IT WAS THE CITY THAT PULLED THE WORLD FROM THE MIDDLE AGES INTO THE MODERN ERA, AND TODAY ITS LEGACY LIVES ON THROUGH STUNNING RENAISSANCE ART AND ARCHITECTURE, PLUS MICHELIN FARE, DREAMY FIVE-STAR RESORTS, AND ENDLESS ITALIAN ROMANCE

BY AMANDA McCOY

“This is the fairest picture on our planet, the most enchanting to look upon, the most satisfying to the eye and the spirit,” waxed the hallowed Mark Twain of Florence, Italy. Tuscany’s capital, lovingly referred to as La Bella (Italian for “the beautiful”), is revered as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, a cultural and intellectual revival from the 14th to the 17th centuries, marked by a renewed interest in classical art, humanism, science, and innovation that quickly spread to the rest of Europe. Today, that heritage lives on through a stunning parade of historic landmarks, from the Duomo, the Gothic marvel whose dome keeps protective watch over the city, to Palazzo Vecchio, Florence’s grand town hall that dates back to the early 1300s. Its magic is infectious, kindling the creativity of countless writers, artists, and musicians over the centuries, and today its exalted past still emanates from the cobbled streets dotted with leather boutiques, Michelin starred restaurants, and charming cafés.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Set in the heart of the Tuscan region along the picturesque Arno River (about 145 miles northwest of Rome), Florence is far from a “hidden gem.” An estimated 10 to 16 million visitors flock to the city each year, and like many famed Western European urban centers, it has been significantly impacted by tourism, causing wear and tear on its hallowed historic sites. It’s important to be conscious and intentional when touring Florence’s many treasured landmarks (some of which are 1,000-plus years old).

While Florence is a relatively small city, spanning about 39.5 square miles (for reference, Rome rings in at 496.1 square miles, and New York at 468.9), its vast sea of museums, churches, and cultural landmarks can easily fill a weeklong itinerary. Its intimate size means it’s highly walkable, as most of the major sites are located within close proximity to one another. There are several walking and hiking trails along the city’s edge, too, serving idyllic views of the red-roofed cityscape. (Viale dei Colli, a long and picturesque promenade from Ponte San Niccolò to Porta Romana, is a great one.) If you’re planning on visiting multiple attractions, the Firenzecard is a must, offering skip-the line entry to more than 60 museums for 72 hours.

ATTRACTIONS

VIA DE’ TORNABUONI Florence’s most prestigious shopping street is known for its luxury boutiques, historic palaces, and elegant atmosphere. Lined with high-end brands like Gucci, Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Bulgari, it’s a paradise for fashion lovers and those seeking exclusive shopping experiences. The street is also home to iconic landmarks such as Palazzo Strozzi, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, and the Ferragamo Museum, celebrating the brand’s legacy. Whether browsing designer stores, enjoying a refined café, or admiring the historic surroundings, Via de’ Tornabuoni offers a glimpse into Florence’s sophisticated lifestyle and aristocratic past.

UFFIZI GALLERY

This renowned art museum houses an extraordinary collection of Renaissance masterpieces. Built in the 16th century by Giorgio Vasari for the Medici family, the museum features iconic works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Raphael. Highlights include Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and da Vinci’s Annunciation. Its grand halls and corridors, dressed with stunning frescoes and sculptures, offer a journey through the evolution of art.

Overlooking the Arno River, the Uffizi is a must-visit for art lovers and his tory enthusiasts alike. Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended due to high demand. uffizi.it/en

GIARDINO TORRIGIANI

The largest privately held garden on the entire continent, Giardino Torrigiani dates back to the 16th century. It was transformed in the 19th century into a stunning English-style garden, featuring rare botanical species, elegant statues, and a striking neo-Gothic tower that once served as an astronomical observatory. Owned by the noble Torrigiani family, the garden is not open to the public but can be visited by special appointment or private tours, offering an exclusive glimpse into Florence’s past and serene natural beauty.

WHERE TO STAY

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL FIRENZE

Set in a restored 15th-century Renaissance palace and former convent, this five-star hotel is steeped in history. It offers quiet respite only ten minutes from the Duomo, cradled by an expan sive private garden dotted with statues, fountains, and centuries-old trees. It’s regal and commanding, dressed with frescoed ceilings, stained glass, and bronze sculptures, yet remains fresh and current (there’s nightly DJ sets at the recently opened Onde, a contemporary coastal restaurant designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon). The suites are even decked out with ancient paintings, sculptures, and original Baroque frescoes. T he flagship Royal Suite will feel like your private Renaissance palace, finished with painted vaulted ceilings, original Capodimonte Maioliche-style ceramic floors, and 17th-century frescoes. Rooms begin at $2,600 per night. fourseasons.com

PORTRAIT FIRENZE

A favorite among celebrities and socialites, this sleek boutique on the Ponte Vecchio radiates 21st century Italian swank. Rooms are chic and contemporary, finished with dark hardwood floors, shiny metal accents, and designer digs from Ferragamo. Floor-to-ceiling windows in each of the just-37 accommodations serve sweeping views of the river, and many are equipped with terraces for sipping espresso as the sun warms the city. The charming ground-floor Caffè dell’Oro is open from early-morning coffee through post-dinner nightcaps, with afternoon tea and aperitifs slotted between lunch and dinner. We recommend nabbing one of the al fresco tables overlooking Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli. Rooms begin at $2,000 per night. lungarnocollection.com

DINE AND DRINK

REGINA BISTECCA

Since its debut in 2018, this vibrant steakhouse has been racking in recognition. Set in a 140-year-old former anti quarian bookshop, the restaurant specializes in the city’s iconic Bistecca alla Fiorentina a thick, large grilled T-bone made from locally sourced beef. Diners can choose their breed, which includes the famed Tuscan Chianina, along with accoutrements like house-made pasta, Tuscan beans, and creamed spinach. Before your order is finalized, servers bring the raw meat for approval, then present a bone-handled knife to dig in. After their 20th steak, diners are gifted a personalized knife made by artisans in Scarperia to take home. reginabistecca.com

ENOTECA PINCHIORRI

The city’s only triple-Michelin-starred restaurant can also boast the top-ranked wine cellar in the world, home to more than 90,000 bottles (the restaurant actually debuted as a wine shop in 1972). The menu, crafted by Chef Annie Féolde, the first female chef in Italy to earn three Michelin stars, is a modern reinterpretation of classic Tuscan tradition: cuttle fish in Parmigiano Reggiano milk with toasted sesame and turnip top chimi churri; saddle of venison royale with celeriac and whisky; and roasted pigeon breast sandwich with grilled spinach and salted plum purée. The wine pairings deserve a Michelin star on their own. enotecapinchiorri.it

TRATTORIA SABATINO

Yes, there are eight Michelin restaurants in Florence to indulge in supreme culinary finery, but nothing satiates the soul quite like a cozy, family-run trattoria. This one has been serving comfort dishes since the ‘50s, and it remains a beloved stalwart among locals. Choose from the day’s menu (typed out on a vintage Corona), and expect the classics: minestrone de verdure or spaghetti al pomodoro, all dropped on checkered tablecloths. The ambiance only adds to the charm, marked by exposed beamed ceilings, tile floors, and old photographs on the walls. trattoriasabatino.it