Curator’s statement
There’s just something about Florence that lives in your soul forever. The food? Unreal. Every bite feels like a love letter from a Tuscan grandmother. The art and architecture stop you in your tracks, even when you’re just grabbing a cappuccino. But it’s the people—warm, proud, effortlessly stylish—that make it feel like home every time. I go for the pasta, but I stay for the magic.
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Day 1: Slow start, city strolls, & sunset views
Morning: Arrive and check in! Grab a cappuccino and pastry at Ditta Artigianale or S. Forno.
Midday: Wander the historic center. See the Duomo, climb to the top if you’re up for it, and explore the leather markets around San Lorenzo.
Afternoon: Pop into Mercato Centrale—grab a bite from the food stalls and pick up some olive oil, pasta, or wine to bring home.
Golden hour: Head up to Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset—bring wine and snacks from a local grocery store and enjoy a DIY aperitivo with a postcard-perfect view of the city. Most nights, there is live music (and sometimes singing!)
Dinner: Try Gustapizza (for delicious pizza) or La Buchetta (for Florentine steak!). Another stand-out nearby is Osteria Del Cinghiale Bianco.
Day 2: Museums & shopping
Loggia Roof Bar
Morning: Start early at the Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David—book tickets ahead of time to avoid lines, and have an expert guide with you. (Liv Tours or Florencetown are great!)
Late morning: Walk over to the Uffizi Gallery (skip-the-line is a must). Don’t rush—Botticelli’s Birth of Venus deserves a moment.
Lunch: Head to grab a sandwich at one of the following places: Schiacciateria De' Neri 18R, I' Girone De' Ghiotti, Pino's Sandwiches, or SandwiChic.
Afternoon: Cross Ponte Vecchio, then wander the artisan streets of Oltrarno — peek into vintage shops, jewelry studios, and leather boutiques.
Aperitivo hour: Do it the Italian way—spritz and snacks at Le Volpi e L’Uva (personal fave!), Loggia Roof Bar, Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina or Angel Roofbar & Dining
Dinner: Try Trattoria Nella, Hostariia il Desci - Dal 1954, or Acqua al 2.
Day 3: Markets, shopping, & a rooftop farwell
Morning: Stroll through Sant’Ambrogio Market—it’s more local than touristy, and a great place to see daily life in action.
Late morning: Treat yourself to a little shopping—think Italian sandals, linen sets, and leather bags!
Lunch: Sit outside for lunch and take in the vibes—one last plate of cacio e pepe or wild boar pasta before you go.
Afternoon: Grab gelato at Gelateria dei Neri and walk along the Arno. Maybe pop into the Boboli Gardens or Palazzo Pitti if you want one more cultural moment.
Final toast: Aperitivo on a rooftop — SE·STO on Arno or Angel Roofbar are both dreamy for a farewell spritz or Negroni.
Need to know
Cute shoes, but make them walkable: Florence is all cobblestones, all the time—thin heels and flimsy sandals don’t stand a chance. Think chic sneakers, stylish sandals, or block heels. You’ll easily hit 15k+ steps a day, and looking cute shouldn’t mean blisters after one day of exploring.
Pack light (if you can!): You’ll likely be dragging your suitcase over bumpy streets, up stairs, and through narrow alleys at some point.
Water’s not free: At restaurants, you’ll always pay for bottled water—and they won’t bring tap water unless you ask (and even then, probably not as it’s not the norm)
Be ready to slow down: Service is slower, shops close mid-day, and no one’s rushing. Embrace it. Order another espresso. The art of il dolce far niente—the sweetness of doing nothing—is part of the trip!
Carry some cash: Most places take cards, but small cafes, taxis, or markets sometimes prefer euros. Keep a little on hand just in case.
Learn a few phrases: Even a simple “Grazie” or “Buongiorno” goes a long way. Italians appreciate the effort, and it makes interactions way more fun.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Florence page.
Travel Advisor
Vicky Benson
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