Where to eat

Fine Dining

Enoteca Pinchiorri

This Florentine institution has held three Michelin stars since 1993 and shows absolutely no sign of resting on them. Set within a fifteenth-century palazzo near Santa Croce, the dining room alone, with its frescoed interiors would justify the reservation. The kitchen, overseen by Annie Féolde, produces cuisine of extraordinary refinement: technically immaculate and rooted in Italian tradition. Her husband Giorgio Pinchiorri presides over one of the greatest wine cellars in Europe, some four thousand labels, assembled over decades. WEBSITE

Gucci Osteria

A complete journey between past and present, time and place. Located within a historic palazzo, original stones 750 years old and antique Ginori 1975 ceramics have been preserved and integrated in the decor enriched by a kaleidoscope of greens. Here, Japanese-born Head Chef Takahiko Kondo expresses his vision of Italian cuisine through a refined balance of creativity and craftsmanship, celebrating emotion, technique, and timeless Italian excellence. This vision finds its highest expression in ‘Journey to Tuscany,’ an elevated tasting menu – also available via an à la carte selection – that reimagines the region’s heritage as a sophisticated gastronomic voyage, blending local soul with avant-garde innovation. WEBSITE

Saporium

The place to be for gourmet cuisine in Florence is Borgo Santo Pietro Saporium. Why? Let’s see. Among mirrors, crystals and luxuriant plants of a 50s styled room, it feels as though you walk into a theatre: in the open kitchen, Chef Ariel Hagen, from Florence, finishes his culinary creations with a scenography of perfect gestures that will never cease to amaze. When your dish is placed in front of you, you’ll be stunned by the aromas, textures and flavours of the land and sea. Meticulous attention is also paid to the vegetable, which becomes the protagonist of one of the three tasting menus. Everything is made with organic and seasonal Tuscan products, many of which are sourced straight from the farm of one of the most luxurious resorts in the region and in Italy: Borgo Santo Pietro. WEBSITE

Santabarbara

Santabarbara thrives on energy and creativity, with chefs Alessio Ninci and Lorenzo Chirimischi orchestrating daily tasting menus right at the bar, where guests can watch every plate come to life. The kitchen celebrates local produce with a playful, zero-waste philosophy, transforming seasonal ingredients into dishes that surprise at every turn. The menu is divided into four tasting paths—Fulmine, Torre, Cannone, and Spada—each one changing daily, inviting diners to savour excellent cuisine in an intimate, interactive setting. The experience is as much about theatre as it is about taste, with every dish designed to delight the eye as well as the palate. To complement the cuisine, a carefully curated selection of wines (mostly Italian and often natural) provides the perfect pairing for each course. WEBSITE

Innovative/Contmporary Cuisine

ATELIER DE NERLI 

A restaurant in the Oltrarno district with a few tables inside and just as many outside for warm-weather dining. The atmosphere is lively and cheerful, likely thanks to a menu composed entirely of comfort food. Starters meant for sharing — like the true wild salmon and the beef carpaccio with bottarga — are delightful surprises. Among the must-order dishes, the pappardelle with farmyard ragù and the lightly seared scaloppina served on a slice of toasted bread are signature items. The restaurant’s secrets lie in the top-quality ingredients selected by chef Gianluca Camilotto and the interiors crafted by Florentine artisans under the direction of designer and owner Daniele Cavalli. WEBSITE

Bistrot/Trattorie

CIBREO Caffè

Founded in 1979 by Fabio Picchi, one of Florence’s most influential culinary figures, and managed today by his son Giulio Picchi, Cibrèo Caffè is the relaxed counterpart to the original Cibrèo restaurant next door. Here you’ll find simple dishes, light bites and highly rated tiramisù, although if it’s your first time at Cibreo you must order the Tagliolini Cacio e Burro – there’s a secret ingredient that will just wow you. Also in the family is Cibreo restaurant, Teatro del Sale which combines dining with performances and Cibleo, a Florentine reinterpretation that elevates traditional Eastern street food. WEBSITE

