STYLE
August Monthly Must-Haves
Tuckernuck
Where to Stay
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This is a small, old-school style hotel in Piazza Santo Spirito. -
This 13-room boutique bed & breakfast feels hidden away and charming. -
A small hotel with extreme privacy, this is set in Europe's largest private garden. -
This elegant, well designed hotel overlooks the Piazza di Santa Maria Novella.
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This property was recently remodeled to perfection, and is a true grand old-world hotel with Florentine elegance. -
The historic Ferragamo family has more than a few great hotels, but the views and design of this intimate beauty are hard to beat. -
From the frescos to the gardens, you'll feel that you've been transported to another world and a true sanctuary while staying here. -
The views here give one a true idea as to why many consider Firenze to be the most beautiful city in the world.
Where to Eat: Gelato and Sweet Treats
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The best in Italy. It's run by a husband-and-wife team, and they alternate their time in the store. Get the crema, the chocolate, or really anything. -
Located in one of the most beautiful squares, Rivoire has stunning old-world interiors with delicious sweets. -
This is not an ice cream shop, but rather a philosophy. -
One must not visit Firenze without having a few of Procacci's amazing chocolates and little tea sandwiches, also adored by the Queen.
Where to Eat: Lunch
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This little Florentine institution is a family-run, old-school trattoria near the central market. Small and communal, the menu changes daily and is not one to miss. -
Always changing, always improving, this little gem has the best panna cotta in the world. Find one better, you will not! -
Once a forgotten and hidden gem, Sabatino is now a very popular and minimally priced landmark. -
Brimming with character and art-driven interiors, this female-run spot is perfect for a modern Florentine lunch. From vegan and gluten free desserts to reimagined vegetarian ragu, this is a local's favorite for good reason.
Where to Eat: Dinner
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How does one explain the pinnacle of class and taste? In Firenze, it can be summed up in two words- Trattoria Cammillo. Chiara has taken her family's long dining legacy and magically done the impossible by improving it.
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A true one-of-a-kind intimate Florentine institution, you won't get in here without a reservation. Order the buttered chicken and artichoke omelette. -
Communal and lively for all occasions, this spot has a can't-miss menu, full of local and regional specialties. -
This candlelit setting offers fresh, innovative Tuscan cuisine and bustling energy on a nightly basis.
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Cibreo's menu offers a timeless collection of dining experiences. Each property is right next to each other and has its own specialities all focused on local, reimagined favorites. -
Go for the views, stay for the food! -
While you'll find the greatest Italian wine list in the world here, the food alone is worth a visit. -
Here you'll embark on a modern and intimate experience focused on Tuscan cuisine, craft, and precision.
Where to Sip: Bars and Wine Bars
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Located in a 1500s palazzo with a 13th-century basement and home, this belongs to the man who many believe to be the greatest barman in Italy, Matteo di Lenno. Everything is made naturally in house, and all of the walls are full of live plants. -
This small, old-style dive serves modern, fresh-fruit cocktails and American classics. -
Come for the best views in the city and a full experience that is not too clubby. -
Set against Porta San Miniato, this Tuscan wine bar is considered by many to be the best wine bar in the city.
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A rustic old-world wine bar mixed with a modern mentality towards wines from all around Europe. There is also a great selection of small bites. -
Enjoy small bites matched wisely with a selection of natural wines, and vinyl spinning in the old latteria space. -
Truly a hidden gem known only by locals. They may kill me for sharing this! -
This happening and fun small wine bar has both locals and tourists spilling out into the street enjoying varieties of wine and small bites.
Places to See
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Some notable ones are the Bobboli Gardens, Rose Gardens, and Giardino Bardini. -
Considered the birth of art into the modern world, The Renaissance started in Firenze and The Uffizi offers some of the era's greatest masterpieces. -
The Duomo in Firenze is logistically and architecturally an impossible feat, but like all things in Firenze, it is still there and more beautiful than ever. -
This is the palace and gardens of the famous Medici family.
