Your Guide to Florence’s Timeless Elegance and Exquisite Experiences
February 24, 2025 – Best Things to Do in Florence: Culture, Shopping, and Italian Gastronomy
In Florence, Fashion, Art, Gastronomy, and Shopping Converge to Create an Extraordinary Travel Experience. From Savoring the Finest Tuscan Delicacies to Immersing Oneself in the Vibrant Artsy Scene and Exploring Upscale Boutiques, Florence Offers a Tapestry of Delights for the Discerning Traveler.
Florence, the jewel of Tuscany, captivates you with its rich history, awe-inspiring fashion, art, and delectable cuisine. As you stroll through its cobblestone streets and bask in the splendor of its Renaissance architecture, Florence unveils a world of unique experiences.
Join us on a journey through this enchanting city as we uncover the must-visit attractions that will make your stay in Florence truly unforgettable:
GUCCI Garden
Discover the captivating world of Gucci at Gucci Garden in Florence. This multifaceted space, located in the historic Palazzo della Mercanzia, invites you to embark on an inspiring journey through the brand’s 105-year history. Showcasing its iconic designs, signature emblems, and the creative vision of its talented artisans and Creative Directors. From the Bamboo bag to the GG monogram and the Flora pattern. Dive into a unique glimpse into Gucci’s evolving allure and unwavering dedication to Italian craftsmanship.
Gucci Garden is also home to its store and the Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura restaurant headed by the Italian three-Michelin-star chef as well as it neighbors the Gucci Giardino 25 café and cocktail bar.
📍 Location: Gucci Garden, Palazzo della Mercanzia, Piazza della Signoria, Florence, Italy
🍽 Gucci Osteria: Michelin-starred restaurant by Massimo Bottura
☕ Gucci Giardino 25: Café and cocktail bar next to Gucci Garden
📌 Reservations: Recommended for Gucci Osteria
Villa Bardini
Immerse yourself in the world of art at Villa Bardini. Nestled in the heart of Florence, this historic villa is a testament to the city’s rich cultural and artistic heritage. Originally built in 1641 by architect Gherardo Silvani for Francesco Manadori, it embodies the House of Delight style that flourished in Florence during the late 16th and early 17th centuries.
Spanning four hectares, the Bardini Gardens offer a serene escape with lush landscapes and breathtaking views of Florence. Divided into distinct sections, the gardens feature an Italian Renaissance terrace, an Anglo-Chinese wisteria pergola, and an Agricultural Park, showcasing Tuscany’s deep-rooted connection to the land.
Beyond its botanical beauty, Villa Bardini is a cultural hub. It houses the Pietro Annigoni Museum, dedicated to the renowned Italian painter, and hosts rotating exhibitions, concerts, and cultural events throughout the year. Whether exploring the villa’s historic halls or strolling through the gardens, visitors can experience a harmonious blend of art, history, and nature in one of Florence’s most enchanting settings.
📍 Location: Villa Bardini, Costa San Giorgio 2, 50125 Florence, Italy
🏛 Historical Significance: Built in 1641, reflecting the House of Delight architectural style
🌿 Gardens: Seasonal hours, from 8:15 AM (closing times vary)
🎟 Tickets: Includes access to both the villa and gardens
📞 Contact: +39 055 2638599 | ✉ info@villabardini.it
🌐 Website: 🔗 Villa Bardini
VILLA CORA
Perched above the Boboli Gardens, Villa Cora is a sanctuary of elegance, where 19th-century grandeur meets contemporary luxury. Built in 1868 by Baron Oppenheim, this aristocratic residence has long been a symbol of Florence’s refined social scene. Over the years, it has welcomed dignitaries and artists, including Princess Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, and Claude Debussy, who found inspiration within its lavish interiors.
Surrounded by a centuries-old park, Villa Cora offers a tranquil escape just beyond the historic center. Inside, its opulent salons showcase an eclectic blend of architectural influences, from lavish neoclassical frescoes to intricate Moorish detailing. Each room echoes the villa’s transformation from a noble estate to one of Florence’s most coveted luxury hotels.
Following an extensive restoration, Villa Cora reopened in 2010, preserving its historical splendor while introducing modern comforts. Today, as part of The Leading Hotels of the World, it continues to define the pinnacle of hospitality, offering exquisite suites, fine dining, and an exclusive wellness retreat.
