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The Ultimate Florence Travel Guide: Hotels, Gelato, Wine Windows and Hidden Gems

Florence city

The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence (Firenze), is utterly irresistible. With over 10 million visitors each year, this Italian city is one of those rare places that seems to have it all – art, history, food (hello, gelato!), wine, and shopping. This was actually our second time visiting Florence, returning after first falling in love with the city on our honeymoon in 2018.  Marvin and I gave ourselves two nights ahead of our hosted Cosmos Gourmet Tuscany tour, which turned out to be the perfect way to ease into la dolce vita before the adventure began.


If you loved our Southern Italy recap, think of this Florence travel guide as its Renaissance-era cousin. Secret wine windows, the gelato I still think about at odd hours – here's how we'd tell you to do Florence. Andiamo!


Accommodation


Florence is filled with exceptional restaurants, world-class art, and an almost overwhelming list of things to do. But eventually, you’ll need to have a place to rest (which, ideally, should be as fabulous as the city itself). The good news is that Florence’s best hotels are scattered throughout the city. This means you’ll have plenty of choice whether you wish to have a peaceful stay in the nearby hills, or prefer to be in the heart of the action in the center.


For our visit this time, we chose to stay at the Antica Torre Tornabuoni, and absolutely loved it! When it comes to accommodation in Florence, location is one of the key aspects to consider, as you’ll be exploring a lot on foot. Antica Torre Tornabuoni sits right in the heart of Florence’s luxury shopping district, a 10-minute stroll from the Duomo and practically on top of the boutiques along Via de’Tornabuoni.


The biggest highlight of the hotel is up on the roof: a terrace with awe-inspiring views over the terracotta rooftops and the Arno. We came here for everything – lunch, sunset drinks, dinner, and even a nightcap. Special thanks to Lorenzo – he went above and beyond to make our experience memorable!



During our stay, we booked a Deluxe Room. These rooms are located in either the Medieval Tower or Palazzo Gianfigliazzi, with views overlooking the Cathedral, the Church of Santa Trinita, or the Arno. The marble bathroom had both a bathtub and a shower (plus a bidet – you’re in Italy, after all), making it easy to unwind after a full day on foot. Every evening, turndown service came with a small plate of biscuits, which was a really nice touch.


It’s no secret that hotel breakfast is one of the best parts of traveling. The breakfast at Antica Torre Tornabuoni didn’t leave us disappointed! Available from 8am to 10am, guests can choose to eat either on the terrace or inside. Pancakes, waffles, eggs and bacon, pastries, meats, and cheeses – whatever you’re craving, you’ll likely get it! 


Leaving before breakfast opens? The staff will kindly pack you a box so you’re not starting a travel day on an empty stomach.


Florence’s Famous Wine Windows


If you’ve never had a glass of wine handed to you through a tiny window in a stone wall, you’re missing out! The tradition of buchette del vino (wine windows) dates back to the 16th to 18th centuries, when noble families sold wine directly to the public through these tiny openings. Today, you’ll find around 20 of them scattered throughout the city. The idea is delightfully simple: walk up, ring the bell, and someone will pass you a glass.


While we tried several different wine windows in Florence, our favorite was Ristorante Pietrabianca. Simply ring the oversized bell and order a glass of wine! An added bonus – the bartender is happy to snap a photo through the window.


Other wine windows worth checking out: Osteria San Fiorenzo (grab a glass of Chianti or an Aperol Spritz), Cantina de’Pucci (one of the oldest wine windows in Florence), and Osteria Belle Done.


Fun Fact: During the plague, these little windows let wine change hands with a bit of distance between seller and buyer. Who knew they had contactless service back then?


If the wine windows have piqued your curiosity, we'd highly recommend The Wine Window Trail Tour. Gerard and Paolo were fantastic guides, sharing the history behind the tradition while taking us to six food and wine stops, Sant'Ambrogio Market, and one of the best places to try traditional lampredotto. We also left with a long list of local recommendations for the rest of our stay.


Our Tip: Book the morning tour if you can. Sant'Ambrogio Market starts winding down around 2 p.m., and it's at its best when the stalls are buzzing with locals.


The Best Gelato Shops in Florence

No visit to Florence is complete without gelato. In fact, the Renaissance city is the birthplace of this delicious dessert (or, at least, that’s what locals proudly claim). Nevertheless, not all gelato in Florence is created equal. Here are our top picks.


La Carraia: My personal favorite and the first gelato shop we discovered on our honeymoon back in 2018. It's one of those places I've dreamed about ever since. Don't leave without trying their rich, creamy pistachio!


