After attending a family wedding in the Campania region, my husband and I made the most of our 4 nights and 4 days in Florence before heading off to Rome.
We were both caught up with work right until we left for Italy, so we didn’t spend a lot of time researching activities or suggested places to explore in Florence or Rome.
I didn’t set any expectations for Florence. Friends and family—and the inundation of targeted Instagram content—did tell us that the city is beautiful and how we were sure to enjoy the restaurant scene.
We knew to see the Duomo di Firenze—and it’s not like we could even miss it if we tried, since the building defines Florence.
We knew to see Ponte Vecchio—again, another monument we couldn’t miss since our hotel was located steps away from it. Same goes for Palazzo Pitti and Piazza Santo Spirito.
There’s so much to experience in Florence beyond one trip, but we’re proud of what we were able to accomplish and see in Tuscany’s capital city.
Bar & Restaurant Recommendations in Florence, Italy
We did our best to research which restaurants to go to in Florence—we were looking for a blended roster of traditional and rustic restaurants that were reasonably priced and, above all, authentic (a decent wine list was also a must). It can be tough to sift through the volume of tourist traps with five-star reviews to find the real thing, but after cross-referencing Reddit threads, Instagram posts, and “old-fashioned” Google searches, we are so happy with the restaurants we selected.
Full disclosure, the last five bar and restaurant suggestions are on the same street, only steps away from each other on Via dello Sprone around Piazza della Passera. We were lucky enough to stay around the corner, and the convenience made the experiences that much better.
Osteria dell’Enoteca
This recommendation comes from Curious Appetite, a food blog by writer and certified Italian sommelier Coral Sisk. Between its reviews for making an outstanding Florentine steak (bistecca alla Fiorentina) and offering an extensive wine list—you’re actually invited to walk over to the wine fridge and pick out the wine—Osteria dell’Enoteca made the cut for our list of restaurants. We couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to Florentine cuisine and hospitality, and our first Florentine steak!
Address: Via Romana, 70/R, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco
Yes, this is one of the restaurants featured in Stanley Tucci’s Searching for Italy series and Tucci’s favorite restaurant in Florence. We managed to get a table without a reservation because we were in line before the 8 PM dinner seating. Although there are plenty of tourists—we had a lovely time chatting with a couple from the Upper West Side of Manhattan while waiting in line—Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco is absolutely worth the wait. We were completely blown away by the dishes and warm hospitality.
Address: Borgo San Iacopo, 43r, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Trattoria Armando
Another incredible recommendation from Curious Appetite. When we walked in, we felt like we found a hidden gem—of course, we weren’t the only ones that night who felt that way, based on the familiar sounds of American English throughout the dining room. We briefly spoke with two women who were waiting for a table, and they mentioned that their hotel concierge loves recommending Trattoria Armando. This was another restaurant experience that kept us smiling and left our hearts (and stomachs) full. We learned that this is one of two restaurants in the city that still serve a regional specialty for a main course—take a look at their menu, and you can probably figure out which dish it is.
Address: Borgo Ognissanti, 140/R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
I’Brindellone
A personal recommendation from one of my husband’s Italian cousins who knows how much we love good food. Out of all our dining experiences in Florence, this was the most rustic and informal, but it added to the charm and ambience of what makes the restaurant special. We ordered our second Florentine steak here and absolutely loved it. L’Brindellone has a limited digital presence—no reservations can be made online—so plan on calling ahead or stopping by the restaurant to make a reservation a few days in advance.
Address: Piazza Piattellina, 10, 50124 Firenze FI, Italy
Trattoria Zà Zà
Located near Mercato Centrale and Galleria dell’Accademia, Trattoria Zà Zà’s menu offerings are guaranteed to please a crowd. We stopped here for a simple lunch in between museum visits, enjoyed our plates of cacio e pepe with local white wine, and had a very positive experience. The interior of Trattoria Zà Zà is an impressive maze of playful, eclectic dining rooms, and invites guests to enjoy the adventure of seeing Florence. I would highly recommend booking a meal here for anyone traveling in a larger group or if you’re traveling with people who are more comfortable in a commercial setting.
While this was admittedly the most touristy restaurant that we ate at in Florence, Trattoria Zà Zà is more self-aware and honest than some other restaurants in the center that claim to be something that they’re not.
Address: Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 26r, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Rasputin
A proper speakeasy serving alchemist-inspired craft cocktails in Santo Spirito, recommended by the team at Osteria dell’Enoteca. I don’t think there was one group of locals there when we went, but it was a fun and lively environment with couples and friends enjoying a final round of drinks before calling it a night. Reservations are strongly recommended to avoid a long wait.
Address: Borgo Tegolaio, 21R, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Antiche Dogane
Being in desperate need of a break from walking earlier in the day, we spotted the charming exterior of this wine bar and seized the moment to enjoy an aperitivo. It turns out that Antiche Dogane is a destination for wine lovers looking to try regional wines and ships wine internationally—we saw several outgoing deliveries bound for the United States and Canada.
