Things To Do
Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence
Many famous Italians are buried in the church: e.g., Leon Battista Alberti, Michelangelo, Vittorio Alfieri, Leonardo Bruni, Gioachino Rossini, and Galileo. One of the finest examples of early Renaissance architecture is the Pazzi Chapel by Filippo Brunelleschi, in the 14th-century cloister adjacent to the basilica.
Piazzale Michelangelo
Florence seen from above is a singular experience. Not just a perfect photo opportunity, but a moment of wonder. You are looking at the city that gave birth to incredible artists, amazing scientists and an enthralling history of discovery and power that has filled novels and movie theaters.
Giotto's Bell Tower
Giotto's bell tower is one of the four principal monuments on the Piazza del Duomo. 84.7 metres tall and approximately 15 metres in breadth, it is the most eloquent example of 14th century Gothic architecture in Florence, combining a strong vertical thrust with the principle of sound solidity, its corner buttresses rising the full length of the tower to the projecting terrace at the top.
Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi was designed by Giorgio Vasari in 1560 for Cosimo I de'Medici to house the Granducal Magistratures of Tuscany. Over time, the top floor loggia became an exhibition of the dynastic collection of ancient sculpture, artwork and artifacts.
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
The Dome is an absolute masterpiece of art that enchants the world since its creation: it is the symbol of Florence, of the Renaissance and of humanism in general. Brunelleschi's major innovation was to built the Dome without a supporting structure. The Dome consists of two distinct domes: one internal, more than two meters thick, with a deeper angle than the other and consisting of large arches held together by ribs and made of bricks arranged in a "herringbone" pattern. The external dome is covered with terracotta tiles and marked by eight white marble ribs.
The Boboli Gardens
The Medici family established the layout of the gardens, creating the Italian garden style that would become a model for many European courts. The vast green expanse with a regular layout is a real outdoor museum, populated by ancient and Renaissance statues.
Mercato Centrale
Mercato Centrale Firenze gives back to the city an ideal marketplace of taste, redeveloping a vital venue in central Florence. It’s a rebirth that returns artisans and their produce to the heart of the food scene.
Bargello National Museum
The Museum winds its way over the three floors of the building: on the ground floor you can admire the fascinating overall view of the courtyard and Michelangelo's Room with sculptures by Buonarroti, Cellini, Giambologna, Ammannati.
Acqua Al 2
Plates signed by famous visitors adorn the walls of this iconic nook serving innovative fare & wine.
Ristorante Buca Mario
Housed in an ancient cellar with vaults and stones set in the 5th century, the restaurant itself was founded towards the end of the 19th and has since remained magnificently unchanged. Buca Mario is renowned for making exquisite Florentine Steaks, enhanced further by the accompaniment of a Brunello di Montalcino or another bottle from one of Tuscany’s premier wine cellars. The service is friendly and attentive, the clientele a mix of locals and tourists taking advantage of the establishment’s now being featured in all the guide books.
Trattoria dall'Oste Chianineria
One of the most awarded steak houses, not just in Florence, but in Italy. Trattoria dall’Oste has three different restaurants, all located in the historic center. One of them (Trattoria dall’Oste Chianineria) is specialized in serving only the local Chianina beef.
Osteria Santo Spirito
One of our favorite places to eat dinner in all of Florence (thank you, Seth!). Home-style Italian food in a rustic space with red walls, plus a terrace on a historic square.
Il Gatto e la Volpe
Convivial, family-run tavern with exposed bricks, making refined pizza, pasta & Florentine steak.
Trattoria Zà Zà
Tuscan restaurant with a bright dining room as well as brick-walled & frescoed interior rooms.
SimBIOsi Organic Pizza and lovely food
Charcuterie, pizzas & tasting menus with an organic focus in a rustic-chic space with exposed stone.
La Ménagère
Whimsical, chic bistro selling gifts & flowers alongside creative cocktails & elevated cafe fare.
Pino's Sandwiches - Salumeria Verdi
This was a weekly (daily) pitstop for anyone that lived around Santa Croce. If you're looking for a panino on the fly, make the right choice and visit Pino. It's a family owned and operated shop run by some of the most incredible people we met in Florence. The food itself is a revelation. This is a mandatory trip. You'll thank us later.
SandwiChic
Compact counter-serve offering a variety of sandwiches featuring different kinds of meat & veggies.
Flower Burger
“A flower in the mouth can help you know, the more cheerful everything seems” Battisti and Mogol sang. And this is precisely the mission of Flower Burger, the first vegan burger shop born in 2015 in the heart of Milan, which is constantly expanding both in Italy and abroad.
My Sugar gelato artigianale
Although unimpressive from the outsider, this gelateria serves some of the best gelato in Florence. Chocolate, caramel, and coffee flavors are their most popular. The staff are extremely friendly as well.
Kikuya Pub
Kikuya is one of the historic landmarks of Florentine nightlife: a stone's throw from Piazza Santa Croce, you will find the perfect mix between an authentic pub and the warmth of Italian hospitality. Try a Dragoon, but only have 1. You'll thank us later.
The Lion's Fountain
The Lion’s Fountain Irish Pub is the oldest Irish Pub in town. It's located in the heart of Florence with a spacious outdoor patio, and a large indoor area with 7 HD TV’s playing your favorite sports all day long.
Red Garter
With more than 50 years of history behind it, the Red Garter was one of the first American bars in Italy. During the day/early evening, pop in and grab some of the best burgers in Florence. At night, it turns into a karaoke bar. This was and continues to be one of our favorite neighborhood spots!
Signorvino Firenze
This is a favorite spot of locals to enjoy a daytime prosecco. With a large, open seating area that extends into an outdoor balcony, customers are able to enjoy Florence's finest wines while overlooking the Arno. There's also a large wine store with a wide selection of bottles you can bring home.
King Grizzly
Cozy tavern offering a wide range of bottled & draft brews in rustic, wood-paneled quarters. This was where we had one of our very first dates.