Florence, Italy: What to Do and Where to Stay in the Heart of Tuscany
Kelly Fay
Florence holds sturdy Renaissance stature while its heart beats with the romance of Tuscany. The city offers a bustling metropolis that flawlessly mixes its late medieval era culture with 21st-century influences, while the region surrounding Florence is brimming with Tuscan villas, rolling hills and picturesque vineyards and wineries. Tuscany’s heritage is found throughout Firenze’s cuisine, art and architectural achievements. The Medici Family once ruled this city and their influence is still felt today throughout its cobblestone-paved streets
The essence of Florence is unlike any destination, and its famed Arno River offers an ideal backdrop for the quintessential Tuscan snapshot. Restaurants, cafes and bars line the waterway, and most every street throughout the city’s central districts, all the way from the river to the famed Duomo. With a variety of attractions, Florence speaks to the art connoisseur, the history buff and the food and wine lover, alike.
Widely considered one of the most stunning cathedrals in all of Europe, the Duomo di Firenze, formally the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, is the brightly-lit face of the city. This architectural marvel marks the center of Florence, and towers over it with its magnificent Renaissance dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. The interior is just as impressive as its marble facade exterior, with its stained-glass art plastered across 44 windows. Arnolfo di Cambio broke ground on the Duomo in 1296, but the construction took 150 years to complete.
Another stop, or stops, on most everyone’s list is the Statue of David. The infamous sculpture resides in three locations within Florence. The original, believed to be sculpted from marble between 1501 and 1504, stands mighty at the Galleria dell’Accademia, while a replica is placed at the entrance of the Palazzo Vecchio. In 1873, a bronze duplicate of Michelangelo’s David was also placed atop the terrace Piazzale Michelangelo, which offers panoramic views of the metropolitan area. For the overall experience, walk the hill to discover a journey only seen by few. Take in all three monuments, as each offers a unique experience, feeling and understanding of Michelangelo’s masterpiece.
Beyond visting the Duomo and the Statue of David, the Uffizi Palace and Gallery is an experience that must be had when in Florence. Home to a large selection of art ranging from the antiquity era through to the modern era, the Uffizi also boasts the greatest assemblage of Italian Renaissance art, including the “Birth of Venus” by Botticelli, and works by Giotto, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raffaello and Tiziano. To walk through this famous gallery, is to indulge in a unique art experience and celebration of Italian heritage.
Tuscan leather is a big deal. The Florentine trade dates back centuries, so as expected you will find shops throughout the city filled with Tuscan-made leather goods (bags, jackets, shoes, and more). Benheart has two boutiques in the city and is a hip spot for buyers, while Cellerini is famous for showcasing their elegant leather craftsmanship. If you’re craving more options and cheaper goods, Porcellino is an outdoor mercato just steps from the Cathedral that draws crowds daily.
And, of course, the wine. Florence is at the center of Italy’s most famed and majestic wine region, and the Tuscan landscapes are brimming with breathtaking scenery and wine-making excellence. Within an hour by car, you can visit many towns of the Chianti region, which is branded for its superior production of vino. If you’re not the type to rent a car and embark on a self-guided adventure, Tours of Tuscany offers a wide variety of wine tours throughout the region. Or if you want to try a uniquely different type of experience, hop in one of 500 Touring Club’s vintage Fiat 500 cars for a guided tour of countryside Tuscan villas, rolling hills, vineyards and olive groves.
Where To Eat and Drink in Florence:
Outfitted in green walls, the eclectic decor of Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura is consistent with the feel of its fashion brand. Part of the Gucci Garden Museum and retail outlet, the osteria is world-class in its cuisine. Headed by chefs Karime Lopez of Mexico City and Takahiko Kondo of Tokyo, both the tasting and à la carte menus offer reimaginings of global classics influenced by both chefs’ culinary careers, travels and backgrounds. The results are decadent yet simple. However, don’t expect prices to match their designer bags, the dishes at this one-Michelin-starred haunt are well-priced while not compromising quality.
Locale is a must-try while in the city. Situated in a Renaissance-era palace previously owned by the Medici Family, the restaurant is as satisfying in its visual appeal as well as its much-talked-about food fare. But patrons are not solely motivated by their menu, the cocktails are arguably some of the best in Florence.
