PaylorMade Recommends: Florence

Dec 17

A Curated Guide to Florence

Eat well. Wander slowly. Experience the Renaissance—beautifully.

Travel Smarter with PaylorMade

I’m Megan Paylor, Owner of PaylorMade Travel, and I specialize in crafting seamless, elevated journeys through Italy and beyond.

Florence is a city best savored, not rushed. From intimate trattorias and legendary panini shops to world-class art and rolling Tuscan vineyards just beyond the city, this guide brings together my personally curated favorites—perfect for first-time visitors and repeat travelers alike.

Bookable Hotels, Tours & Experiences

All tours and sightseeing options mentioned below can be booked directly through this trusted platform, which I love for its detailed itineraries, transparent pricing, and real traveler reviews.

🏨 Book Florence Hotels with perks here.

👉 Book Florence tours & experiences here

Before you go, don’t forget to prep like a pro:
👉 Pack with PaylorMade: Florence Packing Recommendations

Where to Eat in Florence

Classic Dinners & Tuscan Favorites

Osteria All’Antico Gatto e La Volpe – A wonderful spot for dinner with traditional Florentine flavors.
La Giostra – A must. Make reservations in advance. Generous portions, incredible food, and a lively atmosphere.
Santo Bevitore – Located on a quieter, less touristy side of town. Reservations recommended (we booked a week ahead).
Vini e Vecchi Sapori – Go for lunch. Arrive by 12:15 PM (it opens at 12:30). Order the duck ragù—it’s unforgettable.
Perseus – A small, local favorite known for excellent Florentine steak.
Il Barretto – Fantastic steak and fish options; ideal for a refined dinner.
Il Latini – A classic Florence institution, especially for Florentine steak.

Casual Lunches & Iconic Panini

Antico Noè – Perfect for lunch. Large panini, fast-moving line. We split one, grabbed wine, and ate on the street.
All’Antico Vinaio – Famous for a reason. Walk here in the afternoon; the Dante panini is the standout.
I’ Girone De’ Ghiotti / Ino Panino / Semel / Lo Schiacciavino – All excellent sandwich stops worth rotating through.
Sergio Pollini (Lampredotto) – For the adventurous eater: Florence’s famous tripe sandwich.

Pizza Worth Seeking Out

L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele Firenze
Giotto (Santa Maria Novella)
Largo 9
Zibibbo

Gelato Stops (The Real Deal)

Florence has incredible gelato—and plenty of imposters. These are the real ones:

Gelateria dei Neri – Our favorite. Exceptional.
Gelateria La Carraia – Classic and consistently good.
Vivoli – Historic and beloved.
La Strega Nocciola
Gelateria della Passera
Sbrino 👏🏼
Chocolatte
Gelateria dei Medici
Caminia

(Yes—GROM is also a reliable option.)

Wine Bars, Cocktails & Rooftop Views

Wine Bars

Le Volpi e L’Uva – A charming wine bar recommended by many locals.
Sei Divino – Cozy and well-curated.

Cocktails & Rooftops

Locale – Hands down, the best cocktail bar in Florence.
Floreal – Elegant and relaxed.
View on Art – Stunning Duomo views.
Grand Hotel Cavour Rooftop – Perfect for golden hour.
Fusion Bar & Restaurant
Manifattura – Cool, creative, and local.
The Student Hotel Rooftop – Incredible views and a pool.

Wine Shops to Visit

Signorvino – Near Ponte Vecchio
Alessi – Piazza Pitti
Enoteca Bonatti – Piazza Beccaria

Tuscan Wineries (Book in Advance)

Antinori – A must; reservations required.
Castello di Brolio
Castello di Gabbiano
Felsina
Selvapiana
Frascole
Cantalici – A lovely small winery

(Many winery visits and wine tours can be booked via the tour link above.)

Cooking Classes & Culinary Experiences

Diadema Cooking School – Hands-on and memorable.
InTavola Cooking Class – Informal, fun, and delicious.
Scheduled 6:30 PM–9:30 PM

Must-See Florence Highlights

Start your exploration at the heart of the Renaissance:

Medici Chapels (San Lorenzo Complex) – Burial place of the Medici family, including the Chapel of the Princes and Michelangelo’s New Sacristy.
Palazzo Medici-Riccardi – The Medici’s former city palace, once home to Catherine de’ Medici.
Duomo Complex (Exterior View) – Florence’s most iconic skyline.
Piazza della Signoria & Ponte Vecchio – Essential stops for history and atmosphere.
Accademia Gallery – Book skip-the-line tickets. Home to Michelangelo’s David and the powerful Hall of Prisoners.

👉 Book skip-the-line museum tickets & guided tours here

Helpful PaylorMade Affiliate Resources: