Ah, Florence. Where to start? Being in the epicenter of the Renaissance is spectacular in more ways than one: incredible museums, a Cathedral that will steal your heart, epic sunset views, and amazing food.
Things to Do in Florence:
Climb Giotto’s Bell Tower: Want the best view of the Duomo? Look no further than a climb up the adjacent bell tower. This endeavor requires a ticket purchased for a specific time and determination because the stairs are tough in the Tuscan heat. However, the trek up is worth it! You can purchase tickets here.
Climb the Duomo: Alternatively, to get a great view of Giotto’s Bell Tower, you can climb the Duomo! You’ll see a birds-eye view of the understated nave of the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral and closeup of the dome which is spectacular. This climb is quite a few steps in narrow spaces, so plan accordingly. Once at the top, you’ll be in a very small circular balcony where you can take in the city sites. You can purchase your tickets here. If I had to choose just one historic building to climb, I would choose Giotto’s Bell Tower!
Visit Santa Maria del Fiore: You might be inclined to visit the interior of the majestic cathedral, but it is even more majestic from the outside than the inside! The interior – while stunning – is less impressive than other cathedrals you might see and the wait in line is quite long. You can purchase tickets here.
Walk around the Piazza del Duomo: To me, this plaza is one of the most beautiful and recognizable in the world! Grab some gelato from Eduardo’s and take in the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, Giotto’s Tower, St. John’s Baptistery, and the hustle and bustle of the city and tourists.
Ponte Vecchio By Day and Night: Ponte Vecchio is another Florence icon where students, locals, and tourists gather to shop, listen to street performers’ live music, and admire the Vasari Corridor. The corridor (that has been closed to the public since 2016), connects the Uffizi Gallery to the Boboli gardens and was a pathway that the Medici used to traipse through Florence without detection. You can keep an eye out for when it opens to the public here.
Piazza della Signoria: The Signoria were the officials that ruled Florence during the Renaissance and their chamber is in Palazzo Vecchio. Walking through this Piazza, you can feel the history of the Florentine Republic pulsing through the square.
Palazzo Vecchio: The heart of the Florentine Republic, this palace is where the Signoria convened to discuss important governmental matters and where the Medici called home. We booked a Secret Passageways Tour that was amazing; you’ll see the private chambers of Cosimo de Medici!
Take a photo in a Fotoautomatica: There is always something fun about taking photos in a photobooth, and it was even more fun while in Florence! These are actual old photobooths; you can read about their history here. Your photos will take about 4.5 minutes and then you’ll have a fun black and white keepsake! Address: Via Pietro Francavilla n. 15 – 50142 Firenze P.IVA: 06012310485
Visit the Uffizi Gallery: The Uffizi Gallery has art from some of the most influential Italian artists and boasts works such as Adoration of the Magi, La Primavera, The Birth of Venus, and the Annunciation. Purchase your tickets ahead of time so that you can skip the line!
Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset: Yes, this is on ever blog list ever. And yes, Piazzale Michelangelo is a MUST DO. You’ll be with all of the tourists in the city, but it truly is magical. Get their early if you want a prime spot. But don’t fret, if you get there closer to sunset there is always a good view. Grab a beer and take in one of the most beautiful skylines in the world. The photos I took on my iPhone don’t do it justice!
Other side of Ponte Vecchio: On your way to Piazzale Michelangelo, stop for prosecco and a bite to eat at Le volpi e l’uva, a small, local wine shop! While we enjoyed their wines, the Prosecco and small bites were the standouts!
Explore the Medici’s House (Medici Riccardi Palace Museum): If you’re a fan of the Medici, this will be a spot that you’ll enjoy! This was one of the landmarks that we had on our list and happened upon it when exploring Florence. While not a must see, it was cool to see this iconic family’s home. You can find more information here.
Other activities we will try next time: San Miniato al Monte, Santa Maria Novella Cathedral, Piazza Santa Croce, Central Market
Where to Eat in Florence:
Perhaps the best advice that I can give for dining (and drinking) in Florence is to GET RESERVATIONS. Even in the fall of 2021 when travel was slowly picking back up, we needed reservations at restaurants. If spots that you want to visit don’t take online reservations, leverage the hotels that you are staying at to reach out to the restaurants via email or phone!
