FLORENCE & TUSCANY
Florence & Tuscany
Florence pulls you in with its symmetry, stone, and light. Tuscany expands things—sun-warmed vineyards, Renaissance villages, and silence that feels designed. From gallery-hopping to agriturismo dining, this is where beauty slows down time. We map out the moments that matter.
Where We Eat
Tuscany cooks with soul. From Florentine trattorias to countryside osterias, expect bold simplicity — olive oil, wild boar, handmade pasta, and wine that’s never an afterthought.
Our Dinner Go-Tos
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A Florentine staple that feels eternally chic. White tablecloths, perfect lighting, and classic Tuscan dishes—tortellini in cream, fried zucchini flowers, bistecca alla Fiorentina—that always hit the mark. Book ahead—tables fill quickly. It’s casual elegance, not formality.
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Warm, lively, and just contemporary enough. Candlelit tables and beautifully presented dishes that remain approachable: think saffron risotto, roast pigeon, and excellent natural wines. Located in Oltrano, Florence. Great energy for couples or small groups; request a table in the back if you prefer quiet conversation.
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Twinkling lights, walls filled with vintage photos, and a menu rooted in tradition. A former prince runs the show, and the vibe is intimate, celebratory, and romantic without trying. Located in Santa Croce, Florence. Signature pear and pecorino ravioli is a must-order; always lively—reserve in advance.
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A tiny, timeless space known locally as "Il Troia," serving butter chicken and artichoke omelets to Florentines and insiders for generations. Unchanged, unfussy, perfect. Located in Centro Storico, Florence. Cash-only; communal tables are part of the charm—embrace it.
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In the heart of tiny Bagno Vignoni, this charming osteria offers Tuscan comfort food with a contemporary twist. Hand-rolled pici, seasonal salads, and rustic desserts served beneath vaulted ceilings or on the small terrace overlooking medieval stone streets. Perfect after a thermal spa day in town; reservations recommended but easy to snag same-day.
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In Siena’s historic heart, this trattoria feels cinematic—dark wood, candlelit tables, and comforting classics like pici pasta with duck ragu or truffle risotto. Ideal post-Palio or as a refined stop during Siena exploration; request upstairs tables.
Street Food
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Legendary panini spot that draws daily crowds—freshly baked schiacciata bread stuffed with Tuscan prosciutto, pecorino, and truffle cream. Located in Centro Storico, Florence. Lines are long but fast-moving; avoid peak lunch if you can.
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A covered market filled with food stalls offering truffle pasta, pizza slices, gelato, and Tuscan street-food classics. Upstairs food hall feels lively, communal, and local. Located in San Lorenzo, Florence. Great for groups or when everyone wants something different.
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Small hole-in-the-wall serving seasonal panini with Tuscan fillings—wild boar stew, pecorino with fig, roasted vegetables. Compact and very Florentine. Lunch-only, cash preferred; daily specials sell out fast.
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Inside Mercato Centrale, Nerbone is beloved for its legendary lampredotto sandwiches—slow-cooked tripe, vibrant salsa verde, crusty bread. The ultimate Florentine street food. Go early; be adventurous—it’s genuinely delicious.
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Historic deli known for freshly sliced cured meats, pecorino cheeses, and rustic Tuscan sandwiches. Take a simple panino and stroll Siena’s winding streets. Perfect for a casual, no-rush picnic on Piazza del Campo.
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A chic little enoteca serving gourmet bruschetta, cured meats, and local cheeses, ideal for grabbing a quick bite paired with Montepulciano’s iconic wines. Also great for wine-tasting; ask staff for pairing suggestions.
Go All Out
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Within a vineyard estate in Cortona, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering graceful Tuscan dining with breathtaking views over the countryside. Perfect for a refined countryside dinner or romantic evening—worth a detour.
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Farm-to-table fine dining in a serene, elegantly rustic dining room. Michelin-starred, but somehow never pretentious—just beautifully executed. Located in Lungarno Benvenuto Cellini, Florence. Exceptional tasting menus; best reserved for special, leisurely dinners.
