Expert Recommendations for Amazing Itineraries

The Accademia Gallery stands as a timeless beacon of art and culture. Renowned for housing Michelangelo’s iconic masterpiece, “David,” the gallery offers visitors encounters with Renaissance brilliance. Beyond the David, the Accademia boasts a treasure trove of artistic wonders, including Michelangelo’s unfinished sculptures, captivating religious works, and intricate musical instrument displays. To avoid the long lines, timed tickets can be purchased online through the official website of the Accademia Gallery.

This sandwich shop has gone viral on Instagram as the place to go to get the famous Florentine sandwiches called schiacciata. There are actually a few different locations in central Florence and some folks might recommend you chose instead the less crowded instead but personally I think it’s fun to be in line with all the folks making reels of their sandwiches. The wait is worth it — the paninis are so delicious — my go to is the pancetta, parmesan spread, arugula and sun dried tomatoes.

This is the best porchetta in Florence. The shop is just a window and they make the sandwich right in front of you. They don’t have any extras, just drinks. But it is so delicious — we stopped there so many times, I feel like the men cutting the porchetta started to recognize us. It’s not as well known as Antica Vinaio but it is equally as delicious.

The Piazza Santa Croce is my favorite spot in Florence. It’s easily walkable from the Duomo but much less croweded. The piazza perfectly frames the Basilica and on a sunny morning, is the perfect spot for a café and cornetto. The Church has many interesting historical figures entombed within including Michelangelo and Galileo but not Dante who is memorialized there but who’s body remains in Ravella despite centuries long attempt to bring him back to Florence.

The Basilica di Santo Spirito in Florence, designed by the legendary Filippo Brunelleschi, is a timeless marvel of Renaissance architecture. With its graceful façade and majestic dome, this sacred sanctuary exudes tranquility and architectural splendor. Beyond its doors, visitors are greeted by the lively Piazza Santo Spirito, with restaurants and sidewalk cafes; it is a vibrant hub of Florentine life. Santo Spirito is on the west side of the Arno River.

This great local spot is just a few minutes walk from the Palazzo Vecchio and the Piazza Santa Croce. They have a great menu of pizzas, antipasti and drinks. My favorite was the pizza fritti with spicy Calabrian ‘nduja. Their outside seating is perfect for a sunny day and a fun way to watch the Florentines on their way around their beautiful city.

If I had to pick only one, I would pick the Palace and Gardens over the Uffizi. On a pretty day, it’s nice to be outside to see the gardens and there is plenty of amazing art to see in the Palace. We went on a sunny day and enjoyed the Gardens first, then headed into the Palace. There’s a café on the ground floor of the Palace so you can get a little snack before your time in the museum.

Cicchetti may be more well known in Venice, but these small delicious bites are the best early evening snack. Made on small pieces of toast, you’ll get to choose from seasonal toppings. We chose some traditional ones with tomato and cheese and some interesting ones with salmon and dill. You can get a beer, glass of wine or more commonly, an Aperol Spritz and enjoy your early afternoon appetizers.

Caffè Gilli is a historic and elegant café, located in the heart of the city on the Piazza della Repubblica. Established in 1733, it’s one of the oldest and most iconic cafés in Florence, known for its beautiful Belle Époque décor. The café offers a wide selection of pastries and traditional Italian coffee, making it the perfect spot for breakfast or coffee. In the afternoon, its central location and classic ambiance provides an authentic Florentine experience, and a great place to enjoy an aperitivo while people-watching. Caffè Gilli offers some interesting and tasty cocktails including the famous Gillitz, similar to a Spritz, made with Liquore Mediceo Santa Maria Novella, Tuscan bitters, red berries nectar, Spuma, Chandon sparking wine.

This café is the perfect place to stop for a coffee – if you are walking from central Florence to the train station, you’ll walk right past it. The café has a lovely welcoming interior and bar but the view from the sidewalk tables is unparalleled. You’ll be looking right at the magnificent Piazza al Duomo!

Cat Cafe Firenze is a charming and cozy café in the heart of Florence, where you can enjoy a coffee or an aperitvo while surrounded by adorable cats. The café provides a relaxing atmosphere, making it the perfect place to unwind after exploring the city. The resident cats are friendly and well-cared for, and visitors are encouraged to interact with them while enjoying homemade pastries and beverages. It’s a popular spot for both cat lovers and those looking for a unique experience in Florence. Whether you’re in need of a coffee break or simply miss your own furry companions, Cat Cafe Firenze offers a one-of-a-kind experience.

Don Nino’s is a chain Italy — you’ll see them in Rome, Florence and other big cities and for a good reason, as they make delicious cannoli for you while you wait. Cannoli should not be filled ahead of time as it makes the shell soggy. Don Nino’s makes your cannoli while you wait and is the perfect place for a sweet treat while touring Florence.

Obviously one of the main tourist sites in Florence, this imposing group of buildings deserve a whole day, if you have it. Do check the tourist information offices found on both sides of the Piazza to make sure the Basilica is open (they don’t allow tourists on Sundays) and if you plan to climb Bruneschelli’s dome or the campanile, you’ll need a timed ticket. The ceiling of the Baptistery is under construction in 2023/2024 but it’s still worth it to see the building and the amazing gold doors. Keep your eye open for scammers and pickpockets in this piazza but don’t miss it.

There is a legend that if you can roll a coin down the Porcellino’s tongue, you’ll have good luck. You can tell it is a well known story as the bronze statue’s nose is shiny from people rubbing it for luck! The statue is at the end of one of the big famous leather markets in town, so make sure to take time to peruse the stalls for a new wallet, purse or belt. In the evening, when the stalls are closed, there is space for musicians to setup and serende the evening crowd.

This tiny gelato shop is my exception to the rule. I normally say not to stop at the places right in the tourist areas, but this gelato is so delicious it makes sense to grab a double on a cone and find a spot in the piazza to enjoy it and people watch.

Yes, there is a picture of Guy Fieri on the wall. But it makes sense because the pizza is delicious. 10/10 — definitely recommend and can’t wait to go back. It’s right by the Piazza di Santo Spirito so don’t miss that when you are there. They offer lots of different toppings and the vibe is very friendly and warm!

One of the best meals we had in Italy, and after a few months of only Italian food, we loved the change of cuisine. We had the traditional tikka masala along with rice and naan, and my favorite papadum. The service was warm and friendly and being located in central Florence. it makes it a good option if you are somehow tired of Italian food.

Right next to the Piazza Santa Croce, this small sandwich shop is the perfect spot for lunch. They make the traditional Schiaccia sandwiches and you can sit in their spots on the sidewalk to enjoy your lunch — or walk down to the benches in the Piazza. The food is delicious!

The first floor of the mercato centrale is a vibrant bustling market with fresh food, fruits, veggies and the like. Like. The upstairs is a very interesting and entertaining dining hall. There are many different types of food to choose from, all prepared by local vendors and all delicious. You can get a glass of wine with a delicious plate of pasta or a big Florentine steak. It’s an absolute stop for any foodies while in Florence.

The Mercato Sant’Ambrogio is a fresh food market with stalls of all kinds of different foods. There are stalls for fish, meat, pasta, veggies, fruit, spices and more. It’s so fun to walk through the stalls checking out all the interesting local ingredients. If you are a foodie and don’t want to brave the crowded of the Centrale Market, try this one instead!