La Buchetta: The truffle pasta at la Buchetta is – OMG! They toss the pasta in a cheese wheel (what more could you want) and it tastes like a little bit of heaven. The cheesecake is also “the best cheesecake I’ve had in my life.” ~the fiance. On the way to La Buchetta, you can walk by the lovely Piazza Santa Croce!
Vini e Vecchi Sapori: At this spot, you’ll be dining with locals and savvy tourists alike! The inside of the restaurant is cozy and makes you feel at home. We opted to dine outside; they have an outdoor section near Palazzo Vecchio that allows you to take in the sounds of Florence in the evening. We dined next to mostly Italians, notably a group of men in suits getting off work and a well dressed Italian couple with their dog. If you’re looking for good value, no frills, and delicious pasta, this is your spot!
Crown of India: Need a break from Italian food? Crown of India has you covered! This restaurant is conveniently near the train station as well as a lot of boutique hotels. All of the food was cooked to perfection and they had excellent service!
La Giostra: This restaurant is famous for it’s pear ravioli – which was deliciously rich, creamy, and unique! The inside is romantic, decorated with string lights and bottles of wine, making you feel cozy and tucked away in an Italian fairytale. You’ll often see the owner himself serving and greeting customers which makes for a fun and welcoming environment. This won’t be the best restaurant of your trip, but a cozy, memorable one!
Pizza Napoli 1955: We happened upon Pizza Napoli because the line for All’Antico Vinaio was down the block and we were hungry! Their pizza is everything you would expect of Neapolitan pizza and hit the spot.
Gustapizza: While I prefer neapolitan pizza, my fiance prefers pizza with a crispy crust and therefore Gustapizza was my fiance’s favorite!
Other restaurants we would like to try next time we are in Florence: La Prosciutteria Firenze, All’Antico Vinaio Firenze, L’Pizzachiere
Where to Drink in Florence:
La Terrazza Rooftop Bar: Atop the Lungarno Collection Hotel, this bar has unmatched views of the Arno River. Our time here is one of our favorite memories from the entire trip! The cocktails are good, but the standout is truly the view and vibe. Book ahead of time for the sunset – your booking fee comes with a reserved time and a drink!
I Fratellini: Stop by for a streetside Vermentino and snack at this adorable wine bar. As you’re ordering, don’t forget to look down – it’s actually 2 stories!
View on Art Rooftop Bar: This rooftop bar allows you to fuel your obsession with the Duomo and take in it’s glory by night! While the service isn’t something to write home about, the drinks are good and you’re there for the view.
Piazzale Michelangelo: Yes, I said what I said. You can’t beat having a beer while watching the sunset over the city that birthed the Renaissance.
Hotel Bernini Palace: We happened upon the bougie but inviting Hotel Bernini Lounge Bar on accident when we were looking for a night cap before heading back to our hotel (San Firenze Suites and Spa – perfect location and great value). Their cocktails were stiff *chef’s kiss* and we were typically the only ones there during the 10pm hour.
Other bars we will try next time: Il Santino Wine Bar, Picteau Cocktail Bar
Where to Stay in Florence:
San Firenze Suites and Spa: Centrally located next to Piazza de la Signoria, this hotel was convenient, affordable, and had excellent service. We found that it was good value and we were able to purchase 4 nights using our Chase Sapphire Reserve card.
Florence Itineraries:
1 Day in Florence: Explore Piazza del Duomo, Piazza de la Signoria, and Ponte Vecchio. Climb Giotto’s tower. Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo. Dinner at La Buchetta. Night cap at La Terrazza.
2 days in Florence:
- Day 1: Explore Piazza del Duomo, Piazza de la Signoria, and Ponte Vecchio. Climb Giotto’s tower. Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo. Dinner at La Buchetta.
- Day 2: Ponte Vecchio Hidden Passageways tour (link above). Uffizi Gallery. Sunset cocktails at La Terrazza. Dinner at Vini e Vecchi Sapori. Walk along Ponte Vecchio at night.
Want to see more of my Italian adventures? Check out my Rome blog HERE!
Disclaimer: Within my blogs such as this one, I selectively share the experiences that I loved and/or would recommend. The experiences, food, etc. I choose not to share are because others may enjoy them, but they wouldn’t personally be my recommendations. As such, know that these posts are selectively curated for you, my friends and family, and myself