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Florence’s iconic Michelin three-star institution. Opulent interiors, impeccable service, and a legendary wine cellar—think rare vintages paired with artful Tuscan-French dishes. Jackets strongly recommended; reserve well ahead—this one’s bucket-list material.
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Modern Tuscan fine dining in the lush gardens of Villa Bardini. Innovative, seasonal tasting menus, artistic plating, and dreamy views of the city skyline. Book terrace seating at sunset for a magical Florence moment.
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Massimo Bottura’s chic, artful Florentine outpost inside Gucci Garden. Playful dishes blend Tuscan tradition with global flavors—each dish an event, each detail exquisite. Small dining room; reservations essential. Ask about special tasting menus.
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Fine dining from the Antinori wine family, set inside a medieval abbey. Elegant menus pair perfectly with estate-grown wines, and the dining room feels quietly spectacular. Located in Passignano. Tour the wine cellar beforehand to fully appreciate the experience; tasting menus highly recommended.
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Two Michelin-starred Tuscan dining in a sleek, contemporary space overlooking medieval Colle Val d’Elsa. Innovative, beautifully presented dishes that stay true to Tuscany’s roots. Ideal for foodies who value visual detail; request a window-side table.
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In a tiny medieval village in southern Tuscany, this intimate two-star restaurant blends tradition and modern technique flawlessly. The tasting menu is a journey through Tuscan terroir. Located in Montemerano, Maremma. Limited tables, so book well in advance. Worth staying overnight nearby.
Best Desserts
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Deeply flavorful gelato in seasonal and classic flavors—think fig and ricotta, salted caramel, pistachio. Texture and quality are flawless. Located in Santa Croce, Florence. Often busy but worth the wait; try the dark chocolate or mascarpone.
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One of Florence’s oldest and most iconic gelaterias, serving creamy, classic flavors since 1929. Legendary crema and rice pudding flavors. No cones—cups only; it's all about purity of flavor here.
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A farm-to-table gelato shop sourcing ingredients directly from Tuscan farmers. Standout seasonal sorbets and inventive flavors like ricotta & pear. Located in Santo Spirito, Florence. Great vegan and gluten-free options.
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Elegant pastry shop renowned for its creamy millefoglie, airy pastries, and beautifully balanced fruit tarts. Classically Florentine, always refined. Located in Soffiano, Florence. Ideal for sit-down afternoon desserts with coffee.
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Iconic Florentine gelateria famed for inventing "Buontalenti" flavor (rich cream with mascarpone). A local legend, still beloved. Located in Campo di Marte, Florence. Order the Buontalenti—non-negotiable.
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Historic Sienese café known for traditional panforte, ricciarelli almond cookies, and exquisite pastries. Ideal for a sweet stop while exploring. Gift-worthy panforte and ricciarelli available to take home.
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Award-winning gelato shop in picturesque San Gimignano known for bold flavors like saffron cream, Vernaccia wine sorbet, and lavender-infused honey. Famous worldwide—lines move quickly, worth the wait.
Where We Wake Up
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Florence’s standout third-wave café serving precision-made coffee, avocado toast, and silky eggs benedict. Bright, buzzy, and always beautifully executed. Best flat white in the city; popular with locals and expats—weekend mornings fill quickly.
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A rustic-chic bakery in Oltrarno by the Il Santo Bevitore team. Pastries, cakes, fresh bread, and strong espresso served at communal wooden tables—perfectly relaxed. Go early for the best selection; their almond croissants sell out fast.
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Florence’s most elegant historic café, where you sip cappuccino surrounded by vintage mirrors, marble counters, and polished brass. Breakfast pastries are classic and impeccable. Standing at the bar is cheaper than table service, and it's part of the charm.
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Bright, plant-filled interiors, wholesome brunch plates, freshly baked pastries, and specialty coffee. Think seasonal granola, poached eggs, and great vegan options. Located in Lungarno delle Grazie, Florence. Perfect choice for healthy eaters; reservations recommended for weekend brunch.
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International-inspired brunch with Italian ingredients, excellent pancakes, eggs benedict, and avocado toast. Casual, colorful, and reliably delicious. Can get crowded; perfect for a slow, indulgent brunch morning.
