TRAVEL GUIDE - Florence, Italy

Florence is the kind of place that feels like stepping into a living museum, where every street, piazza + sunlit façade tells a story. Whether it’s your first time in Italy or your fifth, this Renaissance gem has a way of slowing you down + pulling you into its rhythm.

If you’re planning your trip, timing makes all the difference. The best time to visit Italy + Florence in particular is in May, just before the summer rush, or in September, when the crowds begin to thin but the weather is still warm + inviting. More broadly, mid-April through mid-July + again from September to November offer that sweet spot of pleasant temperatures + manageable crowds. August tends to be overwhelmingly hot + busy, while December can feel a bit too cold + quiet for a full experience.

Getting there is part of the magic. The three-hour drive from Milan to Florence takes you through the rolling hills of rural Tuscany, an iconic landscape dotted with vineyards, olive groves + small villages. This region is also home to Italy’s renowned textile industry, adding another layer of cultural richness to the journey.

And for those who love fashion as much as art, set aside time to explore the outlet malls located southeast of the city. With so many designer destinations to discover, you’ll want at least two full days to browse, shop + soak it all in.

Florence isn’t just a destination, it’s an experience. With the right timing + a little planning, your visit can feel both effortless + unforgettable.

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To BOOK Your Stay At The HOTELS Below

• Palazzo di Camugliano - An elegant boutique stay set in a restored historic palace, blending original frescoes + antique charm w/ modern comfort, offering a quiet, refined retreat in the heart of Florence.

  
  

• Villa San Michele - A Belmond Hotel - A luxurious hillside retreat set in a former monastery, featuring a stunning Renaissance façade, terraced gardens + sweeping views over Florence, combining timeless elegance with world-class service.

  
  

• Four Seasons Hotel Firenze - A lavish urban resort set within a historic palace + expansive private gardens, offering opulent rooms, Renaissance details + a peaceful escape just minutes from Florence’s main attractions. Be sure to visit their restaurant, Il Palagio.

  
  

• Continentale Hotel - A chic, fashion-forward boutique hotel set along the Arno River near Ponte Vecchio, known for its minimalist white interiors, 1950s-inspired design + panoramic rooftop terrace w/ sweeping views over Florence.

  
  

• Cerretani Hotel Firenze - (previously called Sofitel Firenze) - A stylish boutique hotel set in a historic palace in the heart of Florence, blending modern interiors with subtle 17th-century details, just steps from the Duomo + the city’s top shopping streets. We stayed here back in 1999 for New Years Y2K.

  
  

• Hotel Villa Liana - A 19th-century residence that previously served as the British Embassy w/ frescoed ceilings, antique furnishings + a peaceful garden, offering a quiet, residential escape just a short walk from Florence’s main landmarks.

  
  

• The St. Regis Florence - (formerly the Grand Hotel), features the renowned Winter Garden restaurant. Built in the 19th century rather than the 14th, it offers opulent, history-steeped suites, a magnificent ballroom + stunning views of the Arno River.

  
  

• Rocco Forte Hotel Savoy - A prestigious five‑star luxury hotel in the heart of Florence’s historic Piazza della Repubblica, placing you within walking distance of major sights like the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery + Ponte Vecchio. Originally opened in the 19th century + carefully reimagined by the Rocco Forte Hotels group with elegant interiors by Lady Olga Polizzi, the property blends classic Florentine grandeur with contemporary Italian style. The hotel features beautifully appointed rooms + suites, refined dining at its Irene bistro + terrace + thoughtful service typical of the Rocco Forte brand, all in an atmosphere that reflects both the city’s artistic heritage + modern luxury hospitality.

  
  

• Portrait Firenze (Lungarno Collection) - A luxurious, five‑star boutique hotel owned by the Ferragamo family. Located on the banks of the Arno River just steps from the iconic Ponte Vecchio, it offers bespoke hospitality with elegant, all‑suite accommodations designed by renowned architect Michele Bönan. The property blends contemporary Italian style with subtle mid‑century charm + personalized service, making each guest’s stay feel uniquely tailored. It’s also a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and is celebrated for its refined interiors, exclusive experiences+ stunning river views. (per CIC)

  
  

Where To EAT

• Trattoria I'Parione - A favorite of comedian, Heather McMahan

  
  

• Osteria del Cinghi ale Bianco - A favorite of Gwyneth Paltrow

  
  

• Poggio Amorelli Farm - Wine tasting straight out of a movie overlooking a beautiful vineyard + they serve you the most amazing meal. Get the truffle pasta!

  
  

• Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura - A contemporary Italian restaurant w/ unique identities embodying creativity, elegance + playfulness. (Florence, Beverly Hills, Tokyo + Seoul)

  
  

• La Giostra - Cameron Diaz has been spotted here w/ her family + Leonardo DiCaprio has also been spotted eating here w/ his parents.

  
  

• Enoteca Pinchiorri - restaurant founded by Giorgio + Annie in the 1970's. Starting from a dream winery + then achieving 3 Michelin stars.

  
  

• Harry's Bar + The Garden - It's been around since 1953. 2 restaurants + an American bar in Florence. 

  
  

• Osteria Da Fortunata - founded in 1921 with Fortunata, the one who gave rise to a century-old culinary legend in central Rome. They has locations in Milano, Roma, Bologna, Firenze + Miami

  
  

• O'munaciello - pizzeria

  
  

• Al'antico Vinaio - Order a panini

  
  

• Osteria Santo Spirito - Order the truffle gnocchi

  
  

• Gusta Pizza - The menu is very simple, pizzas, calzones + a range of drinks. There is cosy indoor seating + an outdoor terrace.

