To Do & Eat in Florence
Piazzale Michelangelo
Take the short uphill trek to this overlook for the best view of Florence. Bring a bottle of wine and enjoy the sunset!
The Boboli Gardens
It took 400 years to craft the 11 acres of beautiful Italian gardens once owned by the Medici's behind the Pitti Palace. A peaceful escape minutes from the the busy center. Spend an afternoon basking under the Tuscan sun while imagining what it must have been like to live like Florence's most famous family during the Renaissance. A €10 ticket grants you access to the entire garden, a small porcelain antiques collection, and the Museum of Costume and Fashion where you can view outfits worn by the Medici's in the 1500s. Tickets for the rest of the Pitti Palace museum are sold separately.
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
You can't miss seeing the cathedral from up close! For those with strong legs and no fear of heights, you can climb to the top of the bell tower or dome for ..literally breathtaking.. views.
Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence
Known as the "Temple of Italian Glories" this church is where Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli are buried. As of now, the church is undergoing interior restorations and it isn't possible to view the inside, but the plaza out front is lively and nice to enjoy nonetheless.
Uffizi Gallery
One of the largest and most-visited museums in Italy. Here you'll find a huge variety of works by artists such as Michelangelo, Botticelli, Raphael, da Vinci, Rembrandt, Caravaggio and many, many others. We definitely suggest buying tickets in advance to avoid the long lines.
Galleria dell'Accademia
If you're amazed by sculpture, this is the museum for you! Housing the original "David" carved by Michelangelo, and hundreds of other works, this smaller museum can be enjoyed if you don't have enough time for a whole day at the Uffizi but still want a taste of Italian masterpieces. A copy of The David sits in Piazza Signoria near the Uffizi Museum for anyone to view, but the original from 1504 is quite a sight to be seen at the Academia.
Gustapizza
Where it all began. Come say "Ciao" to Emanuele at work! Our favorite pizza is the Calabrese, but you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Ask for it shaped like a heart for a very instagramable meal! <3
Pizzeria Riva d’Arno Firenze
Same delicious Gustapizza, but with a slower atmosphere and outdoor seating. This location also serves appetizers, salads, desserts, and has a full bar. Giuseppe makes a great Moscow Mule! If dessert is more your vice, try the profiteroles.
Trattoria dall'Oste chianineria
If you're a carnivore, you can't leave Florence without trying the famous "Fiorentina" T-bone steak! Trattoria Dall'Oste has multiple locations around town, but we're partial to the one on Via dei Cerchi. The menu can be overwhelmingly large full of tuscan specialties and many pasta options, but we've yet to have a bad dish there. Other great places to try the Fiorentina steak around town include La Giostra, Trattoria 13 Gobbi, and Trattoria Sostanza (where you'll need to make a reservation at least two-weeks in advance, but it really is that good).
Osteria Santo Spirito
One of our favorite spots in our neighborhood. Start with the small appetizer platter of wild boar sausage, pecorino cheese, and sun dried tomatoes. Then try the four-cheese gnocchi that comes out sizzling in a bath of aromatic truffle oil. Mmm! Other tasty places in town for pasta include Trattoria Za Za (huge menu to please literally everyone), Acqua al'Due, and Trattoria 4 Leoni - where the pear & asparagus pasta might just blow your mind.
Manifattura
Fancy a libation? Step back in time to a jazzy, Gatsby-esque vibe where every liquor served is strictly Italian. Drop by and let our friend Fabiano craft a tasty cocktail just for you. Stay for the atmosphere and music. You might just never want to leave. Other bars around town to linger in include Volume, Soul Kitchen, or Colle Bereto.
Pasticceria Buonamici
This historical, family-owned bakery dating back to 1949 is our favorite place for a classic Italian breakfast. Even our dog is nuts for it. If you mention "Buonamici?!" to him, he'll run to the door and proceed to drag you down the block, led by the scent of hot espresso and pastries fresh out of the oven. The staff is so kind and welcoming and the options, sweet & savory, are beautiful and endless. My go-to is a soft cornetto (croissant) with a combo of Nutella and fresh custard. Mamma mia.
Ditta Artigianale, Firenze
Home to award-wining baristas, this is the place to try amazing coffee in a hip and contemporary atmosphere. One of the best places to find an actually decent iced coffee in Italy. And come July, you'll be needing one. We also love Le Menagere for coffee and breakfast if you're staying closer to the San Lorenzo neighborhood.
Sbrino
Some of the best gelato we've found! Homemade with fresh, local ingredients in season. They also make fresh fruit granitas (slushees) in alcoholic and non-alcoholic varieties. We also recommend Riva Reno, La Carraia, Venchi, and Badiani for good gelato. Stay far from gelaterias in main piazzas and streets with bright/artificial colors and piled high. It looks enticing but it's a trap!