Nestled in the heart of Italy, Florence (Firenze) embodies all that is beautiful. The capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, Florence is one of the most cultural and historical cities in the world and is packed full of amazing art and architecture. With a history that spans millennia, this once thriving medieval city was the birthplace of the Renaissance movement and is still home to some of the most magnificent churches and buildings in the world today.

The iconic terracotta-tiled dome of the Duomo cathedral and its bell tower can be seen from anywhere in the city, while other just-as-spectacular structures include the Il Battistero di San Giovanni (Florence Baptistery), the Campanile di Giotto, the Basilica Santa Croce, and the Ponte Vecchio. The Galleria dell’Accademia displays Michelangelo’s famous “David” sculpture, and the Uffizi Gallery exhibits Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” and da Vinci’s “Annunciation.”

Florence is a foodie’s paradise and there are a myriad of places to dine on mouth-watering Italian and traditional Florentine cuisine, along with world-class Tuscan wines. And don’t forget the gelato for which Florence is renowned.

Here are some of the best things to see and do when visiting The City of Lilies.

1. Soak Up the Beauty of the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo di Firenze)

The Duomo di Firenze by Bruce Stokes / CC BY-SA 2.0

Hailed as the ‘jewel of Florence,’ the Duomo di Firenze (Florence Cathedral) is a beautiful domed cathedral and the striking centerpiece of the city. Formally known as the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower), the Duomo di Firenze was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio in the Gothic style and built in 1926. The magnificent cathedral took 140 years to build before the massive dome, which was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi was added in 1436.

Standing as a symbol for the city, the dome can be seen for miles, creating an impressive sight that warms the hearts of both locals and visitors to the city. The Duomo is still an active consecrated Cathedral and while you can visit the cathedral, there is a strictly enforced dress code.

Climb up the 463 steps to the lantern at the top of the dome or head up Giotto’s Campanile (bell tower) which is next door for spectacular views over the city.

Address: 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

Opening Hours: The Cathedral: 10:00 am to 4:30 pm, daily.

Duomo Complex attractions: Between 8:15 am and 7:00 pm, Monday through Saturday.

2. Visit the Il Battistero di San Giovanni (Florence Baptistery)

Il Battistero di San Giovanni (Florence Baptistery) by Lucarelli / CC BY-SA 3.0

An exquisite octagonal basilica of green and white marble overlooking the Piazza del Duomo, the Battistero di San Giovanni is the oldest building in Florence. Also known as the Baptistery of Saint John, the Florence Baptistery has breathtakingly beautiful interiors of golden Byzantine mosaics. The tomb of Antipope John XXIII rests in the Baptistery and features a sepulcher designed by Renaissance master, Donatello.

Another spectacular feature of this building is the three sets of striking bronze doors made up of 10 bas-relief bronze panels representing several scenes of the Old Testament. They are known as the Gates of Paradise and were sculpted by Lorenzo Ghiberti for over 26 years. The Battistero di San Giovanni forms part of the Duomo Complex.

Address: Piazza San Giovanni, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

Opening Hours: Weekdays: 8.15 – 10.15am, 11.15am – 6.30pm / Saturdays: 8.15am – 6.30pm / Sundays 8.15am – 1.30pm

3. Climb the Campanile di Giotto

Campanile di Giotto by Julie Anne Workman / CC BY-SA 3.0

The Campanile di Giotto, or Giotto’s Campanile, is the magnificent bell tower of the Florence Cathedral. Also known as the Florence Cathedral bell tower, the tower stands in the Piazza del Duomo and is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

Built in the 14th century by Giotto and completed by Andrea Pisano, the tower boasts a harmonious blend of white, green, and red marble, intricate sculptural decorations, and a towering spire. The structure is split into five distinct levels, the lowest of which is decorated with 54 bas-reliefs and alcoves adorned with statues of saints and prophets.

If you are feeling energetic you can climb the 414 steps in the tower for some of the most beautiful panoramic views of the city in Florence.

Address: 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

Opening Hours: 8:30 am – 7:30 pm, daily

4. Cross the Ponte Vecchio

The Ponte Vecchio is another famous symbol of Florence. Spanning the Arno River, the medieval multi-arched bridge is the oldest stone bridge in Europe and the only one in the city to have survived World War II.