  
  

• La Carraia - Be sure to stop here for gelato!

  
  

• La Terrazza - Be sure to have a drink here. Located on the rooftop of the Continentale Hotel 

  
  

• Ditta Artigianale - A great spot for coffee / breakfast.

  
  

• Trattoria Garga - Located right in the centre of the old town of Florence a few steps away from Santa Maria Novella square.

  
  

• il Salviatino - A villa of delights on the hills of Florence, hosting da Giacomo al Salviatino restaurant

  
  

• Cibrèo - great restaurant per my Uncle Dominick

  
  

• The Lodge Club - Viale Poggi 1

  
  

• Pentola dell'Oro - known as The Golden Bowl + located near the Santa Croce. 

  
  

• Cibreo - Soups, souffles, polenta, Tuscan dishes, cheesecake w/ tangerine marmalade + torta di pere. 

  
  

• Gilli - Coffee with classic desserts like biscotti + tiramisu in a wood-paneled landmark founded in 1733. A great spot for lunch (they have great salads) + it's near the shopping district as well.

  
  

• Acqua al 2 - Excellent dishes + selected wines, but above all the unique atmosphere that sets us apart. Plates signed by famous visitors adorn the walls of this iconic restaurant.

  
  

• Buca Mario - generous portions of traditional Tuscan dishes, such as their acclaimed Florentine steak + lasagna.

  
  

• Babae - Via Santo Spirito 21 - Located in the Oltrarno district is the most famous active wine window (buchetta del vino) in Florence, popular for reviving the tradition of serving wine + cocktails directly through a small 17th-century window. It is frequented for its authentic, Stanley Tucci approved experience.

  
  
  
  
  
  

Where To SHOP

• The Mall - via Europa 8, Leccio Reggello - Gucci, Saint Laurent, Sergio Rossi, Bottega Veneta, Armani, Fendi + more. 

  
  

• Designer Outlet Serravalle - Via della Moda, 1, 15069 Serravalle Scrivia AL. An hour's drive from San Remo.

  
  

• Space (Prada Outlet) - Via Maddalena, 31, 52025 Montevarchi - Located about an hour from Florence. It is poorly signposted + shrouded in secrecy in an industrial park. Get there early! 

  
  

• P. Papini + Co - The best leather shop in Florence. Leathers are tanned in Tuscany using an antique vegetable treatment.

  
  

• Mercato Centrale - (or San Lorenzo market) in the city center. A great open market w/ food + gifts

  
  

• Sant’Ambrogio Market - The oldest market in Florence

  
  

• Bruscoli - Via Montebello, 58/r, Firenze - Leather artisan

  
  

Things To DO

• Accademia Gallery - (Galleria dell'Accademia) World-renowned for housing Michelangelo's original David statue. Located on Via Ricasoli, this top-tier museum also features Michelangelo’s unfinished Prisoners, the Museum of Musical Instruments + 13th-16th century Florentine paintings. Pre-booked tickets are strongly recommended.

  
  

• The Church of San Salvatore al Monte - Located on the most amazing hilltop where you can see the city of Florence, inside the church we attended a mass with chanting monks. This is not to be missed. 

  
  

• Boboli Gardens - directly behind the Pitti Palace, a premier example of 16th-century Italian Renaissance, formal garden design. Commissioned by the Medici family, this expansive 111-acre, UNESCO-listed, outdoor museum features geometric paths, iconic sculptures, fountains + impressive panoramic views of Florence.

  
  

• Piazza Michaelangelo - Florence’s premier panoramic viewing point, offering iconic, free, 360-degree views of the city skyline, including the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio + Arno River. Designed by Giuseppe Poggi in 1869, this hilltop plaza features a bronze replica of Michelangelo’s David + is a premier sunset spot, accessible via walking (25 mins from center).

  
  

• Santa Maria Novella Del Fiore - commonly known as the Duomo, is Florence's iconic cathedral, famed for its massive, Renaissance-style Brunelleschi dome + 15th-century Gothic design. Located in Piazza del Duomo, it features a white, green + pink marble facade, stunning Vasari frescoes inside + is free to visit. 

  
  

• Castello della Pancetta - (often referred to as La Paneretta) A historic 13th-century castle + renowned winery located in the Chianti Classico region near Florence, Italy. Situated in Barberino Val d'Elsa, it offers wine tastings, tours of its historic cellars + luxury accommodation, featuring vineyards with native Tuscan grapes.

  
  

• Perfume + Cologne Making Class - Create your own fragrance with a perfume masterclass.

  
  

• Golf Cart Ride Around The City - Private golf cart tours in Florence provide a comfortable, eco-friendly way to see top sights, covering historic, pedestrian-restricted centers + scenic, elevated viewpoints like Piazzale Michelangelo. These 1.5 – 2 hour tours typically include a guide, offering insights on spots like the Ponte Vecchio, Duomo + Pitti Palace.

WEDDING PLANNING In Florence

• Tuscan Wedding - Jill Romanelli - An American destination wedding planning service in Italy. From intimate ceremonies to grand castle weddings. Based in Florence, Italy (Comedian, Heather McMahan used them for her wedding)

• Bianco Bouquet - a luxury destination wedding planning agency based in Florence, Italy. They specialize in planning weddings across Italy, including Lake Como, Tuscany + the Amalfi Coast + also have a presence in Dubai. Their primary office is located at Piazza Leon Battista Alberti, Firenze (per actress, Amy Jackson)