Address: (can’t find the exact address for this location, but it’s right across the street from a whiskey bar named Love Craft, which is located at Borgo S. Frediano, 24/R, 50124 Firenze FI, Italy)
Enoteca 4 Leoni
A cozy wine bar around the corner from its big sister restaurant, Trattoria 4 Leoni. We were lured in by a happy hour special for oysters and champagne before heading to dinner. Ordering oysters in Florence could have been a big mistake, but we were pleasantly surprised by the quality—and of course I was thrilled when the maître d’ told us the oysters were imported from Brittany, France.
Address: Via dello Sprone, 15/r, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Bulli & Balene—Spritz e Cicchetti
The ideal aperitivo experience in Santo Spirito and the heartbeat of the Piazza della Passera—a lively crowd of students, tourists, and visitors ordering spritzes and snacks until midnight.
Address: Via dello Sprone, 14/r, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Schiaccia Passera
This tiny sandwich shop caught the attention of The New York Times in 2023, and it earned a mention in their article, 36 Hours Florence, Italy: Things to Do and See. Schiaccia is a specialty Tuscan bread similar to focaccia, best used for sandwiches, and Schiaccia Passera bakes its bread in-house. Some of the sandwiches may have cheeky names, but they are delicious. We happened to go at an odd time of day, so there was no line, but we saw the line out the door several times during our stay in Florence.
Address: Via dello Sprone, 13 R, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Ditta Artigianale Caffè
This coffee shop was a lifesaver during our trip—the team is very kind and patient with English-speaking customers. In addition to traditional Italian breakfast options, they also offer a select variety of vegan pastries. After the morning crowds subside, Ditta Artigianale Caffè has two floors of seating that make it a great spot for students and professionals looking for spaces to work.
Address: Via dello Sprone, 5/R, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Gelateria Della Passera
We loved our late-night gelato at Gelateria della Passera, but it wasn’t until we came back from our trip that we realized that this is one of the top-rated gelaterias in Italy—it earned the Tre Coni, the highest recognition by Gambero Rosso in their Gelateria d’Italia guide.
Address: Via Toscanella, 15/red, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
[No photos because we devoured our gelato—you’ll have to go see for yourself]
Main Attractions and Activities in Florence, Italy
Visit the Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Pitti, and Boboli Gardens
Coming to Florence for the first time without seeing the Uffizi Gallery is similar to visiting New York City without going to the Met or Paris without going to the Louvre. The museum’s interior and the scale and detail of great works by Raphael, Leonardo Da Vinci, Caravaggio, and others, make the Uffizi Gallery worth the visit.
Thankfully, the Uffizi Gallery is filled with classic Italian art within a smaller footprint than the Met or the Louvre, so a visit to the museum should not exceed 3 hours (unless you’re an art historian or the like) and can be easily balanced with another activity in the city center.
Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens are a short stroll away from the Uffizi Gallery across Ponte Vecchio. All three attractions are a part of the Medici family’s lasting legacy in Florence, which ultimately shaped the Italian Renaissance.
If you’re staying in Florence for several days, the PassePartout 5 Days ticket gives access to the Uffizi Galleries, Palazzo Pitti, and Boboli Gardens under one discounted ticket and permits you to visit these main attractions over five days.
Visit Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze
Even if you don’t recognize the name of this museum, you will know its featured landmark—Michelangelo’s statue of David.
The museum also houses early Italian paintings and an extensive collection of plaster casts by Italian sculptor Lorenzo Bartolini and his protegé, Luigi Pampaloni.
Enjoy the view of Florence’s skyline from Piazzale Michelangelo
There’s nothing like seeing Tuscany’s capital beautifully surrounded by rolling green hills and the winding Arno River. The walk up the hill is easier than it looks—cut through gardens and walk up the stone steps for a more direct route.
If the crowds at Piazzale Michelangelo are overwhelming at sunset, Terrazza San Miniato offers another gorgeous view of Florence.
Shop for artisanal quality Florentine leather goods
Florence is one of the best places in the world to find high-quality leather jackets, handbags, shoes, etc. The dedication to leather craftsmanship shows in genuine pieces made by skilled artisans who are proficient in vegetable tanning and other traditional techniques.
While there are plenty of street markets and boutiques throughout Florence that sell leather goods, the quality may vary.
Here’s a short list of some of the best places to find authentic Florentine leather goods:
Mannina Calzature
Although the streets near Ponte Vecchio are packed with tourist shops, there are local gems hidden in plain sight. Mannina has been an institution in Florence for custom men’s and women’s shoes since 1953. In Fall 2026, the Financial Times recognized Mannina as one of “The World’s Best Bespoke Shoemakers” alongside Berluti in Paris and Carmina in London. Customers can shop ready-to-wear styles at the boutique or schedule an appointment for custom consultations.
