Michelle’s Favorite Places in Florence: Where to Stay, Eat, Shop & Explore
Florence is one of those places that has a way of staying with you—and I find something new to fall in love with every time I visit. My most recent trip was a quick few days filled with wedding scouting, reconnecting with friends, and soaking in everything the city has to offer before heading to Engage! Naturally, I had to round up some of my current favorite spots—whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for the tenth.
Favorite Places in Florence
Where to Stay
Florence is full of stunning hotels, but here are a few that never miss:
Hotel Savoy – Elegant and perfectly located. Bonus: their restaurant Irene just reopened and it’s absolutely worth a visit.
The Place Florence – Boutique luxury with unforgettable Piazza Santa Maria Novella views.
St. Regis Florence – A classic, with refined service and iconic design.
Hotel Lungarno – Right on the river with chic interiors and excellent hospitality.
Where to Eat + Sip when in Florence
Cibreo Ristorante at Helvetia & Bristol – My current favorite: refined, artistic, and undeniably Florentine.
Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco – Cozy, hearty, and so very Tuscan.
Angiolino – A local gem with delicious classics.
13 Gobbi – Known for its rigatoni and beautiful ambiance.
Il Santo Bevitore – More contemporary, perfect for a stylish dinner.
Le Ménagère – Part restaurant, part concept store, part flower shop—totally unforgettable.
Antico Noè & SandwiChic – Both perfect for a quick, delicious sandwich.
Paszkowski & The Place – Ideal for a cappuccino, glass of wine, or golden hour aperitivo.
Caffè Giacosa – The birthplace of the Negroni. Enough said.
Cultural Stops in Florence Not to Miss
The David at the Accademia Gallery
The Medici Chapels
The Uffizi Gallery (book in advance!)
The Vasari Corridor (pictured above), if you’re lucky enough to grab a tour! Read more about it here, “Is the Vasari Corridor in Florence worth seeing?“.
Want to make your cultural tour truly special?
Reach out to Martina Guadagno of Florence What Else. She’s an incredible guide and creates custom experiences—from perfume-making to private food tours.
Mercato Centrale: A Culinary Playground
Located in the San Lorenzo district, this two-level market is a must-visit:
First Floor: Local vendors selling produce, meats, cheeses, olive oil, and all the Tuscan staples you could dream of.
Second Floor: A curated food hall where you can sample pizza, pasta, gelato, truffles, wine, and more. Great for lunch or a relaxed evening with friends.
Favorite Places in Florence: Where to Shop
My Mancini – Custom handmade shoes.
Tomassini Florence – Jewelry and watches curated by my friend Sandra.
Bracciolini Firenze – Leather bags and jewelry made by local artisans.
Goccia – For stylish, well-made shoes.
Enoteca Bussotti – A charming wine shop with beautiful bottles to take home.
And if you’re ready for a serious designer moment—
The Mall Firenze is a luxury outlet just outside the city with brands like Gucci, Valentino, Ferragamo, and more at irresistible prices.
Need to Get Around Tuscany?
Call Benedetta at Road Trippin’ Italy. She’s reliable, warm, and makes exploring the countryside a breeze.
Whether you’re planning a destination wedding, a celebratory trip, or just craving a magical Italian getaway, Florence delivers every time. From timeless views and unforgettable meals to one-of-a-kind shopping and meaningful experiences, this city is always worth the journey.
While our blog here at MDE is packed with inspiration for both local and destination weddings and event styling, I also share travel tips, personal stories, and more over on my personal blog, MichelleDurpetti.com. If you’ve enjoyed these insights and my favorite spots in Florence, I’d love for you to check it out! And follow along on Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more travel, weddings, and inspiration around the world with Michelle Durpetti Events.