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Half café, half flower shop. Excellent pastries, thoughtful breakfasts, and superb coffee amid stylish, botanical-inspired decor. Located in San Lorenzo, Florence. Go early morning for serene calm or brunch time for bustling energy.
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A grand Art Nouveau café perched above Montepulciano’s rolling vineyards. Espresso, cornetti, and sweeping Tuscan views. Ask for a window table for the best views—worth lingering.
The Night Starts Here
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Incredible cocktail bar inside a Renaissance palace—lush velvet, vaulted ceilings, and hidden rooms illuminated by candlelight. Feels like stepping into another era. Located in Centro Storico, Florence. Dress up slightly; ideal for a first or final drink of the night.
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Intimate cocktail bar showcasing strictly Italian spirits and ingredients. Moody interiors, low lighting, and bartenders who genuinely care. Located in Piazza San Pancrazio, Florence. Trust the bartender—cocktails are seasonal and superb.
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A sleek rooftop terrace overlooking Ponte Vecchio. Sunset views, expertly made spritzes, and an atmosphere that’s equally romantic and relaxed. Arrive just before sunset for the best seats; reservations recommended.
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Tiny wine bar opposite Palazzo Pitti, perfect for tasting rare Tuscan vintages paired with small, elegant bites. Quiet sophistication at its best. Reservations strongly advised—small and fills up quickly.
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Florence’s ultimate dinner-meets-night-out spot, blending a flower-filled dining room with creative, shareable plates, live music, and cocktails. Beautiful crowd, beautiful atmosphere. Located in San Lorenzo, Florence. ive music on weekends; perfect for groups or couples looking to linger.
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A chic rooftop at Hotel Calimala, perfect for sunset dining that flows naturally into cocktails, DJs, and late-night mingling above the city lights. Book ahead for prime tables; weekend nights have a lounge-club energy.
Where We Sleep
Ottantotto
Firenze
A quietly chic Oltrarno townhouse that feels like a design-forward private home.
It’s intimate, beautifully understated, and set in Florence’s coolest neighborhood. Rooms balance minimalism with warmth—perfect for discerning travelers who don’t need flash, just flawless taste.
Image courtesy of Ottantotto Firenze
From ~€190/night
Located in Oltrarno, Florence
Seven rooms and suites with distinct design
No restaurant, but excellent cafés nearby
Lovely garden courtyard
Warm, personal service
Great local recommendations from staff
Request the ground-floor room opening directly onto the garden—morning coffee there is unmatched.
Details To Know
Why We Like It
Numeroventi
Part artist residency, part boutique hotel—Florence’s coolest creative space.
Why We Like It
It’s inspiring and unique—imagine staying inside a beautifully curated art gallery, with lofty rooms, muted palettes, and ever-changing installations. Plus, the coolest in-room staircase we’ve ever seen. It’s like staying in an Architectural Digest spread.
Image courtesy of Numeroventi
From ~€220/night
Located near Duomo, Florence
Loft-style rooms with artful interiors
Frequent art events and pop-ups
Shared kitchen spaces available
No restaurant, but top Florence spots nearby
Ideal for creatives and design lovers
Book well ahead for workshops or dinners—they’re intimate, creative, and exceptional.
Soprarno
Suites
Editorial, textured, and unforgettable
Why We Like It
It’s effortlessly cool and discreetly luxurious. Each room is bold and artsy—think antique clawfoot tubs, frescoed ceilings, and curated bookshelves—with the charm of a friend’s very stylish Florentine apartment.
Image courtesy of SuprArno Suites
From ~€240/night
Located in Oltrarno, Florence
11 rooms, each uniquely designed
No restaurant, but a casual breakfast is included
Steps from Santo Spirito and artisan studios
Quiet, intimate, and highly curated
Ask for Room 9—its hand-painted ceiling and deep green walls feel straight out of a Wes Anderson film.
La Bandita
A minimalist-chic boutique tucked into Pienza’s Renaissance walls.