Built in 1345, the iconic bridge was lined with hanging houses and shops, some of which were butchers. Due to the bad smell, the butchers caused, the shops were taken over by goldsmiths and jewelers, which are still present on the bridge today, alongside art galleries, and souvenir shops.

The Old Bridge houses the Vasari Corridor, an ancient passageway that connects the Palazzo Vecchio to the Palazzo Pitti. It is famous for the thousands of padlocks left by lovers over the years. For a unique view of the beautiful Ponte Vecchio, take a romantic boat trip on one of the lovingly restored “Renaioli” boats that cruise the river.

Address: 50125 Firenze FI, Italy

5. Stroll Around the Piazza Della Repubblica

Piazza della Republica by Maksim / CC BY-SA 3.0

The Piazza della Repubblica is a large square at the center of Florence and a gathering place for both locals and tourists alike. The piazza is home to the Colonna dell’Abbondanza (Column of Abundance), which marks the precise geographical center of the city. The column is the meeting point of three of Florence’s historic neighborhoods and was the site of the ancient Roman Forum.

During medieval times, the spacious square was home to bustling markets, churches, and tabernacles. It was also the location of the Jewish Ghetto, where Jews were forced to live by Cosimo I de’ Medici, Duke of Tuscany. Legend has it that when pickpockets were roaming the busy market, a bell was rung in the tower to warn market-goers.

Address: 50123 Firenze FI, Italy

Suggested Tour: Florence for Beginners Walking Tour

6. Marvel at the Renaissance Masters in the Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi Palace and Gallery is one of the most important Italian museums in the world. Located next to the Piazza della Signoria, the world-renowned art museum is famous for being the home of Renaissance masters’ works like Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and the Allegory of Spring, Leonardo da Vinci’s The Annunciation, and the unmistakable Portraits of the Dukes of Urbino by Piero della Francesca.

Housed in a U-shaped Renaissance building that is an artwork in itself, the Uffizi Palace and Gallery features an inner courtyard lined with elegant arches and ornate columns adorned with marble statues that is nothing less than awe-inspiring.

The labyrinth of rooms within the gallery house artworks displayed in chronological order for ease of flow and a new reservation system allows visitors to take timed tickets to avoid having to wait in the normally never-ending queues.

Address: Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 8:15 am – 6:50 pm

Suggested Tour: Skip-the-Line Uffizi Tour

7. See Michelangelo’s David at the Galleria dell’Accademia

David by Michelangelo, Florence, Galleria dell’Accademia by Jörg Bittner Unna / CC BY 3.0

Possibly the most renowned sculpture in the world, Michelangelo’s David is housed in the Galleria dell’Accademia (Gallery of the Academy of Florence) and should be a must on your visit to Florence. Even if you are not into art, this magnificent piece of renaissance art is worth a visit if for nothing else than to marvel at its intricate attention to detail and unparalleled depiction of the human form.

Created by the legendary artist Michelangelo, the 17-foot (5.17-meter) sculpture depicts the biblical hero David, the first King of Israel, and is nothing less than awe-inspiring in its attention to detail and will leave you in awe.

The Galleria dell’Accademia is home to an array of Renaissance masterpieces, including other sculptures and works from Michelangelo, and a museum of musical instruments boasting a myriad of ancient musical inventions.

Address: 60, Via Ricasoli, 58, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 9 am – 6:15 pm

8. Watch the Street Performers on the Piazza della Signoria

Piazza della Signoria is the main square in Florence and one of the most vibrant and energetic hotspots in the city. Tucked between the Piazza del Duomo and the Arno River, the L-shaped square is home to several famous monuments, including the Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace), the Equestrian Monument of Cosimo I, and the Fountain of Neptune.

The piazza is lined with charming cafés, bars, and restaurants whose tables are perfectly placed to offer patrons lovely views over the piazza where they can watch performing street artists and locals enjoy their daily promenade.

Address: 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

Suggested Tour: Florence: Walking Tour

9. Discover the Beautiful Boboli Gardens

Boboli Gardens by I Sailko / CC BY 2.5

Stroll through the magnificent Boboli Gardens and journey back to the time of the Medicis. This magnificent historical park is one of the finest examples of an Italian Garden in the world with a vast main lawn, ornate fountains, and elegant water features, tranquil ponds, and a small lake.

