Chapter 1
Welcome to Florence
We are so grateful you will travel to Florence to celebrate with us — it means the world to share this city, and this moment, with the people we love.
We could not be happier that you will be with us. Gathering our family and friends in Florence for our wedding is a dream we have looked forward to for a long time, and your presence — whether you will cross an ocean or come from around the corner — is what will make it real. Thank you for making the trip and for being part of this chapter of our lives.
We chose Florence because it is a city that stops you in your tracks. The Duomo rises above rooftops of terracotta and stone; the Arno catches the light at the end of every day; and around every corner there is a piazza, a palazzo, or a museum holding centuries of beauty.
It is also a city made for wandering. The historic center is compact enough to explore on foot, with world-class museums, markets, and shops within a twenty-minute walk of one another. Duck into a leather workshop or a vintage boutique; book a cooking class, a Vespa ride, or a sunset walk; sit down to a proper Florentine meal — and find the authentic rhythm of the city in every piazza, trattoria, and side street.
This will be our first time in Florence as well — and we cannot wait to discover it with you. The recommendations that follow are here so you can make the most of every day, follow whatever catches your eye, and enjoy the city to its fullest. Pack your curiosity. Florence is waiting.
With love and gratitude,
Dayoung & Bennett
Chapter 2
Before You Go
What to book, pack, and know before you land.
Book Ahead
- Book the Uffizi and Accademia several weeks in advance; skip-the-line tickets save hours.
- Reserve restaurants marked * in this guide — popular tables fill up fast, especially on weekends. In Florence, TheFork is the most widely used booking app (and often has dining discounts); for trendy or upscale spots try Resy, and for classic international-friendly tables use OpenTable. Booking directly on a restaurant’s website is also a great option for many local places.
- Download the apps below before you land.
Apps to download in the App Store
- Google Translate
- Taxi Move
- Google Maps
- Trenitalia
- Trainline
- TheFork
- Resy
- OpenTable
Getting There & Around
- A taxi from Florence Airport (FLR) straight to your hotel is the easiest option — expect around €22–25 to the city center on the regulated flat fare. You can also take the Tramvia to Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN), the main station in the historic center.
- Most hotels and landmarks are a short walk from SMN — you rarely need a car in the centro storico.
- Uber is limited in Florence; use Taxi Move or official white taxis at marked stands.
- Florence is best explored on foot — wear comfortable, flat shoes; cobblestones are uneven.
Daily Essentials
- Lunch is typically 12:30–2:30 PM; dinner starts around 7:30–8:00 PM — kitchens may be closed outside these windows.
- Cards are widely accepted; carry some cash for markets, small bars, and rounding up.
- Museums often close on Mondays — plan major sight days Tuesday through Sunday.
- A coperto (cover charge) at sit-down restaurants is normal in Italy, not a billing error.
- Italy uses Type C/F plugs at 230V — pack a universal adapter if you’re coming from abroad.
- If taking regional trains for day trips, validate paper tickets before boarding (see Safety & Emergencies).
Make the Most of It
- Visit the Duomo before 8 AM to beat the crowds.
- Walk Ponte Vecchio at night when it’s quiet and lovely.
- Avoid restaurants directly next to major attractions — quality often drops with foot traffic.
- Keep a couple of euros in your pocket for the antique photobooths dotted around the city center.
- Look out for Florence’s wine windows — the tiny hatches in palace walls where you can still buy a glass of wine to take away.
Chapter 3
Neighborhoods
Four distinct quarters, each with its own rhythm.
Historic CenterThe Renaissance heart of the city, home to the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, and the Uffizi. Streets like Via dei Calzaiuoli and Via de' Tornabuoni link the major sights on foot, with cafés and shops tucked into every block. Most visitors spend the bulk of their time here — and for good reason.
OltrarnoThe artisan quarter south of the Arno, reached by crossing the Ponte Vecchio or any of the bridges beside it. Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens anchor the eastern edge; farther west, narrow lanes hold leather workshops, framers, and restorers still working by hand. It feels more residential and slower-paced than the historic center — an easy place to linger over a long lunch.
Santo SpiritoCentred on the handsome Piazza Santo Spirito and its Brunelleschi-designed basilica. By day the square is a neighbourhood market and gathering spot; in the evening it fills with aperitivo crowds spilling out of wine bars and trattorie. One of the best places in Florence to watch the city shift from sightseeing to social hour.
