Florence Guide
Our favorite spots in the city
Florence is one of our favourite places in the world: museums that actually live up to the hype, sunsets that make you feel like you're in a painting, spritzes everywhere, gelato that ruins all other gelato, and steak you'll remember forever.
Here are a few things we love that we would recommend if you haven't been here before...
Food & Drink
The essentials for any Florence visit
Tagliere di salumi e formaggi
Everything you need on one board. Cured meats, local cheese and as you can see from Mirjam's face last time we had one, they make an excellent cure for hangriness. Pairs perfectly with a spritz (or three). We've never had a disappointing tagliere in Tuscany.
Schiacciata
A sandwich to beat all sandwiches. Schiacciata is a flat, crispy, olive oil bread that's sliced open and stuffed with whatever your heart desires. The classic is schiacciata con la finocchiona (with fennel salami), but you can get it with porchetta, mortadella, fresh mozzarella, or whatever looks good. Pino's, I Fratellini and All'Antico Vinaio are three of the best spots.
Affogato
It's a classic for a reason. Gelato. Espresso. Pour one over the other. Delicious and energising, for a much-needed boost in the afternoon. If you go to Vivoli near Santa Croce where they have been serving gelato since 1929, you can even get it in an Instagram-friendly coffee cup.
Spritz
A spritz in Florence does something that a spritz everywhere else does not. Maybe it's the view. Maybe it's the slow drift of the evening light. You've got lots of options: Aperol, Campari, Limoncello, Hugo. If you're feeling brave, try a Cynar Spritz - it's Ben's favourite.
Bistecca alla Fiorentina (the famous steak)
Florence takes steak seriously. For a truly life-changing steak, order this T-bone cut from Chianina cattle that is normally cooked rare on a wood-fired grill. It's one of the best things to eat in the city, or anywhere for that matter. Our favourite spots are Manzo and Trattoria Verdi. Order it to share, this is not a light meal.
Gelato
Florence is full of gelato, but the good stuff hides in plain sight. If the gelato is piled high in colourful mountains with fruit stuck on top, keep walking. The better places almost seem boring: look out for low tubs and natural colours. Our favourite spot is La Strega Nocciola, right by the Duomo. Try the Buontalenti flavour.
Galleries & Museums
Our personal takes on some of Florence's cultural highlights
Galleria dell'Accademia
Uffizi Gallery
Palazzo Vecchio
Cappelle Medicee
Buchette del vino
Keep an eye out for tiny wine windows, little doors built into medieval buildings where drinks get passed straight through the wall. Even more fun is grabbing a spritz from a bar opposite and watching people queue for their Instagram moment as a glass of Chianti appears through the hatch. Honestly, very entertaining. Fun fact: they date back to plague times, letting people buy wine safely while coins were disinfected in vinegar. The original "Hands, Face, Space"...
Fotoautomatica
For just a €2 coin, these cute photo booths give you classic black-and-white photo strips that look instantly charming on your fridge. Sometimes they're tucked into walls, other times free-standing on the street. Developing takes about 4–5 minutes, so don't wander off if they don't come out right away, it's worth the wait!
Librerie
One of the best ways to explore Florence is simply to wander and see what you stumble across. Tiny, charming bookstores pop up everywhere, perfect for Ben to get hopelessly lost among the shelves while Mirjam refuels with coffee nearby. Don't be surprised if you spend half the afternoon in one little street.
Vasari Corridor
You'll spot it running along the top of the Ponte Vecchio: an elevated, enclosed passageway connecting the Uffizi to the Palazzo Pitti. Cosimo I de' Medici had it built in 1565 so he could move between work and home without having to deal with the general public. Peak Medici energy. Access is limited and tours are pricey, but you don't need to go inside to appreciate the audacity of building your own private sky bridge across the city.