Why We Like It
It’s quietly confident—contemporary design meets warm Tuscan sensibility in a way that feels natural, not forced. The owner, a former NYC music exec, brings a sharp eye and laid-back energy, creating a guesthouse that feels like staying with your most tasteful friend. Rooms are simple but elegant, and the ground-floor restaurant is loved by locals and travelers alike.
Image courtesy of La Bandita Townhouse Hotel
Details To Know
From ~€320/night
Located in the heart of Pienza, Val d’Orcia
12 pared-back rooms with exposed stone, neutral linens, and large walk-in showers
The Townhouse Caffè serves elevated local fare with natural wines
No spa, but plenty of in-room massages can be arranged
Pienza is a perfect base for exploring the region—Monticchiello, Montalcino, and Bagno Vignoni are minutes away
Staff will book tastings, truffle hunts, and make last-minute restaurant calls feel effortless
The communal library-lounge hosts aperitivo every evening, with vinyl records spinning and guests swapping road trip notes over local vermouth.
Terme di
Saturnia
A thermal spa retreat built around Tuscany’s most iconic hot springs.
Why We Like It
There’s something about it—the sulphuric steam rising from the ancient pools, the Tuscan hills humming in the background, and a feeling of stepping out of time. Though larger and more traditional than other Hala picks, it’s worth it for the thermal experience alone. Rooms are simple and understated, and the spa is serious about wellness without being sterile.
Image courtesy of Terme di Saturnia
Details To Know
From ~€390/night
Located in Saturnia, southern Tuscany
Guests have early access to the natural thermal pools before day-trippers arrive
On-site spa offers hydrotherapy, mud treatments, and energy-focused rituals
Wellness restaurant alongside a classic Tuscan trattoria and a more upscale dining room
Saturnia village is a short walk away, but the hotel is its own self-contained world
Pack a swimsuit, but skip heavy jewelry—the sulphur in the water will react with metal
The hotel sources the volcanic mud used in treatments from a protected deposit only accessible with a special geothermal license.
Details To Know
Details To Know
Details To Know
Villa Cora
A grand Florentine villa that blends Belle Époque glamour with contemporary comforts.
Why We Like It
It’s elegant without feeling stuffy, opulent yet inviting. Beautifully landscaped gardens, lavish rooms, and a spectacular outdoor pool create a resort feel in the city.
Image courtesy of Villa Cora
From ~€400/night
Located just south of Florence’s city center, on the edge of the Boboli Gardens
Antique furniture, frescoed ceilings, and marble bathrooms
Heated outdoor pool and expansive spa with sauna, hammam, and ice fountain
Fine dining at Le Bistrot and al fresco options in summer
Complimentary city center shuttle every 30 minutes
Pet-friendly, with tailored services for dogs
Request the room facing Florence’s skyline—especially spectacular at dusk.
Why We Like It
Details To Know
Castello
di Vicarello
Luxury estate in Tuscany’s wild Maremma, set within a medieval castle.
It’s remote, romantic, and deeply restorative. Only a handful of suites, each unique, filled with antiques, handmade furnishings, and quiet Tuscan elegance. The sense of seclusion is profound—it’s the kind of place where time stretches and the outside world disappears.
Image courtesy of Castello di Vicarello
From ~€750/night
Located near Grosseto in southern Tuscany
Only 9 suites spread across castle and farmhouse buildings
Organic kitchen garden and vineyards onsite; all meals hyper-local
Infinity-edge pools overlook rolling olive groves
Spa treatments in open-air garden settings
Experiences include cooking classes, horseback riding, and wine blending
The spa’s lavender-infused massages are legendary among return guests.
Rosewood Castiglion
del Bosco
Tuscan luxury estate owned by the Ferragamo family, set within vineyards of Brunello di Montalcino.
Why We Like It
Flawlessly combines indulgence and authenticity. Villas and suites are styled impeccably, dining is Michelin-level, and yet it feels deeply connected to its Tuscan roots. Even at full occupancy, it feels like your own private slice of the Val d’Orcia.