Sleek marble statues are dotted about the 45-acre gardens and an ancient amphitheater with an Egyptian obelisk from the Medici Villa in Rome hosts concerts in the summer months. The gardens are a perfect place to escape the crowds of the city and enjoy a quiet picnic.

Address: 50125 Firenze FI, Italy

Opening Hours: 8: 15 am – 6: 30 pm (summer) / 5: 30 pm (winter), daily

Suggested Tour: Boboli Gardens Skip-the-Line Tour

10. Shop at the Mercato del Porcellino

The Porcellino Statue at the Mercato del Porcellino by sonofgroucho / CC BY 2.0

Named after the famous little brass statue and fountain of a wild boar that stands near the market, Mercato del Porcellino (Market of the Little Pig) is a vibrant 16th-century loggia and open-air souvenir market. Built in the 16th century as a shelter for silk, linen, and luxury goods merchants, today the market sells an array of leather and hide goods, along with scarfs, T-shirts, and cheap souvenirs.

The brass statue of the boar after which the market is named is steeped in superstition. Legend has it that rubbing the Porcellino’s snout brings good fortune and inserting a coin in its mouth grants a wish. Don’t miss the chance to make all your wishes come true!

Address: 50123 Firenze FI, Italy

Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 9 am- 6.30 pm

11. Light a Candle at the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella

The Basilica di Santa Maria Novella by JoJan / CC BY-SA 3.0

The Basilica di Santa Maria Novella is a magnificent church in front of the central railway station and another beautiful example of Renaissance architecture. It has a breathtaking façade of polychrome and white marble and an interior decorated with intricate frescoes reflecting the life of Florentians during the Middle Ages.

If you are an art-lover, you can see a fresco by Masaccio known as The Holy Trinity, and a wooden Crucifix by Brunelleschi inside the church, as well as a striking fresco by Andrea di Bonaiuto da Firenze.

Address: 18, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy

Opening Hours: Friday, Saturday and Monday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sundays from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

12. Make Your Own Florentine Fior di Latte Gelato

Learn how to make gelato with award-winning maestri. The city is famous for its long history of gelato-making and making artisan flavors from scratch. The hands-on experience takes place at an authentic Italian Gelato Academy in the heart of Florence where you can learn the ins and outs of Italian gelato-making and how to make the legendary Italian frozen dessert, fior di latte gelato, and seasonal fruit sorbet.

You’ll also get to spend some time with local artisans who are passionate about gelato and taste some of the most amazing gelato in the world.

Address: Via dei Tavolini, 19r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

13. Visit the Prison Cell of the famous Savonarola at the Palazzo Vecchio

Palazzo Vecchio by Zolli / CC BY-SA 3.0

Overlooking the Piazza della Signoria, the Palazzo Vecchio is Florence’s town hall and boasts a fascinating history. Built as the palace of the Signoria of the Republic of Florence in 1299, the square fortress-like building with its crenulated walls is a symbol of civil power for the city.

The building rests on the ruins of an ancient Roman theater dating back to the first century A.D. which can be viewed in the underground level. The building has beautifully decorated rooms with magnificent pieces of artwork like Dante’s death mask and frescoes like The Room of Cybele and The Hercules Room. You can also venture into the prison cell of the famous Savonarola where he was kept before being executed in the Piazza della Signoria.

Address: Piazza della Signoria, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

Opening Hours: From 1 April until 30 September: From Friday to Wednesday: 9 am – 11 pm /

Thursday: 9 am – 2 pm. From 1 October until 31 March: From Friday to Wednesday: 9 am – 7 pm

14. Soak up the Views from the Piazzale Michelangelo

View of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo by Sergey Ashmarin / CC BY-SA 3.0

Set just above the San Niccolò neighborhood on the South banks of the Arno River, the Piazzale Michelangelo is a great spot for an espresso against a backdrop of spectacular panoramic views of the city.

