Healthy, active conscious things to do, see, eat, learn and where to stay the weekend.

BEST TIME TO GO IN

Any time of the year, is a great time to visit one of the most charming in the world! However, the best time to visit it, is definitely the Spring and Summer Period, when days are endless and the warmth of the sun light will keep you awake till late at night!

LANGUAGE

Italian

CURRENCY

Euros, €

TRANSPORTATION

The best way to move around Florence is either by car or by feet. It is a very walkable city, therefore I do recommend reaching your destinations by feet if you enjoy it. The Renaissance architectures and the beautiful scenery will definitely make even the longer walks pleasant.

If however you prefer travelling by car, Ubers are available through the Uber app, otherwise taxis can be found at taxi stands in the city centres, or provided by hotels.

WHAT TO TAKE?

Some flowery day dresses and lightweight pants paired with a top are perfect for strolling around the city during the summer heat. Be aware that temperatures can get very high, therefore it is advised to bring a folding fan with you. Of course some elegant, romantic outfits are essential to get you ready for the romantic and glamorous dinner spots in Florence.

Last but not least, bring a couple of activewear clothes to use during your morning or evening runs in the incredible Florentine parks! In addition, a city map, which will definitely help you travel around without getting lost too often!

What to know before you go?

You will definitely feel so charmed by Florence’s beautiful buildings, characterised by Renaissance architecture. It is perfect for art lovers, and because most tourist attractions and monuments are located at walking distance from each other, you will be able to admire the city centre while enjoying a pleasant walk.

The food of course, is delicious, so take advantage of all the yummy restaurants (listed below) to try Italian dishes.

BEST PLACES TO EAT

LUNCH

- Quattro Leoni: A place to have a casual lunch in a rustic-chic dining room, where Tuscan specialties are served.

- Cibreo: Fun fact: The restaurant is named after the famous cibreo, a typical stew from Florence that even Catherine of Medici was said to enjoy so much. The atmosphere is informal yet fashionable.

- Cammillo: The go-to destination for amazing homestyle pasta and more delicious Italian dishes, in an unpretentious atmosphere.

- Gucci Osteria: Designed by Alessandro Michele, Gucci’s former creative director, Gucci Garden allows you to get a glimpse of the fascinating world of Gucci. The chef has been awarded three Michelin stars and offers an unusual and creative menu. Right next to the restaurant is the Gucci museum, which gives an excellent representation of the brand.

- Belmond Villa San Michele (Ristorante San Michele / San Michele Grill): Perched in the Fiesole hills just outside the city center, this luxury hotel (housed in a 15th-century former monastery), offers breathtaking, panoramic views of the Florence skyline. It is the perfect spot for a scenic lunch, featuring a poolside grill serving freshly prepared pizzas and traditional Tuscan dishes that highlight fresh, local ingredients from the Slow Food Foundation.

Dinner

- Harry’s Bar: Along the river, this elegant and timeless bar offers a refined food menu and cocktails, perfect for a romantic dinner in the heart of Florence.

- La Vecchia Bettola: Dine in this local gem, a bit further away from the city centre, where despite being a tourist you will receive a warm welcome. Taste the flavours of Florentine cuisine, and let yourself be transported back in time, with the restaurant’s interiors inspired by the 70s.

- Cantinetta Antinori: Located in the vaulted ex-cellars of 15th-century Palazzo Antinori, you will be able to choose from a long list of excellent wines from the Antinori vineyards, and of course, simple but delicious Tuscan meal.

- Ora d’Aria: If you are looking to be served haute cuisine for dinner, look no further than this Michelin-starred restaurant. Here you will enjoy modern Tuscan dishes, paired with a sophisticated selection of wine, all in an intimate dining room.

WHAT TO SEE OR VISIT?

Mountains, lakes, parks, museums, emblematic buildings or centers, places that stand out for sustainability or history

Museums

Uffizi Gallery
Accademia Gallery
Pitti Palace
Opera del Duomo Museum
Palazzo Strozzi
Gucci Museum

Must- See in the city

• Basilica of Santa Croce

• Ponte Vecchio

• Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

• Boboli Gardens

• Piazza della Signoria

Where to stay

• Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

• Collegio Alle Querce (Auberge Collection)

• Belmond Villa San Michele

• St Regis Firenze

Quick and Unique escapes from the city to melt away your stress

• Forte dei Marmi: 1h30 car drive from city centre (spend a day by the beach in Forte, a popular summer holiday destinations among Italians. With its glamorous beach clubs and restaurants, you will have a fun and relaxing experience far from the crowded city).

• Castle of Calcione: 1h15 car drive from city centre (let the beautiful Tuscan countryside take your breath away, visiting this authentic family-owned estate. Immerse yourself in nature, admire wildlife and detach from stress).

• Siena: 1h car drive from city centre (experience the medieval city of Siena, which still preserves its fascinating Gothic appearance through the centuries. Its city centre is in fact a UNESCO-listed history centre. And of course, go see the leaning tower of Pisa once you are there).

• Chianti wineries: 45min car drive from city centre (a must for incredible wine tastings, offering Tuscany’s famous wines, and perfect for countryside lovers).

• Castle of Verrazzano: 45min car drive from city centre (another destination great for visiting cellars and wine tastings, as the family who owns this majestic property uses the 52 hectares of vineyards to produce the best Tuscan wine).

WELLNESS

Pilates, boxing & yoga studio, parks/routes to run, spas.

Yoga Studios

• Yoga Garage

• It’s Yoga

• Maya Yoga Studio

• Center Yoga

Pilates Studios

• Flowing Body Pilates

• Core Flex Pilates

• Evolution

Boxing Studios

• Best Gloves

• Accademia dei Bianchi

• Combat Lab Firenze

Healthy Supermarkets

- Il Seme Bio Shop

- Ammore Biologico

- NaturaSi

- C.Bio

Local Markets

- San Lorenzo Central Market

- Sant’Ambrogio Market

- Fierucole

- Mercatale

- Cascine Market

Best Spas

• Villa Cora

• Four Seasons Hotel

• Villa La Massa

• Ville sull’Arno

• Soulspace

Best Parks for a morning or evening run

• Parco delle Cascine

• Giardino delle Rose

• Giardino dell’Orticultura

• Parco dell’Albereta

Where to shop

Vintage stores, local boutiques, antiques, markets & streets to stroll in and shop till you drop

• Via Roma: Luxury, high-end stores

• Luisa via Roma: Home to many luxury labels

• La Rinascente: Department store with six floors dedicated to luxury brand and homeware

• Via dei Serragli: Artisans goods

• Via de’ Tornabuoni: Luxury, high-end stores

• Via Maggio: Antiques store, mixed with street fashion and art shops

Why do you love this place and why would you recommend it to a friend?

I love Florence because it is undoubtedly one of the most magical cities in Italy. With its rich history, the city holds some of the most iconic symbols of Italian art and culture, such as the David of Michelangelo majestic sculpture, or Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, just to name a few. Moreover, Florence is where the Italian language was born.

Walking around Florence, people’s warmth and generosity will make anyone feel at home, and for all food lovers, the city offers diverse yet always delicious options to taste typical Italian dishes.

There is really no other place like Florence, and it therefore must be visited at leats once in a lifetime!

Florence Travel Guide: The Best Places to Visit