Piazza Del Duomo

Once it settles in that you’ve woken up in Florence, Italy, grab a bite to eat at your nearest bodega and head to the Piazza del Duomo. The Duomo is a site you do not want to miss on your trip to Florence. Right in the center of the city, the Duomo is part of the Florence Cathedral, which towers over the rest of the city with its incredible size . While you’re there, grab a photo-op and maybe even step inside to see for yourself, if the doors are open!

In the Piazza, there are many restaurant options to choose from for indoor or outdoor dining with a view of the 700-year-old building!

Uffizi Gallery

Next up is an air-conditioned stop to look at some more historic Italian art. The museum is filled with artworks by household names such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Michaelangelo and Botticelli. Housing both statues and paintings, the Ufizzi Gallery is also known for it’s incredible architecture that will leave you speechless.

Aperitivo

As the late afternoon rolls in, make sure to stop for slow down for Aperitivo. Aperitivo is an Italian tradition which is the experience of having a drink before eating a meal. Restaurants all over Florence partake in Aperitivo and try some of the traditional recommendations. Aperitivo is typically a beverage combined with an appetizer of some sort and is a great way to kick off the evening! Follow it up with dinner and take this time to indulge in some of the best food in the world.

Nightlife

If the Aperitivo has gotten you in the mood to party, you’re in luck. Florence has some amazing nightlife! Head out for a night on the town and check out some of these hot spots:

• View on Art - Rooftop

• Tower Bar

Mercado Centrale

Rise and shine and get ready to shop til you drop. Before venturing out for food, make your way to the Mercado Centrale, which is Florence’s well-known meat and leather market. It sounds intimidating, but think of the inside as a giant farmers market with plenty of ready-to-eat fresh meals. Walk through, grab a bite to eat and head outside for the leather and clothing market. Here you will find dozens of vendors selling various items including clothing, shoes, accessories etc. Everything is made of genuine leather and you can get it at a great price! Don’t be afraid to barter with the sellers to get the best price possible!

Piazza Michaelangelo

Once you’ve filled your bags with the finest leather goods, put on your walking shoes and get ready to walk to the best view in Florence. Take an hour walk across the Arno River and up to Piazza Michaelangelo to see panoramic views of all of Florence, the Arno and the Duomo in one. This Piazza is romantic, fun and is almost always buzzing with live music performers, street vendors and, of course, gelato.

Stop at one of the vendors and grab some gelato and a beverage to enjoy while you take in the scenery!

Trattoria Anita

Saving the best for last, the final stop on your 48-hour journey through Florence will be my all-time favorite restaurant, Trattoria Anita. Nestled in a brick alley (literal hole-in-the-wall spot) you will find one of the most authentic Italian cuisines there is. Trattoria Anita has incredible service on top of it’s already incredible menu. It is quite small, but the wait will be worth it! If you eat meat, I've heard the pasta carbonara is to die for.

Tower Bar - Another rooftop option with a beautiful garden dining feel.

Trattoria Anita: Nestled in a brick alley (literal hole-in-the-wall spot) you will find one of the most authentic Italian cuisines there is. Trattoria Anita has incredible service on top of it’s already incredible menu

Casa Tattoria: Another one of my favorites, outdoor plaza dining with a view of the Piazza Santa Maria Novella.

Fiorino D’oro: Outdoor plaza dining under cover with views of the Piazza Della Republica.

La Buona Novella: Upscale dining with a chef who specializes in Tuscan quinine with a focus on vegetables.

Yab: Nightclub for late night dancing and drinks!