San NiccolòA quiet residential quarter below Piazzale Michelangelo, where the streets climb toward the best views over the city. Less visited than Santo Spirito but full of small osterie and wine bars favoured by locals. Come here for an unhurried dinner, then walk up to the terrace for sunset.
Chapter 4
Sights & Museums
The city's essential sights and its great collections — book the museums ahead.
† Book timed tickets ahead — essential for the Uffizi, Accademia, and Duomo complex; strongly recommended everywhere else marked.
Landmarks
Duomo & Brunelleschi's Dome†Florence's cathedral, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, crowned by Brunelleschi's iconic dome, a masterwork of Renaissance engineering. The dome climb requires a reserved time slot.
Giotto's Campanile†The elegant bell tower beside the Duomo, clad in coloured marble and open to climbers for a rooftop view. Timed entry required.
Ponte VecchioThe medieval stone bridge over the Arno, famous for its goldsmiths and jewelers. Free to walk across anytime.
Piazza della SignoriaThe city's grand civic square, an open-air gallery of sculpture beside Palazzo Vecchio. Free to visit.
Palazzo Vecchio & Arnolfo Tower†Florence's fortress-like town hall; climb the Arnolfo Tower for sweeping views over the rooftops. Book ahead for the museum and tower.
Piazzale Michelangelo & San Miniato al MonteA panoramic terrace above the city; climb five minutes higher to San Miniato al Monte, an ancient church with the same view and fewer crowds. Free to visit.
Museums & Galleries
Uffizi Gallery†One of the world's greatest art museums, home to masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance. Book several weeks ahead.
Accademia Gallery†Home to Michelangelo's David and a collection of Florentine painting and sculpture. Book several weeks ahead.
Palazzo Pitti†A monumental palace complex with art galleries and the Boboli Gardens. Book ahead for the palace museums and gardens.
Bargello National MuseumItaly's premier museum of Renaissance sculpture, set in a medieval palace. Usually shorter queues than the Uffizi; online booking available.
Gucci GardenThe House's museum in Palazzo della Mercanzia on Piazza della Signoria, with rotating exhibitions on Gucci's history and design. Gucci Osteria is in the same building.
Palazzo Medici Riccardi†The Medici family palace on Via Cavour, home to Benozzo Gozzoli's Chapel of the Magi. Book timed entry online.
Museo dell'Opera del Duomo†The museum preserving original artworks and sculpture from the Duomo complex. Timed tickets via the Duomo pass system.
Chapter 5
Experiences & Shopping
Ways to make the trip your own — then browse the city's best shopping.
Tours
Florence Free Tour-Tale — A walking tour introducing the city's history and highlights.
Florence Free Tour — A guided walking tour of Florence's landmarks.
GetYourGuide (Florence) — A platform for booking a wide range of tours and activities in Florence.
Viator — A platform for booking tours and experiences in and around Florence.
Tuscany Vespa Tours — Explore the Tuscan countryside by vintage Vespa on a guided tour.
Fat Tire Tours — Florence — Guided bike and e-bike tours of Florence, from classic highlights to evening rides with wine and aperitivo.
Shopping
Florence's best shopping is concentrated in the historic center — an easy walk from most hotels and landmarks. Via de' Tornabuoni is the main luxury street; San Lorenzo Market and the surrounding streets are the go-to for leather and souvenirs; and the Oltrarno across the river is where you'll find traditional artisan workshops.
If you forget anything at home, pharmacies and shops throughout the city center carry everyday essentials. For designer outlets, see The Mall Firenze below.
Via de' Tornabuoni — Florence's premier luxury shopping street.
Via dei Serragli — The Oltrarno's main thoroughfare, lined with independent shops, artisans, and everyday Florentine life.
Via Roma and Via dei Calzaiuoli — Two central streets linking the Duomo, Piazza della Repubblica, and the heart of the historic center — good for mid-range shopping between the sights.
Mercato Sant'Ambrogio — A lively neighbourhood market in Santa Croce, favoured by locals for fresh produce, cheeses, and everyday shopping.
Oltrarno Artisan Workshops — Traditional workshops across the river for handmade Florentine crafts.
San Lorenzo Market — A bustling market known for leather goods and souvenirs.
Street Doing Vintage Couture — A curated vintage couture boutique on Via dei Servi, filled with designer clothing, jewelry, and accessories from iconic fashion houses.