The spacious square is lined with lovely little cafés, bars, and restaurants with tables in the sunshine where visitors can relax and soak up the incredible views. A beautiful bronze replica of Michelangelo’s David stands in the center of the square and is surrounded by souvenir-touting carts, buskers, and sightseers. It’s a fantastic spot to spend a morning looking out over the Duomo, the Arnolfo Tower of the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Uffizi across the river.

Address: 50125 Firenze FI, Italy

15. See How Florence’s Wealthy Lived at the Palazzo Pitti

Palazzo Pitti by Almaak / CC BY-SA 3.0

Set on the southern banks of the River Arno, the Palazzo Pitti (Pitti Palace) is a magnificent palace that was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi and was the primary residence of the Medici family. Built in the 1400s for the Pitti family and later sold to the Medicis, the enormous palace is one of Florence’s most significant architectural monuments and shouldn’t be missed.

The Palazzo Pitti houses some of the most important museums in Florence, including the Palatine Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art, the Treasury of the Grand Dukes on the ground floor, and the Royal Apartments on the first floor.

Address: Piazza de’ Pitti, 1, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy

Opening Hours: Opening times vary depending on the museum.

16. Explore the Fresh Delights at the Mercato Centrale

Mercato Centrale (Central Market) by Rufus46 / CC BY-SA 3.0

The 19th century Mercato Centrale (Central Market) is Florence’s main farmer’s market and a haven for foodies. Located in a massive cast-iron building between via dell’ Ariento, via Sant’ Antonino, via Panicale, and Piazza del Mercato Centrale, the market sells an array of fresh produce, cheese and cured meats, fresh, wild-caught seafood, and handmade bread and pasta. You’ll also find a great variety of Tuscan wines, and Italian spirits, and other gourmet items. It’s definitely worth a visit to pick up some delicious Italian goodies.

Address: Piazza del Mercato Centrale, Via dell’Ariento, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy

Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday: 10 am – 4 pm / Friday – Sunday 10 am – 6 pm

17. See Michelangelo’s Hidden Drawings

Charcoal sketch in the Medicis chapel in the basilica of San Lorenzo by Michelangelo Buonarroti / Public domain

Hidden in a secret room under the Medici Chapel of the Basilica di San Lorenzo are the doodles of a genius. While working on the lavish tomb in the Basilica in 1539, civil unrest broke out in Florence and Michelangelo holed up in this tiny secret room to escape the wrath of the Pope. With nothing but time and a little charcoal on his hands, he began to draw on the walls of his prison.

Michelangelo hid beneath the Medici Chapel, which he had designed as an elaborate domed mausoleum for his patron family, for three months and covered the walls with drawings of Christ, himself, and images from the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

The room and the drawings were discovered in 1976 and have since been alternately opened and closed to the public due to the fragility of the tiny space. The room is not always, but it’s worth asking if you can take a quick peek.

Address: Piazza di San Lorenzo, 9, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy

Opening Hours: Basilica di San Lorenzo – open from 8:15 am to 5 pm, daily

18. See da Vinci’s famous painting, The Annunciation

Piazza della Santissima Annunziata by Livorno DP / CC BY-SA 3.0

Located in the heart of Florence’s historical center, Piazza della Santissima Annunziata is a Renaissance jewel named after the Basilica Santissima Annunziata (Church of the Santissima Annunziata) and houses da Vinci’s famous painting, The Annunciation.

The beautiful piazza is a treasure trove of beautiful buildings and sculptures, including the Spedale degli Innocenti, Europe’s first orphanage that was designed in 1419 by Brunelleschi. Other notable sights include the equestrian statue of Grand Duke Ferdinando I by Giambologna, the Confraternity of the Servants of Maria by Baccio d’Agnolo, and Antonio Sangallo the Elder, and two Baroque bronze fountains by Pietro Tacca.

Address: 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

19. Enjoy an Open-Air Concert in the Piazza Santo Spirito

Piazza Santo Spirito by Lorenzo Testa / CC BY-SA 4.0

Based in Florence’s Oltrarno area, the Piazza Santo Spirito is one of the most popular piazzas in the area. Named after the Basilica di Santo Spirito that overlooks the square, the square is the buzzing heart of the district where both locals and visitors have flocked to eat, drink, shop, and socialize for centuries.

