Florence (Firenze) is the capital of the Tuscany Region of Italy and the city where the Renaissance was born. It is one of the most fascinating cities in Europe with its art, history and gastronomy. Artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli and Dante grew up here and defied time with the works they left in the city.
The Tuscany region with its undulating hills and vineyards, Chianti is famous forits historic villages and world-famous wines. Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano a region that produces some of Italy’s finest wines, It is also famous for itsPecorino cheese, fresh truffles and olive oil. Florentine cuisine is based on simplicity and naturalness; the dishes are characterised by the purest presentation of local ingredients.
Tuscany’s Wine and Cheese Culture
It is one of the most famous wine-producing regions of Italy.
These wines are often paired with cheeses made from sheep’s milk, such as Pecorino Toscano. Available in fresh and ripened versions, Pecorino is especially served with honey, walnuts and wine.
Iconic Dishes of Florence and Tuscan Cuisine
Before you start , you can find all the other guides we have prepared for Italy here.
Trattoria/Osteria:
– L’Ortone Trattoria
– Trattoria Da Burde
– Trattoria Sostanza
– C’ucina
– Cibreo Trattoria
– Trattoria Armando
– Osteria Santo Spirito
Pizza:
– SimBIOsi
– Gustapizza
Street Food:
– Retrobottega
– Sergio Pollini Lambredetto
– Mercato Centrale
– Mercanto Sant’Ambrogio
Bar/Cafe:
– Locale Firenze
– Mad Souls & Spirits
– Leone est 1984
– SESTO on Arno Rooftop Bar
– Caffe Cibreo
– Caffe Gilli
– Vivoli
Specialty Coffee & Bakery:
– S.forno
– Ditta Artigianale
– Melaleuca
Gelato:
– La Sorbetteria
– Gelateria Della Passera
When planning your Florence trip, don’t forget to buy your tickets for Duomo and Uffizi in advance. It doesn’t make much sense to buy a Firenze Card or pass, but when you buy your Uffizi ticket, you can visit 5 places including Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens with one ticket. Climbing the dome and bell tower of Duomo is a unique experience, we don’t want you to miss it.
Places to visit in Florence:
– Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore
– Galleria degli Uffizi
– Galleria dell’Accademia
– Palazzo Vecchio
– Ponte Vecchio
– Palazzo Pitti
– Boboli Gardens
– Piazzale Michelangelo
– Basilica di Santa Maria Novella
– Basilica di San Lorenzo ve Medici Şapeli
– Santa Croce Basilica
– Palazzo Strozzi
– Opificio delle Pietre Dure
– Loggia dei Lanzi
– Piazza della Signoria
– Museo Galileo
– Museo di San Marco
Florence is a medium-sized Italian city, so it is very easy to visit on foot. It is not as big and chaotic as Rome, but it is very rich in history and art. It is not as modern asMilan, but has a warmer and more authentic atmosphere. It is not as touristic asVenice, but it receives a lot of visitors especially in summer. As such , it is also possible to come across tourist traps.
Florence, located in the heart of the Tuscany region of Italy, is a city that fascinates with its deep-rooted history and architecture. Like every tourist city, it is difficult to find good food here, but in this city that welcomes millions of tourists every year, touristic trattorias and cafes are usually at the top of the lists.
The dishes are usually seasonal vegetables, fresh herbs, olive oil, bread and quality meat products stand out.. The famous wines of Tuscany, especially Chianti, accompany these dishes.
One of the most well-known dishes of the region is the legendary Bistecca alla Fiorentina, cooked in a wood fire, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It is always served rare without asking the degree of cooking and is usually ordered around 1kg. Although it varies depending on the place, the meat is rested for a few weeks and cut 3-4 fingers thick. vegetable soups such as ribollita and pappa al pomodoro are simple but delicious dishes of the region. As in every region of Italy, fresh pastas are part of the regional cuisine. For dessert, cantucci, the almond biscuit of Florence, and vin santo, a sweet wine served with it, is an ideal choice to end the meal.
Trattoria Sostanza, one of the oldest trattorias in Florence, and Trattoria Armando right next to it are our two favourite places in the city centre. The highly recommended Trattoria Za Za is weak both in terms of flavour and service. Especially for gnocchi, Osteria Santo Spirito is a better place, even though it is touristic.
