‘Gaux-To Florence

‘Gaux-To Florence: Our Travel Guide to The Capital of Italy’s Tuscany Region

They say that all roads lead to Rome, but for food and wine-loving travelers, rerouting to Florence is always a good idea. Located in Italy’s wine-centric Tuscany region, this historical city center is home to a slew of great places to imbibe—as well as a whole lot of history to boot. Whether looking to shop, peruse museums, or simply taste your way through a dreamy Italian cityscape, one thing’s for sure—you can’t go wrong with a wine-soaked escape to Florence.

The Bigger Picture:

Florence is the capital of Italy’s famed Tuscany region—which also happens to be one of the country’s largest. Deemed the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence was once the home of a number of Italy’s most historic figures, including Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, the Medici family, and Dante Alighieri.

With regards to wine, Florence isn’t far from the heart of it all. Tuscany’s local white wine claim to fame, Vernaccia, finds its major home base in San Gimignano, located about an hour south of the city—though of course, Sangiovese is truly the grape that reigns king here. Visitors of Florence are just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the major wine-producing villages in Chianti, and the world-class area of Montalcino makes for a perfect day / overnight trip. Super Tuscan fans will also take delight in the proximity of Bolgheri, located on Italy’s western coast, which is also just under two hours from the city center.

How to Get There / Get Around:

The two closest airports to Florence are Peretola Airport (located just 15 minutes by taxi to the city center) and Pisa International Airport (about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Florence). Finding direct flights from the USA can be tricky—and super expensive—so we recommend making a journey out of it. Fly into Rome, Milan, or Venice, explore one of these fabulous cities first, then hop the fast train down to Florence. Similar to France, the high-speed train system in Italy is fantastic—and some routes even offer full-service meals with drinks included!

Where to Stay:

• Palazzo Guadagni – Boutique hotel in ancient palace with breathtaking views
• The Place Firenze – Contemporary rooms in the heart of Piazza S. Maria Novella
• Oltrarno Splendid – Small, 14-room hotel just steps from the Ponte Vecchio
• Hotel La Gemma – Stylish, five-star hotel, great higher-end option
• Brunelleschi Hotel – Luxury hotel in an ancient medieval church
• The St Regis Florence – 5-star hotel with unforgettable spa; a splurge for sure!
• Numeroventi – Dreamy hotel located within Palazzo Bardi (a 1422 Renaissance Palazzo!)
• Soprarno – A perfectly nice hotel for just $150/night – excellent budget-friendly option

Our Favorite Restaurants:

Coffee, Breakfast, & Pastries:

Coffee and travel go hand in hand, and when in Italy, pastries are always along for the ride. Here are a few of our favorite places to start the day:

• Santarosa Bistrot – Solid place for a hearty morning meal (Monday-Friday 8:30am-11pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am-11pm)
• Brunellesco Caffé e Bistrot – Excellent place to start the day, not too far from the Duomo (6:30-6, closed Saturday & Sunday)
• Vecchio Forno – Some of the city’s best pastries, but be prepared that there’s no coffee! Closed Sundays.
• Vivoli Gelateria – For when breakfast calls for an affogato – (Closed Monday, Tues-Sat 8:30-6, Sun 9:30-6)

Lunch Spots (Casual Sandwiches Included!)

Whether looking for a sit-down spot or sandwiches on the go, one thing’s for sure—Florence is full of incredible places to grab a lunchtime bite.

• L’Ortone – Simple-yet-fantastic traditional Tuscan cuisine with patio seating (Open everyday 12:15-2:30pm)
• Osteria Santo Spirit – The place to be! Solid dishes, excellent meat and cheese spreads, and a top-tier wine list to boot (No reservations for lunch, closed Tuesday)
• Santarosa Bistrot – Yes, we already mentioned this spot for breakfast – but hey, when it’s good, it’s good! (Monday-Friday 8:30am-11pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am-11pm)
• **Street sandwiches / Focaccia favorites – I Maledetti Toscani, Semel, Schiaccia Passera, ‘Ino, and I Fratellini

‘Gaux-To Spots for Aperitivo & Wine Bars:

• Santarosa Bistrot – Solid aperitivo spot to kick off the evening (Monday-Friday 8:30am-11pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am-11pm)
• Cibrèo Ristorante – Great for coffee, cocktails, and pre-dinner spritzes (12:30-2:30/7-10:30, closed Sunday & Monday)
• Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina – Best wine bar in Florence! Extensive list and beautiful views of the Palazzo Pitti
• Le Volpi e l’Uva – Cozy wine bar focused on small-production, family-owned wines
• Vineria Sonora – Natural wine haven with affordably priced list

Dinner:

• L’Ortone – A lunch to dinner repeat, but as we said—when it’s good, it’s good! (Open daily for dinner from 7:00-10:30pm)
• Nugolo – Contemporary cuisine in a chic-yet-homey ambiance (Open Monday-Saturday 7:30 pm-midnight)
• Insolita Trattoria Tre Soldi – Elevated trattoria with memorable dishes (Closed Sunday & Monday)
• Ciblèo – Tortelli e Ravioli – As the name implies, epic tortelli and ravioli! Filled pasta lovers, don’t miss this one. (Closed Sunday & Monday)
• Cibrèo Ristorante – Inventive takes on traditional dishes served alongside great cocktails (12:30-2:30/7-10:30, closed Sunday & Monday)
• Trattoria Cammillo – Cozy trattoria with brick-lined walls, white tablecloths, and old fashioned food – beautiful riverside location, too!
• Trattoria Del Carmine – Traditional trattoria with rotating daily specials

Gelato for All:

• Gelateria Santa Trinita
• Gelateria La Carraia
• La Sorbettiera
• Gelateria della Passera
• Sbrino (Vegan options!)
• Edoardo Il Gelato Biologico (Organic)
• Gelateria dei Medici

Best Nightcaps in Town:

• Rasputin – Dimly lit speakeasy in Santo Spirito – be sure to make a reservation online in advance
• Locale Firenze – Craft cocktails in a 1500s palazzo complete with a 13th-century basement
• Mad Souls and Spirits – Well-made, reasonably-priced cocktails with a lively ambiance

Local Wineries to Visit:

• Castello di Ama Winery – Well-made, classic wines – also an art museum!
• Salcheto – Completely off the grid winery with the goal of zero carbon footprint
• Ottomani – Organic, high-quality wines in Greve in Chianti
• San Giorgio a Lapi – Located just outside of Siena with tons of history; full immersive tours also available
• Ceralti – Traditional, certified organic wines in Bolgheri, also organic olive oil production
• Ampeleia – Variety of Mediterranean-inspired wines, founded in 2002 by longtime friends Elisabetta Foradori, Thomas Widmann, and Giovanni Podini

Additional Activities

• Shopping / Markets (Mercato Nuovo for leather goods, Calzature Francesco da Firenze—don’t miss the custom shoe guy!)
• Visit the David at the Uffizi Gallery
• Visit the Bargello museum
• Stroll through the Piazzale Michelangelo
• Hop a sunset boat tour on the Arno
• Stroll the Giardino Bardini (great views of the city!)
• Score epic views from Giotto’s bell tower
• Explore the Santo Spirito neighborhood (great shopping and cocktail bars)
• Shop the Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio (7AM-2PM, Closed Sunday – go for coffee, stay for wine and fried polenta)
• Day trip to Arezzo (Arezzo Antiques Fair, Basilica di San Francesco, Vineria al 10 wine bar)
• Day trip to Montalcino (Don’t miss La Canonica Cooking School!)