The Ultimate Travel Guide to Florence
Florence is one of those cities that effortlessly lives up to the hype. Home to world-famous art, beautiful architecture and some of Italy’s best food and shopping, it’s the kind of place where days are spent wandering cobbled streets, lingering over long lunches and discovering something new around every corner. From exceptional restaurants and rooftop views to luxurious hotels, here are some spots worth adding to your itinerary.
What to eat and drink
Trattoria Giovanni
This family-run restaurant serves traditional Tuscan cooking, with classic regional dishes made with high-quality local ingredients. Come hungry for rich ragùs, handmade pasta and the legendary bistecca alla Fiorentina, then settle in for a leisurely dinner as locals, families and visitors fill the tables around you.
Where: Via Sant’Agostino, 38r, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Website: trattoriagiovanni.it
Gelateria La Carraia
No trip to Florence is complete without at least one daily gelato stop, and Gelateria La Carraia makes a strong case for two. Perched near the Ponte alla Carraia bridge on the banks of the Arno, this much-loved gelateria has earned a loyal following among locals and visitors alike thanks to its traditional approach and generous scoops.
Grab a cup of creamy pistachio or rich dark chocolate, wander down to the river and join the evening passeggiata as the city glows golden around you. It’s simple, delicious and exactly the kind of everyday ritual that makes Florence so easy to fall in love with.
Where: Piazza Nazario Sauro, 25/r, 50124 Firenze FI, Italy
Website: www.gelaterialacarraia.it
Locale Firenze
Tucked inside the atmospheric Palazzo Concini, Locale Firenze is what happens when a medieval palace decides to become one of Europe’s most talked-about cocktail bars. Step inside and you’re met with vaulted stone ceilings, candlelit corners, and interiors that feel part Renaissance, part contemporary design experiment.
Expect twists on classic cocktails, unexpected flavour combinations, and presentation that leans theatrical without feeling gimmicky.
Where: Via delle Seggiole, 12r, 50122, Firenze FI, Italy
Website: www.localefirenze.it
What to experience
Uffizi Gallery
Spend a day exploring the Uffizi Gallery, one of the world’s most celebrated art museums, where masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and Caravaggio line its grand corridors. Home to Botticelli’s iconic The Birth of Venus, the gallery offers an unrivalled introduction to Florence’s artistic legacy and rewards visitors with spectacular views over the Arno River and Ponte Vecchio.
Where: Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Website: www.uffizi.it
The Uffizi Gallery will forever be immortalized for me by Dan Brown’s Inferno. Incredible artwork, history dating back to the 1500s and THAT secret tunnel running over the Ponte Vecchio. You can’t help but leave in awe.
Robyn, Managing Director
Accademia Gallery
A short walk from Uffizi brings you to the Accademia Gallery, where Michelangelo’s David steals the show. Towering, flawless, and surprisingly moving in person, it’s one of those rare sights that truly lives up to the hype.
Beyond David, the museum’s collection offers a fascinating window into Florence’s Renaissance heritage, including Michelangelo’s unfinished sculptures that seem to emerge from the marble.
Where: Accademia Gallery, Via Ricasoli, 58/60, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Website: www.galleriaaccademiafirenze.it
The Accademia Gallery is home to Michael Angelo’s Il David and it is a sight that will truly take your breath away. A must-visit for anyone planning a trip to the city!
Amelia, Culture & Lifestyle Writer/Creator
Villa Bardini
For one of Florence’s most beautiful hidden escapes, make your way to Villa Bardini. Tucked into the hillside in the Oltrarno, this historic villa and garden offer a quieter alternative to some of the city’s busier attractions, with winding pathways, manicured terraces and some of the most spectacular views in Florence.
From the upper terraces, soak up the sun with panoramic vistas stretching across the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and the city’s iconic terracotta rooftops.
Where: Costa S. Giorgio, 2, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Website: www.villabardini.it
Brunelleschi’s Dome
For one of the best views in Florence, climb Brunelleschi’s Dome atop the iconic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. The 463-step ascent takes visitors through the heart of the Renaissance masterpiece before opening onto a panoramic terrace overlooking Florence’s terracotta rooftops, the Tuscan hills and the city’s most famous landmarks.
Along the way, you’ll pass beneath Vasari’s magnificent frescoes and gain a unique perspective on one of the greatest architectural achievements of the Renaissance. Visit early in the morning or at golden hour for a truly unforgettable summer experience.
Where: Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Website: duomo.firenze.it
Gucci Garden
For fashion lovers, Gucci Garden is a must-visit in Florence. Set within the historic Palazzo della Mercanzia on Piazza della Signoria, Gucci Garden offers a stylish glimpse into one of Florence’s most famous global success stories.
Through a series of imaginative exhibitions, visitors can explore the evolution of the iconic fashion house while experiencing the creativity and craftsmanship that remain at the heart of Florence today.
Where: Piazza della Signoria 10, Florence, Italy
Website: www.gucci.com
Piazza Santo Spirito
For a taste of Florence beyond the crowds, head to Santo Spirito in the heart of the Oltrarno district. Centred around Brunelleschi’s beautiful basilica, this effortlessly stylish neighbourhood is known for its artisan workshops, independent boutiques, buzzy cafés and lively aperitivo scene.
Piazza Santo Spirito offers a more relaxed and authentic alternative to Florence’s grander tourist hotspots. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering, shopping and soaking up the city’s creative energy.
Where: Piazza Santo Spirito, 30, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Website: www.visittuscany.com
I love a good vintage trawl when I’m somewhere new. In Florence, the Oltrarno/Santo Spirito area is a must. It’s just across the river from the main tourist spots and on the way to the beautiful Boboli Gardens (perfect for doubling up on the same day!) It’s packed with cute vintage stores, antiques, and charming stationary shops. You’ll definitely find some unique gifts to take home.
Astrid, Contributing Fashion & Lifestyle Editor
Where to stay
Portrait Firenze
Set on the banks of the Arno, just steps from the Ponte Vecchio, the hotel combines Italian design with exceptional service and one of the city’s most enviable locations. Its riverside setting provides a welcome sense of calm after a day spent exploring Florence’s historic streets, galleries and landmarks.
Expect sophisticated dining at Caffè dell’Oro and easy access to Florence’s best shopping, culture and nightlife. Blending contemporary luxury with a strong sense of place, Portrait Firenze is an ideal base for discovering the city during the warmer months.
Where: Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli, 4, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Website: www.lungarnocollection.com
Villa Cora
Nestled in the heart of a centuries-old garden overlooking Florence, Villa Cora offers a quieter, more secluded stay in the Oltrarno district.
The hotel stands out for its resort-like atmosphere, complete with one of Florence’s most attractive outdoor pools, a spa and peaceful garden terraces. Guests can spend the day exploring the city, then return to a calm, elegant setting that feels more like a Tuscan retreat than an urban hotel.
Where: Viale Machiavelli, 18, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Website: www.villacora.it
Grand Hotel Minerva
Overlooking the Piazza Santa Maria Novella, this hotel combines centuries of history with contemporary Italian design, placing guests within easy walking distance of the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and the city’s world-famous galleries.
Don’t miss stunning panoramic views of the city at Grand Hotel Minerva’s rooftop bar and pool. Spend afternoons cooling off in the pool before settling in with a classic Negroni as the sun sets behind the Duomo. Open throughout the warmer months, it’s the kind of setting that turns a city break into a true summer escape.
Where: Piazza Santa Maria Novella, 16, 50123 Florence, Italy
Website: grandhotelminerva.com
