Italian Escapade: The Ultimate Insider’s Guide to Florence

Best view: Hike up to Piazzale Michaelangelo at sunset for the most glorious views of Florence. Pro tip: Pack a picnic from Eataly to enjoy! Another beautiful place to watch the sunset is from any of the three bridges along the Arno River.

Art museums: If you only have time for one art museum, you have to see the famous David Statue at the Accademia. I highly recommend a small group or private tour guide to help navigate the long lines. If you are a huge art lover, then the gorgeous Uffizi Gallery filled with beautiful paintings is a must-see

Churches: The city is filled with beautiful churches besides the famous Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore). I love to recommend an early morning tour here where you get to enter and explore before the church even opens! I also recommend exploring some other gorgeous churches (with less crowds and cool museums) like Santa Maria Novella, Santa Croce and Basilica di San Miniato.

Piazzas: There are so many beautiful piazzas to wander around. Some of my favorites are Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Strozzi, Piazza Ciompi, Piazza della Repubblica, Palazzo Davanzati, Piazza Santissima Annunziata, San Marco, Santo Spirito.

Cooking class: Taking a private cooking class in the home of a local chef is my favorite thing to do in the city! Enjoy a multi course meal indulging in fresh handmade pasta, family recipes, sweet desserts and delicious wine. Chef Laura is the best in the city!

Gelato making class: You can’t go to Italy without trying Gelato. It is a must! What a fun way to learn more about the delicious dessert then to learn how to make it. Enjoy a class with the hilariously fun Tulio as you make chocolate gelato, strawberry sorbet and more!

Palaces: Pitti Palace, the beautiful Medici Home is a great place to explore, especially on a rainy day. If you are there in the summer, you can enjoy walking around the beautiful Boboli Gardens. Palazzo Vecchio and Palazzo Davanzati are also great hidden gem stops for history lovers.

Fashion museums: I am a big fan of some of the lesser-known museums in Florence. My favorite is the Ferregamo museum. It features rotating exhibits, located below the flagship store of this famous Italian Shoemaker. Scuola del Cuoio is a historic and famous leather school in Florence that has made goods for presidents and celebrities around the world. You can take a guided tour of the workshop and buy some leather goods if you wish! If you are into perfume, you can visit the Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, which is the oldest pharmacy in the world. You can take a small self-guided tour and take home some perfumes!

Marble Paper Workshop: If you are an art lover, you can visit Riccardo Luci Firenze Marbled Paper Store to take a workshop in creating your own marbled paper. You can then turn it into a journal or frame or anything that you wish! It is a great souvenir to take home.

Nature: If you are up for an adventure, pack a picnic and enjoy exploring outside the city center. Take a quick bus ride to either Fiesole or Settignano. These are quiet and beautiful towns on the outskirts of Florence. You can also walk along the Arno to Parco delle Cascine and enjoy an afternoon in the park!

Gustarium: Unlike most pizzerias, they don't have a fixed menu but instead offer a variety of square-cut pizzas with different toppings such as veggies, meats and cheeses.

Gustapizza: You will find Gusta Pizza across the River Arno. They have delicious pizzas with high-quality flavors and a kind staff. You can watch your pizza be made in the giant brick oven.

Sandwichic: The best panino spot in town, the owners are known for their kindness and helpful recommendations. The workers dress in suspenders and bowties, adding a charming touch to the experience. The classic Salame Artigianale with Pecorino and red pepper jam was a personal favorite, while my friends loved the combination of Gorgonzola and onion jam with prosciutto, straciatella and balsamic.

Il Santo Bevitore: delicious restaurant located in the Oltrarno, across the river. It is a quiet and unknown local spot with delicious meals and a great wine list. It is traditionally Tuscan with a contemporary flair.

Borgo San Jacopo is an incredible Michelin-star restaurant in the charming and luxurious Hotel Lungarno. Perfect for a special occasion, and the views over the Arno River are magical.

Gelateria La Carraia: The gelato shop is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Located across the River Arno, it offers stunning views of the Ponte Vecchio. Pro Tip: Don't miss out on trying at least two flavors!

Gelateria de Neri: Don't be hesitant to try the unique flavor combination like ricotta e fig (ricotta and fig). It might sound unusual, but it's a delightful blend of flavors reminiscent of ricotta and honey. Pro Tip: Watch out for gelato shops where the gelato is displayed in tall mounds or covered in a tin container. These may contain additives and are not as authentic or flavorful.