ULTIMATE Florence Guide: Best things to eat and do in Firenze
There’s something in the air in Florence that just gravitates people to it. Maybe it's the rolling hills of Tuscany, speckled with quaint villages. Maybe it’s the art of the Renaissance, enticing audiences with its beauty and ingenuity… for me it was steak, and boy did we eat good.
I wouldn’t have thought about it unless someone else had told me, but Florence takes steak very seriously, there are countless shops selling massive Florentine steaks on about every corner. And that isn’t just true of steak shops, there is so much good food in this relatively small city that you better come hungry. Florentines take real pride in their food and indeed in most parts of life. The art, the history, the architecture: every corner of Florence is bursting with character and you can get a sense for why locals are so proud of their city. We thoroughly enjoyed our time there and can guarantee you and your stomach will not be disappointed you visited.
Where to stay?
Like I said, Florence is a relatively small city, with most of the main attractions being a short walk or a very quick bus route away. As such, you can base yourself out of most neighborhoods and not feel like you sacrificed too much in terms of views or activities.
We based ourselves out of the San Giovanni neighborhood, which just so happens to be in the heart of the city. We were about a ten minute walk to the Uffizi and the Duomo, and were on a street lined with cafes and restaurants. You can find some fairly affordable Airbnbs in this area as well, and of course your choice of all the classic hotel brands. You really can’t go wrong with any spot nearby the inner city.
Here is a list of some of our favorite attractions and bites during our stay in Florence!
#1: The Duomo
We could not get over coming to the Duomo (open in Google Maps) time and time again during our stay. The facade of this massive church is truly a marvel to behold. It was really fun to come back at different times of the day and explore all the side streets to get unique glimpses of the dome. As is the case in most of Italy, expect crowds and please avoid scammers. It really does put a damper on a trip when your time enjoying the Duomo is cut short by someone trying to swindle you. You can also explore the interior of the Duomo, but with the lines we had, we opted for a Rick Steves walking tour instead, and had a great time.
#2: Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi (open in Google Maps) is one of those museums you need to go to, even if you aren’t that into museums. The most famous piece they have is the Birth of Venus, but there are truly a multitude of masterpieces on display here. My favorite part of the museum, strangely enough, was the ceiling paintings of Alessandro Allori, painted in the grotesque style (see I learned something).
Be sure to book a skip the line ticket or reserve a ticket well in advance. We used Get Your Guide (click here to book) and saved loads of precious time that would have otherwise been spent standing in line.
#3: Accademia Gallery
The Accademia Gallery (open in Google Maps) is another wildly popular museum that you need to book a skip the line ticket for. We booked through Get Your Guide (click here to book) and were glad we did, since the lines to get in wrapped around the block in direct sun.
The imposing statue of David by Michelangelo is here, and is truly a spectacle. There are other great paintings, but otherwise the Accademia is a much smaller museum, especially compared to the Uffizi. Still worth a visit to see the David, but if you are short on time, you might want to consider just seeing the Uffizi.
#4: Piazzale Michelangelo
For an amazing view of the city, Piazzale Michelangelo (open in Google Maps) takes the cake. It is lively around sunset, with live music and vendors selling snacks and drinks. It’s a fantastic spot to sit back, soak in the views, and drink a Peroni.
#5: Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio (open in Google Maps) is an old bridge lined with shops and is the only bridge that was spared during the bombings of World War II. The area nearby is a fun shopping district with great vintage shops, luxury stores, and the like.
#6: Florentine Sandwiches
For a classic Florentine bite, make sure to check out one of the many sandwich shops found all over the city. The most popular one, All’Antico Vinaio (open in Google Maps), can get extremely busy lines, and honestly, as delicious as the sandwiches are, it is not worth waiting that long. Our Airbnb happened to be on the same alley as Al Antico Vinaio, so we were able to grab a bite at off times without waiting. These sandwiches are hefty and decadent, with deliciously crispy focaccia. Other people regard Pino’s (open in Google Maps) as the best shop in town, so that might also be a good option.
#7: Mercato Centrale
The historic Mercato Centrale (open in Google Maps) is a massive indoor market in the center of town. Here you can find a ton of food options, fresh produce, bars, and wine shops. We came here for a spritz to escape the heat of the afternoon, but you could also come here for lunch where everyone in your family is sure to find something to eat.
#8: Ditta Artigianale
Italian cafes are meant to be a quick and cheap stop to get caffeinated and help you go on with your day. The espresso is robust, dark, and oftentimes very bitter. I really enjoyed the coffee culture in Italy; you go up to the bar, order, shoot the espresso, throw down your change and leave. It is a simple and yet very fun experience drinking coffee next to locals and tourists alike, all who just want their caffeine fix. That being said, if you are like us, we are obsessed with finding coffee shops that take it to the next level when it comes to drink options, sourcing, and quality of beans. Ditta Artigianale (open in Google Maps) was our answer to prayer. The coffee here was smooth, the pastries rich and buttery, and the space was relaxed and modern. Definitely make a stop here for a more third wave coffee experience.
#9: Vivoli
You know what makes espresso even better? Adding gelato to the mix! Vivoli (open in Google Maps) makes insanely delicious affogatos in a classic Italian cafe atmosphere. Affogatos are always going to taste amazing, but these were in a world of their own in terms of creaminess and flavor. Please ignore my post-affogato flavor explosion dance.
#10: Osteria Pastella
For a gimmicky yet undoubtedly delicious pasta experience, check out Osteria Pastella (open in Google Maps). They are most known for their truffle pasta that is made in a cheese wheel. Just because something is gimmick doesn’t mean it won't be a good time, especially when excess amounts of cheese is involved.
#11: Regina Bistecca
For the ultimate Florentine steak experience, book a reservation to Regina Bistecca (open in Google Maps), just a block away from the Duomo. We ordered the steak florentine for four people, which came with a bunch of sides, and we had to pair it with a bottle of Chianti. It is traditionally cooked rare, which I found to really highlight the flavor of the beef. You could almost taste how happy this cow was living in Tuscany. Come here for a special occasion and come hungry!
#12: Atto di vito Mollica
I have never been close to tears over a meal, but the duck ravioli at Atto almost made me. Located in the former Medici palace, Atto (open in Google Maps) will wow you with its carefully curated tasting menu. We opted for the wine tasting as well, and it did not disappoint. The atmosphere is sophisticated, and your surroundings are that of a world class museum. If you have money burning a hole in your pocket, or you want to celebrate a special occasion, we could not recommend Atto enough.