The Florence Shortlist

Here's a shortlist of Florence’s best spots according to the ones who actually live there.

Keen to see more of Florence through the eyes of an Intrepid local? Consider this a glimpse into our leaders' little black book of local favourites. Discover some of their number one stops to eat, relax, sip and explore in the place they call home.

Leader-curated recommendations

Bakery food in Florence
Find the city’s best bites

1. Trattoria Marione al Trebbio, for authentic Tuscan food

2. Ristorante Storico Sabatini, for an elegant dining setting

3. Trattoria Antellesi, for a cosy local favourite

4. Antico Ristoro di Cambi, for an authentic Bistecca alla Fiorentina (steak dish)

5. Trattoria Dall'Oste, for a delicious Florentine steak

Having coffee in a cafe in Florence - Italy
Get your coffee fix at these spots

1. Ditta Artigianale, for a popular speciality coffee spot

2. VaLu Bakery and Cakes, for a cosy atmosphere and sweet treat

3. Il Cantuccio di San Lorenzo, for a traditional cantucci (Tuscan almond biscuit)

4. Coffee Mantra, for somewhere to unwind with a coffee

5. Caffe degli Artigiani, for an artsy cafe in the Oltrarno area

Two statues in Florence
Explore these iconic museums

1. Uffizi Gallery, for masterpieces by Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci

2. Museo Galileo Galilei, for historic telescopes and scientific instruments

3. Galleria dell'Accademia, for Michelangelo’s David iconic sculptures

4. Museo del Bargello, for Renaissance sculptures and works by Donatello

5. Palazzo Pitti, for a glimpse into the lavish life of the Medici family

A man with a musical instrument
Listen to live music and local beats

1. Nof, for a local music venue in the Oltrarno area

2. Jazz Club, for live jazz and blues acts

3. Rex Caffee, for a trendy bar in central Florence

4. Ristorante Belcanto, for dinner and live music all in one

5. Virgin Rock Pub, for a rock pub and a beer (or two!)

Cypress lined road in Florence
Get a touch of nature in the city

1. Giardino di Boboli, for an open-air museum

2. Giardino Bardini, for a lesser-known Renaissance garden

3. Parco di Villa Demidoff, for the giant statue known as the Colossus of the Apennines

4. Parco delle Cascine, for Florence’s largest public park

5. Giardino delle Rose, for a beautiful hillside garden

Chianti landscape in Florence
Explore these lesser-known spots

1. Bibliotecca Laurenziana, for a wonderful collection of books

2. Forte di Belvedere, for a 16th-century fort

3. Piazza della Passera, for a hint of genuine local atmosphere

4. Giardino dell’Iris, for distinctive botanical gardens

5. Farmacia Santa Maria Novella, for a historic pharmacy and perfumery founded in the 13th-century

A final slice of local advice

  1. Early morning (before 9 am) or late afternoon (after 4 pm) is the best time to visit popular sights like the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, or Piazza della Signoria. Tour groups are fewer, the light is better for photos, and you’ll get a more peaceful experience.
  2. Walk at least 5 to10 minutes away from places like the Duomo or Uffizi to find authentic food at local prices. Streets like Via dei Neri, Borgo San Frediano, or Sant’Ambrogio have amazing local trattorias and fewer tourist traps. Ask for the piatto del giorno (dish of the day).
  3. Around 6 to 8 pm, head to a bar for aperitivo. For the price of a drink, you’ll get access to a light buffet or snacks. Locals often make this their whole dinner. It’s social, affordable, and fun.
  4. Oltrarno (the neighbourhood south of the Arno) is where many artisans, students and real Florentines hang out. Explore Santo Spirito, Via Maggio or San Niccolo for quirky shops, cool bars, and authentic vibes.
  5. Buy museum tickets ahead or get the Firenze Card. If you’re planning to hit a few museums, the Firenze Card lets you skip the line and access 45+ sites. Otherwise, book ahead online (especially for the Uffizi and Accademia).

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