Visit Florence: Insider Tips and Secrets for an Unforgettable Experience

Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, is known for its beauty, art, history, fashion, and culinary excellence. While iconic sites like the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio attract millions of visitors annually, many lesser-known treasures make a trip to Florence worthwhile. Here are some curated insider tips and secret spots to enhance your Florentine experience.

Italian style / Where to shop fashion

Florence is home to boutiques showcasing the best Italian style and design.

• Loretta Caponi - This historic boutique is the go-to place for hand-embroidered and hand-sewn ready-to-wear collections and couture lingerie for women, loungewear for men, and linens for children. Since the early fifties, Loretta Caponi creations have been sought-after among royalty and high society. However, they are notable because the  garments are “never excessive and always wearable by normal women”. The family business endures through its heritage of fine craftsmanship, passing on the Italian savoir-faire to talented seamstresses and extending to decorated linens for the table, bathroom and bedroom. No two pieces are identical.
  
• Gerard - Founded in 1969 by Florentine entrepreneur and stylist Paolo Pecchioli, his legacy continues in the hands of his daughter Giulia. The boutique grew internationally through several iterations but returned to a single-brand focus in 2013. Giulia now designs limited quantities of small capsule collections for men, women and children. The fabrics are sourced worldwide, washed and coloured by hand, and used for garments made exclusively in Italy.
  
  
• Faliero Sarti - This renowned brand is famous for producing fine yarns for luxurious scarves for men and women. It has achieved cult status for its quality, Tuscan craftsmanship, and storytelling woven into its timeless collections. The company is now in its third generation and is managed by the founder’s niece, Monica Sarti. Faliero Sarti accessories now extend to home decor and pet collections. They offer pet lovers the opportunity to customise a jacquard blanket with the image of their much-adored companion.

Artisanal excellence / Where to shop artisanal crafts

The city has a deep-rooted tradition of artisanal excellence. These workshops are a must-visit for those seeking one-of-a-kind pieces.

• Locchi Firenze - This historic glassmaking workshop specialises in fine glass and crystal. It’s a family business, founded as a small 19th-century workshop. It has expanded into tableware and interior design, with craftsmen producing elegant glassware and unique home decor. 

• Pampaloni 1902 - Four generations have seen Pampaloni develop into a silverware shop like no other. The workshop’s atmosphere is a marvel, transporting visitors into a world of artisanal mastery. After watching the silversmiths at work, enjoy coffee and refreshments served using Pampaloni’s porcelainware and silver accessories.

• Officina Profumo Santa Maria Novella - Visit one of the world’s oldest apothecaries, dating back to the 13th century, and make sure you have plenty of time to take it all in. It’s a sanctuary of scents, skincare, and wellness products made with natural ingredients. You will be reluctant to leave this otherworldly haven celebrating over 800 years of heritage.

• Ginori 1735 Firenze Flagship - Ginori 1735 embodies artistic expression, a way of life, and an invitation to embrace creativity at the table. Through Jake Gyllenhaal’s appreciation for art and spontaneity, the brand reimagines the dining experience. Its flagship store is in Florence, brimming with elegant tableware, home accessories, and artful porcelain pieces.

Art and architecture / Where to find art and architecture off the tourist map

Beyond the famous museums and galleries, Florence has some lesser-known artistic marvels to explore.

• Galleria Romanelli - This intimate sculpture gallery is a hidden gem. Home to the Romanelli family’s centuries-old sculpting tradition, it offers a rare glimpse into the world of classical and contemporary sculpture.

• Cappella Rucellai - Tempietto Santo Sepolcro – Accessible via the Marino Marini Museum, this “miniature temple” is an architectural masterpiece. It was designed by Leon Battista Alberti around 1467 and is an incredible example of Renaissance geometry and proportion.

• La Chiesa di Santa Felicita (Church of Saint Felicity) – This is one of the city’s oldest churches, dating back to Roman times. Above the interior Latin cross plan, you can see the Vasari Corridor. Visible from inside and outside, the corridor allowed the Medici family to move between their residence and government buildings while avoiding the people in the market.  

Garden views / Where to see magnificent Florentine gardens

Escape from the bustling city streets to gardens offering tranquillity and panoramic views.

• Giardino Bardini - A lesser-known alternative to the Boboli Gardens, Giardino Bardini is worth visiting for its views, Baroque-style stairwell, and mini gardens on each terrace. From mid-April to the beginning of May, the wisteria is in full bloom.

• Giardino dell’Iris (the Iris Garden) – Dedicated to the city’s symbolic flower, this garden near Piazzale Michelangelo is only open in spring in the northern hemisphere, when the irises bloom.

Where to eat: a culinary journey 

The city’s food scene is as rich as its artistic heritage, with restaurants that offer everything from classic Tuscan dishes to gourmet experiences.

• Gucci Osteria - The restaurant is an atelier of culture, led by Michelin-starred chefs inspired by the colours and flavours of Italy. It also has a private dining room and function rooms for special events. 

• Osteria delle Tre Panche (Roof Hotel Hermitage) – Known for its truffle dishes, this intimate eatery has spectacular rooftop views. If you love truffles, this is the place to indulge.

• Cibrèo (Sant’Ambrogio) - Since 1979, Cibrèo has redefined traditional cuisine. This Sant’Ambrogio icon, named after a historic Florentine dish, pioneered a seasonal, short-supply-chain approach – revolutionary then and timeless now. A favourite among locals, this spot serves authentic Tuscan cuisine in a relaxed setting. 

• Regina Bistecca - A lesser-known yet exceptional steakhouse, this restaurant is dedicated to the art of cooking the perfect Florentine steak (bistecca alla Fiorentina). Located near the Duomo, its menu reflects traditional Florentine food culture.

• Trattoria Cammillo - This authentic trattoria in the Oltrarno district offers traditional Tuscan dishes and imaginative creations. Unpretentious and genuine, regulars make it their refuge where they feel part of the family.

Final tips for visiting Florence

• Book in advance Many destinations require reservations, so plan ahead.

• Visit early or late To experience the city’s magic without the crowds, visit significant sites early in the morning or during the golden hour.

• Walk everywhere Florence is best explored on foot, as every corner reveals something extraordinary.

• Explore Oltrarno This neighbourhood across the Arno River is a treasure trove of artisan workshops, charming cafés, and lesser-known attractions.

• Try seasonal specialities Whether truffles in autumn or fresh iris blooms in spring, Florence offers different delights throughout the year.

By venturing beyond the usual tourist routes and discovering its hidden gems, you’ll experience Florence in a way that few travellers do.