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Florence

Renaissance streets, Oltrarno trattorias & jazz cellars

Browse Florence

Florence is one of the most rewarding places to explore, and this local guide brings together the best things to do, where to eat and where to stay in one place. Highlights include Ponte Vecchio, Piazzale Michelangelo and Piazza della Signoria. Food lovers should not miss Jazz Club and Osteria Santo Spirito. Below you will find 13 hand-picked local recommendations across sights, restaurants, hotels and tours, which you can filter by category and budget to plan the perfect trip, whether you have a weekend or a week.

Florence at a glance

  • Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
  • Best time to visit: spring and autumn
  • Highlights: Ponte Vecchio and Piazzale Michelangelo
  • Where to stay: Centro and Oltrarno
  • Local picks: 13 hand-chosen recommendations
  • Getting around: walkable, plus easy public transport

Local tips for Florence

Stories and neighbourhood know-how from our local guides.

Where to stay in Florence

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Oltrarno

Boboli Gardens

The grand Renaissance gardens rising behind the Pitti Palace.
★ 4.5
$$
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Central carousel

Whether it’s cute dad-and-daughter pairs or grandparents toting around a herd of kids to give Mom and Dad a break in Florence’s main shopping district, families make up the main “carousel clientele.”…
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Centro

Florence Cathedral

Brunelleschis terracotta dome crowning the citys cathedral.
★ 4.8
$$
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San Marco

Galleria dellAccademia

Home to Michelangelos David.
★ 4.7
$$
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Centro

Hotel Davanzati

A warm, family-run boutique hotel in a medieval palazzo near the Duomo.
★ 4.6
$$
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Oltrarno / San Frediano

Il Conventino Caffè Letterario

In the cloister of the former Monastery of Santa Teresa in Oltrarno, this literary cafe doubles as the neighborhood’s living room, surrounded by working artisan studios. Why it matters: run by the nonprofit Associazione Citta Sostenibile, the project rescued the historic Conventino complex and reopened its cloister to the public in 2021 as an inclusive community hub that promotes local artisans and hosts a packed free program of book clubs, poetry readings and concerts. Order from the Menu d’Artista, browse the in-house bookshop, then peek into the Officina Creativa workshops around the courtyard. Come on a weekday evening when locals fill the cloister for readings – it’s one of the few genuinely untouristy cultural spots this close to the center.
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Sant'Ambrogio

Il Villaggio dei Popoli

A short walk from the Sant’Ambrogio market, this fair-trade bottega has been Florence’s home for ethical shopping since 1990. Why it matters: Il Villaggio dei Popoli is a nonprofit cooperative with over 3,000 members that pioneered commercio equo e solidale in Tuscany, guaranteeing fair prices and dignified working conditions to producers across the Global South. The shelves mix single-origin chocolate, Indian teas and Filipino mascobado sugar with handmade crafts, cosmetics and jewelry, all certified through Equo Garantito. Pick up edible souvenirs here instead of at the airport – the cacao and spice section is excellent and your money funds producer communities. Note the midday closure, like most local shops.
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City centre

Jazz Club

A small, cosy music room where Florentines settle in for the best local jazz, blues and rock. Open most evenings with live bands, and great jam sessions when no one is booked. Sip a glass of Italian wine or dance to groovy tunes – note the club recently moved to a new home at Piazza del Tiratoio.
★ 4.5
$$
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Centro Storico

Osteria Buongustai

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Santo Spirito

Osteria Santo Spirito

A lively Oltrarno osteria on one of Florence’s best people-watching squares. Book an outdoor table in warm weather and dig into fresh, fairly priced Tuscan cooking – the truffle gnocchi is the decadent house favourite.
★ 4.4
$$
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Centro

Piazza della Signoria

An open-air sculpture gallery outside the Palazzo Vecchio.
★ 4.7
$
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Oltrarno

Piazzale Michelangelo

The panoramic terrace with the classic postcard view over Florence.
★ 4.8
$
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Centro

Ponte Vecchio

The medieval bridge lined with goldsmiths shops arching over the Arno.
★ 4.7
$
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Centro

Portrait Firenze

A polished luxury hotel overlooking the Ponte Vecchio.
★ 4.7
$$$
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Santa Croce

Scuola del Cuoio

Tucked behind the apse of Santa Croce in a Renaissance dormitory frescoed by Ghirlandaio’s school, the Leather School of Florence is where you watch artisans cut, stitch and gold-emboss bags in the open workshop. Why it matters: founded in 1950 by the Franciscan friars of Santa Croce and the Gori family to teach WWII orphans a trade, it still trains new artisans today through the Marcello Gori Foundation, which educates six underprivileged young people in leathercraft each year. Wander the workshop corridor for free, then have a wallet or belt personalized with 22-carat gold initials while you wait. Tip: enter through the garden on Via San Giuseppe rather than paying Santa Croce admission.
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Oltrarno

Trattoria dell’Orto

A warm, well-regarded Tuscan trattoria in the Oltrarno, off the tourist track, serving hearty Florentine classics, ribollita, bistecca and handmade pasta, with a lovely garden in summer. Book ahead.
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Centro

Uffizi Gallery

The worlds greatest collection of Renaissance painting.
★ 4.8
$$$
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Centro

Uffizi Skip-the-Line Tour

A guided skip-the-line tour through the Uffizis masterpieces.
★ 4.6
$$
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Florence travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Florence?

Two to three days is enough to enjoy the highlights of Florence at a relaxed pace.

Where is the best area to stay in Florence?

Stay central and walkable to the main sights for a first visit.

What are the best things to do in Florence?

Browse the local picks above, from top sights and museums to where to eat and stay. Or read our best things to do in Florence guide.

What is the best time to visit Florence?

Spring and autumn usually bring the most comfortable weather and thinner crowds, though Florence is worth visiting year-round.

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