In the vibrant Santo Spirito neighborhood, Gurdulù is a farm-to-table restaurant and deli serving refined Tuscan fare at reasonable prices. Their menu stays fresh by rotating new and inventive offerings and they have a lovely vino selection, so order freely.
Open daily from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m., la Ménagère in the San Lorenzo neighborhood is a trendy, energetic and eclectic destination with multiple menus ranging from early morning to late night, keeping the location bustling at all hours. Craft cocktails and coffee creations are appreciated as much as the food at la Ménagère. Pick an hour that suits you and enjoy their many offerings.
Also found in the San Lorenzo neighborhood, Mercato Centrale has been made over to dazzle in this double-decker space. The first floor houses a daily farmers market of meat, fish and fresh produce while the upper level is home to Mercato Centrale, a food hall converted in 2014 to showcase the best of Italian regional food. Mercato Centrale’s ceiling allows endless natural light to spill in through the impressive windows climbing up the walls to add to the experience.
Where To Stay in Florence:
Villa Cora is a stunning 19th-century estate that has been converted into an exclusive five-star hotel, and is just a short distance from the city center. The villa boasts an era-based theme with each level. Enjoy a style devoted to Empress Eugénie or climb a floor to feel like you’re walking through 1950’s Italy. The Boboli Gardens welcomes guests to take a leisurely stroll among the foliage. Guests can also enjoy their time on the Bellevue Roof Terrace, soaking in the heated pool and lounging at Santa Garden Cocktail Club, or revitalizing themselves at the Bené Spa. Highlighting the seasons through farm-to-table cuisine, Le Bistrot features modern Tuscan lunch and dinner options and is headed by Chef Alessandro Liberatore. Villa Cora is also known for seasonal Sunday brunch.
Set in the Piazza della Repubblica, Hotel Savoy is five-star property where sophistication and antiquity meet to provide excellence. The Italian palace holds 80 deluxe rooms and suites that offer the serenity desired by guests along with the convenience of a prime location. Located in the heart of the city, the hotel is just moments away from the Duomo and adjacent to a variety of great restaurants and bars. But depending on when you visit and your length of stay, you may not have a reason to eat elsewhere. The property’s restaurant, Irene, is under renovation and set to reopen April 10, 2025. In the past, Irene has provided Tuscan fare, often organic and always fresh, with cocktails also served at Irene Bar. Another five-star option is The Place Firenze, a boutique hotel that combines contemporary décor with Tuscan architecture and world class service behind unassuming doors in the palazzo Piazza Santa Maria Novella. Several of their 20 rooms and suites have views of the plaza below, and the Kitchen & The Bar serves breakfast lunch, dinner and drinks.
Hotel Brunelleschi is a four-star historic beauty known for its prime location. Luxury and location are noteworthy characteristics of this boutique hotel. Enjoy your stay in one of their 96 rooms and suites. The Pool Suite offers rooftop swimming and views of the Duomo, so close in proximity you can almost reach out and touch it. The Deluxe Panoramic room offers stunning views as well, complete with a round bed. An extensive breakfast, and arguably the most impressive complimentary spread in all of Florence, is included with most stays. Santa Elisabetta, Brunelleschi’s Italian fine dining experience, is an exceptional dinner option and prioritizes vegan and vegetarian restrictions through a separate menu. Their second restaurant, Osteria Pagliazza offers lovely tasting options for lunch and dinner, along with a fantastic build-your-own gin and tonic menu. Following your meal, espresso and sweets of the chef are served, so save room to indulge.
Palazzo Castri 1874 is another lovely option in the San Lorenzo neighborhood. An affordable and luxurious boutique hotel, Palazzo Castri 1874 balances modern Italian design with traditional Renaissance style. After a day of exploring Florence, dip into their indoor-outdoor pool that offers a perfect temperature year round and rejuvenate inside and out at their spa that includes a sauna, fitness center and pampering packages. A complimentary breakfast is included each morning with your stay, and the hotel’s restaurant and bar also serves lunch and dinner.
For a bird’s-eye view of the Renaissance city, head to Villa Le Fontanelle. Perched in the hills above Florence, this wonderful villa began its life as a peasant farm, and was once one of the properties belonging to the Medici family in the 15th century, but has since been transformed into a seven-room family-owned and operated luxury hotel, with an elevated vantage point perfect for city and hillside gazing. French countryside decor brings an elegance to each of its unique rooms and suites. Our two favorites rooms, Orangerie and Limonaia