Last summer we did a boat trip around the south of France with a group of friends and had the most incredible time! We were fortunate enough to get invited again… this time the destination was the Amalfi Coast! We wanted to make the most of our time in Italy since we were making the trip from the U.S. so we decided to add Florence to the beginning of the trip. This way by the time we made it on the boat we would be adjusted to the time change and not be drained from a long travel day.
You guys know how much I love Italy and at this point I would call it my second home when it comes to how I spend the summer. This was a very surprising, last minute trip for us and when looking around at different cities in Italy we somehow got lucky with our first choice hotel in Florence being available. During peak season that was shocking to me and it was definitely confirmation that we were meant to visit Florence.
Roman had been to Florence before but it had been several years and I had been wanting to go since we binged the Medici series on Netflix 😉 Obsessed with it! We booked a three night trip and had an amazing time! I am hoping the next visit we can add the countryside to the mix. I would love to stay in Tuscany at an amazing villa, do some wine tastings, take a cooking class, do some day trips… that will be next on my list!
HOW TO GET THERE
To get to Florence, Italy, you have several options depending on your starting location and preferences. Here are the most common ways:
By Plane
- Florence Airport (Amerigo Vespucci Airport, FLR): Located about 6 km from the city center, it offers flights from various European destinations. From the airport, you can take a taxi, a shuttle bus, or a tram to the city center.
- Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei Airport, PSA): About 80 km from Florence, with more international connections. You can take a train or bus from Pisa to Florence, which takes about an hour.
*We took a Flight to Amsterdam from the US then direct to Florence where we had a car from the hotel come pick us up and bring us directly to the hotel. The whole process from landing in Florence to arriving at the hotel was a little over one hour.
By Train
- From Rome: High-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Italo) from Roma Termini to Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN) take about 1.5 hours.
- From Milan: High-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Italo) from Milano Centrale to Firenze SMN take about 1.5-2 hours.
- From Venice: High-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Italo) from Venezia Santa Lucia to Firenze SMN take about 2 hours.
Getting Around Florence
- Once in Florence, you can explore the city on foot, by public buses, trams, or taxis. Florence’s historic center is quite compact and pedestrian-friendly. We got dropped off in the center of town each day and walked around from there – we never needed to take a car once in town.
Where we stayed
1. Villa San Michele
- Location: Via Doccia 4, Fiesole, 50014 Florence – About 20 minutes outside the city center.
- Description: When we decided we wanted to visit Florence this was my first choice for a hotel. I have followed them on IG for a while and we love a Belmond property. It is a former monastery turned luxury hotel, Villa San Michele offers a unique blend of history, art, and luxury. Set on a hilltop in Fiesole, it provides stunning views of Florence and the Arno Valley. The hotel features beautiful gardens, a panoramic pool, and a renowned restaurant.
- Amenities: Outdoor pool, fine dining restaurant, fitness center, spa services, complimentary shuttle service to Florence – used this every day!
- Website: Villa San Michele
10/10 Recommend!
2. Hotel Savoy
- Location: Piazza della Repubblica 7, 50123 Florence – Right in the center of town. Amazing location for walking around and exploring.
- Description: Located in the heart of Florence, Hotel Savoy offers luxurious accommodations with elegant design. It’s within walking distance of major attractions like the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio. The hotel combines contemporary style with classic Italian design.
- Amenities: Fitness center, fine dining restaurant, bar, meeting rooms, family-friendly services.
- Website: Hotel Savoy
10/10 Recommend if you want to be in town!
Other Recommended Hotels
3. Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
- Location: Borgo Pinti 99, 50121 Florence
- Description: Set in a 15th-century palace and a former convent, this hotel boasts beautiful gardens, a luxurious spa, and an outdoor pool. It combines historical architecture with modern amenities.
- Amenities: Spa, outdoor pool, fitness center, Michelin-starred restaurant, complimentary shuttle to the city center.
- Website: Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
4. Portrait Firenze
- Location: Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli 4, 50123 Florence
- Description: This boutique hotel offers a personalized and luxurious experience with stunning views of the Arno River and Ponte Vecchio. Suites are elegantly designed, and the service is highly personalized.
- Amenities: Personalized concierge services, rooftop terrace, fitness center, gourmet restaurant.
- Website: Portrait Firenze
5. The St. Regis Florence
- Location: Piazza Ognissanti 1, 50123 Florence
- Description: Housed in a historic building along the Arno River, The St. Regis offers opulent interiors and top-notch service. The hotel features a renowned restaurant and a luxurious spa.
- Amenities: Spa, fitness center, fine dining restaurant, butler service, river views.
- Website: The St. Regis Florence
6. Hotel Brunelleschi
- Location: Piazza Santa Elisabetta 3, 50122 Florence
- Description: A charming hotel set in a restored Byzantine tower and medieval church, offering a blend of historical charm and modern comfort. It’s located close to the Duomo and other central attractions.
- Amenities: Fitness center, gourmet restaurant, bar, meeting rooms.
- Website: Hotel Brunelleschi
Our room was a former chapel and was so cute! The only one on property and definately made our stay a little extra unique! It was separate from the main building and was very private but we had to go up and down a little hill every time we needed to go anywhere. We loved it but next time I would like to stay in the main building to be a bit closer. We did get some amazing photos here though!