Osteria delle Tre Panche

Having recently reopened its historic outpost on Via Pacinotti, Osteria delle Tre Panche now counts two distinct addresses in Florence. The original remains delightfully unvarnished, with dark wooden boiserie and its iconic neon sign still glowing above the street; the second sits within Hotel Hermitage, with an enviable view of Ponte Vecchio and a highly-romantic rooftop. Cuisine is delicious; simple recipes elevated with flavour and quality ingredients. Pastas, meats, fish and above all, the famous Basque Cheesecake – worth the trip alone. While the settings differ, the philosophy is consistent: unfussy, ingredient-driven cooking where simplicity is the ultimate luxury. Expect confident plates of pasta, carefully handled meats and fish, and the dessert that has achieved near-legendary status: the Basque cheesecake…widely agreed to be worth the journey alone. WEBSITE

Il Guscio

Tucked into San Frediano, where Florence still moves at a gentler, more local pace, Il Guscio is a reassuring constant. Opened in 1986 by Sandra Formigli and Francesco Gozzini in what was once the city’s oldest tripe shop, it remains a bastion of Florentine trattoria culture, lovingly updated without losing its soul. Sandra, still overseeing the restaurant today, has preserved its warm, unpretentious spirit: white tablecloths, softly lit rooms and an atmosphere that feels lived-in rather than styled. The cooking is comfort-driven and proudly Tuscan, refreshed through careful execution. Standouts include paccheri with cherry tomatoes, ’nduja and burrata, Grilled Octopus on a bean purée and duck breast with orange and roasted spring onions. WEBSITE

Trattoria cammillo

This veracious trattoria covered in squares, ammennicles and framed newspaper clippings offers traditional dishes on its menu, all of them rigorously prepared in house. It may seem like just another eatery, but Trattoria Cammillo stands out for its very personal je ne sais quoi and leaves diners with an unparalleled sense of authenticity. Once you walk out their door, you’ll be filled with an exquisite sense of well-being. WEBSITE

trattoria SABATINO

We know that traveling sometimes means being away from family. If while you’re lost among the poetry of the Florentine alleys you’re overcome by a heavy sense of nostalgia, we know a place that will give you the warmth and hospitality you’ve been missing. Sabatino, the popular trattoria in the San Frediano quarter, is a homely setting where dishes are offered with the signature that only a mother or grandmother can leave behind. The menu, in which Florentine steak is never missing, changes daily, offering dishes that respect the dictates of tradition. WEBSITE

AL TRANVAI

If you want to taste Florentine tradition while immersed in a special setting, Tranvai in Piazza Torquato Tasso will open its doors to you. Sitting in this osteria furnished like a late 19th-century streetcar and immersed in a convivial atmosphere, you’ll be able to taste dishes with strong flavours, including specialties of quinto quarto and offal. Don’t be intimidated: this place also has a delicate face that is reflected mainly in the desserts, where we find homemade tarts and zuppa inglese on offer.

International Cuisine

Sevi

At Sevi, chef Francys Salazar reimagines Peruvian culinary heritage through a refined, contemporary lens. Each dish is conceived as a dialogue between memory and modernity, where traditional flavours meet meticulous technique and global influence. Local Tuscan ingredients are treated with an international sensibility, notably through the careful maturation of fish. The dining room mirrors the cuisine: elegant, restrained and quietly sophisticated, allowing the food to take centre stage. WEBSITE

Cafè & Breakfast

What to See

Palazzo PItti

After being closed for five years and undergoing a nine-month restoration, the Royal Apartments of Palazzo Pitti have reopened to the public. Palazzo Pitti was commissioned in 1458 by the Florentine banker Luca Pitti, with the design entrusted to Brunelleschi. In 1473, following Luca Pitti’s death, the palace remained unfinished and abandoned until 1549, when it was purchased by the Medici family, who transformed it into their seat of power. With the end of the Medici dynasty, Palazzo Pitti passed to the Habsburg-Lorraine family, who continued to expand and enrich it.

The apartments, located on the first floor of the palace, consist of fourteen rooms that narrate the evolution of the city and its nobility, offering an extraordinary combination of luxury, art, and refinement. In these meticulously restored spaces, the original colors, decorations, carvings, draperies, paintings, furniture, and ornaments have been brought back to life. Highlights include the Throne Room, the Celestial Drawing Room, the Chapel, the Oval Study, and the stunning Round Cabinet. Each room reflects the opulence of its era, with original furnishings and decorations showcasing the artistic tastes of the generations who lived there. The Royal Apartments are a window into the history of power and luxury that defined Florence over the centuries. This restoration is not just a gift to the city but to the entire world. WEBSITE

Museo Casa Martelli

Tucked along Via Zanetti a few minutes from the Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral stands Museo Casa Martelli, a house-museum that offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Martelli family, an influential Florentine dynasty. The museum, housed in their 18th century palazzo, showcases a collection of Baroque and Rococo art, period furniture, sculptures and decorative arts across the rooms. From the ballroom to the private chapel, each space is a treasure; but two of the most enchanting rooms are the Winter Garden, adorned with floor-to-ceiling frescoes that simulate an ivy-covered pergola and, interestingly, the ground floor bathroom, which was entirely frescoed in the 19th century by Niccolò Contestabile. You can only visit with a guided tour and on select days so booking in advance is necessary. WEBSITE

GALLERIe DEGLI UFFIZI

When we thought the Uffizi Galleries had already reached its peak, we were wrong. After the health emergency, the museum reopened to the public, proposing a new wing of more than two thousand square meters. Inside are some never-seen masterpieces and some well-known ones, such as works by Parmigianino, Pontormo, Rosso Fiorentino and Daniele da Volterra. The last room, the fourteenth, is dedicated to self-portraits: a fascinating mosaic of faces that catch your eye to take you inside the canvas. For €18 you can purchase the 5 day Passepartoute which includes entry also to Palazzo Pitti & Giardino di Boboli. WEBSITE

Villa & Giardini Bardini

Perched high on a hill, Giardini Bardini is a garden straight out of a dream. With sweeping views of Florence at your feet, it’s a perfect blend of nature and art, featuring ancient trees, fruit orchards, and breathtaking displays of roses and azaleas. At its heart stands Villa Bardini, built in the 1600s by architect Gherardo Silvani and long nicknamed Villa Belvedere for its sweeping panoramic views. Stroll up the dramatic Baroque staircase, pause at the water fountains, and—if you’re lucky enough to visit in May—walk through the wisteria pergola as it erupts in a lilac cascade. And for the perfect finale, don’t miss the loggia (and café) where the city unfolds at your feet. WEBSITE

Museo del Bargello

Housed in a former 13th-century palace, this museum showcases the most important collection in the world of Italian Renaissance sculpture. Not to be missed are the masterpieces by great artists such as Donatello, Verrocchio, Michelangelo, Giambologna and Cellini. WEBSITE

FONDAZIONE FRANCO ZEFFIRELLI

Here the artistic enterprise of Maestro Zeffirelli (director, screenwriter and set designer) comes to life with 250 works including set sketches, drawings and costume figurines. The exhibition, housed in the San Firenze Complex, illustrates the developments of his theatrical stagings and film productions, also through set photos. WEBSITE

L’Officina profumo-farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella

Just take a step into the Antica Farmacia di Santa Maria Novella and you will find yourself in the year 1221. This venue is one of the oldest existing pharmacies and its atmosphere is steeped in tradition and mystery. Today it can be visited free of charge and it allows visitors to purchase their handcrafted perfumes and pharmaceutical mixtures. WEBSITE

MUSEO DELL’OPERA DEL DUOMO

Not many people know that the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo offers a very special view over the facade of Florence Cathedral, which has a very long and troubled history. The one that today is under the eyes of millions of tourists is not, in fact, the original: the first one was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio and demolished back in 1587. If you want to have an elite experience on your Florentine tour, you can admire it inside this museum. WEBSITE

Collezione Roberto Casamonti

Nestled inside Palazzo Bartolini Salimbeni, the Collezione Roberto Casamonti is a love letter to modern and contemporary art in a city famed for its Renaissance past. Curated from the private collection of Roberto Casamonti, founder of Tornabuoni Art, the gallery showcases works by giants like Picasso, Miró, De Chirico, Basquiat, and Fontana. The collection spans from the early 20th century to the present, offering a refreshing contrast to Florence’s historic surroundings. Each room feels like a dialogue between past and present, with the palazzo’s Renaissance architecture framing bold, modern masterpieces. It’s a must for art lovers craving something unexpected. WEBSITE

Ferragamo Museum 

Housed in the historic Palazzo Spini Feroni, the Museo Salvatore Ferragamo offers an intimate look into the life and legacy of the Italian shoemaker renowned for his innovative designs. The museum showcases over 10,000 models of Ferragamo’s creations, spanning from the 1920s to his passing in 1960. Notable exhibits include personal sketches, photographs, and iconic footwear worn by celebrities such as Audrey Hepburn and Ava Gardner. The museum’s current exhibition, Salvatore Ferragamo 1898–1960, provides a comprehensive retrospective of his work and influence on fashion history. WEBSITE

Pucci Museum 

Located in the 16th-century Palazzo Pucci, the Emilio Pucci Heritage Hub is a testament to the brand’s rich history and its founder’s innovative spirit. The space houses the family’s archives and serves as a center for research and creativity, celebrating Pucci’s legacy in fashion. Visitors can explore the evolution of the brand’s signature prints and designs, gaining insight into the fusion of art and fashion that defined Pucci’s work. WEBSITE

Museo degli Innocenti 

Located in the historic Ospedale degli Innocenti, the Museo offers a touching look into Florence’s past, where the city’s orphanage once cared for abandoned children. The museum’s stunning Renaissance architecture, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, sets the stage for its collection of art, artifacts, and heartwarming stories. Explore centuries of history through works by renowned artists like Ghirlandaio and Luca della Robbia, and discover the touching legacy of the orphanage and its role in the development of social welfare. WEBSITE

Museo dell’Opificio delle Pietre Dure

Tucked away near Florence’s Piazza San Lorenzo, the Museo dell’Opificio delle Pietre Dure is a quiet marvel—a celebration of the Medici’s most exquisite obsession: the art of commesso fiorentino, or Florentine mosaic in hard stone. Founded in 1588 by Ferdinando I de’ Medici, the Opificio began as a workshop dedicated to crafting intricate inlays of marble, lapis lazuli, and jasper—treasures that once adorned royal palaces across Europe. Today, the museum’s collection traces three centuries of opulent creativity, from unfinished works and rare stone samples to intricate tabletops and panels that shimmer like paintings made of stone. WEBSITE

Casa Buonarroti 

This museum is housed in the birthplace of the Renaissance genius Michelangelo, and showcases his early works, including sculptures, sketches, and an impressive collection of family treasures. Highlights include the Madonna of the Stairs and the Battle of the Centaurs. The richly decorated rooms, adorned with Baroque frescoes, also house paintings and artifacts collected over generations, making it a fascinating stop for art lovers and Michelangelo admirers alike. WEBSITE

Orsanmichele

A church that doubles as an art museum? Yes, please. Orsanmichele is one of Florence’s most fascinating spaces. Originally built as a grain market in the 14th century, it was later transformed into a church by the city’s powerful trade guilds, each commissioning sculptures of their patron saints to adorn the building’s exterior. Masters like Donatello, Ghiberti, and Nanni di Banco left their mark here, creating works that now reside inside the museum on the upper floors, and that are considered some of the city’s most striking Renaissance sculptures. Climb up to the museum for a closer look at these masterpieces — and for a stunning, under-the-radar view over Florence’s rooftops. WEBSITE

GIARDINO DELL’IRIS

In the Iris Garden, the flowers indulge naked to the eyes of visitors, who are thirsty for their ethereal beauty. This garden, located at Piazzale Michelangelo, is the guardian of the city’s flower. Florence, in fact, is very attached to this botanical species, so much so that it chose it as its emblem (it is not a lily, as many erroneously believe). The area of this park is about two and a half hectares and offers impressive views of the city skyline. Together with this, its flower-lined paths, plazas, and steps will allow your soul to find the perfect balance. WEBSITE

PALAZZO VECCHIO

Is it possible to explain in a few words the reasons why Palazzo Vecchio is worth a visit? No. Let’s try, though. This Medieval fortress stands on the ancient ruins of a Roman theater and houses frescoes by two of the greatest artists of all time: Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarroti. If that excites you, so can the majestic Salone dei Cinquecento, which is filled with paintings, gilding and impressive sculptures. Or again, the Hall of Lilies and the Hall of Geographic Maps may amaze you with their richness. Yes, we said it was difficult to condense all this wonder. Perhaps, however, it will be even more difficult for you to walk the 406 steps up the tower of the building. But the view of the city will repay the effort, we promise. WEBSITE

ANTICO SETIFICIO FIORENTINO

Push open the iron gate at Via Bartolini 4, in Florence’s artisan quarter of San Frediano, and you find yourself in one of the most remarkable (and last remaining) working silk workshops in Italy. The Antico Setificio Fiorentino has been producing exceptional silk fabrics since 1786, on 18th and 19th century looms embellished with a marvellous warper designed by Leonardo Da Vinci. It’s making it one of the last remaining silk workshops in the world. The designs are drawn from a historic archive accumulated over centuries by the noble Florentine families who founded the manufactory, among them the della Gherardesca, Pucci and Corsini. Renaissance silk damasks, brocatelles, lampas fabrics and the iridescent Ermisino taffeta, visible in frescoes by Masaccio and Pontormo, and later used by Roberto Capucci to dress Maria Callas, are still woven here on the original machinery. Luchino Visconti used these fabrics for Il Gattopardo; the Grand Kremlin Palace and the Italian Senate have them on their walls. You can book a guided visit on appointment. WEBSITE

BASILICA DI SAN LORENZO E COMPLESSO MEDICEO LAURENZIANO

The San Lorenzo Complex is the perfect destination for art lovers because it holds a staggering amount of masterpieces, such as masterpieces by Donatello, Bronzino, Filippo Lippi, Michelangelo and Brunelleschi. It consists of the Basilica, which is one of the main places of worship in Florence and holds priceless treasures, the Laurentian Library and a magnificent inner cloister. WEBSITE

LOGGIA DEGLI INNOCENTI

The Spedale degli Innocenti stands on the right side of Piazza Santissima Annunziata and it is the earliest architectural example of the Renaissance style. This building constructed between 1419 and 1445 to the design of Filippo Brunelleschi is a symbol of Florentine humanistic culture and an architectural model of elegance, proportion and harmony. Its curious name (“Innocenti” means innocent) comes from its former use as an orphanage. Today it is still a noble institution dedicated to childhood and the future of humanity. WEBSITE

Flair

Founded in Florence in 1998, Flair has spent nearly three decades finding and showcasing objects that matter and within their beautiful corner, vintage finds sit alongside contemporary art. Since February, Flair has become a private gallery, open by appointment, where you can browse the collection of mid-century furniture, modern pieces and carefully curated artwork. WEBSITE

What to do

Visit Villa Gamberaia & its gardens

Perched in the hills of Settignano, Villa Gamberaia is a place where art, architecture, and landscape slip seamlessly into one another. Built in the early 1600s as a Renaissance retreat, the villa was designed for otium, which cultivated leisure devoted to beauty, thought, and conversation. From its terraces, the panorama stretches from olive groves to Brunelleschi’s dome, as if the city were framed in a painting. The layout is elegantly simple: a long, cypress-flanked Bowling Green runs north to south, while an east–west axis links a baroque grotto to the panoramic terrace. At the heart lies the parterre d’eau, reinvented around 1900 by Princess Jeanne Ghyka, a Romanian aristocrat, sculptor, and passionate gardener, together with her lifelong companion, the American painter Florence Blood. The two transformed flowerbeds into four sky-reflecting pools – a bold stroke that shocked contemporaries yet soon became a touchstone of garden design. The result was visionary; a design that inspired Edith Wharton, Bernard Berenson, and generations of landscape architects.

Shop

LORETTA CAPONI 

To step into Loretta Caponi’s boutique on Borgo Ognissanti is to step out of the present entirely. Frescoed vaults, varnished parquet and the scent of fresh linen transport you to the late 1960s, when Loretta, who learned to embroider from nuns and promptly decided she hated it, turned a quiet talent for pattern and design into one of Florence’s most beloved institutions. Since 1967, the atelier has produced embroidered linens, nightgowns, tablecloths and dresses of extraordinary refinement, each made using the Renaissance spolvero technique: designs traced onto glossy paper, transferred to fabric and worked by hand with a patience that feels almost impossible in the modern world. A tablecloth takes four people a minimum of six weeks. Today, Loretta’s daughter Lucia guards an archive of 20,000 designs and dreams of turning the store’s hidden spaces into a museum. There is also a concession at Harrods… but nothing compares to coming here in person. WEBSITE

Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio (and the Mercato delle Pulci)

Opened in its current form in 1873, the Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio has long been the neighbourhood’s beating heart. Built to serve Florence’s eastern quarters, it remains proudly local, largely untouched by the tourist gloss that has transformed other markets in the city. This is where chefs, nonne, and early-rising Florentines still shop for seasonal produce, fresh fish, and cuts of meat prepared exactly to order. Inside the market hall you’ll find vendors selling fresh fish, meats, cheese, pasta as well as little spots to perch for a quick cappuccino e cornetto or bite to eat at lunch. Nearby, there’s the Mercato delle Pulci, where you can find religious relics, mid-century furniture, cracked mirrors, engravings, and the occasional masterpiece hiding in plain sight.

Recollections by Albrici

Nestled in the Oltrarno, along Via Maggio, this store is a treasure trove of vintage spanning decades and aesthetics. Expect overflowing racks of clothing and accessories where every visit feels like stepping into Florence’s best-kept fashion attic. WEBSITE

Flow 

Within a 13th century palazzo in the historic center, Flow is a multi-faceted concept store designed with a cool, industrial feel. It brings together contemporary fashion, accessories, books, and objects of carefully selected international designers. WEBSITE

Zecchi Colori Belle Arti

Housed in part of the former Studio Fiorentino, the city’s first university founded in 1348, the boutique has long been a haven for painters and artisans. Since the 1950s, the Zecchi family has revived the pigments and techniques described by Cennino Cennini in his 14th-century treatise Il Libro dell’Arte, supplying the very colours used to restore masterpieces across Florence — and beyond. WEBSITE

Drink

LOCALE

A place that offers its own original and very personal vision, in the wake of the speakeasy style. If you are in the mood to sip unusual drinks and enjoy a beautiful Florentine courtyard, Il Locale is the right place for your soirée. The highly prepared bartenders will select the ingredients for your drink from the bottles organised on tall shelves, in the midst of classic and modern sculptures that dialogue tastefully, without ever falling into the cloying. WEBSITE

Enoteca Bellini

Opened back in 2015 by Camill Bellini after her father sought a good place to sip a quality wine and listen to music, Enoteca Bellini soon became an it-spot for locals wanting to do the same. This winery is the go-to for a relaxing, intimate atmosphere, a glass of nectar and a bite or two (our favourites to share are the crostoni – thick slices of toast topped with quality ingredients sourced from all over the country). WEBSITE

Raaro

Playful, bold, and just a little bit eccentric, Raaro (which literally means strange — but with two “a”s, because one alone wouldn’t have been sufficiently rare) is where Florence’s cocktail scene takes a creative turn. The team here treats mixology like an art form, riffing on classics — yes, even the Negroni — with unexpected ingredients and avant-garde presentations. WEBSITE

Where to sleep

La Reserve

Parisians Grégory and Olivia Marciano seem like native Florentines, but they’re 100% Parisian. In 2020, they moved to the Tuscan capital with their three children to begin a new adventure, bringing a touch of French art de vivre with them. On Via Santo Spirito, in the Oltrarno, they bought a rundown 15th-century building and turned it into six stately residences, opening October 16th under the prestigious La Réserve hotel group, with interiors by studio Gilles & Boissier, known for villas, apartments and private yachts. The Marcianos’ idea is to make guests feel at home in Florence’s historic center, with the Ferragamos and Cavallis as neighbors. Beneath unremarkable false ceilings, renovation uncovered frescoes from different eras, now surrounding custom sculptural furniture, 150 artworks and antiques, and art books that make both the private apartments and shared spaces — lounge, library, fountain courtyard — unique. Guests can hire a private chef, order room service from restaurant Camillo, or take cooking classes with Harris Bar chefs, while Grégory and Olivia, true insiders, suggest hidden gems like their home tennis court and Arno boat aperitivos.

Borgo Pignano

Borgo Pignano Florence marks the urban debut of one of Italy’s most quietly exceptional hospitality brands. Set on the elegant hillside of Montughi, just minutes from the historic centre, the property occupies a restored 15th-century villa within five hectares of private parkland. Eleven buildings have been meticulously restored by Studio Ponsi of Florence, with interiors designed by Guy Oliver and Holly Hulburd, across 32 rooms and suites of unhurried, crafted elegance. Villa La Sosta, an independent five-bedroom residence with private pool, completes the offering for those seeking complete seclusion. At the table, Green Michelin Star chef Stefano Cavallini leads a culinary programme across two restaurants and two bars, rooted in seasonality, sustainability and the agricultural heritage of the Volterra estate. The Aromatica Spa, a 30-metre outdoor pool and five hectares of historic gardens, olive groves and fragrant woodland paths do the rest.

Collegio alla Querce

Just a few minutes from Florence’s bustling center, Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection offers a countryside-inspired retreat set in a restored 16th-century estate. Once a center of learning, the property has been transformed by Analjit Singh of the Leeu Collection into an 83-room boutique hotel, artfully blending Renaissance architecture with refined, contemporary design. Florentine studio ArchFlorence oversaw the interiors, preserving historical details while incorporating rich textiles, handcrafted furnishings, and locally sourced art. Rooms are elegant and varied — some with frescoed walls, others with freestanding tubs and city views. Landscaped gardens, restored by Francesca Watson, cascade across four terraces, creating a lush backdrop for La Gemella, the on-site restaurant led by Chef Nicola Zamperetti. The menu pays homage to Tuscan cuisine with dishes like handmade pici and Chianina ragù, using seasonal, local ingredients. Guests can also enjoy cooking classes, aperitivo at Bar Bertelli, or light lunches at Café Focolare by the pool. WEBSITE

Numeroventi

Centrally located between the Duomo and Santa Croce, Numeroventi is housed within the early 16th century Palazzo Galli Tassi, a Signor palazzo as we would call it with high ceilings, original staircase and beautifully preserved frescoed interiors. The space is a studio and workspace for creatives as well as a boutique hotel that thrives within it’s simplicity. Six Suites and two apartments furnished with an artsy, contemporary and Scandinavian minimalistic approach which are the works of founder and designer Martino di Napoli Rampolla together with Andrew Trotter. Breakfast, which is a healthy selection of homemade sweet and savoury dishes is served in the frescoed lounge and available to non-guests throughout the week upon reservation. Each artist leaves a piece of their works behind which is displayed throughout the rooms and communal areas and available to purchase. WEBSITE

HOTEL PALAZZO GUADAGNI

Imagine gazing at a wonderful view of the city of Florence, with the immensity of Renaissance beauty in front of you. Palazzo Guadagni’s terrace, the Loggia, allows you to enjoy this scenery while you stay in one of its rooms, brimming with frescoed ceilings, antique fireplaces and incomparable views of the piazza and Florence’s main monuments. This impressive 1505 building is only a short walk from the city’s most fascinating and popular sights: Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Pitti, and the Boboli Gardens, which can be reached by strolling among antique stores and ancient artisans’ workshops. WEBSITE

Grand Hotel Minerva 

Facing the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, the Grand Hotel Minerva is one of Florence’s most quietly authoritative addresses. Part of the family-owned EM Collection, it occupies a storied palazzo whose Alberti-designed façade anchors one of the Renaissance’s most harmonious urban perspectives. Inside, the hotel’s common areas and 97 rooms and suites are defined by the modernist vision of Carlo Scarpa and Edoardo Detti, layered with works of art, historic frescoes and painted coffered ceilings. Mornings begin in an architectural landmark; the breakfast room is located in an interior design temple originally created by Carlo Scarpa in 1958. There’s a fantastic rooftop terrace complete with a pool, a well-equipped gym, an ancient roman bath and La Buona Novella restaurant where humble Florentine dishes are served. WEBSITE

Hotel Torre di Bellosguardo 

In the quieter corner of Florence, up in the hills, Torre di Bellosguardo feels like stepping back into another century — quite literally, as the villa dates back to the 13th century and still retains its tower. This is the sort of place you stay when you want Florence but without the bustle, waking up to birdsong and sweeping city views instead of traffic noise. Rooms are filled with antique furniture and frescoed ceilings, the gardens are dotted with lemon trees and statues, and the pool, with its postcard-perfect view of the Duomo, might be one of the most romantic in Tuscany. WEBSITE

The James Suite Hotel

In Florence’s Sant’Ambrogio neighbourhood, a former convent has been quietly transformed into one of the city’s most compelling addresses. The James is the personal project of architect James Cavagnari, who restored the palazzo, owned by his family since 1971 and once his own Florentine home, into an intimate hotel with 14 rooms and suites. The result is deeply personal: an eclectic, layered aesthetic where colour, texture and light are carefully composed. Italian craftsmanship meets global finds, from North African carpets and Moroccan lamps to vintage Hermès scarves and Bugatti silverware, with no two rooms alike. On the ground floor, the 1564 Lounge Bar pairs velvet sofas, Murano lights and painted vaults with inventive, botanical-led cocktails. Nearby, The James Restaurant sits within a lush greenhouse, serving a seasonal Mediterranean menu with thoughtful dishes that balance comfort and creativity. WEBSITE

hotel savoy

Located on the site where the Mercato Vecchio and the church of San Tommaso once stood, the Hotel Savoy features an extensive collection of artwork, including large paintings by renowned Italian artist Luca Pignatelli. Walking placidly through the building’s streets, you’ll be ravished by works by contemporary artists depicting shoes and hats, a tribute to Florence’s renowned reputation for craftsmanship and fashion. Luxury rooms, with stylish furnishings and breathtaking views, complete the setting for a dreamlike stay. WEBSITE

FOUR SEASONS FLORENCE 

The Four Seasons Florence is described as “An urban retreat.” It is not complex to understand why: the hotel’s private garden is a unique treasure of statues, fountains and ancient trees. After strolling through the foliage of the green space, you can relax in one of the suites, where frescoes and original architectural elements take center stage. Don’t forget to indulge in the ultimate romantic experience at Il Palagio, a Michelin starred restaurant which presents itself to diners with an evocative, suspended and intangible mood. Sitting before the background of large windows and heavy curtains, here you can enjoy the best seasonal ingredients, chosen to support artisans who work with genuine and ethical methods, enhancing taste and quality. WEBSITE

HELVETIA & BRISTOL

The Helvetia & Bristol lives within the walls of a magnificent 19th-century residence in the beating heart of Florence’s historic centre. This place is special not only for its strategic location, but also for the masterful way in which the renovation has combined the comfort of the present, with the splendour of the past. Indeed, it is the old-world charm that will make your stay memorable: the hotel boasts extraordinary Art Deco interiors, marbles, 17th-century paintings, and splendid original salons. The splendour of the past is also reflected in the menu at the Bristol Winter Garden, the hotel’s restaurant, where chef Pasquale D’Ambrosio offers dishes that bring back memories and a pleasant nostalgia. Where else to eat? Cibreo’s very own setting within the hotel and the final bonus?waking up in the morning to an exquisite spread by world renowned Pasticciere Iginio Massari. WEBSITE

THE PLACE 

The Place lives in the beating heart of Florence and is surrounded by the cheerful whirlwind of daily city life, the vibrant local cultural scene and its priceless artistic heritage. This hotel boasts unparalleled attention to detail and is custom-designed for ambitious and discerning travellers who want to enjoy new experiences with an exquisite touch of elegance. Florence is unique and so should be the guests of The Place as they stay in one of the delicately but crisply decorated rooms. WEBSITE

W Florence

W Florence is breathing new life into the Santa Maria Novella neighbourhood, marking the area’s transformation into a vibrant hotspot. Housed in a 1960s rationalist-modernist building, the hotel has been reimagined by Genius Loci Architettura and AvroKO with bold, contemporary interiors featuring rich textures, Medici-inspired tones, and nods to Florence’s architectural heritage. The 119 rooms and suites are stylish yet functional, with marble accents, custom lighting, stocked cocktail cabinets, and thoughtful touches like wardrobe steamers and Bluetooth speakers. At its heart is the buzzing W Lounge, complete with a lava-stone bar, DJ sets, and live music spilling into a leafy courtyard turned modern-day piazza. Dining is a major highlight: Tratto brings creative Italian cuisine by the team behind Trattoria Contemporanea while Zefiro Rooftop, launching in September, promises golden-hour views and cocktails, and Michelin-starred chef Akira Back will debut his fusion concept. WEBSITE