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The town hall of Florence, The Palazzo Vecchio overlooks the Piazza della Signoria, which holds a copy of Michelangelo's David statue. -
Roman ruins mixed with raw Florentine architecture make this church, commune and mausoleum a can't-miss destination, especially with its views. -
Ask DiscoverTuscany.biz for the right vineyards to go wine tasting.. -
The Ferragamo and Gucci Museums are not ones to miss, and Florence is the only place to truly experience the heritage of these designers.
Where to Shop
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The world's oldest 1212 and greatest pharmacy still produces the grandest of perfumes, candles and all things scented. It's worth a visit just to see and feel its "caught in time" beauty. -
Featuring exclusive clothing, shoes, bags and accessories for men, women and kids, this institution totally revolutionized fashion through its curation and ability to sell globally online. -
Discover an expansive collection of artisanal and handmade eyewear. -
The place for all your Venetian slipper needs.
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For the best Florentine made baby clothes, stop here for your little ones! -
Your dress destination for feminine, seasonless, and sustainable pieces. -
Using old embroidering techniques from Renaissance artists, Loretta Caponi creates unique clothing for women, men, and children. -
Treat yourself to a pair of custom shoes made from master craftsmen.
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Since 1856, this has been a historic spot for bookbinding and marble paper decorated by hand. -
One of the last remaining workshops for silk manufacturing in the world, it's a luxury to shop here for home decor and bespoke clothing. -
A must-stop for luxe leather bags and accessories operating inside the Monastery of Santa Croce since 1950. -
This porcelain factory was established just outside Florence in 1735, and it's been producing high-quality handcrafted porcelain ever since.
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From lamps and handles to kitchen and bathroom accessories, this historic brand emphasizes details and exclusive style. -
Founded in 1895, this historic wood workshop produces entirely handmade objects. -
Open the last Sunday of every month, this small flea market offers both vintage and modern antiques and art. It's a perfect activity for the treasure hunt lover. -
This "it" brand full of on-trend shoes and bags originated in Florence, and now has stores in Capri, Milan, and the US.
Hayden’s Reading Recommendations before Visiting Florence
A Room with a View (E. M. Forster, 1908)
The Birth of Venus (Sarah Dunant)
The Agony and the Ecstasy (Irving Stone, 1958)
Brunelleschi's Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture (Ross King, 2000)
The City of Florence (R. W. B. Lewis, 1994)
The Lives of the Artists (Giorgio Vasari, 1550)
The Prince (Niccolò Machiavelli, 1532)
A Tuscan Childhood (Kinta Beevor, 1993)
The House of Medici (Christopher Hibbert)
Innocence (Penelope Fitzgerald)
The Portrait of a Lady (E. M. Forster)
A Room with a View (E. M. Forster, 1908)
The Birth of Venus (Sarah Dunant)
The Agony and the Ecstasy (Irving Stone, 1958)
Brunelleschi's Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture (Ross King, 2000)
The City of Florence (R. W. B. Lewis, 1994)
The Lives of the Artists (Giorgio Vasari, 1550)
The Prince (Niccolò Machiavelli, 1532)
A Tuscan Childhood (Kinta Beevor, 1993)
The House of Medici (Christopher Hibbert)
Innocence (Penelope Fitzgerald)
The Portrait of a Lady (E. M. Forster)
Hayden’s Movie Recommendations before Visiting Florence
A Room with a View (1986)
Portrait of a Lady (1996)
The Best of Youth (2003)
The Fabulous Young Man Leopardi (2014)
Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)
A Tea with Mussolini (1999)
The Girls of San Frediano (1955)
Incompreso (1966)
Family Chronicle (1962)
Amici Miei (1975)
Hannibal (2001)
A Room with a View (1986)
Portrait of a Lady (1996)
The Best of Youth (2003)
The Fabulous Young Man Leopardi (2014)
Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)
A Tea with Mussolini (1999)
The Girls of San Frediano (1955)
Incompreso (1966)
Family Chronicle (1962)
Amici Miei (1975)
Hannibal (2001)