Address: Via de’ Guicciardini, 16/R, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Benheart
The go-to artisanal leather shop for athletes, artists, and creatives, shopping at Benheart feels like being in the VIP lounge at a rock music festival. Customers can choose from a beautiful selection of leather jackets, handbags, and shoes, as well as design their own belts or leather jackets by appointment.
Address: Via della Vigna Nuova, 85 R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Address: Via dei Calzaiuoli, 37, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Scuola del Cuoio
Scuola del Cuoio has a rich history dedicated to preserving the artisanal leather trade in Florence. Founded after the end of World War II, the school was established in partnership with Franciscan Friars of the Monastery at Santa Croce and the Gori and Casini families, two influential families involved in the artisanal leather industry, to teach war orphans the trade and give them career opportunities. Today, the Scuola del Cuoio is run by the Gori family and upholds its reputation as an innovative hub for the artisanal leather trade. The leather goods are clearly made with superior quality, especially for the price.
Address: Via di S. Giuseppe, 5/R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Bottega Giotti
If you have a generous budget and you’re looking for luxury leather goods in Florence, Bottega Giotti is the place to go. A favorite of international fashion insiders, the family-run leather goods store carries incredible handmade bags, wallets, accessories, and jackets. There’s a range of leather jackets available on the racks, but if you prefer, you can work with the team for a custom leather jacket.
Address: Piazza Ognissanti, 3/4R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Buy traditional Florentine stationery
In my panic to figure out what to buy my husband for our first wedding anniversary, it was a relief to discover that Florence is well-known for its hand-decorated paper, book-binding, and fine stationery. There are several artisanal stationery stores and workshops throughout Florence—I happened to choose Il Papiro, a reputable regional chain, because there was a location steps away from where we were staying. For those interested in a hands-on experience, Il Papiro offers workshop demonstrations that can be arranged via email.
Address: [multiple locations in Florence; multiple locations in Rome; Melbourne, AUS; Palm Beach, US]
Explore the Sunday market at Piazza Santo Spirito
Our first full day in Florence fell on the second Sunday of the month, which coincided with the largest antique market in the Oltrarno neighborhood. There’s a lot to look through, and there are certainly diamonds in the rough—read: vintage designer bags—that just need a little TLC before wearing them.
Address: Piazza Santo Spirito
Book an excursion to explore the rolling hills of the Tuscany region
There’s plenty to see in Tuscany besides Florence, the region’s capital. The hills are also home to Prato, Siena, Prato, and Pisa, as well as the Chianti wine region, which is a renowned living symbol of Tuscany.
If you’re staying in Florence, there’s an overwhelming choice of tours that offer visitors the opportunity to spend a morning, afternoon, or the entire day wine tasting and traveling throughout Tuscany.
We chose a partial day tour with myTour Italy that included a visit to San Gimignano, a medieval village and UNESCO World Heritage Site, and two wineries, Azienda Agricola San Quirico and Tenuta Torciano. After this tour, we are already excited to plan another trip to Tuscany and explore the region more.
We spoke to several people throughout our trip who stayed at countryside villas in the region and spent their days touring vineyards and relaxing poolside under the Tuscan sun—this is a great option for wine lovers or those looking for a special retreat with family and friends.
Where to Stay in Florence, Italy
We received advice from one of my husband’s friends who studied abroad in Florence to find a place in the Oltrarno neighborhood. Oltrarno and Santo Spirito neighborhoods are packed with cafés, restaurants, and shops along romantic winding streets.
We chose to stay at Bob W Ponte Vecchio to be within walking distance of major attractions and to have room for all of our belongings. The apartment we stayed in, 501B, was clean, modern, and more than spacious for two people. It was fully equipped with everything we needed for a long weekend. There was plenty of wardrobe storage between the bedroom and foyer closets, and we used the kitchen—which had a washing machine, small fridge, an electric stove, a dishwasher, pots, pans, glassware, and utensils—to store water and snacks we bought from the market and to heat up leftovers from dinner.
The balcony and city views from the living room were pleasant surprises that added to the experience.
Bob W Ponte Vecchio is also within walking distance of several food and activity recommendations mentioned in this post, including Osteria del Cinghale Bianco, Piazza Santo Spirito, Le Gallerie degli Uffizi, Palazzo Pitti, and—you guessed it—Ponte Vecchio.
A few notes if you plan on booking at Bob W Ponte Vecchio:
- If you do not receive your room code upon arrival, text the WhatsApp number and customer service will send you the code right away
- Keep in mind that there are two different buildings—A and B—so don’t panic if your door code doesn’t work at first; just try the other building
- When you use the vintage elevator, be sure to close both sets of doors after use so that it works for the next set of people
- If you want to store your luggage for early check-in or late check-out, the luggage room is located in Building B
- Although you can book a cab on a taxi app, it’s best to head to the taxi stand by Palazzo Pitti and have them drive over to the hotel; the shopkeeper at the ceramic shop watched me relentlessly tap on my phone and shared this tip (grazie, signora)