Considered one of the best trattorias in Italy, L’Ortone we had one of the best lunches we have ever had. We tasted risotto, tortellini and a superbly cooked Bistecca.
On the Michelin recommendation list and @yemekfelsefesi recommendations but touristy C-, which is more favoured by locals because it is outside the region.ucina and Trattoria Burde are really simple in Florence , Two places not to be missed for classic dishes where the ingredients stand out.
1. L’Ortone Trattoria
This trattoria is a favourite with the locals, It attracts attention with its homemade pasta and fresh seafood. The wine menu is also quite impressive. It is no coincidence that it is among the 50 best trattorias in Italy.
2. Trattoria Da Burde
One of the most authentic trattorias in Florence. One of the best places to eat Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak). It is a bit far from the city centre, about 20-25 minutes. But it is definitely worth the experience. The entrance of the trattoria resembles a butcher / charcuterie shop and there is a pleasant restaurant section in the back hall. Here we try Tuscany’s fresh pasta pici and bistecca. They are really good at cooking meat.
A small but legendary place. Petto di Pollo al Burro, Tortina di Carciofi are the signature dishes of this place and should definitely be tried. It is a small and hospitable place in Florence that has been serving guests for more than a century. People keep coming back here for its simple food and friendly, efficient service. It’s a cosy place to enjoy a relaxed meal that feels like home.
One of the best representatives of Flor entine cuisine. It has a cuisine that interpretsclassic Italian dishes in a sophisticated way.
traditional Florence in an intimate and cosy atmosphere dishes is a great option for those who want to eat, right in the heart of the city. Start with soup and continue with tortellini and bistecca. Closing with cantucci.
Located on the corner of a sweet square, this popular osteria is famous for its oven-cooked truffle gnocchi. The prices are affordable and the atmosphere is very pleasant. It is one of the rare places that is affordable and touristy and not tourist trap.
🍕 Pizza
One of the best pizzerias we tried in Florence with its pizzas prepared withorganic ingredients and dough. Margherita and burrata pizzas are among our favourites.
One of the most famous pizzerias in Florence. Neapolitan style pizzas cooked in awood oven are delicious.
🌯 Street Flavours & Markets
When travelling around Italian cities , you can see the markets during the day having a snack at the mercato is one of our favourite activities. Mercato Centrale and Sant’Ambrogio are two pleasant market areas in Florence. ‘lampredotto’ sandwiches prepared with offal are very popular in Florence . available in popular markets and many alleyways.
One of the most popular flavours of Florence is the sandwiches prepared with schiacciata bread. The two most popular addresses are All’antico Vinaio and Schiaccia Passera , but Our favourite stop was not these two places but Retrobottega.
Forcoffee, dessert and breakfast, Ditta Artiginale, S.forno and Melaleuca are good choices. Cafe Gilli , on the other hand, is known for its atmosphere and It is an iconic place that you can choose for its location. You can think of it like Gambrinus in Naples and Caffe Greco in Rome.
There are plenty of options for ice cream but we had two favourites, La Sorbetteria and Gelateria Della Passera.
We think it’s one of the best sandwiches in the city. Be sure to try the sandwiches made withpecorino cheese and prosciutto.
The best address to eat lampredotto (cow tripe sandwich) , the most famous street food of Florence. You can find this flavour in many places.
We can say that it is the heart of food in Florence. With a variety of restaurants and shops selling fresh ingredients, this covered market is the perfect place for both shopping and eating.
This is a non-touristy market where mostly locals shop, full offresh vegetables, cheeses and traditional Florentine delicacies.
Officina della Bistecca: Dario Cecchini’s Masterclass in Meat
Officina della Bistecca is located in the Tuscan town of Panzano, a unique restaurant that reflects the passion and mastery of the famous butcher Dario Cecchini for meat. Here you are, one of the most special flavours of traditional Tuscan cuisine bistecca alla fiorentina takes the lead role. First of all , it is necessary to act a little early to make a reservation here (see here), another caveat is that the majority of the dishes served are small cooked meats and a variety of different cuts. You can findthe restaurant’s menu here. Only set menu is served, bread, salad and wine are unlimited , this menu is 50euro. An extremely reasonable price.
