City Guide: The Best of the Best of Florence

The majesty of the Duomo in Florence is on display at dusk.

I feel fortunate that my first visit to Florence was in the springtime, when la dolce vita feels a bit sweeter without summer’s heat and crowds. Eminently walkable, the cradle of the Renaissance is an open-air gallery, with centuries-old architecture and a picturesque location along the Arno River.

While wandering through narrow, twisting streets is part of the charm of exploring Florence, some of its most beguiling sights lie behind closed doors. My local Florence partners can open these doors by arranging an after-hours viewing of Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery, a private terrace tour at the Duomo, and access to the Vasari Corridor, the Medici family’s secret passage above the Ponte Vecchio.

Here are more treasures for you to discover when you visit Florence:

Where to Eat in Florence

Dining in Florence offers the richness of traditional Tuscan fare and innovative culinary options.

Nestled in a quiet piazza near the Ponte Vecchio, Trattoria 4 Leoni serves delicate pear pasta with asparagus, fried zucchini flowers, and beautiful salads. You can’t go wrong with the house Chianti Classico.

Sip a complimentary glass of prosecco during the inevitable wait at La Giostra, a lively spot where hundreds of white lights twinkle overhead and the eclectic owner works the room like a celebrity. Try the pappardelle with wild boar or the famed Florentine steak.

“No acqua, solo vino” reads the sign at Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina, a wine bar stocked with small-production gems. Directly across from the Pitti Palace, its patio makes a perfect people-watching spot.

Where to Shop in Florence

Visitors to Florence often make time to shop for leather goods, artisan perfumes, and hand-tailored clothing.

Founded by monks 800 years ago, Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is thought to be the oldest pharmacy in the world. The palatial apothecary is full of pricey potions and perfumes based on ancient herbal recipes.

To dress like an Italian, start with the right tailor. Shirtmaker Simone Abbarchi crafts reasonably priced, made-to-measure (and discreetly monogrammed) men’s shirts. Stop by his tiny bottega for a fitting or two, and he’ll mail the finished pieces home for you.

Florence-born Mario Luca Giusti designs housewares in vivid “synthetic crystal,” from festive wine glasses to faceted Champagne buckets.

Find designer deals on Gucci, Ferragamo, Bottega Veneta, and more at The Mall, a luxury outlet 30 minutes southeast of the city (you can take a shuttle). Grand Journeys Travel clients receive additional discounts on some purchases, a welcome gift, a beverage at Gucci Caffè, and priority access at the tax refund office.

Where to Stay in Florence

Refurbished in 2017, Hotel Lungarno overlooks the south bank of the River Arno.

The Place Firenze

Working fireplaces and stacks of books lend a stylishly homey feel to 20-room The Place Firenze, located on the same piazza as the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella. The atrium courtyard’s family-style table beckons you to linger over a long lunch with friends. Virtuoso travelers receive breakfast daily and a $100 dining credit.

Hotel Lungarno

Owned by the Ferragamo family, the 63-room Hotel Lungarno recently reopened after an extensive refurbishment. It retains its fresh nautical style, impressive art collection, and incredible location directly on the Arno River. Virtuoso travelers receive a complimentary one-way private airport transfer and breakfast daily.

Villa Cora

Set above the Boboli Gardens, minutes from the city, 44-room Villa Cora feels like the opulent residence it once was, brimming with frescoes, fine art and furnishings, and lots of formal swagger. Its heated outdoor pool is a welcome respite after a day of sightseeing, and the seasonal Sunday brunch is a must. Virtuoso travelers receive a breakfast daily and a $100 dining credit.

Portrait Firenze

Also owned by the Ferragamos, the 37-room Portrait Firenze possesses a contemporary, masculine decor that sets it apart in a city of old-world tradition. Spacious suites offer well-stocked kitchenettes; request one overlooking the Arno with views of the Ponte Vecchio. Virtuoso travelers receive a complimentary one-way private airport transfer, complimentary entrance to Salvatore Ferragamo Museum for two, and breakfast daily.

Want to explore the fascinating sights of Florence? Contact me to start planning.

Produced by Virtuoso, Specialists in the Art of Travel and Grand Journeys Travel