Image courtesy of Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco
Details To Know
From ~€900/night
Located in Val d’Orcia, near Montalcino
Set on a 5,000-acre estate with ancient farmhouses and cypress-lined roads
Choice of 42 suites or 11 villas with private pools
Michelin-starred Campo del Drago restaurant plus relaxed Osteria La Canonica
Experiences: winery tours, truffle hunting, Tuscan cooking school, cycling trails
Spa includes wine therapy treatments and open-air yoga deck
Private tours of the estate’s ancient wine cellars are an absolute must.
Castello
di Casole
Refined, cinematic Tuscan luxury set within a restored 10th-century castle.
Why We Like It
Every detail is quietly impeccable—luxurious yet understated suites, perfectly manicured gardens, and standout Tuscan cuisine, all with sweeping countryside views. The light at sunset here feels almost choreographed—like Tuscany revealing its best side just for you.
Image courtesy of Belmond Castello di Casole
Details To Know
From ~€950/night
Located between Florence and Siena on a 4,200-acre estate
39 suites and villas with terracotta floors and handwoven textiles
Heated infinity pool with vineyard views
Tosca restaurant offers traditional dishes with elevated presentation
Spa treatments use local ingredients like olive oil and wild herbs
Estate activities: truffle hunting, art walks, vespa tours, and wine safaris
Shuttle service to Siena and San Gimignano available
Book the Limonaia Suite—its private garden and sunset views are quietly spectacular.
Borgo Santo
Pietro
One of Tuscany’s most romantic luxury hideaways, with gardens that feel like a dream.
Why We Like It
Extraordinarily beautiful setting, each suite meticulously decorated with antique furniture and artisanal linens. Farm-to-table dining is outstanding, and gardens are exceptional. Even the smallest experiences—like gathering herbs from the garden—feel deeply intentional and luxurious.
Image courtesy of Borgo Santo Pietro
Details To Know
From ~€1,100/night
Located near Chiusdino, one hour from Siena
22 rooms and suites, some with private plunge pools or fireplaces
Michelin-starred Meo Modo plus casual Trattoria Sull’Albero on-site
Holistic spa, bioenergetic gardens, and apothecary blending bar
Full equestrian center, cooking school, art studio, and biodynamic farm
Curated off-property experiences: yachting, helicopter tours, or private tastings
Staff ratio of 3:1 ensures every request is met before you make it
Their private villa with outdoor bath and fireplace is perhaps Tuscany’s most romantic room.
What We Do
Art and architecture, vineyard days and thermal nights. Whether you’re wandering the Uffizi, riding horseback through Val d’Orcia, or tasting Pecorino on a hillside farm, Florence and Tuscany deliver a rhythm that’s both cinematic and grounding. This is where culture runs deep, beauty feels quiet, and the experiences—if chosen well—stay with you. We’ve filtered out the fluff to leave you with what’s worth doing.
Culture & Shopping
Culture & Shopping
Scuola del Cuoio
Leather workshop inside Santa Croce where you can watch artisans at work and shop handcrafted bags, belts, and notebooks made on-site.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Florence, behind Basilica di Santa Croce
Price: €€–€€€
Vibe: Authentic, old-world craftsmanship tucked inside a living piece of history.
Need to Know: Ask for monogramming. Come in the late afternoon to see leather being tooled by hand.
Loretta Caponi
One of Florence’s best-kept secrets for luxury linens and embroidered nightwear. The kind of place that still gift-wraps with wax-sealed ribbon.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Via delle Belle Donne, Florence
Price: €€–€€€€
Vibe: Elegant, discreet, and unmistakably old-money.
Need to Know: Their hand-stitched monogrammed tablecloths make unbelievable hostess gifts.
Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
Possibly the oldest apothecary in the world. Still operating since 1221. Candles, colognes, and lotions infused with medicinal herbs, all in gilded packaging.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Via della Scala, Florence
Price: €–€€€
Vibe: Frescoed ceilings, centuries-old scents, and velvet-lined shelves.
Need to Know: The Acqua di Rose and Pot Pourri blend are cult classics
Palazzo Strozzi
Florence’s most consistently excellent museum for contemporary and Renaissance exhibitions housed in a 15th-century palace.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Florence city center
Price: €€ (exhibition-dependent)
Vibe: Scholarly meets sceney—curated with edge, not dust.