Melrose Vintage — A sprawling vintage shop on Via de’ Ginori with room after room of organized rails, from faded Levi’s to standout coats and accessories.
Tartan Vintage — A carefully edited vintage treasure trove on Via dei Palchetti, known for pristine pieces from trench coats to jewelry.
Toni & Co — A family-run leather shop on the Lungarno where Toni helps you find handcrafted bags sourced from local Florentine artisans.
Bottega del Giglio — A Florentine leather workshop crafting handmade bags, belts, and shoes with free personalization.
Mio — A concept shop showcasing handmade jewelry, street art, and design objects by independent Florentine artists.
Officina Profumo — Santa Maria Novella — The world’s oldest pharmacy, founded in 1221, still making perfumes, soaps, and herbal products in a stunning historic setting.
Giunti Odeon — A beautiful bookstore by day and cinema by night in the restored historic Odeon theatre near Piazza Strozzi.
Monica Miato — An intimate Oltrarno boutique where Monica hand-makes custom bags and leather accessories.
Pegna — A historic gourmet shop near the Duomo, open since 1860, for artisanal sweets, dragées, and Florentine confectionery.
La Via del Tè — Florence’s pioneering tea house since 1961, with hundreds of loose-leaf teas and blends at shops and tea rooms around the city.
Antonio Mattei — The legendary Prato biscotti maker’s Florence outpost on Via Porta Rossa, selling Cantucci and other traditional cookies since the 1800s.
Spezierie Palazzo Vecchio — An independent Florentine boutique for niche perfumes, artisanal cosmetics, and herbal wellness products.
Signum — A Florentine atelier since 1990 for handmade leather-bound journals, marbled paper, stationery, and calligraphy supplies.
The Mall Firenze
The Mall Firenze — Tuscany's main luxury designer outlet, in the countryside southeast of Florence.
Getting there. The Mall sits outside the city in Leccio Reggello, about 30 minutes away. The easiest option is the official shuttle bus from central Florence (near Santa Maria Novella) — book ahead and allow time for the return trip. You can also reach it by car or taxi if you prefer.
Highlights
- Open-air outlet village with landscaped grounds in the Tuscan hills
- High-end Italian and international designer brands at outlet prices
- On-site cafés and restaurants if you want to make a morning or afternoon of it
- A straightforward half-day trip when you want luxury shopping away from the historic center
Experiences
Tuscan Cooking Classes — Learn to make Tuscan dishes hands-on with a local class.
Wine Tasting — Sample Tuscan wines at a tasting in the city or nearby countryside.
Scuola del Cuoio — Visit the School of Leather to see Florentine leather craft and shop handmade goods.
Sunset Walk to Piazzale Michelangelo — Stroll from Ponte Vecchio up to Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset over the city.
Chapter 6
Restaurants
From classic trattorie and fine dining to neighborhood favorites and quick bites.
* Reservations recommended — book ahead where marked.
Classic Florentine Trattorias
Trattoria Sostanza* — A classic Florentine trattoria serving traditional Tuscan cooking.
Trattoria Mario — A beloved family-run trattoria known for hearty Tuscan classics.
Il Latini* — A long-standing trattoria serving generous Florentine fare.
Buca Lapi* — A historic cellar restaurant known for classic Florentine steak.
Osteria dell'Enoteca — A traditional osteria pairing Tuscan dishes with a considered wine list.
Trattoria 13 Gobbi* — A historic centro trattoria known for bistecca and rigatoni nella zuppiera.
I'Tuscani* — A casual steakhouse-style spot for Florentine beef and Tuscan classics.
Fine Dining
Enoteca Pinchiorri* — A celebrated fine-dining destination with an extraordinary wine cellar.
Cibrèo* — A refined Florentine institution for a memorable dinner.
Gucci Osteria* — A stylish contemporary restaurant on Piazza della Signoria.
Oliviero 1962* — A historic Florentine restaurant serving refined traditional cuisine.
La Tenda Rossa* — An elegant fine-dining restaurant near Florence.
Refined Osterias & Trattorias
Osteria delle Tre Panche — A refined osteria known for its Tuscan cooking.
Osteria Pastella — An elegant osteria known for fresh, handmade pasta.
Sabatini — A classic, elegant restaurant serving traditional Florentine cuisine.
