the best of florence

to do

  • Bargello, a former prison in the 1500’s quietly housing some of the best art in the city

  • Boboli Gardens, the backyard of Palazzo Pitti for a lovely stroll

  • Palazzo Strozzi, currently showing an exhibition on Rothko’s connection with Florence

  • Uffuzi, for all of the Renaissance hits (do book in advance)

  • L’Accademia, housing the David and much more

  • Bardini Garden, stunning this time of year with its famous wisteria 

  • Piazzale Michelangelo, climb up for the view and visit the monks of San Miniato al Monte

to eat

  • Zeb, barseat only perfect place run by a mother-son duo

  • ‘Ino, for your midday panino and wine 

  • Trattoria Sostanza, 150 year old classic

  • Atelier de’ Nerli, transportive sexy restaurant  

  • Casa Ciabattini, divine lunch especially if you are near the train station

  • Il Guscio, excellent trattoria in Oltrarno

  • Libreria Brac, veggies with a side of books

  • Osteria dell’Enoteca, splurge dinner for the wine connoisseurs

to imbibe

  • Rasputin, a proper speakeasy complete with red candelabras

  • Spirituum, a tiny cocktail bar with a ceiling to write home about

  • Enoteca Spontenea, a wine bar with robust food too

  • Il Santino, the neighbor of our Friday night dinner spot

  • Manifattura, to quench your Negroni thirst (as we are in the birthplace) 

  • Vineria Sonora, natural wine and records

  • Procacci, for your prosecco needs complete with truffle panini