Florence 5 days

Home to Michelangelo's iconic David, this gallery also houses a significant collection of Florentine paintings from the 13th to 16th centuries. It's a must-visit for art lovers.

• Book tickets well in advance online to skip the long queues.
• Arrive at your booked time slot to ensure entry.

A beloved, no-frills trattoria known for its authentic Tuscan dishes and lively atmosphere. Expect communal tables and a no-reservations policy.

• Arrive before opening to get a seat.
• Try the Bistecca alla Fiorentina if you're feeling adventurous.

The magnificent complex includes Brunelleschi's Dome, Giotto's Campanile, and the Baptistery. Climb to the top of the Dome for breathtaking panoramic views of Florence.

• A combined ticket is available for all parts of the complex.
• The climb up the Dome is strenuous; wear comfortable shoes.

The political heart of Florence, this square is an open-air sculpture gallery featuring a replica of David and the Fountain of Neptune. It's a perfect spot for an evening stroll.

• Admire the Loggia dei Lanzi, an open-air sculpture hall.
• Enjoy the atmosphere as locals and tourists mingle.

One of the world's most important art museums, housing masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. Focus on Renaissance art.

• Book tickets weeks in advance, especially during peak season.
• Consider a guided tour to navigate the vast collection efficiently.

Famous for its enormous and delicious schiacciata (Tuscan flatbread sandwiches) piled high with fresh ingredients. Expect a queue, but it's worth the wait.

• Order at the counter and take your sandwich to a nearby piazza.
• Try the 'Boss' sandwich with prosciutto, stracchino cheese, and truffle cream.

Florence's oldest bridge, famous for its shops built along it, selling jewelry and souvenirs. It offers picturesque views of the Arno River.

• Visit the Vasari Corridor (if open and booked) for a unique perspective.
• Enjoy the sunset views from the bridge.

A vast Renaissance palace housing several important museums, including the Palatine Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art. The adjoining Boboli Gardens are a stunning example of Italian garden design.

• Allow ample time to explore the expansive gardens.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking the extensive grounds.

Explore the Oltrarno district, known for its traditional artisan workshops. Discover leather workers, shoemakers, ceramicists, and mosaic artists.

• Look for signs indicating 'bottega artigiana'.
• Many artisans welcome visitors to observe their craft.

A popular spot in the heart of the Oltrarno, offering delicious traditional Tuscan cuisine in a charming piazza setting. Known for its truffle pasta.

• Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner.
• The truffle gnocchi is a signature dish.

Offers the most famous panoramic view of Florence, especially stunning at sunset. It's a great spot for photos and to take in the city's beauty.

• Take bus 12 or 13 if you don't want to walk uphill.
• Consider visiting the nearby Bardini Garden for equally beautiful, less crowded views.

An intimate and romantic restaurant with a unique atmosphere, known for its refined Tuscan dishes with a creative twist. It's a bit of a splurge but offers a memorable dining experience.

• The pear ravioli and the octopus are highly recommended.
• The ambiance is enhanced by the dim lighting and antique decor.

The imposing town hall of Florence, a medieval castle with a striking tower. Explore its opulent rooms, including the Salone dei Cinquecento, and learn about the city's political past.

• Consider the secret passages tour for a unique experience.
• Climb Arnolfo's Tower for another great city view.

A vibrant indoor market with a ground floor selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and local products, and an upstairs food court offering diverse culinary options.

• Sample local specialties like lampredotto.
• Great place to buy edible souvenirs like olive oil or balsamic vinegar.

Part of the Basilica of San Lorenzo, these chapels are the final resting place of the Medici family. The New Sacristy, designed by Michelangelo, is particularly noteworthy.

• The stunning marble tombs are works of art in themselves.
• Combine with a visit to the Basilica of San Lorenzo.

A cozy wine bar offering a wide selection of Tuscan wines by the glass or bottle, along with small plates (taglieri) of local cheeses and cured meats. Perfect for an aperitivo.

• Ask the staff for wine recommendations based on your preferences.
• Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere after a day of sightseeing.

A former convent showcasing Fra Angelico's frescoes, including the famous Annunciation. It offers a serene and spiritual experience amidst beautiful art.

• The individual cells with frescoes are particularly moving.
• Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the cloister.

A traditional and affordable trattoria in the Oltrarno district, popular with locals. Serves hearty, home-style Tuscan cooking at great prices.

• The menu changes daily, so ask for recommendations.
• Expect a bustling, authentic dining experience.

One of the world's oldest pharmacies, offering artisanal perfumes, soaps, and skincare products made with traditional methods. The historic interiors are also stunning.

• Sample their famous rose water or orange blossom water.
• It's a unique place to find luxurious souvenirs.

A historic and renowned restaurant, famous for its traditional Florentine steak (Bistecca alla Fiorentina) and rich Tuscan dishes, served in a charming cellar setting.

• Definitely order the Bistecca alla Fiorentina to share.
• The wine list is extensive, featuring many excellent Tuscan reds.