Best of: Florence
Florence is a magical city located in Tuscany known for the arts. Explore the city with our new Director of Marketing and Communications, Niccolo Leone.
Beach Club
Though Florence is a landlocked city, people flock to the banks of the Arno river during the summer months to keep cool. Easy Living offers the perfect refuge from the heat shaded by massive coniferous trees and ventilated by a gentle breeze that follows the flow of the river. It boasts one of the most breathtaking locations to watch the sunset over the city while dining al-fresco and is a great place for a cocktail and live music.
Place for Brunch
Il Teatro Del Sale. Though this exclusive members-only club is famous for its evenings, where lavish Tuscan cuisine fresh from the kitchen is paired with delightful theatrical performances, il Teatro del Sale also offers its members an incredible Italian style brunch. Where sweet breakfast items are combined with lunch in a delectable buffet.
Tailor
Alessandro Cisternino. You won’t find this guy anywhere, but he is a world famous “Sarto” who tailors for Boggi in Florence. If you need your suit fitted, he is their go-to man.
Hotel
Lungarno Collection | At the Lungarno Collection, you will find everything from elegant and comfortable bedrooms to exquisite cocktail bars, decadent tea rooms, and a Michelin Star restaurant. They are the complete package and impeccably presented. They boast a modernized classic style that is both inviting and sleek yet traditionally Florentine.
Belmond Villa San Michele (Fiesole) | The Belmond is far more old-fashioned that its city counterparts at Lungarno Collection. But what it lacks in modernity it more than makes up for in classic elegance. Villa San Michele represents Florence’s glorious past in style. It’s classical design both indoors and outdoors take you back in time. The elegantly clad and impeccably mannered staff are also difficult to find anywhere else. This is the perfect place to enjoy the quiet lifestyle that characterizes life on the Florentine hills, where you can sip a glass of wine in their flower garden as you gaze out on Florence’s city skyline.
Favorite building known for its architecture
The Uffizi Gallery, Il Bargello. Florence’s most famous museum boasts powerful arches against the backdrop of Piazza Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio on one end and Ponte Vecchio on the other make it one of the most visually stunning designs in the city. Inside you will find highly decorated renaissance halls and extravagant ceilings which can also be found Il Bargello.
Favorite Restaurant
Il Borro Tuscan Bistro, La Bottega del Buon Caffe. Il Borro Tuscan Bistro offers visitors a refined taste of Florence. Here traditional Tuscan dishes meet haute cuisine in a casual atmosphere under the guidance of the talented Chef Andrea Campani. Chef de Cuisine of Osteria del Borro.
La Bottega del Buon Caffé boasts a sophisticated take on traditionally unrefined Florentine foods. Here the inspired touch of Antonello Sardi transforms simple foods into works of art carefully crafting each dish and combining ingredients like a scientist chemist in a laboratory. You can watch as he prepares each dish in his open kitchen as you relax and admire Jeanette Thottrup’s style that combines Nordic design to Italian interiors.
Favorite Salon
Renato Coiffeur
Favorite Jeweler
Jean Saade, Alessandro Dari Gioielli
Favorite Cocktail Bar
From extraordinary takes on traditional cocktails to unique inventions, La Menagere is by far one of the best places for a cocktail in Florence. It’s interiors combine multiple styles making it one of the most interesting visually and conceptually.
Favorite Interior Designer
Jeanette Thottrup. The talented designer behind Borgo Santo Pietro, Satori, and La Bottega del Buon Caffé. Her vision transformed them into the lavish locales they are today. Bringing them to life, respecting their history and heritage so that they could be yet again shared, appreciated and celebrated. The results were indeed outstanding under every point of view to bring out their beauty.
Favorite cigar bar
Caffè Concerto Paszkowski located in Piazza Republica
Romantic restaurant
Trattoria Omero. Omero is a high end traditional Florentine restaurant. Their difference lies in the quality and their service. Perhaps the most romantic aspects of this restaurant are its cozy interiors and its magnificent windows overlooking vast stretches of Tuscan landscape.
View
Piazzale Michelangelo is by far the most stunning view in Florence. The Piazza was made when Florence became the capital of Italy, albeit briefly. Here people gather from all over the world to take photographs of the Florentine city skyline.
Theater
Teatro Verdi, Teatro Goldoni, Teatro Niccolini
Picnic spot
Fattoria di Maiano.
Shop
Gutteridge, Boggi. The staple of the modern classic Italian man. These two brands are synonymous with elegance, Italian style, and quality. They are designed for the contemporary man with a very heavy-handed classic touch.
Cup of coffee
Caffè Pasticceria Serafini. Just outside the city walls is Caffé Serafini. A classic Italian “bar” similar to those found in the Florentine olden-days. This is the best place for the perfect Italian coffee in an elegant Italian setting. When in Rome do as the Romans do. When in Florence, be prepared to drink your hot espresso standing and conversing with the barman.
Spot for a walk
Boboli Gardens
Place to hear live music
La Menagerè. In addition to its spectacular cocktails, La Menagerie offers a cozy downstairs area where couples and friends can enjoy a glass of wine while listening to smooth live jazz from the comfort of their nooks and lounges.
Wine bar
La Bottega del Buon Caffe. Vito is one of the best sommeliers in the city. He will pair Chef Antonello Sardi’s creations to their vinaceous counterpart to best bring out the flavor to enhance your dining experience. If you simply wish to enjoy their fine collection of wines without eating, the wine bar offers a spectacular location to do so surrounded by rustic stone walls in front of a roaring fireplace.
Antique store
Albrici Firenze
Museum
Palazzo Strozzi is famous for its Renaissance art and contemporary show. From Bronzino to AiWeiWei, Palazzo Strozzi is one of the most exciting museums to visit.
Spa
Four Seasons Hotel or Golden Tower Hotel and Spa
Day trip
Chianti is host to a plethora of little gems, each town with its hidden attractions from wine to cheese, gelato, truffles, olive oils, unique meats, breathtaking views and more. Some of the most renowned towns are Volterra, San Gimignano, and Siena. I recommend Volterra. Famous for its stunning views and wines.
Hotel Bar
La Terrazza Continentale. Part of the Lungarno Collection, which is one of our favorites, this sky-bar offers incredible views of Palazzo della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio. It’s a romantic spot with incredible cocktails and elegant design.
Best local street food
Semel. Marco, the owner, offers a unique take on Florentine sandwiches in a traditionally Florentine environment. Unlike other sandwich shops, there is something elegant about the design here. Marco’s etiquette in greeting and serving customers makes it an overall very pleasant experience.