The square features street markets and vendors selling their wares in the mornings and comes alive at night with artisan workshops and artist’s studios showcasing their works. Restaurants and bars are packed with people enjoying a night out and in the summer months, the piazza is transformed into a makeshift theatre, hosting a variety of open-air concerts and shows.

Address: 30, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy

Suggested Tour: Santo Spirito Stroll

20. Visit One of the Largest Franciscan Churches in Italy

Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence by Gryffindor / CC BY-SA 3.0

Set on the square of the same name, the magnificent Basilica Santa Croce is one of the biggest Franciscan churches in Italy and is a treasure trove of Renaissance art. Built in 1294 by Arnolfo di Cambio, the church is also the final resting place for Michelangelo, as well as Machiavelli, Rossini, and Galileo Galilei. There is also a memorial to Dante.

The interiors are adorned with breathtaking works of art, ranging from frescoes by Giotto and sculptures by Benedetto da Maiano to reliefs by Donatello. The Basilica is surrounded by beautiful buildings that line the Piazza Santa Croce such as the Palazzo dell’Antella with its embellished façade, the Palazzo Cocchi-Serristori, and the 14th century Pazzi Chapel.

Address: 16, Piazza Santa Croce, 50122, Florence, Italy

The Best of Florence, Italy

Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Florence

Florence has several distinct neighborhoods that each have distinct characters and atmospheres and offer different experiences. There is no single best neighborhood to stay in – all of them have their own charm and are within walking distance of the city center.

City Center

This area lies between the Duomo in the north and the River Arno and Ponte Vecchio in the south and is the medieval and Renaissance heart of Florence. There are a myriad of impressive museums, churches, and palaces, as well as restaurants, bars, and cafés and there are plenty of accommodation options for all budgets. Being the heart of the city, it can be very noisy with crowds of tourists both day and night.

Santissima Annunziata

This neighborhood lies to the northeast of the city and is home to the Galleria dell’Accademia in which Michelangelo’s David is housed. This is a fairly quiet area of Florence and still within walking distance of the city center and the main attractions.

Santa Croce and Sant’Ambrogio

These areas are in the east of the city and are less touristy but great if you want to experience the local café and food market culture. There are some high-end hotels and lovely guesthouses, and plenty of good restaurants and bars for evening entertainment.

San Frediano and Santo Spirito

These two neighborhoods lie west of the Ponte Vecchio in the Oltrarno area. They have down-to-earth, bohemian-chic atmospheres with artisans’ workshops, independent boutiques, and some excellent bars and restaurants with better prices than the center. You’ll also find a great range of accommodation for all budgets here.

San Lorenzo and San Marco

North of the city, these two neighborhoods are less packed with tourists but have lovely excellent local eateries and vintage boutiques, great food markets, including the Mercato Centrale, and a wide variety of accommodation options for all budgets.

Santa Maria Novella

This is the place to stay if you want to shop and you’ll find some of the best shopping in the city here. There is an array of cool boutiques and bars around the area and plenty of comfortable accommodation choices from high-end to budget stays.

San Niccolò and Piazzale Michelangelo

Piazzale Michelangelo rises up the hills in the south of the city and San Niccolò stretches along the banks of the river and both neighborhoods are charming and romantic. Beautiful gardens, narrow streets lined with boutiques, cozy bars, and cafés, and spectacular views from Piazzale Michelangelo make this one of the best places to stay in the city.

Boboli and San Miniato al Monte

Leafy green neighborhoods south of the Arno, these are lovely, quiet neighborhoods in which to stay if you want some space and tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are a couple of attractions here like the Palazzo Pitti, the Boboli Gardens, and the beautiful church and monastery of San Miniato.

Best Hotels in Florence

Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

Housed in the elegant Palazzo della Gherardesca and surrounded by 10 acres of beautifully manicured Tuscan gardens just outside the city center, the lavish Four Seasons Hotel Firenze takes luxury to new levels. Exquisitely decorated guest rooms are filled with tufted antiques and artworks; the Michelin-starred Il Palagio restaurant serves award-winning cuisine and fine wines, and a five-star spa with a gym and yoga studio offer perfect ways to unwind.