Dario Cecchini continues the legacy of eight generations of butchers, meat is not only an ingredient in food, at the same time , it offers a unique experience to its guests by treating it like a work of art. Officina della Bistecca is different from a classic restaurant concept, It has a friendly and fun atmosphere that welcomes its guests at large, common tables.
The menu is quite clear: high quality, in-house produced red meats and Dario’s special cuts. The dishes are served with traditional Tuscan garnishes, freshly baked bread and homemade sauces. Throughout the meal, Dario’s hospitality and energy added a special vibrancy to the place.
Florence is a city full of art, history and architectural wonders. Every street you step on here reflects the golden age of the Renaissance. Here is detailed information about the museums, cathedrals, squares and gardens you must see in Florence!
📌 Warning: Don’t forget to buy your tickets for Duomo and Uffizi in advance! Firenze Card is usually not very advantageous, but also beware of fake websites sold under the name Firenze Pass. When buying the ticket for the Uffizi, you can enter 5 venues including Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens with a single ticket with the “Paspartu” ticket option.
The symbol of Florence! Famous for Brunelleschi’s huge dome, this cathedral is one of the largest churches in Italy. Although the interior is quite simple, climbing the cupola is a unique experience. It is also You can go up Giotto’s Bell Tower (Campanile) and watch the city from above. If you only go up one of the two, we think it should be the dome. The dome and the bell are both climbed by more than 400 steps.
One of the most important art galleriesin the world! Botticelli’s ” Birth of Venus” and works by Leonardo da Vinci are here. The museum is big and very crowded, so it’s a good idea to go early in the morning.
🎟️ Palazzo Pitti and Boboli if you buy a”PassePartout” ticket You can also enter the gardens within 5 days with a single ticket.
You should stop by here to see Michelangelo’s famous “David” sculpture. The unfinished “Captives” sculptures of the artist are also exhibited here. You can avoid long queues by going early in the morning.
Florence’s historic town hall, former palace of the Medici family. Climbing theArnolfo Tower , you can enjoy one of the most beautiful views of Florence. Palazzo Vecchio combines medieval architecture and Renaissance art. The Salone dei Cinquecento and Giorgio Vasari’s frescoes are a must-see.
The most famous bridge in the city! It is famous for being the only bridge with jewellery shops on it. It is a great spot for a walk at sunset. This historic bridge over the Arno River attracts attention with its jewellery shops and atmosphere. You can enjoy the view at sunrise and discover the lively atmosphere of the bridge in the evening. The Corridoio Vasariano, a secret passage for the nobility between the Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi and the Pitti Palace, can also be seen with the Uffizi ticket.
The Pitti Palace, which reflects the splendour of the Medici family, consists of art galleries and royal apartments. The Palatine Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art can be visited. You can visit the Uffizi and Boboli Gardens with a single ticket.
It includes a museum, royal apartments and art galleries.
Located behind the Pitti Palace, these gardens are one of the most beautiful examples of Renaissance landscape design. You can watch the view of Florence from the top of the gardens full of sculptures, walkways and fountains.
You must go up here to see the most beautiful panoramic view of Florence! It is a wonderful experience to go at sunset and sip your drink on the stairs. A bronze copy of Michelangelo’s David statue is also here.
This church is notable for its Gothic architecture and is famous for Masaccio’s fresco of the Holy Trinity and works by Ghirlandaio. It is located near the railway station, you can go as soon as you get off the train.
This church, dedicated to the Medici family, is famous for the Medici Chapel designed by Michelangelo. Michelangelo’s sculptures and the tombs of the Medici family can be seen in the new Sacristy.
This basilica, where famous names such as Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli are buried, is one of the most important places of worship in Florence. You can join guided tours to better understand the tombs of historical figures.
One of the most beautiful examples of Renaissance architecture, this palace hosts periodic contemporary art exhibitions. The courtyard of the palace and the Giunti Odeon bookshop in the back street are also worth a visit.
Museum of precious stonemasonry, this is one of the places included in the PassePartout ticket together with the Uffizi. It is an interesting and small museum with fewer visitors.
