Shari's picks in Florence
It lacks the chaotic and raw edges that other large cities in Italy often have, such as Rome and Naples. No, Florence is more like a Renaissance painting where everything seems to be in the right place. It's an incredibly pleasant city to visit. It offers plenty to tourists, with first-class museums, the Duomo, and the Ponte Vecchio. It is small, but it's still big enough to wander around comfortably, perhaps to Santo Spirito or take a stroll to the Botanical Gardens up the hills where you can overlook the city amidst the greenery. It also has fantastic restaurants and charming shops. This city simply exudes the Italian fairy tale ambiance you crave when visiting Italy. That's why Americans are probably so fond of it. Although I truly adore this city, it can sometimes feel a bit touristy, but in these spots, I always experience the authentic local vibe. Hope you enjoy them too :)
TO EAT
TRATTORIA SOSTANZA
A trip to Florence is not complete without a visit to Trattoria Sostanza: a Florentine favourite for more than 150 years. The favorites from Mimi (who I always trust): Bistecca Fiorentina, The tortino di carciofi the meringue cake, and the butter chicken
IL SANTINO
A really good wine bar with the best quality cured hams, cheese, and antipasti. They have organic wines which they source locally. Next to the wine bar they also have a beautiful restaurant (il santo bevitore) a panifico.
http://www.ilsantobevitore.com/
C-UCINA
This is not a classic place, but this is a cool place. You can feel the creative vibe from the team behind it. It has an innovative menu from which you would love to order everything.
c-ucina.it
ENOTECA SPONTANEA
If you are looking for a cozy natural winebar, this is your place. A changing menu with good food. This is just one of those spots where you can always go to.
TRATTORIA CAMILLO
This is a classic one again for a real authentic Florentine restaurant experience. An old school restaurant, with classic dishes and a classic interior. Just as we like it!
COFFEE
DITTA ARTIGINALE
Really good Italian specialty coffee! They have a few locations throughout the city They have.
dittaartigianale.com
CAFE GILLI
A classic Florentin cafe in the heart of the city with the city in its heart. Yes, it is a bit touristy, but it is the oldest cafe in Florence. You could compare it with a Cafe de Flore in Paris. Some define Cafe Gilli as the “living room” of the city. We like to think we are the reference point for those who loves high-quality pastry, chocolate, and beauty
ilsantobevitore.com
VIVOLI
Another Florentine classic. Many proud Florentines would say you haven’t tried Florentine gelato until you’ve had Vivoli; this is the oldest gelateria in the city. We recommend their affogato, which you probably know from Instagram, as it was a big hit!
vivoli.it
WILD BUNS BAKERY
The place to go for specialty coffee and Scandinavian pastries
wildbunsbakery.com
TODO MODO
I always love bookstore cafes, a place that invites you to read while drinking a cup of coffee. This bookstore is a warm invitation to that, as it has a really nice cafe! todomodo.org
SHOP
LA VIE DEL TE
Although Italy is not known for its tea. This shop is a true tea heaven. La Via del Tè is the story of a family starting in September 1961. carried out a balance between innovation and the love for details of the Florentine artisan tradition. The teapots look beautiful and look so nice on your kitchen counter
laviadelte.com
SANTA MARIA NOVELLA
though last time I did not go in, because the line was just too long. This is a beautiful old Pharmacia, which looks more like a museum because the Pharmacia sets its roots back to 1221. it’s a bit commercialized nowadays, but I think still worth a visit if the line is not too long and their rose water spray is so nice!
eu.smnovella.com
LA MENAGERE
a cafe and a nicely curated shop in one with beautiful flowers
lamenagere.it
ALBERTO COZZI
If you’re looking for a nice personalized leather notebook.
CELESTE VINTAGE
At Celeste’s Vintage, on the other hand, they’ve selected high-end pieces for you.
MOMO
Also a great selection of high end pieces
GERARD LOFT
Really nice to look around for beautiful clothes.
QUERCIOLI A LUCHERINI
A typical Florentine shop where they sell nice and high quality socks and underwear
VINTAGE
SANTO SPIRITO
On the second Sunday of every month, artisans gather at Santo Spirito to showcase their creations. This market stands out as one of the finest in the city, offering not only unique goods but also fascinating people-watching opportunities. Browse through art, jewelry, vintage fashion, and antique treasures while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
FIESOLE VINTAGE MARKET
Every first weekend of the month, this vintage market takes place in Fiesole, a little town overlooking Florence. This is a top-notch vintage fashion market where you can find amazing treasures when you get here early. But It's not just about browsing through clothing and accessories; the bus ride up offers stunning views of Florence, and wandering through the town adds to the charm.
CASCINE MARKET
Held every Tuesday from 8 am to 2 pm in the Cascine Park, along the Arno River. It is one of the cheapest and biggest open-air markets where you can find everything from food to clothes.
MERCATO DELLE PULCI
This is a daily market that serves as a permanent antique hub, offering diverse items including furniture, fashion, and art. Situated just behind Mercato Sant’Ambrogio. It's an ideal spot to leisurely explore, sift through knickknacks, and engage in conversations with the stall owners.
Places to Stay
Little Gem No. 007
Designed so tasteful and with so much character. You can feel the energy of the three generations Forneris family flowing into this beautiful boutique hotel in the center of Florence. The idea was to create a high-end hotel, but with the feeling you’re hanging with one of your friends. I think they succeeded in that!
Numeroventi is an artist in residence. A beautiful place in an old palazzo in the heart of Florence where different kinds of artists, come together to share ideas and work on projects. It's like a mix of a place to live, work, and learn, all in one. The design is done by Andrew Trotter, I love all his work and also this hotel is truly a masterpiece!
Originally used as a factory from 1880, then later converted into artisan workshops, until eventually becoming the home-atelier of architect Claudio Nardi in 1999. Thanks to its slightly secluded location, it offers guests the possibility to relax in an intimate, yet not isolated setting, and to peacefully appreciate an authentic atmosphere far from the hustle and bustle of city life.
This Florence residency has a bohemian vibe, perfect for anyone looking for artistic inspiration. The rooms are a mix of contemporary and vintage furnishings, giving them a unique and eclectic style. The building itself is a gorgeous 16th-century palace, just 30 meters from Florence’s iconic Duomo, Santa Maria del Fiore.
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