FLORENCE
THE FIRST FIVE
I came for one semester.
I stayed until they made me leave.
The city that accidentally
became home.
EAT
- Mamma Gina Homemade Tuscan dishes near Ponte Vecchio.
- Trattoria Anita Generous portions, local energy and table wine.
- Gusta Pizza Casual Neapolitan-style pizza in Santo Spirito.
- L’Antico Noè Made-to-order panini beneath an ancient arch.
- Perché No! My longtime favorite for gelato.
COFFEE
- La Loggia degli Albizi My old neighborhood café and aperitivo stop.
- Ditta Artigianale Florence’s modern specialty-coffee favorite.
- Melaleuca Coffee, brunch and Australian café energy.
- Coffee Mantra A tiny local shop for serious coffee.
- SimBIOsi Coffee Organic coffee in a relaxed setting.
APERITIVO
- La Loggia An easy afternoon glass in my old neighborhood.
- Volume Art, drinks and local Santo Spirito energy.
- Le Volpi e l’Uva Thoughtful Italian wines near Ponte Vecchio.
- Il Santino Tiny wine bar with simple bites.
- Procacci Wine and famous truffle panini since 1885.
SEE
- Florence Duomo The heart of the city. Reserve the dome climb.
- Uffizi Gallery Botticelli, Renaissance masterpieces and Arno views.
- Accademia Gallery Home to Michelangelo’s David.
- Boboli Gardens Formal gardens, sculptures and city views.
- Scuola del Cuoio Quality Florentine leather behind Santa Croce.
WANDER
- Piazzale Michelangelo Bring wine and watch the sunset.
- Ponte Santa Trinita The best classic view of Ponte Vecchio.
- Ponte Vecchio Cross early in the morning before the crowds.
- Sant’Ambrogio Market Produce, local food and neighborhood life.
- Oltrarno Artisan workshops, quiet streets and local Florence.
NIGHTLIFE
- Kikuya Cozy pub and dangerously strong Dragoon beer.
- Blob Club Late-night dancing and unapologetic throwbacks.
- Red Garter Sports, karaoke and American college-bar chaos.
- Lion’s Fountain The international-student classic.
- Uncle Jimmy’s Friendly, casual and built for a fun night out.
STAY
NEIGHBORHOODS I LOVE
FROM BRITTANY
Florence changed my life.
I arrived for what was supposed to be one semester abroad and somehow never really left.
Somewhere between morning cappuccinos, sunset walks to Piazzale Michelangelo and nights that always ended with one more glass of wine, Florence stopped feeling like a destination and started feeling like home.
This isn’t a guide I researched.
It’s a city I lived.
DAY TRIPS
FIVE PLACES WORTH LEAVING FLORENCE FOR
AI PROMPTS
COPY. PASTE. PLAN.
READY TO LIVE LIKE A LOCAL?
This is just the beginning. In the full Travel Deeper: Florence guide you’ll get:
- Interactive maps
- Complete itineraries
- Hotel recommendations
- Restaurant collection
- Budget planner
- My personal Florence routine
- Aperitivo routes
- Trusted leather shops
- Day-trip plans
- And so much more