Curator’s statement
Since I call Tuscany home, I experience Florence with the intimacy of a local rather than a visitor. For me, it’s the ultimate city because it masters that rare balance: everyday life blended seamlessly with world-class beauty and luxury.
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Things to do in Florence
Every corner of the Uffizi is a masterpiece. An unforgettable journey through art.
My personal Florence is a curated blend of the iconic and the intimate.
I love getting lost in the Oltrarno, wandering without a map to admire the artisan workshops—Profumoir is a particular favorite of mine for its niche fragrances.
While I never tire of the masterpieces at the Uffizi or the magnetic presence of the David at the Accademia, I am equally drawn to hidden gems like the often-overlooked Basilica di Ognissanti.
For me, the city must be tasted as well as seen: a lunch at a traditional local restaurant like Taverna Rossa is a must, followed by an elegant tea or aperitivo at the historic Caffè Gilli, located right in Piazza della Repubblica.
Finally, to clear my mind, I love to escape to the hills, ending the day with dinner at Belmond Villa San Michele, where the view of the city at sunset is simply unmatched.
Places to eat & drink in Florence
Enoteca Pinchiorri remains the city’s ultimate institution. A Michelin-starred pilgrimage site, it houses one of Europe’s most legendary wine cellars, where every rare vintage tells a story of absolute precision.
For a contemporary dialogue with the Renaissance, Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura offers an innovative, globally-inspired menu that mirrors the house’s eclectic and vibrant energy.
Nearby, Atto di Vito Mollica provides a sophisticated sanctuary, focusing on seasonal elegance and a beautifully refined Italian narrative.
For a discreet and sophisticated meal, Cantinetta Antinori offers the perfect marriage of Tuscan staples and the family’s illustrious vintages, all within their 15th-century palazzo.
Oltrarno
Across the river, the atmosphere shifts to the genuine soul of the Oltrarno.
Osteria del Carmine is a classic insider favorite—unpretentious, authentic, and tucked away from the main tourist paths.
Similarly, Taverna Rossa captures that warm, neighborhood feel that defines life on the “other” side of the Arno.
Need to know
Getting around
Florence is a city built on a human scale, best understood through the rhythm of a walk. The historical center is dense and intricately woven, making the journey between landmarks an experience in itself. While the stone-paved streets demand sensible footwear, the city’s inherent elegance suggests a refined approach to utility.
Because much of the core is a restricted traffic zone, vehicles are secondary to the experience of the vicoli. Walking is not merely a necessity here—it is the only way to capture the shifting light on the palazzi or the sudden scent of an atelier’s leather workshop.
Shopping
While Milan is the commercial center of fashion, Florence is its soul. As the birthplace of global icons, the city is a living immersion into the heritage of families who defined elegance. Walking through its golden streets is less a shopping excursion and more a journey into the heart of craftsmanship.
The icons of Via de' Tornabuoni
Florence’s most prestigious runway centers on Gucci and Ferragamo.
Gucci Garden: An essential stop in Piazza della Signoria for exclusive, world-unique pieces and a museum chronicling the brand’s rise.
Salvatore Ferragamo: Housed in the magnificent Palazzo Spini Feroni, this flagship and its museum bridge the gap between Hollywood’s Golden Age and modern couture.
Emilio Pucci: Located in the family’s ancestral palace, the “Prince of Prints” continues to offer the ultimate in aristocratic Italian glamour.
Artistry beyond the atelier
Luxury here extends into every corner of life.
Ginori 1735: On Via de’ Rondinelli, porcelain becomes a masterclass in interior design, gracing royal tables and modern homes alike.
Scuola del Cuoio: For a true insider experience, visit this leather school tucked within a Renaissance monastery. Witnessing maestros craft bespoke, gold-tooled investment pieces is an unmissable Florentine moment.
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Laura Michelucci
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Florence page.