First thing in the am

For the early birds, I recommend waking up and walking the city streets around 6am. Most streets and famous sites you will find empty and it is a magical time to get some good photos that aren’t full of tourists. Be sure to check out the Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, Piazza Del Duomo and the Piazzale degli Uffizi for some amazing empty photo ops and enjoy the quiet of the morning. Even a non-morning person will be glad they got up to experience the city this way! While out, grab a cappuccino and pastry at a local cafe to fuel up for the rest of the morning. (Local tip…Only order cappuccinos in the morning…Afternoons are for espressos or cocktails!)

Climb The Duomo

After your early morning walk, head to The Duomo to climb to the top! Once inside you will get an up close and personal view of Brunelleschi’s Dome before climbing a few more stairs where you eventually are led outside, on top of the dome, to get one of the best views of the ancient city. Don’t forget your camera and comfy shoes! The climb is 463 steps that tend to get pretty steep at the top, but trust me…it’s worth it!

Medici Chapel (Cappelle Medicee)

After the climb head to the Medici Chapel, which is just a 5-minute walk away. Florence would not be the city it is without the Medici family. Here in the chapel you will find the tombs of the Medici family, as well as tombs decorated with statues by Michelangelo. These Chapels house the largest number of sculptures by Michelangelo in Florence.

Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell’Accademia)

Just an 8-minute walk from the Medici Chapel is the Accademia Gallery. This art museum is a must see with a large collection of Florentine artists during the Italian Renaissance, sculptures by Michelangelo and is best known for being the home of Michelangelo’s David. This museum can be seen in an hour and is easily self-guided.

*Be sure if you are traveling on the first Sunday of the month that you check out the free museums in Florence! The civic museums run by the city council can be visited for free on these Sundays. Check online for a full list, but currently the Medici Chapel and Accademia are included!

Lunch

All’Antico Vinaio - For the sandwich lover, All’Antico Vinaio is the most popular sandwich shop in Florence. Here you can order one of their famous sandwiches and take it to nearby Piazza della Signoria to eat and enjoy some of the best people watching in the city. Yes, there will be a line, but it is so worth it!

Trattoria 4 Leoni - For a sit down lunch I recommend Trattoria 4 Leoni in the Oltrarno neighborhood. Just across the Arno river, the Oltrarno is a quieter, more local feeling neighborhood full of artisans and antique shops. Trattoria 4 Leoni has local Tuscan cuisine from panzanella to pastas. Try the pear-stuffed pasta with taleggio cheese and asparagus sauce. A perfect lunch dish to pair with local Italian wine. This restaurant also has a charming patio if the weather is nice.

La Strega Nocciola Gelateria Artigianale - If you could resist the homemade cheesecake at 4 Leoni then I would recommend grabbing some post lunch gelato at La Strega Nocciola which is only a 3-minute walk away. This artisan gelato is made with only the freshest/non synthetic ingredients. All of their flavors are divine and they are more than happy to let you taste test to find the perfect flavor for you…although I highly recommend the hazelnut!

Museo dell’Opera del Duomo

After lunch, walk back over the Arno and head towards the Duomo. For a nice museum to walk off all that lunch, check out the Opera del Duomo Museum. This museum houses a vast collection of works of artists who brought life to Florence throughout the Renaissance. With works by Michelangelo, Donatello, Brunelleschi, Ghiberti and countless others, this is one you don’t want to miss!

Watch the Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo

After a much needed afternoon siesta, get ready for a perfect way to end the day. You will want to grab a pre-dinner snack to take with you up to the Piazzale Michelangelo. Might I suggest swinging by a local wine and cheese shop, Formaggioteca Terrior, and picking up some delicious wine and cheese from Rebecca and Pierre. (They also own a wine tour company called Grape Tours for when you come back to Florence again and have more time!) They will be sure and suggest the perfect pairings for your early evening snack. Head up to Piazzale Michelangelo for one of the best sunset shows in the world. From here you will see the sun set while the entire city of Florence sits as your backdrop. This is a very popular place, so get your seat early and don’t be surprised if you witness an engagement while there!

Dinner & a late night stroll

Dinner always happens later in the evening, so make a reservation for after the sunset viewing. One of our personal favorites is Osteria del Gatto e la Volpe! Stumbling upon this restaurant by accident a few years ago, it quickly became a favorite that we have gone back to again! As always, you can ask your hotel concierge for dinner recommendations as well. Remember…locals always give the BEST recommendations. Trust them!

Wrap up your evening with a stroll through town. Piazza della Signoria and Piazza della Repubblica are always lively in the evenings. Pick up one last gelato or find a street side patio to have one last glass of amazing wine. I promise you will lay your head down exhausted and full in the best way! Cheers!