ARRIVING

You will most likely arrive in Florence by train at the main station, Santa Maria Novella. From here, your easiest and best bet is to head to your hotel or Airbnb via taxi. There are always plenty of taxis out the front of the station, and if you've ever experienced lining up in Italy for something, don't stress; it's rather organized and simple to get one. Don't forget to admire the red and white striped marble flooring inside the station!

 

EAT

Tuscan cuisine is easily our favorite, and it's hard to argue with dishes like the famous 'Bistecca alla Fiorentina' or wild boar pappardelle. Florence has an incredible number of authentic trattorias all over the city. It shouldn't be too hard to find a good one, but here are our favorites. 

 

Buca Mario

Piazza degli Ottaviani, 16r

Set in a 16th-century wine cellar since 1886, Buca Mario has been serving up some of the best Tuscan cuisine. Here you will find one of the city's best examples of the 'Bistecca alla Fiorentina,' a famous Tuscan dish consisting of a thick-cut steak, cooked rare over a wood fire. Wash it down with a bottle of Brunello Di Montalcino

 

Cibreo Trattoria

Via del Verrocchio, 8r

Located in the trendy neighborhood of Sant’Ambrogio, pasta is king here, and we can't go past the Tagliolini Cacio e Burro (tagliolini with pecorino and butter sauce). Top it off with their torta al cioccolato. If you can get a table outside, the atmosphere is great, with the nearby Piazza Sant'Ambrogio providing entertaining people-watching

 

Trattoria Sostanza

Via del Porcellana, 25/R

Sostanza is a tiny, yet cozy trattoria that feels like it hasn't changed for hundreds of years. The menu is also small but features simple, classic dishes like "pollo al burro" or butter chicken, which is cooked in a rich buttery sauce. The staff is incredibly welcoming, and you must make a reservation. You need to call and have a few phrases of Italian ready to go to navigate a booking, which just adds to the authenticity and charm of the experience. 

 

Gelateria La Carraia

Piazza Nazario Sauro, 25/r

Not the best or the most authentic gelateria in Florence, but we love the fact that you can grab a cone and sit on the walls overlooking the river. One of the simplest and most pleasurable experiences we think you can have in the city... Get pistachio

 

Harry's Bar

Via Il Prato, 40

A great place to stop off for a Negroni. If it's a nice evening, head out to the garden by the pool.

DO

There are a lot of classic things to do in Florence: seeing Michelangelo's David, visiting the Uffizi Gallery, exploring the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, and crossing the Ponte Vecchio. All of these involve waiting in lines, and while definitely worth it, there are also plenty of free and less stressful things to do:

• Grab a gelato and wander around.
• Do laps of Piazza del Duomo. You won't get sick of the view.
• Get lost in the streets of the Oltrarno and peek inside all of the artisanal workshops and boutiques.
• Walk from the center of Florence up to Piazzale Michelangelo, where you will get the most incredible views over the city.

 

SHOP

As previously mentioned, Florence has a large amount of artisans particularly in leather works, shoe making and tailoring. Head to these places for what we think will make your trip to Florence memorable.

Santa Maria Novella Perfumerie 

Via della Scala, 16

Santa Maria Novella is probably one of the most beautiful perfume shops in the world. They also have an enormous selection of fragrances. It's totally worth having a look through, even if it is a bit crowded.

Tie Your Tie

Piazza de' Rucellai, 8R

Incredibly well-made ties in some of the most unique fabrics you will ever find. They aren't cheap, but you'll remember your trip fondly every time you wear one

Mannina

Via de' Guicciardini, 16/R

Mannina makes fantastic shoes. The store is now run by Antonio, son of the original founder Calogero Mannina in 1953. Every pair is made by hand in their workshop and features some of the highest quality leathers you can find. They offer ready-to-wear and bespoke services.

 

STAY

Hotels and Airbnbs are plentiful in Florence and often have a terrazza (rooftop) with beautiful views over the city and the Duomo if you're staying central. The city is extremely walkable, so consider staying slightly out of the central area near the Duomo. Although the views are great, you'll be met with a swarm of tourists and overpriced restaurants.

Cross the Arno river and you will arrive in the Oltrarno neighborhood (meaning 'other side of the Arno'). Here, you'll find a quieter, more authentic side of Florence. The Oltrarno is full of artisan workshops, antique stores, and family-run restaurants and bars. It's also one of our favorite places for an aperitivo at one of the many bars in Piazza Santo Spirito.

  

Casa G. Firenze

Via dei Rondinelli, 7

Casa G. is hosted in a historic building located in the heart of Florence. The palazzo, owned by the noble Ginori family, once the headquarters of prestigious ceramics production, has been recently restored and converted into a boutique hotel.

Hotel Palazzo Guadagni

Piazza Santo Spirito, 9

Located in the heart of the Oltrarno neighborhood, with rooftop views and a dreamy atmosphere, this is one of Florence’s most charming three-star hotels

Hotel Orto de' Medici

Via S. Gallo, 30

The Hotel Orto de' Medici is located on Via San Gallo, one of the oldest streets in the city. The hotel famously boasts a garden that was set up as a school of art and sculpture, where 14-year-old Michelangelo Buonarroti honed his sculpting skills. The hotel is only a short 5-minute stroll to the Accademia Gallery, where you will find his most famous statue, 'David.' Be patient and wait in line. Trust us.