Need to Know: Check the calendar—past shows include Marina Abramović, Olafur Eliasson, and Donatello.
Ginori 1735 Flagship
Legendary porcelain house—Italy’s answer to Hermès tableware. High-gloss, high-style, deeply Florentine.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Via dei Rondinelli, Florence
Price: €€€€
Vibe: Grand, gleaming, and quietly opulent
Need to Know: Even if you don’t buy, go in. Their cabinets feel like museum installations.
Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio
Florence’s less-touristy food market, where locals shop for produce, fresh pasta, and regional cheeses.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti, Florence
Price: €
Vibe: Lively, local, and authentic
Need to Know: Go early, grab a porchetta panino, and head to a nearby piazza for breakfast on a bench.
Abbazia di Sant’Antimo
A Romanesque abbey in southern Tuscany that looks pulled from a Ridley Scott film—set against cypresses and low hills.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Near Montalcino, Tuscany
Price: Free
Vibe: Mystical, meditative, deeply still.
Need to Know: Arrive late afternoon when the stone glows gold and light cuts through the arched windows.
Flair Firenze
A design gallery-meets-showroom in the Oltrarno that curates rare antiques, Italian-made contemporary furniture, and bespoke home objects with exacting taste.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Piazza Carlo Goldoni 2, Florence
Price: €€–€€€€
Vibe: Quiet luxury. The kind of space where even the dust feels styled.
Need to Know: Open by appointment or limited hours—call or email ahead. Shipping available internationally.
Eremo di Montesiepi + Rotonda di San Galgano
A ruined Gothic abbey and a circular chapel with a sword embedded in stone—yes, the Arthurian legend.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Near Chiusdino, Tuscany
Price: €
Vibe: Mythic, raw, and slightly eerie in the best way.
Need to Know: Go early to catch morning light through the open nave. It’s a perfect detour en route to the coast.
Adventure & Nature
Adventure & Nature
Hot Springs In Saturnia
The Cascate del Mulino—the iconic natural hot springs carved into travertine rock—have become a Tuscan wellness pilgrimage. Steamy, aquamarine pools cascade through the countryside and are open 24/7, free of charge.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Saturnia, southern Tuscany
Price: Free
Vibe: Elemental and ethereal. More raw than polished, but unforgettable.
Need to Know: Arrive early (before 8 AM) to avoid the selfie-stick crowd. Bring water shoes—the rocks are slick.
Bike Through The Val D’Orcia
Rolling hills, cypress alleys, and ancient hill towns—this is the dream version of Tuscany you came for. Multiple tour companies offer full- or half-day e-bike routes with wine tastings, picnic lunches, and off-the-radar stops.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Departures from Pienza, Montalcino, or San Quirico
Price: From €25
Vibe: Pastoral, cinematic, and just the right amount of effort.
Need to Know: Most routes are customizable and beginner-friendly. Helmets and bikes provided.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Float above olive groves, vineyards, and medieval hamlets in a sunrise balloon flight that feels more dream sequence than day trip. Usually capped with a glass of prosecco and light Tuscan breakfast.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Launch sites near San Casciano, Chianti, Siena, or Florence
Price: From €270 per person
Vibe: Quiet thrill. Sky-high romance meets countryside calm.
Need to Know: Flights are weather-dependent. Book well in advance.
Marble Cave Exploration
Ride a 4x4 deep into the white marble quarries of Carrara—an active landscape where Michelangelo sourced stone and where giant walls of marble are still carved today. The terrain is stark, cinematic, and unlike anything else in Tuscany.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Carrara, ~1.5 hours from Florence by car
Price: From €60 per person
Vibe: Monumental, surreal, and deeply historic.
Need to Know: Advanced booking recommended. Closed-toe shoes required.
Pro Tip:
Rent a Fiat. Or A Ferrari. Go Crazy.
Piazzale Michelangelo
The most cinematic view over Florence doesn’t require a tour guide. The short uphill climb from San Niccolò winds past quiet villas and olive trees before delivering a sweeping panorama of the Duomo and Arno.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: San Niccolò, Florence
Price: Free
Vibe: Local, low-effort, high-reward.
