Travel tips for Florence
Author: Rebecca
published: July 7, 2025
Comments: 0
Day 1: Arrival - Accommodation - Evening program
Our outward flight was canceled due to a strike. Fortunately, we found a reasonably priced alternative by train - so nothing stood in the way of our trip to Italy. The transfers went smoothly and we arrived at the train station in Florence on time.
From there, we had to carry our suitcases another kilometer or so to our accommodation. It was a real struggle, and the cobblestones didn't make it any easier. But the effort was more than worth it: we found accommodation in a small hotel near the Ponte Vecchio and enjoyed a fantastic view over the city.
Steak instead of pizza?
During our four-day trip to Florence, we naturally informed ourselves thoroughly in advance about the cultural must-sees - and we didn't want to miss out on the culinary delights. However, anyone who thinks that Italy automatically means pizza is mistaken in Florence: the local specialty here is the famous Fiorentina steak.
To experience the typical Tuscan flair, we went to a well-known steak trattoria on the very first evening: the Trattoria dall'Oste. The rustic and lively ambience alone was worth the visit - but not only that: the steak also convinced us 100%.
After a leisurely stroll back to our neighborhood and an Aperol as a nightcap, we went to bed - the train journey and the early rise had left their mark.
Day 2: Sights and culture
The best part of any vacation in Italy is, of course, breakfast - we simply can't start the day without cornetto and cappuccino in the morning. All the better that there was a really great bakery very close to our accommodation: Madeleine - a sweet café with fabulously good cornetti.
On our first full day, we explored the Giardino Bardini and the Giardino del Bobolino. The Giardino Bardini is named after an art dealer and offers a magnificent view over Florence thanks to its terraces. If you visit in April or May, you might be lucky enough to see the famous wisteria arbor in full bloom - unfortunately, we weren't lucky this time.
It's not just the parks in Florence that are worth a visit - the city's impressive buildings are also not to be missed. In the heart of the city lies the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, one of Florence's most famous landmarks. Its Gothic and early Renaissance architecture will amaze any visitor.
The green and pink marble façade in particular is a real eye-catcher - we had never seen anything like it on our previous trips. The cathedral almost seems to glow in the sunlight.
Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
A visit to the oldest perfumery in the world is an absolute insider tip. It not only produces special fragrances, but also offers a real experience for all the senses.
As soon as you enter, you are greeted by a beautiful round arch decorated with flower garlands - a first taste of what awaits you. In the next room, before you reach the actual perfumery, projectors transform the white walls into an impressive play of colors: flowers and shapes are projected onto them, creating an almost magical atmosphere.
You can then sniff your way through the many different fragrances and discover your own personal favorite.
Before we left for our table reservation in Florence's oldest restaurant, we made a quick stop at one of the city's famous wine windows. These small windows are scattered all over Florence. You simply knock on the little door in the wall - and you can order a glass of wine or an aperitif. Really original and absolutely typical of Florence!
The oldest restaurant in Florence
We reserved a table at Buca Lapi weeks before our trip. From the outside, you can hardly imagine what awaits you inside. Buca Lapi is considered to be the oldest restaurant still in existence in the city and is located in a historic vaulted cellar under Palazzo Antinori.
It wasn't just the traditional Tuscan ambience that impressed us - the food and service were also outstanding. The food was excellent and our waiter read our every wish from our lips. An all-round successful culinary experience!
Day 3: Cinema and soccer
Palazzo dello Strozzino
The Palazzo dello Strozzino is a very special place. The historic building has been used as a cinema and bookshop since the 20th century.
While visitors can enjoy a wide variety of films in cozy lounge chairs on the upper floor, downstairs they can stroll through a diverse selection of books from a wide range of genres.
Stadium visit
Of course, a good soccer match is an essential part of a successful vacation in Italy. The journey to the stadium was easy by bus and also quite cheap. However, dressing warmly is worth its weight in gold here - the stadium is barely covered, so you're pretty much at the mercy of the weather. But as the saying goes, there's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.
However, the way back after the game was a little more difficult. Due to the large crowds, overcrowded buses and heavy traffic, nothing worked on the road at first. We therefore decided to walk back to the city. In a busy street near the Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio, we looked for something to eat. As it was already quite late, the choice was unfortunately limited - but we were lucky and discovered a pizzeria that was still open.
Day 4: Cultural finale
On the last day, we had already ticked off almost everything on our list and were able to relax and enjoy the rest of the day with a few last highlights. After a balanced breakfast, we walked across the Ponte Vecchio to the Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio. In the large market hall, locals sell fresh fruit and vegetables as well as meat, fish, cheese and much more. Outside, you can also find clothes, shoes and beautiful flowers.
After grabbing a coffee in the market hall, we strolled just a few hundred meters further to the Basilica Santa Croce.
As the weather was unfortunately not on our side that day, we spontaneously decided to visit the Galleria degli Uffizi. The gallery is located directly on the Arno and not only has an impressive permanent exhibition, but also regularly changing special exhibitions. If you're interested in art, this is the place for you!
Facts
- Period: March 28 - March 31 (4 days in total)
- Flight: Direct flight from VIE - FLR
- Airbnb: (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
[Santo Spirito Sky View Studio] - Restaurants, bars & more:
- Madeleine
[Lungarno Torrigiani, 11r, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy] - Trattoria Dall'Oste
[Borgo S. Lorenzo, 31, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy] - Buca Lapi
[Via del Trebbio, 1r, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy]
- Madeleine
- Google Maps ➡️ Our Google Maps list - Places of interest
- Google Maps ➡️ Our Google Maps list - Food Spots