Secrets of Florence: Hidden Gems and Historic Wonders

1. Piazzale Michelangelo: One of the best views of the city is from the Piazzale Michelangelo and is well worth the walk. I’d recommend going right before Sunset, grab a gelato and sit down on the steps to watch the sun set on one of the most beautiful skylines in Italy.

2. Uffizi Gallery: Even if you aren’t an art historian you need to visit the Uffizi. It’s the most important art museum in Florence and one of the most famous in the world. The Uffizi Gallery hosts a vast collection of Italian Renaissance art, including works by Botticelli and Michelangelo, it truly is breathtaking to see everything in one place.

3. Academia Gallery: This is the home of the famous Michelangelo's David, when you visit, remind yourself he was 26 years old when he made it, which is pretty spectacular!

4. Museo Salvatore Ferragamo: Looking for something other than traditional art and love fashion. Don’t miss the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum, dedicated to the famous shoe designer, this museum highlights his influence on fashion and host an incredible collection of shoes and the fashion history.

5. Duomo: Is the crown jewel of Florence, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, and the image you see in the skyline of all the Florence pictures. It is the center point of the city and is free to visit, though I recommend booking a ticket in advance, so you maximize your time.

6. Leather Market: Florence is known for its leather markets where visitors can find handcrafted leather goods such as bags, jackets, and belts. The San Lorenzo market is well-known for its quality and variety of leather products, come prepared to be stunned by all you see and maybe take home not one but two leather items as memories.

7. Boboli Gardens: The Boboli Gardens, located behind the Pitti Palace in Florence, are one of the most famous and important Italian gardens, showcasing a unique blend of art, nature, and history. The gardens are not just a beautiful space for leisure and walking but also a significant cultural heritage site, reflecting the power and artistic patronage of the Medici family over the centuries.

8. Ponte Vechio: Take a stroll across the oldest bridge in Florence, dating back to 1350. It used to house butcher shops but now is home to many jewelry shops and artisans. If you are looking for a unique piece of jewelry to take home from your travels this is the spot.

9. Artisan Workshops in Oltrarno: Wander through the Oltrarno district to discover workshops where artisans ply age-old crafts. From handmade shoes to traditional Florentine paper, it’s a perfect spot for unique souvenirs. Some of these shops are 3rd and 4th generation family owned, you can find one of a kind leather goods here!

10. Italian Wine Institute - Oltrarno: Wine is synomous with Tuscany and situated in the heart of the artisan quarter of Florence, the Italian Wine Institute offers wine enthusiasts a chance to learn about and taste a wide variety of Italian wines. It's a great place for both beginners and connoisseurs. An activity not to be missed.

11. Officina Profumo - Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella: One of the oldest pharmacies in the world, founded by Dominican friars shortly after 1221. The friars began making herbal remedies and potions for their monastery, eventually selling their goods to the public. Today, this historic perfumery offers a wide range of handcrafted perfumes using traditional methods. Their scents are made from natural ingredients and are inspired by the botanicals and flowers of Tuscany. An experience you must not miss!

Day trips

Florence is a great hub for day trips!

Pisa is short hour train ride away, if you want to hit up the leaning tower for a quick picture.

Siena is another quick train but well worth it as you will be transformed back into medieval history while walking the streets or just sitting in the Piazza del Campo sipping a spritzer people watching it is well worth the trip.

Florence Center:

Lunch:
I' Girone De' Ghiotti - One of the best sandwich shop in Florence, the guys making them move quickly so don't get discouraged if you see a line. The flavors didn't dissapoint, it was quick and I was back on the explorer path with an incredible sandwich in hand.

Ristorante Totò - Need a break from the shopping and crowds drop into Toto’s for a bite to eat. You’ll see many businesspeople in around 1:30-2:00 as Italians tend to take a later lunch. The pizza is fabulous, great to share, the pasta is delicious but don’t miss out on the rosemary steak, yes even at lunch. The staff (many who are second and third generation family) are wonderful and the history of the restaurant is inspiring.

Vini E Vecchi Sapori - In the heart of Florence next to the Piazza della Signoria, perfect for lunch. Quint spot, with attentive and kind staff serving up mouth watering Florentine pastas.

Vivoi Gelateria - You’ll find a gelato place almost on every other block in Italy, it's basically a food group on it's own in Italy. This is one not to be overlooked, a few streets behind Gucci and close to Piazza Santa Croce. Get the affagado, you'll thank me after!

Dinner:

Ristorante Buca Mario - Classic old style Florence restaurant if you’re craving real Tuscan food.. Staff is very inviting they make you feel like you’re having dinner at a family’s house. Cuisine doesn’t disappoint, loved both by locals and tourist so book a reserevation in advance.

Perseus - Florentine steak not to miss! Local spot which used to be a butchery that displays the steaks right as you walk in. The Bistecca Florentine just melted in my mouth and the sides were delightful. When you sit down, they have veggies in a bowl “their salad” set on the table for you. The whole experience from start to finish is unexplainable. This was one of my favorite meals I’ve had in Florence, and I’ve had a lot! Come hungry!

Oltrarno Osteria: Slightly off the beaten path and very reasonable prices. The menu has so many great options but if you can’t decide on which item, choose the tasting menu, and try a variety of things you won’t regret it. Tuscan menu using local and seasonal ingredients the menu is always changing.

ARNO Side:

Breakfast:
Ditta Artigianale Oltrarno - Right over the bridge, a very local coffee shop with amazing Cornetto’s. The pastries from here are not to be missed add an espresso and you will start your day off with a smile. Sit either inside or out on the back patio, to relax before taking on the busy day. Make sure you go to this one as there is another that is much smaller with a very limited menu.

Lunch:

Gustapizza - Pizza, Pizza, Pizza, a must and a local favorite known for its Tuscan wood-fire pizzas. Don’t miss out because of the line, worth the wait as you enjoy the show of the pizza being tossed up in the air.

Trattoria 4 Leoni - Not too far from Gustapizza, located in the charming Piazza della Passera is known by locals as a great spot for Pear Ravioli (sounds odd but is definitely worth trying). If you’re craving something more hearty order the Lasagna you will be talking about it for days. Make reservations in advance if you can as it fills up fast.

Appertivo & Dinner:

Le Volpe e l'uva - The perfect wine bar for a pre-dinner aperitivo and wine pairing to relax after a long day. You can sit inside or out on the side street and truly feel like a local in Florence. The staff is very knowledgeable and can help you find the perfect wine from their extensive Tuscan wine list to match the mood you are in.

Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco - A local gem that will stay with you when you leave Florence. Mouth watering pastas, vibrant atmosphere and let's not forget the Boar, it's namesake. They get booked up fast and don't always answer the phone so when you get to town, I suggest going by in person to book a table for that night or the next. One of my fav places to visit and have been coming for over 6 years.