Address: Borgo Pinti, 99, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy, Phone: +39 055 26261, https://www.fourseasons.com/florence/

Mid-Range: Hotel Loggiato dei Serviti

Overlooking the Piazza Santissima Annunziata, the Hotel Loggiato dei Serviti is housed in an old monastery dating back to the early 16th century and oozes charm. Individually decorated guest rooms boast gorgeous antiques and quirky curiosities, and a delightful little roof terrace overlooks the square and is the perfect spot for sundowners.

Address: Piazza della Santissima Annunziata, 3, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy, Phone: +39 055 289592

Budget: Milu Hotel

The Milu Hotel is a sleek, contemporary capsule hotel on Via Tornabuoni that offers a comfortable and inexpensive place to stay in the heart of Florence. Made up of two 15th-century palazzos, guest rooms are intimate and neat with state-of-the-art bathrooms, minimalist décor, and colorful accents. A common room has beautiful views of the neighborhood and a complimentary breakfast buffet is served every morning.

Address: Via de’ Tornabuoni, 8, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy, Phone: +39 055 217103

Best Restaurants in Florence

Florentine steak by Mike Packard / CC BY-SA 2.0

Regina Bistecca

This is the place to go to try Florence’s best-known signature dish, the bistecca alla Fiorentina, a vast T-bone priced by breed and weight. The dish gets reverential treatment here from the chef bringing your selected cut to the table for approval to being cut with traditional, artisanal bone-handled knife. The restaurant is cozy and warm with lofty vaulted ceilings and art-adorned walls and it’s just a short walk from the Duomo. A carnivore and gourmand’s paradise!

Address: Via Ricasoli, 14r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy, Phone: +39 055 269 3772

Cibrèo Trattoria

Located in the center of the bustling Sant’Ambrogio market area, Cibrèo Trattoria is a popular spot that is famous for its Florentine and Tuscan classics such as porcini mushroom soup, chicken-ricotta meatballs, and stuffed rabbit loin. The food is accompanied by a great wine list. Don’t miss their famous flourless chocolate cake.

Address: Via dei Macci, 122r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy, Phone: +39 055 234 1100

Osteria dell’Enoteca

Tucked away in an ancient Oltrarno townhouse, Osteria dell’Enoteca is a contemporary eatery that serves seasonal Tuscan with a modern twist. Expect dishes like chicken liver terrine, gazpacho topped with burrata cheese, and mouthwatering T-bone steaks like Fassona from Piedmont and Chianina from Tuscany grilled over an open fire. A fantastic wine list offers a wide range of Italian and international wines and the restaurant has a cozy, comfortable atmosphere.

Address: Via Romana, 70/r, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy, Phone: +39 055 228 6018

Best Bars in Florence

Wine bar in Florence by PizzeriaVenti / CC BY-SA 3.0

Fusion

Tucked away in a quiet piazza next to the Uffizi, Fusion is a contemporary hotel cocktail bar in the chic Gallery Hotel Art that is the best spot for adventurous and specialty cocktails. You can relax in a casual outdoor lounge while you sip exotic creations like the chamomile-infused pisco, El Florero de Nazca, and the Latin-influenced, tequila-based Bebida de la Huerta.

Address: 3 Vicolo dell’Oro, Firenze, Toscana, 50123, Italy, Phone: +39 552 726 6987

Procacci

Set on the Via Tornabuoni just a short walk from the Piazza della Repubblica, Procacci is a classic Florentine watering hole that has been around since 1885. Owned by the Antinori wine-growing family, it has an elegant, old-fashioned ambiance with a terrazzo marble floor, wood shelves stacked with bottles, and mahogany, marble-topped bar counter. It’s famous for serving classics like the Franciacorta fizz and the Antinori house prosecco accompanied by delicate sandwiches made with truffle cream.

Address: Via de’ Tornabuoni, 64R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy, Phone: +39 055 211656

Le Volpi e l’Uva

Hidden away in a tiny piazzetta just steps from the Ponte Vecchio, Le Volpi e L’Uva is a cozy, modern wine bar that is renowned for serving small and lesser-known wine producers from all over Italy. Over 35 varieties offered by the glass and you can also book a guided tasting or wine lesson with one of the expert sommeliers.