📍 Location: Villa Cora, Viale Machiavelli 18, 50125 Florence, Italy
🌿 Surroundings: Overlooking the Boboli Gardens, nestled in a centuries-old park
🏨 Hotel Features:
Luxury Suites & Rooms – Elegantly restored with period details
Fine Dining – Seasonal Italian cuisine with an emphasis on Tuscan flavors
Le Pool Club – Outdoor heated pool & garden bar
Bené Spa – Exclusive wellness experiences with organic treatments
🎟 Exclusive Membership: Part of The Leading Hotels of the World
📞 Contact: +39 055 228790 | ✉ info@villacora.it
🌐 Website: 🔗 Villa Cora
Brunelleschi Hotel
Rising from the heart of Florence, Brunelleschi Hotel is an encounter with history. Built within the Pagliazza Tower, one of the city’s oldest structures dating back to the 6th or 7th century, the hotel stands as a living testament to Florence’s medieval past. A meticulous restoration has preserved the original Byzantine and medieval elements, integrating contemporary comforts.
The hotel echoes centuries of refinement. The Junior Suite Executive, recently renovated, offers breathtaking views of Piazza della Repubblica, immersing guests in the city’s vibrant pulse. Beyond its opulent rooms, Brunelleschi Hotel reveals another layer of its history with a private museum, displaying Roman and Byzantine artifacts uncovered within the tower’s foundations.
Florence’s rich culinary heritage comes to life under the direction of Chef Rocco De Santis, whose expertise has earned Santa Elisabetta Restaurant two Michelin stars. Tucked inside the Byzantine tower, this intimate dining experience—with only seven tables—elevates Italian cuisine through innovation and precision.
For a more relaxed setting, Osteria Pagliazza offers a celebration of authentic Tuscan flavors, where every dish reflects the region’s deep culinary traditions. From handmade pastas to locally sourced ingredients, dining here is a journey through Florence’s gastronomic soul.
With its fusion of history, luxury, and fine dining, Brunelleschi Hotel stands as a timeless retreat in Florence’s historic center.
📍 Location: Piazza Santa Elisabetta 3, 50122 Florence, Italy
🏛 Historical Significance: Housed in Pagliazza Tower, Florence’s oldest standing building (6th or 7th century)
🍽 Dining:
Santa Elisabetta – 2 Michelin Stars, innovative Mediterranean cuisine by Chef Rocco De Santis
Osteria Pagliazza – Traditional Tuscan cuisine in a historic setting
🏺 Private Museum: Featuring Roman and Byzantine artifacts discovered on-site
🌐 Website: 🔗 Brunelleschi Hotel
📞 Contact: +39 055 27370
Luxury Shopping at Luisaviaroma
For those who see fashion as an art form, LuisaViaRoma is a unique shopping experience in the heart of Florence. Founded in 1929, this globally renowned concept store blends avant-garde fashion and design under one roof.
Located on Via Roma, just steps from the Duomo, LuisaViaRoma spans three curated floors. Fusing established designers and emerging talents. Every detail—from the architectural interiors to its seasonally changing window displays—sets the tone for the future of fashion, reflecting the brand’s cutting-edge vision.
Beyond the shopping experience, La Terrazza di Luisa rooftop terrace invites guests to unwind with organic dishes and refined drinks. A space where fashion, gastronomy, and Florentine elegance intersect. For those seeking a personalized touch, LuisaViaRoma offers an exclusive private shopping suite with panoramic views of the city, ensuring a bespoke experience tailored to individual style.
📍 Location: Via Roma 19/21r, 50123 Florence, Italy
🍽 La Terrazza di Luisa: Rooftop terrace offering organic dining & drinks
🛎 Personal Shopping: Private suite with Duomo views & bespoke styling services
🕒 Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM
📞 Contact: +39 055 9064116
🌐 Website: 🔗 LuisaViaRoma
Cantinetta Antinori: a Wine Lover’s Haven
Tucked inside the elegant Palazzo Antinori, Cantinetta Antinori has been a Florentine institution since 1957, offering a refined expression of Tuscan gastronomy and winemaking excellence. This historic wine bar, owned by the legendary Antinori family, embodies centuries of savoir-faire. It offers fine wines, seasonal cuisine, and an intimate atmosphere in the heart of Florence.
Inside, the vaulted ceilings and warm wood interiors set the stage for a tasting experience, where guests can savor the entire Antinori wine collection, from renowned labels to rare vintages. The weekly rotating menu features traditional Tuscan specialties, crafted with fresh, local ingredients that enhance the nuances of each pour.
Located at the crossroads of Piazza Antinori and Via de’ Tornabuoni, Cantinetta Antinori is an invitation to experience the essence of Tuscan hospitality. Whether enjoying a glass of Tignanello over a leisurely lunch or indulging in an expertly paired dinner, every visit is a celebration of Florence’s culinary and viticultural heritage.
📍 Location: Palazzo Antinori, Piazza Antinori 3, 50123 Florence, Italy
📞 Contact: +39 055 292234
🌐 Website: 🔗 Cantinetta Antinori
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