As you Soak in the Renaissance of Florence make sure have plenty of time for Italian Treasure Hunting and Tasting Tuscan’s Finest!

* Italian Treasure Hunting

There’s plenty of shopping to be done in Florence no matter what your treasure of choice may be.

  • Leather: The place to go is San Lorenzo Market and make sure you bring your best bartering skills. Surrounds San Lorenzo Church.
  • Jewelry: You’ll find cute jewelry stores all over town to explore like La Gazza Ladra at Piazza G. Salvemini6.  For the really special treasure, visit S. Vaggi at the end of the Ponte Vecchio (Ponte Vecchio 2/6R). After literally shopping every store the bridge, this was where we picked out my engagement ring!
  • Hats: I discovered this amazing hat shop, Grevi, in a quaint little courtyard at Via dei Fossi, 7. The hats have been made in Signa, near Florence, since 1875. It has hats for all ages and all occasions. I bought two!
  • Textiles: Uashmama is a fabulous family-owned linens and more store we discovered in Lucca. They have a store in Florence at Via Porta Rossa 48/50r, near the little Leather Market at the Fontana del Porcellino (the legendary bronze boar fountain).
  • Apothecary: Officinia di Santa Maria Novella (16 Via della Scala) is a 300-year-old pharmacy near Santa Maria Novella and just a cool place to visit.
  • Italian labels: Ferragamo’s flagship store and museum. Gucci. Emilio Pucci, and Furla. In Florence, you’ll find them all.

Taste Tuscan’s Finest

There are so many restaurants to choose from but here are some of my favorites.

  • Ristorante Acqua al Due (Via della Vigna Vecchia 40R, 55 284 170): This is our favorite restaurant in Florence. Casual and fun with incredible food! Order the Assagio menu…it’s the tasting menu and make sure to eat light the rest of the day. Make reservations as they only do two seatings per night. Say hello to owner Giani for me!
  • Trattoria Angiolino: Classic Tuscan Cuisine and ambiance. As seen in Stanley Tucci’s Searching for Italy Florence episode.
  • Il Mercato Centrale: Right in the middle of San Lorenzo Market, you’ll find this incredible Italian Food Hall on the second floor
  • Trattoria Zaza: Close to San Lorenzo Market you’ll find this delicious restaurant. We love to sit outside. Food is always delicious.
  • Il Latini (Via dei Palchetti 6R, 55 210 916, closed Mon): Tuscan rustic cooking. Fun upbeat atmosphere. Great for groups. Make reservations!
  • Trattoria Cammillo (Borgo San Jacopo, 57/R, 55-212-427): Incredible homemade pasta and desserts, we had lunch here after we got engaged.
  • Caffe Pitti (Piazza Pitti 9, 55 239 9863): Just across from Pitti Palace, we had a yummy pasta lunch outside one afternoon.
  • Trattoria Pallottino (Via Isola delle Stinche 1R, 55-289-573): Simple delicious food. We stumbled upon this place on Valentine’s Day and couldn’t believe the yumminess!

Some favorites for a light lunch, espresso, wine or aperitif…

  • View on Art Rooftop: Make a reservation (you can make it through WhatsApp) and have a wine or aperitif here! Amazing views overlooking the Duomo.
  • Piazza Signoria: While full of tourist and overpriced cafes, you can’t beat having a drink here anytime of day (I especially love sunset or when it’s lit up a night) at any of the spots overlooking the Piazza and Palazzo Vecchio.
  • Osteria Ponte Vecchio: Great spot for lunch or aperitif. Outside seating is looking right at Ponte Vecchio. We went twice on the last trip. Just around the corner from the Ponte Vecchio on Borgo S. Jacopo 16R.
  • Cantinetta Antinori (Piazza Antinori 3, 55 292 234): Great place for a glass of wine from Italy’s great wine family, Antinori. The 26-generation wine family opened this wine bar in a 15th-century palazzo 30 years ago.
  • Caffe Gilli: This lovely outdoor caffe, opened in the 1850s, is a perfect spot (a little pricey) for people watching over a gelato and aperitif on the Piazza della Repubblica.
  • Coronas Cafe (Via dei Tavolini 18-20/R): A must for a pastry and espresso in the morning or stuffed sandwich quick lunch.

Where to lay your head during your stay?

  • Hotel degli Orafi: My favorite hotel with rooms overlooking the Arno River and Ponte Vecchio. Fabulous rooftop bar to enjoy views over a drink day or night!
  • Hotel California: On the second floor of a historic building 150 meters from the Duomo and 100 meters from Galleria dell’Accademia. We stayed here once and had a nice experience. Ask for the double room with views of the Duomo.
  • Hotel Pendini: Their website says they’re “an antique hotel in the heart of Florence.” I’ve stayed here a couple of times for a one-night stay. It’s definitely an older hotel with small bathrooms, but the price and location off of Piazza della Repubblica are great!

Enjoy your visit to this incredible Italian gem!