My first time in Florence was in 2017, but it was a brief stopover on my way to Venice. During my short 3-day stay, most of what I remembered about the city known as the birthplace of the Rennaissance, was the awe-inspiring size of the Duomo, two tours through the Accademia and the Uffizi Gallery and the best sandwich I ever had - in my life. After returning to Italy twice after that initial trip, but to other cities, I felt a growing desire to go back to Florence. There was something about the charming city on the Arno River that always kept me curious. When I thought about my trip to Italy this past year, I toyed with the idea of where to establish my home base or whether to embrace a nomadic journey from city to city. Deep down, I believe I always knew that Florence was where I needed to be and I couldn't have picked a more perfect place.
At first glance, Florence seems like it is a city that you might spend a few days in, quickly taking in all of the popular sites and sees before whisking off to a villa in the Tuscan wine country or jumping on an Trenitalia train to Rome or Venice, just as I did five years ago. And yes, you can totally get a taste of the Florentine experience in 42 hours or less, but not a full experience. I even found myself thinking "what am I going to do for a month" after my first night. However, I quickly discovered there is a lot to do and see, in fact.
Florence has so much to offer; from bustling markets, to hidden gem leather shops, incredible fashion to "OMG" inducing gelato (and yes, maybe even one of the best sandwiches I've ever had in my entire life, again.) It's a small city with a big heart and I am thrilled to share my most favorite finds after my month-long stay there. I must admit, I'm already dreaming about when I can return to revisit my top picks!
Here are a few of my Florence Favorites:

1. Sunsets at Piazalle Michelangelo
There is something magical about seeing Florence from the top of Piazalle Michelangelo, regardless of the time of day, but yes, it is even more special at sunset. Although the crowds can be large and the trek up a bit difficult because of the stairs and hills, this panoramic view is totally worth it!

2. Pistacchio Cornetto + Cappuccino at Forno Pasticceria Ghibellina
When I say that I had this exact combination every single morning, I am not exaggerating. I stumbled upon Forno Pasticceria Ghibellina my first morning in Florence, had one bite of the pistachio cornetto and became slightly addicted. All of the baked goodies are divine, so it's a must stop if you are in the Santa Croce neighborhood. If you go, say hi to Sara and Ilaria.

3. The best and affordable leather finds at Roberta Firenze Leather
There is a lot of leather in Florence as it is a city known for its incredible leather goods. In my opinion, Roberta Firenze is the best. It's a family-owned business out of the Santo Spirito neighborhood and they offer a wide range of beautiful styles in plenty of color options. Plus, it's pretty affordable so when you purchase more than one item to bring home with you, you won't feel a bit guilty about it!

4. Wine from a window at Babae
The window wine service at Babae is a must-see when visiting Florence. Yes, you can sit at an enoteca and order a glass of Tuscany's best offerings, but why not visit this charming window, known as buchetta del vino, a tradition which originally dates back to the mid-1500s, to get your vino instead.

5. Breakfast + Vibes at Melaleuca
My oh, Melaleuca! Nestled along the Arno river in the Santa Croce area, Melaleuca Bakery + Bistro is a complete delight serving up some of the most delicious breakfast and homemade baked goodies in the city! While it is not a traditional Italian breakfast by any means, given its Australian ownership, sometimes you just want to indulge a bit on a trip. Order the cinnamon roll, trust me.

6. Fresh pasta with shaved ricotta at the Mercato Centrale
You can't stroll down a single street in Florence, or Italy, for that matter without passing a restaurant that serves pasta. So, what makes this one of the best in Florence? Well, it's located on the upper floor in the Central Market, which is another must-see spot in the city, is run by the Famiglia Michelis, who have been crafting pasta since 1919, and it offers a quick, affordable and oh so, yummy experience. Can you take that fresh shaved ricotta on top? DELISH!

7. Homemade leather goods monogramed at the Florence Leather School
Florence is the leather capital of Italy so it's only appropriate that I have another leather find in my top picks. The Scuola del Cuoio, also known as the leather school, sells goods handmade by artisans attending the school in its shop upstairs. You can purchase large items like leather jackets and purses, or smaller accessories like the credit card wallet pictured above. One perk is that they will monogram it right on site. This is definitely an extra special souvineer.

8. The Lemon House in the Boboli Gardens
When visiting Florence, a name that will come up time and time again is the Medici family, one of the most powerful and influential Florentine families. One of the family's most marvelous heirlooms is the Boboli Gardens, a beautiful example of Italian-style gardens that is located behind the Pitti Palace. I couldn't get enough of the Lemon House on the property. If you have the time to explore I highly recommend visiting. Plus, it's free the first Sunday of every month!

9. The gelato from Gelateria La Carraia
There is an ongoing debate about which gelateria serves the best gelato in all of Florence, and a few could definitely claim the top prize. However, this chocolate + orange combination from Gelateria La Carraia was my number one. It was perfetto! There are 2 shops located on either side of the river, with one located in Santa Croce and the other right across the Ponte alla Carraia.

10. Piazza Santa Croce at night
Isn't Piazza Santa Croce at night incredibly romantic? Even for a girl strolling home solo. Of course the Duomo is magnificent at night, too, but every time I passed this church all lit up under the moonlight I couldn't help but stop and appreciate its beauty. A view like this is what makes Italy the most special place. I definitely think it could inspire a song, or many even a love novella!
I would love to know if you have visited Florence and what places, foods and experiences would be in your top 10!
Beautiful!
Just fabulous! Looking forward to hearing about all of your adventures! 🩵
Definitely some ”must stop” places for my next Italy trip! I can’t wait to see what other Florence experiences you have For us! Love this!
I am now dreaming of Firenze! Next trip, I’m making sure to include all 10 spots on my itinerary!