We stayed two nights at Villa San Michele and one night at Hotel Savoy. Villa San Michele only had two nights available due to our last minute booking but I think it worked out for the best because it was really great to stay in town one night and get to experience both. Villa San Michelle was so unique and such a stunning property. The food was incredible and I have officially decided I had the best pasta of my life here – which I do not say lightly. Hotel Savoy had an amazing staff. Every single person we interacted with was incredibly kind and helpful. We also loved the location most of all. It is right by all the shopping and the Duomo which was nice to wake up early and see before the crowds. Overall I would stay at both again but if I had to choose I would say Villa San Michele is a must see – even if it is just for dinner one night.
WHERE TO EAT
- Loggia Restaurant at Villa San Michele – Fine dining restaurant made with locally-sourced ingredients. Stunning views over Florence. Tasting menu options *if one person gets a tasting menu the other person has to get the same tasting menu (this is the one thing I didn’t like here)
- Pool Restaurant (San Michele Grill) at Villa San Michele – Casual dining with light meals and snacks by the poolside. The best pasta I have had! They made me spaghetti with olive oil, garlic and chili and it was FANTASTIC!
- Ristorante San Michele at Villa San Michele – Traditional Italian and Mediterranean dishes using fresh, local ingredients. Incredible views. I prefer this restaurant to Loggia because it’s a bit more casual (they are right next to each other so they have a very similar view)
- Osteria Pastella – Traditional Tuscan dishes with a modern twist, famous for their falbé tagliatelle.
- Babae Wine Window – Unique wine window experience offering wine and small appetizers.
- Enoteca Pinchiorri – Three-Michelin-star restaurant with exquisite Italian cuisine and an extensive wine list.
- La Giostra – Cozy atmosphere with traditional Tuscan cuisine, known for homemade pasta and bistecca alla Fiorentina.
- Trattoria Cammillo – Historic trattoria offering classic Tuscan dishes in a charming, rustic setting.
- Il Santo Bevitore – Modern bistro blending traditional and contemporary Italian cuisine, featuring seasonal dishes and excellent wines.
- Ora d’Aria – Michelin-starred restaurant offering innovative Italian cuisine with a focus on seasonal and local ingredients.
- Cibrèo Ristorante – Renowned for its creative take on traditional Tuscan cuisine, offering a refined dining experience.
- Buca Lapi – One of Florence’s oldest restaurants, known for its bistecca alla Fiorentina and traditional Tuscan dishes.
TOP 3 GELATO SPOTS
- Gelateria dei Neri – Known for its creamy texture and wide range of flavors, including some unique options.
- Vivoli – One of the oldest gelaterias in Florence, famous for its rich and natural flavors made from high-quality ingredients.
- Gelateria La Carraia – Popular for its smooth, creamy gelato and a variety of delicious flavors.
WHAT TO DO
- Accademia Gallery – Famous for Michelangelo’s David. Highly recommend getting skip the line tickets
- Duomo Cathedral – 45 minute guided tour. I booked through Viator. I am not a tour gal but this ended up being great. The guide knew so much about the history and pointed out things I wouldn’t have noticed on my own. You can also book tickets to climb to the top of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo) for breathtaking views of Florence. The climb is challenging, but the panoramic view from Brunelleschi’s Dome is worth it.
- Shopping – There are so many stores in Florence. Both luxury and local shops. Wander the streets and see where you end up. Don’t forget to get a gelato while. you’re out!
- Ponte Vecchio – Walk across this historic bridge lined with jewelry shops. It’s one of Florence’s most iconic landmarks and offers beautiful views of the Arno River. The Ponte Vecchio is a medieval stone closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge – the only bridge in Florence spared from destruction during World War II.
- Santa Maria Novella – The world’s first pharmacy (800 years old!) It is so stunning and now offers perfumes, lotions and candles.
- Wine Window – Get wine from one of the famous wine windows. There are many still active locations – we went to Babae.
- Uffizi Gallery – Home to an incredible collection of Renaissance art, including works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo. Be sure to book tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
- Stroll Through the Boboli Gardens – These lush gardens behind the Pitti Palace offer a peaceful escape with sculptures, fountains, and manicured landscapes. It’s a great place for a leisurely walk and a picnic.
- Photos at a photobooth – There are super cute photo booths scattered around Florence. Have your 2 Euro coins ready because if you see one you should definitely stop and take some pics!
- Enjoy Gelato at a Local Gelateria – Treat yourself to some of the best gelato in the world. Visit popular spots like Gelateria dei Neri, Vivoli, or Gelateria La Carraia for delicious and authentic flavors.
Pro Tips: Walk around the Duomo before 8am before it gets crowded. The first picture at the photobooth comes very fast so be ready! The photos take 4 minutes to process. Go early to the wine window to avoid having to wait in line. If you go later in the evening plan to wait a while a be ready to wait for everyone to take photos. *They also have Aperol Sprits, not just wine 😉
We loved having sunset cocktails at Villa San Michele before heading to dinner. They have a really unique experience where they bring over a display of 5-6 fans that smell like their signature cocktails. The server waves the fan in front of you so you can smell them and get an idea of how each cocktail tastes. They are really spot on! I’ve never seen anything like that before and it added a little bit of fun to our evening drink routine. It is the perfect place to unwind from the day of exploring.
SHOP MY FLORENCE LOOKS
DEPARTING FLORENCE:
On our final day we needed to make our way down to Naples to catch our boat and decided to take the train over a flight. We did this to avoid the airport, potential delays, lost luggage, longer drives. The train was easy, very close to the center of town and didn’t require us to show up hours early – only 30 minutes. We would definitely choose to do that again over going to the airport.
Safe Travels!
xx Maddie
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