Need to Know: Go at golden hour and bring a bottle of wine to join the locals. There’s a small café at the top if you forget.
Horseback Riding In Chianti
Winding through vineyards and wildflower meadows, this is horseback riding with a view. Several local stables offer small group or private rides through estates and woodlands.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Greve in Chianti, Radda in Chianti, and surrounding areas
Price: From €60 per person
Vibe: Buccolic and romantic
Need to Know: Most rides last 1-2 hours and are beginner-friendly. Some include wine tasting and lunch.
Classes & Workshops
Classes & Workshops
Pasta Class at MaMa Florence
A hands-on, small-group cooking class in a modern kitchen studio, where you’ll master fresh pasta, sauces, and tiramisu under the guidance of a professional Italian chef. The space is sleek, the wine is flowing, and everything is local.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Via del Campuccio, Florence
Price: from €115 per person
Vibe: Modern Tuscan culinary school with soul
Need to Know: Book well in advance; private classes available. Wine pairing included.
Wine Experience at Ornellaia Estate
One of the most exclusive vineyards in Italy, Ornellaia offers private tastings and tours for serious oenophiles. You’ll taste limited-production wines in a secluded tasting room overlooking the vines.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Bolgheri, Tuscany
Price: From €250 per person
Vibe: Ultra-premium, insider acces
Need to Know: Appointment only. Request through their concierge.
Truffle Hunting With Giulio
Follow Giulio and his dog Edda into the forest in search of Tuscany’s famous truffles—white in winter, black in summer. The hunt ends with a multi-course truffle lunch at his family’s farmhouse, with wine and olive oil from the estate.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: San Miniato or Chianti (pickup available from Florence)
Price: from €150 per person
Vibe: Rustic, intimate, unforgettable
Need to Know: Not a gimmick—this is the real deal. Rain or shine.
Honorary mentions:
Wineries
A biodynamic family-run estate near Arezzo known for its accessible wines, house-made pecorino, and farmhouse hospitality. You come for the tasting but leave with armfuls of pantry staples (the olive oil is excellent).
From €20
A collaboration between Castellare di Castellina and Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), with sleek Renzo Piano architecture and Super Tuscan blends. The Etruscan art museum onsite adds extra depth.
From €35
A must for design lovers, this modernist marvel is cut into the hillside near Florence and houses the Antinori family’s 600-year wine legacy. Includes access to a private collection and panoramic tasting lounge.
From €45
Nightlife
Nightlife
MAD – Souls & Spirits
A wildly creative cocktail bar that takes mixology seriously without losing the fun. Expect outlandish presentations, moody interiors, and a loyal local following that fills the place by midnight.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Borgo San Frediano 36R, Florence
Price: from €14 per drink
Vibe: Experimental, playful, underground
Need to Know: Reservations not accepted; get there early for a seat
Locale Firenze
A bar-meets-restaurant housed in a Renaissance palace with a futuristic glass atrium. The cocktails are ambitious and theatrical, served alongside a strong wine list and standout bar snacks.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Via delle Seggiole 12R, Florence
Price: from €18 per drink
Vibe: Lavish, theatrical, sceney
Need to Know: Dress up. This is more cocktail experience than dive bar
La Ménagère
By day, a concept store café. By night, a vibey wine and cocktail lounge tucked behind the flower shop. Live jazz some evenings and a low-key crowd that knows where to go.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Via de’ Ginori 8R, Florence
Price: from €12 per drink
Vibe: Artistic, romantic, under-the-radar
Need to Know: Stay late—things get better after 10 PM
Loggia Roof Bar
Set atop the Hotel Palazzo Guadagni, this under-the-radar rooftop in the Oltrarno is pure cinematic Florence. You’re perched above terra-cotta roofs with aperitivi in hand, golden hour all around.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Piazza Santo Spirito 9, Florence
Price: from €14 per drink
