Florence, Italy: Where to Stay, Eat & Explore

Visit the Duomo and surrounding piazza

Florence’s most iconic landmark and where I usually start with clients on their first day. It’s impressive in photos, but standing in the square and looking up at the Duomo really sets the tone for the city.

See Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia

One of the most memorable experiences in Florence. I always recommend booking tickets in advance—the lines can get long, and seeing David in person is worth planning ahead for.

Explore the Uffizi Gallery

Home to one of the world’s greatest Renaissance collections. Unless you’re deeply into art, I usually suggest a shorter visit or a guided highlights tour so it doesn’t feel overwhelming.

If you only have a couple of hours in the Uffizi, don’t try to see everything—it’s one of those museums where less is more. I usually guide clients through a highlighted route so it stays enjoyable instead of overwhelming.

Uffizi Gallery: 2-hour highlights route

Game plan:

• Plan for ~2 hours total

• Book timed entry in advance

• Move steadily—don’t stop in every room

Floor 2 (main highlights path)

Room 2 – Cimabue: Madonna & Child. Quick stop for context—early Renaissance style.

Room 3 – Duccio: Madonna & Child. Notice the shift toward more realism.

Room 4 – Giotto: Madonna & Child. You’ll start to see depth and more natural figures.

Rooms 10–14 – Botticelli (don’t miss): Primavera, Birth of Venus. Spend the most time here—this is the highlight of the museum.

Rooms 15–16 – Leonardo da Vinci: Early works—interesting to see his development.

Room 25 – Michelangelo: Doni Tondo. One of his only panel paintings—easy to miss if you’re rushing.

Rooms 26–27 – Raphael: Balanced, softer style—good contrast to Michelangelo.

Room 28 – Titian: Rich color and detail, Venetian influence.

Room 35 – Caravaggio (don’t miss): Medusa. One of the most striking pieces in the gallery.

Room 90 – Artemisia Gentileschi (if time allows). Powerful work and often overlooked.

Walk across Ponte Vecchio and along the Arno

This is one of those simple moments that ends up being a favorite. I like going early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s a little quieter and you can actually take it in.

Wander the Oltrarno neighborhood

One of my favorite areas in Florence and where I often guide clients for a more local feel. You’ll find artisan shops, small cafés, and a slower pace compared to the busy historic center.

Visit Sant’Ambrogio Market

A great place to experience everyday life in Florence. This is where locals shop, and it’s a nice contrast to the more tourist-heavy areas around the Duomo.

Explore the Brancacci Chapel

Less crowded than most major sites but incredibly important historically. I usually recommend this to clients who want to see something meaningful without the heavy crowds—it’s one of the best places to understand early Renaissance art.

Stop into the Galileo Museum

A nice change of pace from traditional art museums. If you enjoy science or history, this is an interesting and often overlooked stop that adds something different to your time in Florence.

Visit Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella

One of the oldest pharmacies in the world, with interiors that feel like stepping back in time. I always bring clients here if they want something different from museums.

It feels like stepping into another era—and it’s one of those places people don’t expect to love as much as they do.

End the day at Piazzale Michelangelo

The most famous view in Florence and one of my favorite ways to end the day. I usually suggest going around sunset—it’s busy, but the view over the city is worth it.

• Trattoria Zio Gigi: A small neighborhood trattoria near the Duomo that still feels local. I like this spot for a more casual meal close to the center without falling into the typical tourist restaurants.

• Trattoria Mario: A Florence institution near the Central Market and one of the livelier lunch spots in the city. It’s busy, communal, and very traditional—this is the kind of place I recommend when clients want an authentic, no-frills experience.

• Trattoria Sergio Gozzi: This is one of my go-to lunch spots when I’m in Florence. The menu changes daily, and that’s exactly what you want here. I usually let them guide me—but if ribollita is on the menu, order it. It’s one of the most traditional Tuscan dishes and they do it right.

• Il Brindellone: Located in the Oltrarno, this is a great spot for classic Tuscan cooking in a more local neighborhood. I often suggest this when clients want a traditional dinner away from the busiest areas.

• Trattoria Casalinga: A classic in Santo Spirito and one of the places I come back to. It’s simple, traditional, and consistently good—exactly what most people are hoping to find in Florence.

• Il Santino: A tiny wine bar in the Oltrarno that’s perfect for aperitivo. I’ve ended up staying longer here more than once—it’s relaxed, local, and a great place to start the evening.

• Le Volpi e l’Uva: A great wine bar near Ponte Vecchio with an excellent by-the-glass selection. I like this spot if you want to try a few different regional wines in a relaxed setting without it feeling too formal.

• Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina: Located right near Pitti Palace, this is one I recommend for a slightly more refined wine experience. The staff really knows their wines, so it’s a good place if you want a little guidance or to try something more curated. This is one of those places that’s easy to stop in for a quick glass and end up staying longer than planned.

An additional must-do while in Florence: Try a Lampredotto sandwich (Florentine street food)

This is one of the most local food experiences you can have in Florence. Lampredotto is a traditional Florentine street food made from slow-cooked beef stomach, served on a crusty roll with salsa verde.

I tried it from a small street stand and it ended up being one of those simple meals that sticks with you. It’s quick, authentic, and very local—definitely worth trying if you want to experience Florence beyond restaurants.