La Giostra* — A warm, romantic restaurant serving Tuscan specialities.
Trattoria Garga — A characterful restaurant with an artful, upscale take on Tuscan food.
Locale Firenze — An elegant restaurant and bar set in a restored historic palazzo.
Parione* — A Tuscan trattoria near Ponte Vecchio in a 14th-century palazzo; steak and pasta.
Dalla Lola* — A creative Santo Spirito trattoria with a rotating, contemporary menu.
Simbiosi* — An organic-minded pasta and pizza address from the Simbiosi group.
Oltrarno & Neighborhood Favorites
I'Brindellone — A well-regarded trattoria in the Oltrarno.
Trattoria Camillo* — A refined, long-established trattoria in the Oltrarno.
Osteria Santo Spirito — A relaxed osteria on the lively Piazza Santo Spirito.
Trattoria Za Za — A popular restaurant near the Mercato Centrale serving Tuscan classics.
Ristorante dei Rossi — A restaurant serving traditional Tuscan dishes.
Gusta Pizza — A popular, casual pizzeria in the Oltrarno.
Pizza Napoli — A casual Neapolitan-style pizzeria.
Sandwiches & Panini
All'Antico Vinaio — A famous sandwich shop known for generous Tuscan schiacciata.
I Fratellini — A tiny, historic stand-up spot for panini and wine.
Ino — A refined panini shop near the Uffizi using quality ingredients.
Pino's Sandwiches — A friendly deli counter making generous panini to order.
I' Girone De' Ghiotti — A handy stop for a well-made sandwich between sights.
SandwichChic — Creative, generously filled sandwiches with a modern touch.
Quick Bites & Casual
Mercato Centrale — A bustling food hall with a wide array of stalls and dishes.
Panetteria e Stuzzicheria — A neighbourhood bakery counter for bread, snacks, and small bites.
Mama's Bakery — An American-style bakery in the Oltrarno for a relaxed breakfast or lunch.
Spinza — A low-key stop when you just want something simple and satisfying.
Shake Cafe — Healthy bowls, salads, and shakes for a light meal.
La Milkeria — A retro cafe near the Duomo for crepes, pancakes, and waffles.
Raices Latin Food — Latin American plates — tacos, birria, and the like.
Tosco Tacos — A Mexican taqueria near Sant'Ambrogio with house-made fillings.
Fermentino — Artisanal Florentine schiacciata and casual takeaway by Gianluca Vella.
Rooster Cafe — American-style brunch all day — pancakes, eggs, and burgers.
Chapter 7
Coffee & Breakfast, Vegan and Vegetarian
From historic caffè culture to specialty coffee, bakeries, and brunch.
Historic Florentine Cafés
Caffè Gilli — A historic Florentine café on Piazza della Repubblica.
Paszkowski — A historic café on Piazza della Repubblica for coffee and pastries.
Specialty & Modern Cafés
Ditta Artigianale — A specialty coffee bar and a Florentine favourite for a proper espresso or breakfast.
Café Ginori — A neighbourhood café for a morning coffee and something to eat.
Floret — A pretty spot for coffee and a light breakfast.
Brunch & All-Day Breakfast
Le Vespe Cafe — A casual café for breakfast and brunch.
Melaleuca — A welcoming spot for coffee and a relaxed morning bite.
La Ménagère — A stylish concept café and all-day spot for coffee and breakfast.
Prae — A relaxed spot for coffee and breakfast.
Bakeries & Pastries
S.Forno — A bakery and café for bread, pastries, and coffee.
Wild Buns Bakery — A bakery for fresh-baked breakfast treats and coffee.
Vegetarian & Vegan
RAW Vegan Firenze — A vegan-friendly spot for a plant-based breakfast or bite.
Nirvana Veg Restaurant Firenze — A vegetarian restaurant for plant-based meals.
Chapter 8
Best Gelato
An essential Florentine ritual, best enjoyed on an evening stroll.
Classic & Historic
Vivoli — One of Florence's oldest and most storied gelaterie.
Perché No! — A historic gelateria in the city centre.
Central & Riverside
Gelateria dei Neri — A beloved central gelateria known for a wide range of flavours.
Gelateria La Carraia — A popular gelateria by the river, a local favourite.
Artisan
Sbrino — An artisan gelateria in the Oltrarno.
RivaReno — An artisan gelateria for classic and creative flavours.