Address: Piazza dei Rossi, 1R, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy, Phone: +39 055 239 8132

Best Pizza in Florence

Gusta

Located next to the church of Santo Spirito, Gusto is a classic Italian-style diner serving mouthwatering southern style pizza. Owned by the Gusta brothers, the little diner has shared seating inside on tables using old wine casks and is always packed.

Address: Via Maggio, 46r, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy, Phone: +39 055 285068

Berberè

Owned by brothers Matteo and Salvatore from Calabria, Berberè focuses on hand-tossed artisanal pizza made with sourdough and seasonal toppings. Huge pizzas are into eight pieces to encourage sharing and gluten-free options are available.

Address: Piazza dei Nerli, 1, 50124 Firenze FI, Italy, Phone: +39 055 238 2946

L’antica Pizzeria da Michele

An outpost of the original Naples pizzeria which has been making Pizza Napoletana since 1870, L’antica Pizzeria da Michele is a gem. Lauded by locals, the busy pizzeria makes only six pizza styles from its wood-fired oven with the Napoletana being a nod to the venue’s origins. The pizza is so good it garnered praise from Elizabeth Gilbert in her book, Eat Pray Love.

Address: Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 22R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy, Phone: +39 055 269 6173

Best Gelato in Florence

Gelato by Maksym Kozlenko / CC BY-SA 4.0

Vivoli

Vivoli is Florence’s oldest gelateria and simply oozes charm. Dating back to 1929, the delightfully old-fashioned shop has wooden floors and tiled walls and an incredible array of handmade delights from gelato and traditional Florentine frozen desserts such as Marengo, to tarts, cookies, and rice puddings.

Address: Via Isola delle Stinche, 7r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy, Phone: +39 055 292334

Gelateria dei Neri

Just steps from the Uffizi gallery, Gelateria dei Neri has been serving handmade gelato for over three decades. Friendly and knowledgeable help you choose from the vast array of flavors – think ricotta with fig and salted caramel, as well as other mouthwatering delights like pistachio ricotta cremino. It’s also one of the few places that do on-trend matcha.

Address: Via dei Neri, 9/11R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy, Phone: +39 055 210034

Gelateria de’ Medici

Distinctly Italian with dark wood walls, classic chandeliers, and an extensive wooden gelato counter, Gelateria de’ Medici has a quiet elegant feel. Over 40 flavors are available from the traditional standards to exotic flavors like rose-scented chocolate and Cunese, an intense chocolate liqueur. You can also get delectable cakes and pastries like the exquisite Crema de’ Medici cream-and-chocolate house specialty.

Address: Via dello Statuto, 3/5r, 50129 Firenze FI, Italy, Phone: +39 055 475156

Best Cafés / Coffee Houses in Florence

Caffè corretto by Takumi Yoshida / CC BY 2.0

Café Gilli

This long-standing establishment is Florence’s most famous café and the go-to place for anyone in the know. Set in the center of Piazza della Repubblica, high ceilings, chandeliers, and waiting staff in black ties create an old-world atmosphere reminiscent of the grand cafés of Paris. Sip a macchiato while watching the ebb and flow of Florentine life on the plaza.

Address: 1r Via Roma, Firenze, Toscana, 50123, Italy, Phone: +39 5521 3896

Pasticceria Robiglio

Pasticceria Robiglio is a traditional Italian café with old-world charm, first-rate coffee, and some of the best sweet treats in town. Set against a beautiful backdrop of views of the Piazza della Santissima Annunziata and the Duomo, the café is a perfect spot for a quick caffeine fix and a delectable cream-filled pastry or chocolate-filled cornetti.

Address: 112-red Via dei Servi, Firenze, Toscana, 50122, Italy, Phone: +39 5521 2784

Ditta Artigianale

Coffee is sacred in Italy and Ditta Artigianale takes coffee-making to the next level. Commonly accepted that it makes some of the best coffee in town, they have a range of single-origin, hand-picked, slow-brewed beans from around the world, which take home and brew yourself. The cafés have a laid-back, relaxed vibe – great for a quick espresso.

Address: Via dei Neri, 30/32 R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy, Phone: +39 055 274 1541

Mia Russell