Located in Piazza della Signoria, this open-air gallery is home to Cellini’s Perseus and Giambologna’s Abduction of the Sabine Women. Entrance is free.
If you are interested in astronomy and the history of science , you can see Galileo’s telescopes.
A former monastery museum, famous for Fra Angelico’s frescoes.
Val d’Orcia, Southern Tuscany, one of the most charming regions of Italy. This valley is known for its mesmerising hills, historical villages, wines, spas and unique landscapes. Thanks to the cypress trees, which have become the symbol of Tuscany, it offers a journey experience accompanied by picturesque views along the winding roads. One of the details that impressed us the most in this region was the approach to tourism. The agrotourism concept, which we think is now much more valuable, is very common here. Farmhouses, which you can rent at affordable prices through websites such as Airbnb, are the most common option for accommodation in the region. Some of them are still actively functioning as farms. In most of them you can taste olive oil or wine, go truffle hunting or participate in culinary workshops. By prior arrangement, of course.
Here are the places where you can stop in this region with short information:
Montepulciano is known for its magnificent medieval architecture, palaces and narrow stone streets. It is most famous for its red wine , Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
The grapes produced in the vineyards in the region are used in the production of fine wines recognised worldwide. Tasting tours are very popular.
Montalcino, recognised as one of the best wines in the world is known forits Brunello di Montalcino. Viticulture and wine production form the basis of this village. Besides Brunello , other wines such as Rosso di Montalcino are also famous.
The medieval Rocca Castle offers visitors a bird’s eye view of the city.
Famous for its Pecorino Cheese and Renaissance town planning. Designed by Pope Pius II as an ideal Renaissance city. It is located in the heart of the Val d’Orcia Valley. You can taste in the cheese shops and get lost in the narrow streets.
The small and quiet village of Monticchiello, local theatre events called autodramma and hand Another village famous for its untouched stone buildings.
We visited this place on the recommendation of the owner of the house where we stayed. It is a place known for its thermal springs and white travertine formations called Fosso Bianco. You can swim in the hot springs for free, at least there was no one there when we went.
This is another village known for its healing hot springs from the Roman period to the present day. It consists of resorts and thermal springs around the historical pool in the square. As far as we know, you cannot swim in this pool, but you can swim in the surrounding facilities.
We can say that Siena is a large city of this Southern Tuscany. Palio di Siena famous for its traditional horse racing, Gothic architecture and the magnificent Duomo Cathedral. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous for its medieval square, Piazza del Campo. Museo dell’Opera del Duomo and Palazzo Pubblico, where the artefacts from the cathedral are exhibited, should be seen. One of the things we were impressed by in Siena was the 13th century fountains. Fontanina contrada Oca is definitely one of the must-see places in Siena.
It is also a very good option for accommodation in Tuscany as it is close to everywhere.
It is known for its towers, known as medieval skyscrapers. 14 towers have survived until today. Some of these towers can be climbed, and if you come here, you can visit Palazzo Comunale and see both the frescoes and the fascinating views. The region is famous for Vernaccia di San Gimignano, a white wine.
The art ofFlorence and Tuscany, , With itshistory and gastronomy, offers an unforgettable travel experience. This plan will allow you to discoverthe city and its surroundings in the best possible way. 👇
Day 1: Heart of Florence – Art and History
📍 Morning:
🥗 Lunch:
📍 Afternoon:
🍷 Dinner:
Day 2: Renaissance Art and Bohemian Florence
📍 Morning:
🍕 Lunch:
📍 Afternoon:
🍽 Dinner:
Day 3: Science, Monasteries and Cityscape
📍 Morning:
🥪 Lunch:
📍 Afternoon:
🌅 Afternoon:
🥩 Dinner:
Day 4: Tuscan Villages & Wine Routes
🚗 Rent acar and set off early in the morning!
First stop Siena.
📍 Morning:
📍 Lunch:
📍 Afternoon:
🥩 Dinner:
🚗 Return to Florence at night.
Day 5 Alternative Explorations & Final Shopping
📍 Morning:
🥗 Lunch:
📍 Afternoon:
🍷 Last Supper:
