With high summer in full swing and European adventures on everyone’s wish list, we turned to our Fashion Director’s brother Hayden, who just so happens to be one of our photographers and a Florentine expert. Read on for his tips on the ins and outs of Florence food, fashion and culture.
Go Wine Tasting
If there is one thing that Florence and Tuscany do well, it is wine!
Go Sightseeing at all of the Museums and Churches
Seeing Renaissance art will inspire anyone, and Italian churches contain beautiful murals.
Take a Boat Ride on the Arno
See our photoshoot for inspiration!
Explore the City's Beautiful Gardens
Nowhere in Europe can one experience a city from up high amongst nature while still being a 15-min walk to the city center.
Go Shopping
Explore the jewelry shops along the Ponte Vecchio, and handmade goods stores on the other side of the river.
Where to Stay
Hotel Guadagni
This is a small, old-school style hotel in Piazza Santo Spirito.
SoprArno Suites
This 13-room boutique bed & breakfast feels hidden away and charming.
Ad Astra
A small hotel with extreme privacy, this is set in Europe's largest private garden.
The Place
This elegant, well designed hotel overlooks the Piazza di Santa Maria Novella.
Helvetia And Bristol
This property was recently remodeled to perfection, and is a true grand old-world hotel with Florentine elegance.
Hotel Lungarno
The historic Ferragamo family has more than a few great hotels, but the views and design of this intimate beauty are hard to beat.
Four Seasons
From the frescos to the gardens, you'll feel that you've been transported to another world and a true sanctuary while staying here.
Belmond Villa San Michele
The views here give one a true idea as to why many consider Firenze to be the most beautiful city in the world.
Where to Eat: Gelato and Sweet Treats
Carabe
The best in Italy. It's run by a husband-and-wife team, and they alternate their time in the store. Get the crema, the chocolate, or really anything.
Rivoire
Located in one of the most beautiful squares, Rivoire has stunning old-world interiors with delicious sweets.
Sbrino
This is not an ice cream shop, but rather a philosophy.
Procacci
One must not visit Firenze without having a few of Procacci's amazing chocolates and little tea sandwiches, also adored by the Queen.
Where to Eat: Lunch
Trattoria Mario
This little Florentine institution is a family-run, old-school trattoria near the central market. Small and communal, the menu changes daily and is not one to miss.
il Guscio
Always changing, always improving, this little gem has the best panna cotta in the world. Find one better, you will not!
Sabatino
Once a forgotten and hidden gem, Sabatino is now a very popular and minimally priced landmark
Dalla Lola
Brimming with character and art-driven interiors, this female-run spot is perfect for a modern Florentine lunch. From vegan and gluten free desserts to reimagined vegetarian ragu, this is a local's favorite for good reason.
Where to Eat: Dinner
Trattoria Cammillo
How does one explain the pinnacle of class and taste? In Firenze, it can be summed up in two words- Trattoria Cammillo. Chiara has taken her family's long dining legacy and magically done the impossible by improving it.
Trattoria Sostanza
A true one-of-a-kind intimate Florentine institution, you won't get in here without a reservation. Order the buttered chicken and artichoke omelette.
Alla Vecchia Bettola
Communal and lively for all occasions, this spot has a can't-miss menu, full of local and regional specialties.
Il Santo Bevitore
This candlelit setting offers fresh, innovative Tuscan cuisine and bustling energy on a nightly basis.
Cibreo Ristorante, Trattoria Or Caffe
Cibreo's menu offers a timeless collection of dining experiences. Each property is right next to each other and has its own specialities all focused on local, reimagined favorites.
Osteria Delle Tre Panche
Go for the views, stay for the food!
Enoteca Pinchiorri
While you'll find the greatest Italian wine list in the world here, the food alone is worth a visit.
Ora D'Aria
Here you'll embark on a modern and intimate experience focused on Tuscan cuisine, craft, and precision.
Where to Sip: Bars and Wine Bars
Locale
Located in a 1500s palazzo with a 13th-century basement and home, this belongs to the man who many believe to be the greatest barman in Italy, Matteo di Lenno. Everything is made naturally in house, and all of the walls are full of live plants.
Art Bar (Antico Caffe Del Moro)
This small, old-style dive serves modern, fresh-fruit cocktails and American classics.
La Terrazza Rooftop Bar At The Hotel Continentale
Come for the best views in the city and a full experience that is not too clubby.
Enoteca Fuori Porta
Set against Porta San Miniato, this Tuscan wine bar is considered by many to be the best wine bar in the city.
Casa Del Vino
A rustic old-world wine bar mixed with a modern mentality towards wines from all around Europe. There is also a great selection of small bites.
Vineria Sonoma
Enjoy small bites matched wisely with a selection of natural wines, and vinyl spinning in the old latteria space.
L'Uva E Il Vino
Truly a hidden gem known only by locals. They may kill me for sharing this!
Il Santino
This happening and fun small wine bar has both locals and tourists spilling out into the street enjoying varieties of wine and small bites.