Barroccino — A local gelateria for a sweet treat on the go.
Chapter 9
Aperitivo & Cocktails
Around Santa Croce and the bohemian Oltrarno — from wine bars to rooftop terraces.
* Reservations recommended — book ahead where marked.
Wine & Cocktail Bars
Volume — A relaxed café-bar on Piazza Santo Spirito for drinks and aperitivo.
Manifattura — A cocktail bar celebrating classic Italian aperitivi.
Locale Firenze — A glamorous bar and restaurant set in a restored historic palazzo.
Spiritum — A cocktail bar for a refined evening drink.
Cosimo — A stylish spot for aperitivo and cocktails.
Giacosa — A historic café and bar on Via de' Tornabuoni.
Bar Betelli — A spot for a relaxed drink and aperitivo.
Rasputin — A hidden speakeasy-style cocktail bar.
Rooftop & Hotel Bars
Atrium Bar — Four Seasons — The elegant bar at the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze.
Loggia Rooftop Bar* — A rooftop bar with elevated views over the city.
Winter Garden — St. Regis — The refined bar and lounge at the St. Regis Florence.
B-Roof* — A rooftop bar and restaurant with panoramic views.
La Terrazza* — A rooftop terrace bar with views across Florence.
Angel Roofbar* — A rooftop bar for cocktails with a view.
Chapter 10
Safety & Emergencies
Good to have on hand, just in case.
Emergency Numbers
Universal Emergency · 112 — The single number for any emergency across Italy and the EU.
Police · 113 — Direct line to the police.
Fire · 115 — Direct line to the fire brigade.
Ambulance · 118 — Direct line for medical emergencies.
U.S. Consulate
U.S. Consulate Florence — Lungarno Amerigo Vespucci 38, Florence.
Common Scams to Avoid
- Pickpocketing in crowded areas.
- Bracelet scams — strangers tying a bracelet on your wrist.
- Petition scams that distract and solicit money.
- Fake taxis — use official taxis only.
- Tourist-trap restaurants near major attractions.
- Counterfeit goods sold on the street.
General Safety Tips
- Photograph your passport and keep a copy.
- Carry limited cash.
- Validate train tickets before boarding.
- Tap water is safe to drink.
Chapter 11
Practical Italian
A few phrases go a long way.
- Ciao / Buongiorno
- Hello / Good morning
- Buonasera
- Good evening
- Arrivederci
- Goodbye
- Per favore
- Please
- Grazie
- Thank you
- Prego
- You're welcome
- Sì / No
- Yes / No
- Scusi / Mi scusi
- Excuse me / Sorry
- Parla inglese?
- Do you speak English?
- Non capisco
- I don't understand
- Quanto costa?
- How much is it?
- Il conto, per favore
- The check, please
- Dov'è...?
- Where is...?
- Dov'è il bagno?
- Where is the bathroom?
- Un tavolo per due
- A table for two
- Un caffè, per favore
- A coffee, please
- Acqua (naturale / frizzante)
- Water (still / sparkling)
- Salute!
- Cheers!
- Delizioso / Squisito
- Delicious
- Aiuto!
- Help!
Chapter 12
Day Trips
Tuscany is close at hand — most of these are a straightforward train ride from the city.
Getting There by Train
Florence's main station, Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN), sits in the city center — an easy walk from most hotels and landmarks in the historic center. Regional trains run to nearby towns across Tuscany; the Trenitalia and Trainline apps (listed in Before You Go) are the easiest way to check times and buy tickets.
Arrive a little early, especially for morning departures. Most day-trip routes use regional services — tickets are usually simpler than long-distance trains, but worth confirming before you board. For San Gimignano, take the train to Poggibonsi and connect by bus; Chianti is best explored by car, tour, or a combination of train and local transport.
Destinations
Siena — A medieval Tuscan city famed for its shell-shaped Piazza del Campo. About 1.5 hours by direct train.
San Gimignano — A hilltop town known for its distinctive medieval towers. Train to Poggibonsi (about 1 hour), then a short bus ride.
Lucca — A charming walled city ringed by intact Renaissance ramparts. About 1.5 hours by direct train.
Pisa — Home to the iconic Leaning Tower and the Piazza dei Miracoli. About 1 hour by direct train.
Chianti — Tuscany's celebrated wine country between Florence and Siena. Best explored by car or guided tour, under an hour from the city.
