Firenze is a fantastic city with rich history and excellent food. Everything of importance is within walking distance. Home of the Renaissance, there is beautiful and iconic art around every corner. The city has lots of rentable scooters and e-bikes, which are great to get around quickly if you’re in a rush. Trust me, they are way faster than calling a taxi or uber.
Must See:
Michelangelo’s David – The original is in the Academia. I highly recommend a guided tour with early access to avoid huge crowds. Below is a link to the tour I took.
Walks of Italy Link (this also includes a tour of the Duomo below)Santa Maria del Fiore (The Duomo) – You should find a tour that takes you up to the roof of the Duomo. It’s incredible to see the parts of the Duomo that are normally not seen, plus the views from the top are incredible.
Piazzale Michelangelo – Go at sunset. The view of the Duomo and the entire city is bellissimo!
Ufizzi Gallery – Many important Renaissance paintings here.
Palazzo Pitti & Boboli Gardens – This is essentially an extension of the Ufizzi gallery/museum. There tickets that include both. I have not made it to Pitti Palace yet, but I’ve heard from many that it is incredible.
Palazzo Vecchio – Check online to see if they’re offering the “Secrets of the Palazzo” tour. I did this in 2018. They take you through all the secret passageways built by the Medici family to escape in case of emergency. The Hall of 500 features some of the most beautiful paintings from the Renaissance.
Piazza della Signoria – This is just outsize of the Palazzo Vecchio and central in the city. It’s a beautiful piazza with many replicas of famous statues.
Ponte Vecchio – Try to get a tour called “Secrets of the Palazzo”. I did this back in 2018 and it was incredible. They take you through secret passages that are not open to the general public.
Piazza della Repubblica - Large piazza with many leather markets around.
Gucci Gardens – Museum dedicated to the iconic Italian fashion brand… They also have some exclusive Gucci merch on sale. Google Maps Location
Basilica of Santa Croce – Beautilful bacilica and the burial place of some of the most famous Italians in history including Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli.
Aperitivo:
View on Art Rooftop Cocktail Bar – Google Maps Location
SE·STO on Arno Rooftop Bar (in the Westin Excelsior Hotel) – Google Maps Location
La Terrazza – Google Maps Location
Colle Bereto – Google Maps Location
Serre Torrigiani in Piazzetta – Google Maps Location
Restaurants:
San Paolino – Google Maps Location
Try the beef cheeks
Osteria Belguardo – Google Maps Location
All’Antico Vinaio – Google Maps Location
Yellow Bar – Google Maps Location
Il Grande Nuti Trattoria – Google Maps Location
La Giostra – Restaurant Website
Make sure to reserve 2 weeks in advance if you can. I wasn’t able to go because they were completely booked, but it’s been highly recommended to me by folks who know Firenze very well.
Trattoria Mario – Google Maps Location
Highly recommended, though I haven’t been able to visit. I hear the pork chops & French fries are amazing.
Trattoria Sostanza – Google Maps Location
Ciro & Sons – Restaurant Website
Gelato – There is gelato everywhere… these are the ones I would go back to over & over:
La Strega Nocciola Gelateria Artigianale – Google Maps Location
Gelateria La Carraia – Google Maps Location
Gelateria dei Medici – Google Maps Location