After years of travelling Europe, I’m FINALLY getting around to writing some blogs about my travels and I’m so excited to share my top tips with you! I’ve been lucky enough to visit Florence three times now, and every time I leave, I find myself already dreaming of the day I’ll go back. If you’re planning a trip to Italy (or you’re just building out your future dream itinerary), this one’s for you!
Florence is feminine, motherly, and soft. It’s like walking through a Renaissance painting, with its gardens, galleries, and little romantic moments tucked around every corner.
Here’s everything I loved (and would absolutely recommend!) from our most recent trip to my favourite Italian city.
General Thoughts
Florence is steeped in history and beauty. The entire city feels like it was built around The Birth of Venus, and I actually got to see the real painting from the 1400s. You can feel that Renaissance energy everywhere—from the cobblestone streets to the artists selling their work in the piazzas (yes, I bought a few pieces to bring home!)
Every single time I see The Duomo, I get teary. It took over 250 years to build, so multiple generations of families would have worked on it, and it’s just breathtaking.
We also did a LIV Tours golf cart tour (my top recommendation for any city!) and wandered through Pitti Palace, home of the Medici family—aka the OG gangster art collectors of Italy. Their story alone is wild.
And don’t even get me started on the wine windows… (more on those below!)
Places to Stay
We splurged on the Four Seasons Florence, and let me just say—it was worth it. Even though it’s located in the city, it feels like you’re deep in the Tuscan countryside. So peaceful and beautiful… I could spend a week here. If you’re celebrating something special (or just want a dreamy Italian getaway), I can’t recommend it enough.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, booking.com is a great place to search, just be sure to read the reviews!
Some places that are still on my bucket list:
- Villa Cora – Just outside the city and so romantic.
- Borgo Santo Pietro – This place looks like actual heaven. I have my eye on it for a future honeymoon… 😉
Eat, Drink & Repeat
The food in Florence is UNREAL. Without a doubt, your first stop should be All’Antico Vinaio—aka Justin’s favourite sandwich shop. We are obsessed. It’s one of those places that’s 100% worth the hype.
One of my fave parts about Florence is these tiny wine windows—little holes in the wall where you can walk right up and order a glass of wine. Something about it just felt so magical and so authentically Florence. This is a must if you’re visiting the city.
If you’re up for an adventure, we did a truffle tour just outside the city, and it was such a fun and unique experience. I highly recommend this if you love food and want something a bit different than the usual walking tours.
Another thing on my bucket list is to go to Osteria Pastella, they’re known for this super cool parm roulette thing that they do!
Activities & Culture
Florence is such a great hub for little adventures nearby. We did a quick 30-minute drive to Pisa (because, of course, we had to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa!).
When we were in Florence back in 2023, we also took a full day trip to Cinque Terre, which I’ll write more about in another blog—but spoiler alert: it’s just as beautiful as it seems in photos.
Final Thoughts
Florence holds such a special place in my heart. It’s romantic, historic, creative, and full of life in a way that just feels so inspiring. Between the gardens, the art, the Duomo, and the unreal food and wine, it’s the one city in Italy that I’ll go back to again and again.
So, there you have it, all my top recommendations for Florence to help you plan your own trip—and if you do go, please take a moment to stand in front of the Duomo and just soak it all in. You’ll know what I mean when you get there.
xo
Jilly