Vibe: Romantic, unfussy, the Florence fantas
Need to Know: Best at sunset—limited tables, book ahead
Rasputin
Florence’s best-kept secret, this speakeasy behind an unmarked door serves prohibition-era classics and modern originals in a dim, velvet-wrapped hideaway.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Piazza Santo Spirito area, Florence
Price: Price: from €16 per drink
Vibe: Dark, elegant, insiders-only
Need to Know: You’ll need the password—DM them on Instagram to book
Caffè Gilli
Florence’s oldest café, dating back to 1733, turns into a stylish evening hangout. Think chandeliers, white-jacketed bartenders, and expertly made Negronis served on the terrazza . It’s not a bar—it’s an institution.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Via Roma 1R, Florence
Price: from €16 per cocktail
Vibe: Historic glamour, old-money, Martini hour in style
Need to Know: Indoor tables are elegant; outside is for people-watching
Fitness & Wellness
Fitness & Wellness
Yoga Garage Firenze
A converted theater near Santa Maria Novella now serves as Florence’s most design-forward yoga studio. Offers vinyasa, kundalini, yin, and more—taught in both Italian and English.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Via dei Conti 22R, Florence
Price: from €18 per class
Vibe: Boutique, international, quietly stylish
Need to Know: Bring your own mat or rent one there
Castel Monastero Spa Retreat
Once a medieval monastery, now a wellness hideaway. The spa offers anti-aging programs, osteopathy, and thalassotherapy pools, all designed in collaboration with medical specialists and holistic practitioners.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Monastero d’Ombrone, Castelnuovo Berardenga
Price: from €95 for day spa use
Vibe: Meditative, discreet, highly tailored
Need to Know: Home to a Gordon Ramsay-conceived dining concept
Saturnia Natural Hot Springs
Completely free and naturally heated, these milky-blue cascades are one of Tuscany’s most magical wellness experiences. Popular but unspoiled, with steaming pools carved into stone.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Near the village of Saturnia
Price: Free
Vibe: Rustic luxury, elemental, surreal
Need to Know: Bring water shoes and go early
Sample Itinerary
If You Have 48 Hours
PART ONE: Arrival & A First Taste
Land in Florence and settle in—ideally somewhere central like Ottantotto Firenze or Villa Cora. No checklist yet. Just a walk through the Oltrarno, espresso in hand from Ditta Artigianale, and a slow wander across Ponte Santa Trinita to feel the city.
Lunch is unfussy but unforgettable: Trattoria Sostanza for the butter chicken or Il Santo Bevitore if you want something more contemporary. Afternoon is for atmosphere—step into Museo Marino Marini or Cappella Brancacci to remind yourself why you came. Skip the crowds, keep it intimate.
PART TWO: Twilight In The Oltrarno
As the sun sinks low, head back to the south side of the river. Aperitivo is a ritual here: Loggia Roof Bar for the view, or Volume for something grittier. The pace is slower, the people watching is better, and it all feels cinematic.
Dinner is a moment: Borgo San Jacopo if you’re going full romance, or Il Guscio for something lively and local. Let the night drift—maybe Rasputin if you’ve planned ahead, or a late drink at MAD if not. It’s not about staying out, it’s about staying present.
PART THREE: Tuscan Textures
Morning is train-bound or behind the wheel—heading out into the Val d’Orcia or Chianti. Stop in Pienza for pecorino, Bagno Vignoni for thermal steam rising off ancient pools, or Montepulciano for a slow glass of Vino Nobile.
Lunch is vineyard-side: La Bandita Townhouse or Podere Il Casale, where the hills roll and the table stretches. In the afternoon, drive with no GPS and find yourself in a hilltop village with nothing to do but wander. That’s the itinerary.
PART FOUR: Reset & Return
Back in Florence, late afternoon is for soft landing. A massage at La Spa or a soak if you’re staying at Terme di Saturnia. Shopping if you must: Flair Firenze, Loretta Caponi, or Mio Concept. Skip the leather stalls—trust your taste.
For your final night: Ciblèo for elegant Japanese-Italian, or Il Locale if you’re dressing up. One last Negroni, maybe jazz at Caffè Gilli, or just a long walk home past the Duomo. Leave late, and beautifully.
