You may have the universe if I may have Italy.
Giuseppe Verdi
It goes without saying that Italy is one of my favorite places to visit. And among the many choices to experience in this fun and fabulous country, Florence is at the top of the list. It’s an elegant city where history and culture are present everywhere!
Set along the scenic banks of the Arno River, the city is celebrated as the birthplace of the Renaissance, a pivotal era that reshaped science and philosophy as well as produced some of the world’s greatest artists. The Uffizzi Gallery displays an incredible collection of Renaissance art, including works by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli.
Easily walkable, Florence is home to iconic architectural landmarks. The Duomo was designed by Burnelleschi and dominates the skyline. Meanwhile, the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval stone bridge lined with jewelry merchants, spans the Arno and connects the city center with the creative Oltrarno district. Whether you’re saving the grandeur of the Palazzo Pitti, enjoying the blossoms at the Boboli Gardens or savoring a gelato in a charming piazza, Florence is sure to charm you with its beauty and heritage.
Connect with me to get started on your Tuscan adventure. I will get to know you and craft an itinerary just for you.
David by Michaelangelo
Need to Know
Currency: €, Euro (EUR)
Airports: Florence Airport, Peretola (Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola) (FLR)
Transportation: Santa Maria Novella (SMN) train station connects to major cities like Rome, Milan and Venice. Florence is a small and walkable city. Rental cars are not allowed in the central city, so public transportation is recommended. Taxis and Ubers can be scarce at times, so schedule your airport transfer in advance.
Best Time to Visit: The most ideal times to visit Florence are during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October). Summer months have soaring temperatures and increased crowds.
Ideal Length of Stay: For a quick visit, plan on 2-5 days, although there is plenty to explore in Florence and surrounding towns for a week.
Signature Dishes: Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak), Ribollita (vegetable and bread soup), Pappa al Pomodoro (tomato and bread soup), Cantucci (almond biscuits), Schiacciata (Tuscan flatbread).
Dress Code: Stylish, comfortable clothing and walking shoes for the cobblestone streets. Dress modestly (covering shoulders, avoiding short skirts or shorts and refraining from wearing hats inside) for churches and most restaurants.
Where to Stay in Florence
Rooftop Bar | Hotel Lungarno
The Place Firenze: Boutique hotel with twenty upscale rooms set on Santa Maria Novella Piazza. Book with me to receive a $100 food and beverage credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Hotel Lungarno: Elegant hotel with Arno views and spacious rooms (including apartments). One of four hotels owned by the Ferragamo family. Book with me to receive a $100 food and beverage credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Rivoli Boutique Hotel: Classic Rooms and suites within steps of the train station and Santa Maria Novella Church. Book with me to receive a 30€ voucher for the bar/restaurant, breakfast daily, complimentary spa entrance.
FH55 Hotel Calzaiuoli: Traditional hotel set in the bustling center of Florence. Book with me to receive a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Palazzo Vecchietti: Grand hotel set in a 16th-century manor house in the city center. Book with me to receive a $50 hotel credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Oltrarno Splendid: Charming 18th century palazzo hotel with fourteen rooms in the creative Oltrarno neighborhood. Book with me to receive a complimentary bottle of wine, a welcome amenity, and an upgrade whenever possible.
St. Regis Florence: A majestic hotel with stunning river views, a gorgeous atrium and terrace dining. Book with me to receive a $100 hotel credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Where to play in Florence
Uffizi Gallery
When you think of Florence, the first thing that comes to mind is its incredible Duomo atop the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral. Book a timed ticket to climb the steep stairs early in the day and be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views. Art enthusiasts can’t miss both the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell’Academia (booking tickets ahead is a must to see Michelangelo’s David).
Wander the magical cobblestone streets and make your way to the Ponte Vechhio bridge, with its unique shops and stunning Arno river views. Continue on to reach the Palazzo Pitti and the adjacent Boboli Gardens, once the residence of the powerful Medici family. For a smaller, lesser known garden experience, visit Villa Bardini and its gardens, just a short stroll from Boboli Gardens.
Food lovers will be in heaven at the city food markets: Mercato Centrale (near the train station) and Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio (near the Santa Croce neighborhood). Taste-test regional cheese and fresh pasta or grab some treats and head uphill to Piazzale Michaelangelo to watch the sunset unfold over the city.
For a little retail therapy, there are plenty of big-name designer stores in the central neighborhood, though make sure to explore some of the smaller artisan boutiques. Those that know me know I love cards, stationery. So, I highly recommend the handmade marbled paper at Guiolio Giannini e Figlio, hand-stitched leather gloves at family-run Madova and the city’s famous Italian leather goods at the street markets outside Mercato Centrale.
Tours in Florence focus not only on the city’s rich artistic history, but also food. Talk to me about booking a pasta-making class, olive oil tasting or a vineyard visit.
If you have the extra time to explore outside Florence, there are some stunning smaller towns to visit nearby: Pisa, Lucca, Chianti, Siena, San Giamoniano.
Where to Eat in Florence
