Florence: A Renaissance Dream
Florence, the jewel of Tuscany, is a city where the Renaissance still whispers through sun-drenched piazzas, gilded churches, and artisan-lined alleys. With world-famous art, food that stirs the soul, and views that belong in storybooks, it’s no wonder this city has captured hearts for centuries.
Useful Tips for First-Time Visitors to Florence
Florence is best explored on foot, so bring comfortable walking shoes. Book major attractions like the Uffizi and Accademia in advance to skip long lines. Most locals speak some English, but learning a few Italian phrases goes a long way. Tap water is safe to drink, and mornings are perfect for enjoying quiet city strolls. Get a Firenze Card if you're hitting many museums. Finally, embrace the Italian pace—slow down, sip espresso, and soak it all in.
Day 1: Welcome to Florence – The Renaissance Begins
Start your morning with coffee at Ditta Artigianale—a local favorite with hip vibes and amazing cappuccinos. Enjoy a pastry as you gear up for the day. Head to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo). Climb to the top of Brunelleschi’s dome for panoramic views—just 463 steps! Fun fact: This dome was the largest in the world when it was completed in 1436. Nearby, marvel at Giotto’s Bell Tower and the Baptistery’s bronze doors—aka the "Gates of Paradise."
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For lunch, try Trattoria Mario, a rustic local haunt known for Florentine steak and no-frills Tuscan flavors. Afterward, explore the Uffizi Gallery, home to Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and da Vinci’s masterpieces. Pro tip: Book a skip-the-line ticket. In the late afternoon, stroll the Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s oldest bridge, lined with glittering goldsmith shops.
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Enjoy a sunset drink at La Terrazza Rooftop Bar, then head to Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori—a tiny gem near Piazza della Signoria—for traditional Tuscan dishes. End with gelato from Gelateria dei Neri, loved by locals.
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Day 2: Art, History & Tuscan Flavors
Grab a quick espresso and cornetto at Caffè Gilli, a 270-year-old café in Piazza della Repubblica. Today, start at Galleria dell’Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David—an awe-inspiring sight in person. Fun fact: David was carved from a single block of marble deemed "unworkable."
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Wander through Piazza della Signoria, where sculptures spill out into public view like an open-air museum. Visit Palazzo Vecchio, once the seat of Florentine power, and climb its tower for another amazing city view.
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Lunch at I' Girone De' Ghiotti is quick, affordable, and packed with flavor—locals rave about the porchetta sandwiches. Then, take a peaceful walk through Boboli Gardens, the former royal gardens behind Pitti Palace.
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In the evening, join a Florentine Food Tour with a company like Eating Europe or Devour Tours. You’ll sample local cheese, Chianti, balsamic vinegar, and crostini while walking through Oltrarno’s artisan-filled streets. End the night at Il Santino, a cozy wine bar with a smart local crowd and excellent small plates.
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Day 3: Market Mornings & Culinary Magic
Start with breakfast at Le Vespe Café, a favorite for hearty, international-style breakfasts. Head to Mercato Centrale for a lively start—browse fresh produce, meats, and food stalls upstairs. Fun fact: The top floor is a modern food court where young chefs test creative twists on Tuscan cuisine.
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After some grazing, take a hands-on cooking class. Try Mama Florence or Walks of Italy for pasta-making, gelato creation, and Tuscan sauces—all guided by local chefs. You’ll enjoy your creations with wine in hand.
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Walk off lunch with a visit to the Basilica of Santa Croce, resting place of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. Then cross the river into the artisan-rich Oltrarno district to explore local workshops. For an aperitivo, sip Negronis at Mad Souls & Spirits—funky, fun, and full of personality.
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Dinner tonight? Trattoria La Casalinga, a no-fuss trattoria where generations of locals have dined. Try ribollita or pappa al pomodoro, two traditional Tuscan comfort dishes.
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Day 4: Day Trip to the Tuscan Hills
After a light breakfast at S.forno Panificio, a charming bakery tucked away in Oltrarno, take a half- or full-day wine tasting tour in Chianti. Companies like Tuscany Taste or Fun in Tuscany offer guided tours with transport, vineyard visits, and lunch in a countryside villa. Fun fact: Chianti Classico wine is marked with a black rooster seal, a nod to a historic peace deal between rival cities Florence and Siena.
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Return by late afternoon. Rest, then enjoy an early evening aperitivo at Volume, a trendy spot in Santo Spirito. Dine at La Buchetta Food & Wine Restaurant, known for gourmet versions of classic Tuscan dishes and a top-notch wine list.
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Day 5: Hidden Gems & Sunset Splendor
Begin with a coffee at Caffè Scudieri, then head to the Museo di San Marco, a peaceful haven filled with Fra Angelico’s luminous frescoes. Continue to the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, Europe’s oldest pharmacy (since 1221!), which still sells handcrafted perfumes, soaps, and elixirs in a lavish former chapel.
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Next, it’s time to shop like a Florentine. Head to Scuola del Cuoio (Leather School) inside the Santa Croce complex, where you can watch artisans at work and buy handmade wallets, belts, and bags—crafted on-site with time-honored techniques. Fun fact: The school was founded after WWII to help orphans learn a trade.
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For more local leather, skip the touristy San Lorenzo market and browse Benheart (stylish, handmade jackets and accessories loved by Italians) and Michelangelo Firenze, a family-owned shop with buttery-soft bags. If you’re hunting for shoes, Fratelli Rossetti and Mauro Volponi offer Italian craftsmanship without touristy markup.
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Lunch at La Ménagère, a design-lover’s dream café/restaurant/flower shop hybrid serving innovative Tuscan bites. Afterward, explore the Basilica di San Lorenzo and the Medici Chapels, the final resting place of Florence’s power players, including ornate tombs designed by Michelangelo himself.
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For sunset, walk or taxi to Piazzale Michelangelo for the most breathtaking view of Florence—bring a bottle of wine and panini from All’Antico Vinaio, or reserve a table at La Loggia for a romantic dinner with skyline views.
Days 6–7 (Optional Add-Ons): Explore More or Relax
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Take a day trip to Pisa, Lucca, or Siena (by train or tour).
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Visit the Stibbert Museum for arms, armor, and eccentric flair.
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Explore Florence’s contemporary art scene at Museo Novecento.
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Treat yourself at Asmana Wellness World, a spa just outside town.
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Do an artisan walking tour to learn about Florentine leather, paper, and gold.