Il Procopio: An award-winning gelateria that's well worth the hype. Be sure to order their signature flavor – a surprisingly delicious blend of pistachio, almond, and orange that somehow works perfectly.


Barroccino: A fantastic spot for authentic artisan gelato, with plenty of classic and seasonal flavors.


Gelateria Carabé: Craving a sorbet? This gelateria is a favorite among locals. If you're after something a little different from the usual Florentine gelato shops, this is the place to go.


The Best Restaurants in Florence


A trip to Florence is every foodie’s dream. Wine bars, Michelin-starred restaurants, generations-old trattorias – there’s something for everyone. However, with so many visitors every year, it’s becoming more challenging to sift through mediocre tourist traps to find truly excellent culinary spots. Here’s where we ate during our trip.


Florentine Steak

Antico Ristoro di' Cambi

Regina Bistecca

Osteria Gusto Toscano Steakhouse


Traditional Tuscan Dining

Trattoria Il Giardino 

Trattoria Borgo Antico

Trattoria La Casalinga


Special Occasion Dining

Olio Restaurant


Fresh Pasta

L'Altrocovo Pasta Fresca


Wine Bar

Enoteca Alla Sosta Dei Papi (order the Coccoli Prosciutto e Stracchino – it's one of the house specialties for a reason)


Food Truck

Tripperia Pollini Lampredotto (go for the classic lampredotto sandwich or, if you're feeling adventurous, the comforting broth cup)


Sweet Treats

Leonardo Firenze Bakery


Top Things to Do in Florence

top things to do in Florence

Beyond eating and drinking, there is much more to the city! Florence is packed with art and history. The collection of world-class museums is what draws millions of visitors every year, but these are only a fraction of the Tuscan capital’s offerings. 


Historic Sites

Duomo & Bell Tower: No trip to Florence is complete without visiting the city's iconic cathedral. Climb Giotto's Bell Tower for some of the best panoramic views over Florence.


Baptistery: Famous for its magnificent bronze ‘Gates of Paradise,’ this centuries-old building is one of Florence's oldest and most beautiful landmarks.


Piazza della Signoria: Florence's grand open-air museum is a must-see for anyone visiting Florence.


Piazzale Michelangelo: The city's most famous viewpoint. Visit around sunset to watch the golden light spill across Florence's terracotta rooftops and the Arno River.


Museums

Uffizi Gallery: Home to masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael, including Botticelli's iconic The Birth of Venus.


Accademia Gallery: Best known for Michelangelo's David. Seeing the sculpture in person is every bit as impressive as you've imagined.


Museo Casa Buonarroti (Michelangelo Museum): A lesser-known gem dedicated to Michelangelo's life and legacy, featuring some of his early works in the family home.


Shopping

best shops in Florence

Luxury Designer Boutiques: Similar to Milan, Florence is known to be one of the epicenters of the ‘Made in Italy’ movement. From Gucci and Ferragamo to unique independent stores, Florence's shopping streets have everything you might wish for.


International Leather School: The city has long been known for its leather craftsmanship, and the International Leather School is still one of the best places to pick up handcrafted bags, wallets, and accessories.


Food Markets

Sant'Ambrogio Market: Craving a local experience? This lively market is where Florentines shop for fresh produce, cheeses, meats, and baked goods.


Other Experiences


Explore Florence on a Vespa (or a Fiat!)

Florence experiences

Wish to experience Florence in a more unique way? Consider joining the Florence Vespa Tour with Walkabout Tours. While we originally booked the Vespa tour, we quickly realized it was much harder than it looked during the test ride! Thankfully, there's also the option to explore in a vintage or electric Fiat, which ended up being just as much fun. 


The route takes you past Piazzale Michelangelo, along the scenic Chiantigiana road, and through charming villages before ending with a delicious Tuscan lunch at a countryside estate. 


Our Tip: Don't worry if you're a little nervous! The guide stays in touch with everyone via two-way radio, making the whole experience easy and enjoyable.


Final Thoughts – Florence Travel Guide

Florence travel guide

Florence is proof that a city can be world-famous for its museums and still have so much more to give. Behind the masterpieces, there's an amazing food scene, a glass of wine waiting behind a centuries-old window, viewpoints that take your breath away, and traditions you won't find anywhere else. Whether it's your first visit or your third trip, it somehow feels new every time.



Dreaming of your own Tuscan escape? From boutique hotels with rooftop views to hidden wine windows and hillside Vespa rides, we know the insider spots that make Florence unforgettable. Let us help you plan your most magical adventure yet!


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