, one store well worth stopping into just for the simple beauty and history is the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. This historic pharmacy is the oldest still in operation apothecary in the world, dating back to when the friars began cultivating medicinal herbs for products in the 13th century.

Today, it is a high-end perfumery and luxury apothecary, set in the most stunning store attached to the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella. I love their perfumes (great gifts), and just a walk through is lovely. If you’re looking for another historic perfume house to visit, stop by AquaFlor.

Try the Famous Affogato at Vivoli

Is it worth it? Yes, absolutely. I had my fair share of affogato in Florence, and the famous Vivoli ones were just so good. I arrived at 9 am to line up for a very early morning affogato, choosing to get the pistachio one. The gelato is so wonderfully creamy, and paired with a freshly pulled espresso shot, it is amazing. Know the line gets long, but it does move, and the earlier the better.

Shop the Artisans, Antiques, & Boutiques in Oltrarno

If I had to choose one neighborhood to go shopping, it would be Oltrarno. I found about a dozen stores, both from research and by walking around. It really is home to a large concentration of artisanal workshops and vintage stores. So go with an extra bag, because there is a lot to love here. This is my shortlist:

• Lucaworkshop — a splendid antique store, specializing in one-of-a-kind pieces for the home.
• DiVin Boccone — for those wanting wine, come here. They can ship to the US.
• Giuliano Ricchi Jewelry — this is hard to find, but once you do, press the bell on the front door, and follow the path to the back, where the artists are hand-making charms for bracelets and necklaces.
• Grocery Pirgher Marzio — the best grocer on this side of the river, stock up on cheeses that are vacuum sealed and all of the charcuterie.
• Momo Vintage — a great vintage store for clothing, from jackets to dresses.
• Recollection by Albrici — I fell in love with this store, it’s vintage wear from designer bags, silks, to dresses.
• Castorina 1895 — this store specializes in hand-carved wood pieces, in raw and gold finishes. A lot to peruse in here.
• Monica Miato — handmade bags and other textiles in here, this was a good stop to bring home gifts!
• La Casa Della Stampa Di Sarubbi Lorenzo — vintage prints and remakes on antique paper, think botanical to maps here.

Enjoy the Sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo

I don’t think there is a more popular sunset spot in all of Florence than Piazzale Michelangelo. It seemed like every traveler, student, and local was there for sunset when I went. And it’s so worth it because the views are just absolutely fantastic. If you are going to go on foot, give yourself the proper amount of time to climb up the hill, because it is a proper walk.

My recommendation is to arrive 1.5 hours before sunset, as the area gets very crowded (watch your belongings well). Along the way, stop in at the Giardino delle Rose, a wonderful terraced garden known for its roses and equally wonderful views. And make your way up to the final viewpoint at least 45 minutes before sunset over the Arno River.

Stop into Giunti Odeon – Libreria e Cinema

Part bookstore and library, part working cinema, the Odeon Theatre was one of my favorite gems discovered on this trip. Right in the heart of the Centro Storico, you could easily walk by and not know it was there. Stop in to peruse the library and bookstore; they always have a movie playing on the screen, and you can go up to the balcony to sit and relax. If you want to come for a proper movie night, they do ticketed movies at 9 pm.

Shop Leather Goods at Scuola del Cuoio S.r.l.

Leather goods are easily found all over Florence; you have them everywhere, from small shops, the Mercato Centrale, and more. One find that I enjoyed was a stop into Scuola del Cuoio S.r.l., an actual working school for teaching leather craftsmanship. There, you’ll find several artisans selling leather bags, jackets, and accessories. It’s a retail showroom where you can shop finished pieces and even order custom.

When you go to find it, know that it’s tucked far back behind the chapel and entrance, so keep walking and take the stairs up to the second floor. If you want more spots for shopping for leather, just down the street, I really loved Misuri – Florence’s Historic Leather Shop and The Gallery Michelangelo for fine leather goods.

Enjoy the Quiet Space of Orto Botanico Giardino dei Semplici

During our trip to Florence, we spent a quiet and lovely morning in the botanical gardens of the university, Orto Botanico Giardino dei Semplici. It was a quiet spot, with nearly no visitors and very peaceful walks through the gardens. The space is stunning, with a combination of indoor and outdoor gardens. If you’re looking for a zen green area to go, this is it.

Go Vintage Shopping

Florence has some of the best vintage shopping I’ve seen in big European cities, with lots of vintage designer pieces. I went to about a half-dozen stores, seeking out ones that had vintage pieces from Italian design houses, from Gucci to Versace. If you’re looking for vintage clothing, bags, sunglasses, and jackets, you have to check out the vintage scene. These are the ones I loved:

• Street Doing Vintage Couture
• Giratempo Vintage Store Firenze
• Epoca Vintage Firenze
• Momo Vintage
• Recollection by Albrici

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The Best Restaurants in Florence, Italy

Vini e Vecchi Sapori

If I could plan for one meal in the Centro Storico, it’s Vini e Vecchi. This local joint’s daily written menu is everything I love about osteria dining in Florence. Their seasonal pasta dishes, the long-standing classic rose ravioli, and their fried zucchini blossoms were fantastic. Reservations are a must. Call ahead, have your accommodations call, or walk by to try to score a reservation for later in the week.

Dalla Lola

No doubt more popular since the Stanley Tucci TV series, Dalla Lola is the classic neighborhood eats I love about Tuscany. It’s a small spot, with about a dozen tables and a daily-changing menu that includes some longstanding classics like their fried ravioli and miso gnocchi. I went by about an hour before open, and got a table for that lunch that day, though you can make online reservations for dinner.

