Things To Do

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

An absolute must-see in Florence. The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower (or the Duomo, as it's better known) is the centre point of the city's heart. Why go: The Duomo was built in the 15th century and was the largest church in the world at the time. If you can face the 463 steps, it's well worth the climb to the top of the dome, as this is the highest point in Florence. The view over the city's cascading buildings and terracotta rooftops is worth it.

Uffizi Gallery

The most famous gallery in Florence. Why go: It’s home to fantastic works by Botticelli, including The Birth of Venus. There are hours of beautiful art to discover, but the architecture of the building is worth the trip alone, designed by Italian artist Giorgio Vasari. Our tip is to get there as early as possible before the place fills up for a good view.

Accademia Gallery

The home of the famous Michelangelo's even more famous work of art. Why go: Though there are more historical works of art in the Galleria dell'Accademia than you'll find in most entire cities, this museum is made specifically to show off David. You'll want to gaze at the man that 26-year-old Michelangelo carved out of a single block of marble over 500 years ago and detailed right down to the veins in his arm. It's one of the absolute must-sees in Florence, even if you must wait in line for a bit; it'll be well worth the selfie with the man, David, himself.

Mercato Centrale

Two floors of foodie heaven. Why go: Dodge the fast food places popping up around the centre of town and instead head inside the nineteenth-century Mercato Centrale. Here, you'll find vendors selling wine, fruit, meat, fish, cheese, oil and spices on the ground level, which is frequented by locals as much as tourists. The food court upstairs is a great place for groups that can never agree on what to eat. Expect fresh pasta, Florentine meat or vegetarian burgers, pizza, dumplings, a truffle bar, fried fish, cold cuts and gelato. To really enjoy your meal here, try visiting outside the usual dining times.

Leather shops and markets

The go-to for finding the best leather products in Florence is local markets and shops. Why go: In addition to art, banking and political intrigue, Renaissance Florence was famous for its leatherwork. That tradition survives today, everywhere from the San Lorenzo street stalls to the high-end shops. If you’re set on picking up a new belt or a pair of gloves, you can head to the leather school behind Santa Croce church or find Massimo Leather for jackets and La Pelletteria Artigiana Viviani for handbags.

Piazzale Michelangelo

One of the few places where you can take in the whole of Florence in one breathtaking vista. Why go: At Piazzale Michelangelo, you'll find carts overflowing with souvenirs and no shortage of buskers, but you're here for an unbeatable and spectacular view. Look out over the crumbling city wall in the south, then towards the Duomo, Arnolfo Tower of the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Uffizi are all in sight. There is always incredible energy at sunset when groups gather to see the day end from this great height. Gazing over the sea of terracotta rooftops is an unforgettable experience.

Breakfast Reccomendations : Galleria Iginio Massari Firenze

Top breakfast spot in Florence

Dinner Reccomendation: Trattoria Marione

Dinner Reccomendation (With a view!) - Golden View Firenze

As the name suggests, Golden View is the place to go for a beautiful view. Perched precariously over the side of the Arno river, guests gaze at the famous Ponte Vecchio from the dining room through the large glass windows. Eat everything from oysters to liver crostini in a modernly decorated space that feels like a Renaissance painting.

Lunch/Dinner Reccomendation : Obicà Mozzarella Bar - Firenze

One of the more modern eateries in Florence, Obicá has been around since 2014, but it quickly became one of the classics. The sprawling restaurant full of modern flair has a beautiful indoor courtyard and a menu that allows you to pick your favourite mozzarella, ricotta and burrata cheese from around the country. Also, admire the fabulous selection of pizza and tagliere, plates piled high with sliced meats and cheeses.

Michelin Star Dinner Reccomendation : Konnubio

Chef Beatrice Segoni has really earned the Michelin Star with Konnubio. Two things are certain to happen at this restaurant: you’ll leave more relaxed than when you walked in and you’ll eat really well. This is a professional dining experience that you’ll really want to mentally prepare for and enjoy. You can tell they spend particular time and attention on the ingredients they cook with. Everything is done to perfection. Don’t miss Konnubio

Coffee/ Lunch Reccomendation : La Ménagère

It’s a coffee shop by day, serving coffee, breakfast, and lunch. If you’re looking for a break from pizza and pasta or a substantial breakfast, this is the spot. You can also sit, have a cappuccino, and take in the scenery. By the way, this coffee shop is much more than meets the eyes. It was formerly a hardware store and reopened as a coffee shop, restaurant, flower shop, and general seller of cool things. The feeling of this 16,000-square-foot complex makes you want to stay and hang out. They have a very stylish full restaurant and the food is killer.

Dinner Recommendation: Caffè dell'Oro

Caffe dell’Oro serves traditional Florentine cuisine in an upscale yet comfortable setting. It’s perfect for an evening date or an extravagant lunch. It’s recommended by the Michelin guide but does not have an official star. This means the prices are high but not outrageous. The view and feel of this restaurant is one of the best in Florence.

Rooftop Recommendation: Grand Hotel Minerva

Over in Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, home to the first great basilica in Florence where Giotto’s Crucifix hangs, is the Grand Hotel Minerva. The contemporary hotel overlooks the historic piazza below but upstairs the roof has a 360-degree terrace with city-skyline views of the biggest sites in Florence. Soak up the sunset to the west and the ringing bells of the Duomo to the east while snacking on typical bruschetta and drinking Prosecco.

Rooftop Recommendation: Divina Terrazza Rooftop Bar

The Grand Hotel Cavour is rooted right in the centre of the city, and up on the 6th floor is an intimate spot where the barmen will advise what to order. Brunelleschi’s Duomo is practically within spitting distance and the majestic Palazzo Vecchio stands tall from this vantage point. Come here for an early aperitivo, or for after-dinner digestifs, when the music gets louder and the drinks get stronger. A long list of cocktails includes a frothy fresh peach Bellini, or choose from an extensive wine list including a silky rosso vino from Tuscan Villa Antinori.