What To Do In Florence: Shopping, Dining, Relaxing & Exploring
✔️ Palazzo Gucci & Massimo Bottura’s Gucci Osteria – Home to one-of-a-kind Gucci pieces that can only be found here, Palazzo Gucci is a must for fashion lovers. Right next door, Gucci Osteria by Michelin-starred chef Massimo Bottura offers an elevated yet playful take on Italian cuisine—an unforgettable dining experience! Ask for Romina she is wonderful!
✔️ Touring Florence with Martina from Florence What Else – If you’re planning to explore Florence’s history, art, and hidden gems, I highly recommend booking a tour with Martina, the only guide I work with in Tuscany! She is knowledgeable, engaging, and deeply passionate about sharing Florence’s beauty. You can find her here: Florence What Else.
✔️ The Vasari Corridor – After years of restoration, this exclusive passageway above the Ponte Vecchio is now open! Built by Giorgio Vasari in 1565, it was once used by the Medici family to travel privately between Palazzo Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti. Access is strictly by reservation, so book early through the Uffizi Gallery website—and don’t be late because they are very strict on timing! Don’t miss this post all about The Vasari Corridor!
✔️ The Mall Firenze – If you love designer shopping at incredible prices, The Mall Firenze is your paradise. Featuring brands like Gucci, Prada, Valentino, Bottega Veneta, and more, discounts start at 30% off retail (plus additional VAT refunds for travelers!). It’s outside of Florence, so I highly recommend arranging private transportation—reach out if you need recommendations!
✔️ Need to ship purchases home? I got you! – Whether it’s wine, clothing, or a special keepsake, shipping can be tricky—but I have trusted local recommendations for ensuring your items arrive safely and hassle-free.
Want more Florence recommendations?
There’s so much more to this city that we haven’t even covered yet! I’m working on a part three of Florence recommendations (here is part one ICYMI: Spring Travel Tips To Florence), but for now, here are a few more places worth adding to your itinerary:
🍽️ Restaurants For Dinner In Florence
✔️ 13 Gobbi – A must-book in advance! One of my go-to spots.
✔️ Sabatini – Classic, old-school fine dining.
✔️ La Giostra – My favorite restaurant in Florence—cozy, candlelit, and absolutely delicious.
✔️ Da Camillo – One of the originals in Florence.
✔️ Cibrèo – A mix of Michelin-quality cuisine and Tuscan rustic flavors.
✔️ Golden View – Fantastic seafood fine dining (message me first!).
✔️ Mercato Centrale (2nd Floor) – A variety of food stalls, including high-end wine bars, dumplings, and some of the best burgers in Florence!
🥖 Iconic Panini & Quick Bites
✔️ Sandwichic – A true Florentine favorite for quality panini.
✔️ Antico Noè – A beloved sandwich spot with a cult following.
✔️ Shawarma Place (across from Antico Noè) – Because sometimes you need a quick, delicious bite that’s not Italian!
☕ Breakfast, Brunch, & Lunch with a Scene
✔️ Le Menagerie – Stylish, artsy café with great brunch options.
✔️ Rivoire – Classic café in Piazza della Signoria, perfect for espresso and people-watching.
🍸 Aperitivo & Cocktails
✔️ Rivoire – Legendary café and bar with the best aperitivo views.
✔️ Signorvino (along the Arno) – Great wine selection with a view of the Ponte Vecchio.
✔️ Golden View – Seafood, cocktails, and stunning river views.
✔️ Caffè dell’Oro – Chic, stylish, and perfect for a sunset drink.
✔️ Companion Bar (@ 25hours Hotel) – A trendy and fun spot for craft cocktails.
✔️ Calimala Bar – A rooftop gem with great city views.
✔️ Four Seasons Bar – Elegant and refined.
✔️ Savoy Hotel – A luxurious aperitivo experience in the heart of the city.
🌟 Michelin-Starred Experiences
✔️ Pinchiorri – Three Michelin stars and one of the best dining experiences in Florence.
✔️ Borgo San Jacopo – Elegant, refined, and one of Florence’s top Michelin-starred restaurants.
🍨 Proper Morning Cappuccino & Cornetto (Before 11 AM only—this is Italy!)
✔️ Caffè San Firenze – A perfect start to the day in a classic Florentine setting.
🍦 Gelato Worth the Calories
✔️ Perché No! – Iconic and one of Florence’s best gelaterias.
✔️ Vivoli – The oldest gelateria in the world—a true Florentine institution.
👩🍳 Cooking Classes
✔️ The Cooking Touch – Offers stunning views of the Ponte Vecchio, run by Max Amini—tell him I sent you!
🛍️ Shopping in Florence
✔️ Tomasini Franca (Ponte Vecchio) – Watches & jewelry—ask for Sandra!
✔️ Goccia Shoes – The best handmade Italian shoes. Ask for Nino!
✔️ Noi Leather – Classic Florentine leather goods. Nino is here too!
✔️ Officina Fiorentina – Stunning scarves, gloves, and accessories.
✔️ Santa Maria Novella Farmacia – The oldest pharmacy & perfumery in the world, learn more about it here!
✔️ Mancini Shoes – Iconic Florentine craftsmanship and customizable kicks!
✔️ Luisa Via Roma – Designer fashion + a cute café upstairs.
✔️ Obsequium – Best wine shop in town (and they ship to the USA!).
✔️ Leonardo Biscotti – Delicious Tuscan cookies and pastries.
🛍️ The Outlets
✔️ The Mall Florence – Luxury designer outlet shopping at 30%+ off before VAT refund!
✔️ Prada Space (Montevarchi) – Prada heaven—worth the drive.
📦 Need to Ship Purchases Home?
✔️ Mailboxes Etc. (across from Santa Maria Novella Farmacia) – Reliable and easy shipping service for wine, leather, and fashion finds.
🧖 Spa & Relaxation
✔️ Relax Florence – Perfect after a long day of walking and shopping!
🎨 Museums & Historic Sites
✔️ Bargello Museum – Lesser-known but incredible sculptures & Renaissance art.
✔️ Michelangelo’s David (Accademia) – Because seeing the real David in person is a must.
✔️ Uffizi Gallery – Botticelli, Leonardo, Caravaggio… need I say more?
✔️ Medici Palace & Medici Chapels – The Medici legacy in all its grandeur.
✔️ Santa Croce – Final resting place of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli.
Florence is full of experiences, hidden gems, and luxury touches—if you want to personalize your trip, I’d love to help!
Planning a wedding or a visit? Let’s chat and make it unforgettable.
Buon viaggio e a presto! ✨
