The Ultimate Guide to Florence, Italy

Florence, Italy: one of my favorite places in the world.  It began with a study abroad trip during college – the five months I spent living in the city stole my heart.  I love wandering the cobblestone streets, taking in the historic buildings, strolling through piazzas and sitting in little cafes drinking cappuccinos.

The city is famous for its art history, museums, architecture and… food!  Throughout my time in the city, I’ve tried more than a few cafes, eaten my fair share of pasta and gelato and walked most of the cobblestone streets.  If you are planning to visit Florence, here are some things you absolutely can’t miss.

Read below for the ultimate guide to Florence, Italy!

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GETTING TO FLORENCE

Located in the heart of Tuscany, Florence is easily accessible from pretty much anywhere!  Here are the easiest ways to reach the city:

• By Car: Road tripping through Tuscany is a popular and great way to see the area.  Florence is easily accessible by car but once you arrive, you’ll want to park on the outskirts of the city.  Florence is a walking city with many roads closed to cars so make sure to plan ahead, inquiring with your hotel about the best place to park.  Or, if you’re visiting on a day trip and would like to park close to the heart of the city, head to Garage Ponte Vecchio.  I’ve parked there a few times and, while its a bit on the pricey side, we’ve had no issues and you’re steps away from the Ponte Vecchio!
• By Train: Europe has an excellent train network and Italy is no different!  Florence’s Santa Maria Novella train station is a central hub for trains and is located in the city center.
• By Plane: Florence has an international airport, Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola, located about 30 minutes from the city center.  The easiest way to get into the city center is by taxi which generally costs around €25.

WHERE TO STAY IN FLORENCE

With beautiful historic architecture, this city has some unique lodging options!  Here are my top picks in each budget range:

Luxury

• Portrait Firenze – Lungarno Collection: With coveted views of the Ponte Vecchio and luxurious rooms, this hotel is perfect for those looking to be right in the heart of Florence.
• Four Seasons Hotel Firenze: Located about 15 minutes from the city center, the Four Seasons is removed from the hustle and bustle but close enough to walk to the main sights.  The stunning hotel features renaissance decor, a Michelin star restaurant and a 2-floor spa. Luxury at its finest!
• Grand Hotel Minerva: This upscale hotel is centrally located and features a rooftop pool with views of the duomo!
• Belmond Villa San Michele: If you’re looking for a unique historic hotel, this is for you!  Located in nearby Fiesole, the Belmond offers panoramic views of Florence with rooms in a 15th century converted monastery.

Mid-range

• Palazzo Alfieri Residenza D’Epoca: Location, location, location!  This hotel overlooks the Arno River and is just a 5 minute walk from the Ponte Vecchio.  Plus, the rooms are spacious with beautiful decor and amenities.
• Hotel Regency-Small Luxury Hotels of the World: With beautifully designed rooms and garden grounds, this hotel feels like a recluse from the busy city — but is just a 10 minute walk from the main sights.
• Plaza Hotel Lucchesi: This hotel has river views and is located near Santa Croce but the main feature is the beautiful rooftop pool overlooking the city skyline.
• Hotel Balestri: Another great option with river views!  This hotel features a beautifully designed lobby bar and is just a 10 minute walk from the duomo.

Budget

• TSH Florence Lavagnini: With a fun, trendy interior featuring workspaces and game rooms, this hotel caters to a younger crowd.
• B&B Hotel Firenze City Center: With clean, modern rooms and just a 15 minute walk to the duomo, this hotel is a great budget option.
• Hotel Glance In Florence: Featuring contemporary decor and updated rooms, Hotel Glance is a great pick for any traveler.  But the best feature?  A rooftop pool with sweeping views of Florence!
• Airbnb: On my last trip to Florence, we stayed in a beautiful apartment for an excellent price through Airbnb.  This is also a great option for groups!  (New to Airbnb? Get a credit on me!)

WHERE TO DINE IN FLORENCE

One of my favorite things to do in Florence is eat.  The city is known for its bistecca alla Fiorentina (or Florentine steak), lampredotto, papardelle al cinghiale and gelato!

• La Proscuitteria: Looking for a casual spot for a drink and light fare?  This place has the most delicious charcuterie boards with a great ambiance on one of my favorite streets in Florence, Via dei Neri.
• Gusta Pizza & Gusta Osteria: Having lived across the street, I frequented both Gusta Pizza and Gusta Osteria… both amazing!  The pizzeria serves fresh, made-to-order pizzas which many people take to go and eat it on the steps of the Basilica of Santa Maria del Santo Spirito (just a half a block away).  The osteria is just as good with tradition Tuscan food – my favorites are the picci pappardelle and and gnocchi with gorgonzola sauce.
• Vivoli Gelateria: This is the oldest gelato shop in Florence, and although it is now well-known, it still remains very good. I also recommend Gelateria La Carraia, Gelateria dei’ Neri, Marco Ottaviano, Grom, and Carapina.
• Salumeria Verdi (aka Pino’s): My favorite place to get a panino in Florence. Another good panini spot is All’Antico Vinaio (my suggestion is to go at an off-hour to avoid long lines!)
• Osteria Santo Spirito: Visit this osteria in the low-key Piazza Santo Spirito for the insanely delicious truffle gnocchi.
• News Cafe: Stop by for a cappuccino and you’ll be amazed at the latte art!
• La Giostra: Delicious food in a lovely, candlelit restaurant!  Make a reservation in advance but still be prepared to wait — it’s worth it!
• Borgo San Jacopo: This Michelin starred restaurant is located right on the Arno river — try to request one of the four tables on the patio.
• Mercato Centrale: On the first floor of this indoor marketplace, you’ll find vendors selling fresh produce and local goods.  The second story is the food court with everything from pizza to pasta to seafood to sushi.

THINGS TO DO IN FLORENCE

Florence was the heart of the Italian Renaissance and is home to many masterpieces.  Step back in time by visiting the city’s museums and historic buildings.

• The Duomo: An architectural masterpiece, the duomo is one of the most prominent symbols of Florence.  Climbing to the top is an experience in itself (be prepared for dark, small stairwells) but the spectacular views are 100% worth it!
• Uffizi Gallery: If you’re an art lover, you won’t want to miss visiting the Uffizi.  With countless masterpieces, the museum gives an interesting look into the Italian Renaissance period.
• Pitti Palace & Bobboli Gardens: Visit this 15th century Renaissance palace and its impressive gardens for a day.
• Galleria dell’Accademia: You can’t leave Florence without seeing Michelangelo’s famous David statue!  Reserve your tickets online to skip the lines.
• Piazzale Michaelangelo: Bring a blanket and a bottle of wine to this square for sunset and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of of the city.
• Oltrarno: Oltrarno means ‘beyond the Arno’ — and it is!  This neighborhood in Florence is quieter and removed from the tourist zone.  Spend an afternoon wandering the cobblestone streets, exploring the little shops and authentic trattorias that the locals visit.
• La Terrazza at Hotel Continentale: Visit this rooftop bar and watch the sun set over the Arno river.  Another great secret rooftop is at the top of La Rinascente – take the elevator to the fourth floor and the stairs up to the rooftop.  Get a cappuccino and watch the people below in Piazza della Signoria.

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