Trattoria Sostanza

We agreed that the best meal of the trip was at Trattoria Sostanza. The butter chicken served tableside, and the seasonal “omelet” is just far above and beyond fantastic. It’s a hard reservation to get, but worth the effort for this historic trattoria.

Cibrèo Trattoria

A lovely spot near Mercat Sant’Ambrogio, Cibrèo owns a proper half block split between the trattoria, ristorante, and café. Lunch at Cibrèo Trattoria was one of our favorites (book ahead online), for timeless staples like the chicken meatballs and roasted pork.

Il Latini

I think Il Latini is the hardest reservation to make in Florence. I booked 2 months out, and when we arrived, there was a line of about 20 people hoping for a last-minute reservation. Il Latini is the staple spot for a Florentine steak, or Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a famously thick-cut, bone-in porterhouse or T-bone steak from Florence, Italy. I think the meal was good, but would I wait without a reservation? No. If I got a reservation, would I eat here? Yes.

Trattoria Da Ginone 1949

Set in Oltrarno, Trattoria Da Ginone 1949 is a neighborhood classic, really mostly locals here. It’s known for its gnudi they make in the restaurant which are ricotta dumplings that are cooked in butter.

S.forno

S.forno was a favorite for baked goods and pantry staples. Really cozy spot.

Mister Pizza

For all things pizza, Mister Pizza is an easy, no-fuss spot with several locations. They don’t take a reservation, but the tables go fast, so it’s worth the wait. You can also get takeout here.

Loggia Rooftop Bar

Loggia is a lovely rooftop bar with small dishes and good drinks with a view.

Rivoire

For those who have a sweet tooth, definitely stop into Rivoire for their hot chocolate (it is very rich!).

Panini Sandwiches at Ino, Schiacciateria De’ Neri 18r, or Pino’s Sandwiches

The verdict is out on which panini sandwich shop is the best in Florence. You have three very popular ones of Ino, Schiacciateria De’ Neri 18r, or Pino’s sandwiches. I really liked Pino’s; the menu has a variety of combinations, and I went later in the day, so there was no wait.

More from Our List:

• Trattoria Cammillo — WISH we could have gotten a reservation here
• Trattoria Sabatino — WISH I had the time to wait for a table here
• BABAE
• Hostaria da Fulvio
  

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Where to Get Coffee in Florence

When it comes to coffee in Florence, there are several really great local roasters and cafes. The places in this section are truly coffee-only spots, not the affogato and chocolate houses where you can get a variety of drinks; those are in the section above. I’ve listed out my favorites below, alongside an asterisk for my top choices:

• Coffee Mantra *
• Ditta Artigianale * (Several locations, we loved the Sant’Ambrogio location)
• Specialty coffee, Manly The Office *
• Caffè Gilli
• Cibrèo Caffè
• Vintage Cafè
• Cafe at The Hoxton
• Simbiosi Organic Cafe
• PRAE

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Where to Get Gelato in Florence

Yes, we need a whole section on gelato for Florence. We did extensive gelato research in each neighborhood we stayed in, and here’s where to go, with an asterisk for my top choices:

• Gelateria dei Neri * (Santa Croce)
• Sbrino – Gelatificio Contadino * (Oltrarno)
• Perché no!… * (Centro Storico)
• Gelateria Artigianale La Sorbettiera (Santo Spirito and Santa Maria Novella)
• Gelateria Della Passera (Oltrarno)
  

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Where to Take a Day Trip From Florence, Tuscany

There are several regions and towns to explore from Florence, making it a great base for Tuscany. If you don’t want to self-drive or navigate buses, the tours listed below are the easiest and best option to see these areas. All of the group tours are under $200 a person, with most being $50-75 per person.

Siena

One of the best day trips from Florence is to Siena, mainly because there are many buses between the two cities. Siena is a wonderful medieval city with Roman roots that date back to the Etruscan era. Because Siena is a compact city, you can easily see it on a day trip and cover the highlights. When you come to Siena, please make sure to get tickets to see the Duomo and Piccolomini Library inside. You can also climb the Torre del Mangia for panoramic views above the famous Piazza del Campo.

Best Way to Reach

By Itabus in 55 minutes or by Tour

Popular Tours from Florence

• Siena + San Gimignano Small Group Tour with Lunch
• Siena + San Gimignano + Pisa + Winery Lunch (Most Booked Tour!)
  

San Gimignano

San Gimignano is a very popular day trip from Florence, reachable by private transfer, bus, tour, or rental car. It’s a smaller village, but it makes for an excellent half-day trip or a great addition to time in Chianti. In San Gimignano, see things like the Duomo di San Gimignano, climb the Torre Grossa for incredible views of Tuscany, taste wine, and enjoy the historic center.

Best Way to Reach

1.5 Hour Bus (with one change), Rental Car, or by Tour

Rental Car Tip: We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.

Popular Tours from Florence

• Quick Tuscan escape from Florence: San Gimignano & Wine Experience
• Siena + San Gimignano + Monteriggioni Day Trip
• Day Trip with Free Time in San Gimignano and Siena

Chianti Region and Wine tasting

For those looking to dive into Tuscan wine, there is no better region than Chianti. It’s one of the best areas to either book a tour or self-drive. There are dozens of wineries, visit hilltop towns like Greve and Radda, and even do cooking classes. I find that if you want to do several wineries, a tour with a driver is your best option.

Best Way to Reach

Book a Rental Car or by Tour

Rental Car Tip: We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.

Popular Tours from Florence

• Chianti Wine Tour with Pickup
• Chianti Half-Day Wine Tour
• Chianti Wineries Tour with Tuscan Lunch and San Gimignano

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