Trip Length

4-5 Days

How to Get Around

On Foot

Taxi

Months to Go

Year-Round

Currency

Euro

Local Language

Italian

Florence is the capital of the picturesque Tuscany region and it is one of the most charming cities in Italy, with little streets made for wandering. The history-rich city will particularly appeal to those interested in art and architecture.

Florence

Italy

Accademia Gallery

The home of Michelangelo’s “David,” the Galleria dell'Accademia is a Florence icon, and you must reserve advance tickets or you'll end up in a huge line.

Bottega Di Corte

Antique furniture and home accessories. The vintage maps are partucularly cool. 

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

This cathedral (and its Brunelleschi-designed duomo), is the most famous attraction in Florence. You can climb up to the top of the duomo for great views (of both the murals on the dome's interior and the city).

Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura

This restaurant has a beautiful interior design, stylish atmosphere and incredible, artful food from chef Massimo Bottura (of the three Michelin-starred Osteria Francescana in Modena).

Gurdulù Gastronomia

Beautiful date night spot in Oltrarno with a little courtyard, retro-hip vibe and refined, modern Italian cuisine. The cocktails are excellent.

Il Santo Bevitore

Iconic Florence wine bar and restaurant. Lovely candelit ambiance and menu of seasonal Tuscan classics. Go to sister wine bar Il Santino if you can't get in. It's located next door.

Il Torchio di Erin Ciulla

Artisan-made paper goods, journals, frames, and stationary. You can find really special pieces here that make great souvenirs.

Amazing little panini shop near the Uffizi. This is the perfect quick lunch spot.

La Terrazza Rooftop Bar

The rooftop bar at the riverside Continentale hotel has the best view in Florence and a nice lounge atmosphere. 

Le Volpi e l'Uva

Most popular authentic wine bar in Florence. Perfect for charcuterie, cheese, and wine. The sidewalk tables are great when the weather is nice.

Manifattura

Glam cocktail bar with a retro, 1950s-style decor and incredible drinks. This is the place to go for specialty cocktails and a serious collection of Italian spirits. 

Marie Antoinette Florence

Trendy vintage and new clothing and accessories. The selection is always changing and the store is small but you can count on finding special pieces.

My Sugar gelato artigianale

Amazing gelato near the Mercato Centrale.

Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella Firenze

Housed in a chapel since it was opened in 1621 by Dominican monks, this cosmetics store is stunning and its products are incredible (the brand now has international locations). Coming here is a must, whether or not you buy anything.

Palazzo Gucci

This multipurpose complex is dedicated to all things Gucci, with a museum, exhibit space, restaurant, and boutique. It's one of the most stylish spots in the city and a must for anyone with even a slight interest in fashion.

Palazzo Pitti

The former home of the Medici family, this massive, Brunelleschi-designed complex now houses four different museums. The offerings are vast—you can see modern art, Italian paintings, and tour the royal apartments. Definitely get advance tickets (you can buy a package that also offers access to the Uffizi Gallery and Boboli Gardens).

Piazza del Mercato Centrale

Must-visit gourmet food market. It's really fun to come here for lunch and try foods from a bunch of diffferent stalls. Baroni Alimentari is one of the best places to go for charcuterie, cheese, olive oil, and more (and they will ship international).

Scuola del Cuoio S.r.l.

This really authentic leather workshop is located in a monastery and has been open since the the 1940s. You can shop the boutique, take a leather-making class and go on a short guided tour. Coming here is an only-in-Florence experience. Book tours ahead of time. 

Trattoria Cammillo

This Oltrarno restaurant has been a classic since opening in 1945. It serves comforting local classics including pasta and a great bistecca alla Fiorentina.

Uffizi Gallery

Filled with masterpieces (notably Botticelli’s "Birth of Venus"), the Uffizi has an absolutely incredible collection of Renaissance artworks. Definitely get advance tickets (you can buy a package that also offers access to the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens).

Vivoli

Located in the historic center of Florence, this old-school gelateria has been run by the same family since 1930 and is lauded for its homemade gelato. The affogato is legendary, widely considered to be the best in the world.

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