Best things to see, do, and eat in Florence, Italy
Best things to see, do, and eat in Florence, Italy
The Points Plan
Home to arguably the best food and wine on earth.
We loved Florence and the beautiful Tuscan vineyards and can't wait to return one day.
You'll find our favorite restaurants, activities, and a few day trips included in this guide.
Here are some travel tips:
1. The trains STOP at around 7PM; so make sure you plan your dinner reservations accordingly. The app you want is called "Trenitalia" - I've included a link to the app under "Day Trips" below.
2. Take all of your normal public safety precautions; pickpocketing and side scams are common.
3. If the gelato is mounded so high it's reaching towards the heavens, it's not for you.
4. If there are waiters outside waving you in with bold English menus, say "no, grazi".
5. Always ask if the establishment accepts credit cards before you order.
6. Prepare to tip your tour guides well, especially if your tour was "Free".
7. Do not pass up on a wine window!! This city's beautiful and unique, hidden gems.
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Restaurants
Fattoria Il Palagio
@thepointsplan
If you find yourself in the Tuscan hillsides outside of town, then this place was wonderful. The food here was delicious and the staff was very friendly.
Viale Dante 99/101
50038 Scarperia / San Piero
Firenze – ITALY
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I Fratellini
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Tucked away on one of the side streets off the main piazza, don't miss this sandwich shop. The line moves quickly and the prices are very reasonable. Grab a sandwich and a spot on the sidewalk to enjoy!
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Fedora
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Technically a cooking school, and open for lunch and snacks. Anything with oranges likely grown in the courtyard. Great spot to grab a bite and sit in their quite patio in the back.
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Caffè Scudieri Firenze
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Nice spot to grab a pastry and a quick coffee! Order at the bar, pay at the counter in the corner.
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Beppa Fioraia
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We loved this spot! We ate outside and everything was perfect. Make a reservation and arrive early to find a parking spot.
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Babae
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Another one we had to cancel reservations because we wouldn't be able to make it back due to the trains stopping at 7pm.
Let me know if you give them a try!
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Il Latini
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I was so sad we had to cancel our reservation for this place because it looked amazing. A bit on the fancier side so make sure you make a reservation!
One of the oldest restaurants in Florence. Order wine at the window while you wait for your table.
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Things to Do:
Wine Windows
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So many wine windows, so little time! Is this the coolest part of the city? I think so. You'll find them tucked away along streets and alleyways with tell-tale signs of other tourists taking photos and enjoying the wine.
*Try to pay or at least tip in cash.
** The surrounding businesses and museums will likely kick you out if you try to sit or stand in their walkways/ entrances so be mindful of where you enjoy your wine.
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Pasta Cooking Class
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This pasta class was so much fun! Learn how to make pasta noodles and sauce from scratch.
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Piazzale Michelangelo
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Great view of the city, and worth the climb. Aim to arrive around sunset or a bit earlier to grab a drink and a spot to sit down.
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Leonardo da Vinci Interactive Museum
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Kid friendly and interesting spot to learn more about Leonardo Da Vinci. We did not go as we heard it was more for the kids :)
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Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
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If you want to get into the cathedrals for free, then you'll need to show early for mass. Make sure you're in line 45min before to make sure you get a spot!
8:30 AM Mass
10:00 Gregorian Chant Mass
The entrance for mass is on the south side. If you face the Duomo, go to the right past the bell tower all the way to the second entrance right by the smaller domes to the side of the large dome. That's the entrance for worship.
*Personal opinion, the outside is more impressive than the inside, but still worth a look around.
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Renaissance & Medici Tales - guided by a STORYTELLER
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We missed this tour because it was too hot, but it has great reviews and an interesting perspective on the city
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Uffizi Gallery
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Art museum, go in to see the art, or skip and just walk along the river.
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Day Trips
Tuscany Bike Tour
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One of the most memorable experiences we did while in Tuscany! It was beautiful and the lunch and wine provided at the end was fantastic. Pick-up point is in Florence, then you are taken via van to Tuscany to pick-up your bikes and begin the tour. Recommend the e-bikes unless your up for a challenge.
Min age: 10 years old
Tuscan Bike Tour
9am - 3pm
$120/ Person
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Leaning Tower of Pisa
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Just over an hour away from Florence via train. I would recommend a tour to learn about the history and the story behind the attractions.
*Recommend you skip the wine tour part
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Venice
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A 3 hour train ride from Florence, but well worth it if this is your only chance to visit. Explore the city, eat lots of gelato, take a gondola ride.
*Be extra cautious of pick pockets disguised as fellow tourists.
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* * *
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