Florence is one of those cities that can feel, at first glance, like an open-air museum. But just beneath the surface, it is a deeply liveable, intimate city with incredible food, a thriving aperitivo scene and neighbourhoods that most visitors never find.
Friday Evening: Arrive and Explore Oltrarno
Cross the Arno and head to the Oltrarno neighbourhood — the south bank, historically the working-class side of Florence, now its most bohemian quarter. Small restaurants, wine bars, artisan workshops and independent bookshops line the streets between Ponte Vecchio and Piazza Santo Spirito. For aperitivo, Piazza Santo Spirito is the unofficial epicentre. A glass of Chianti and crostini costs €6–8.
Saturday Morning: The Uffizi Done Right
Book your Uffizi tickets online at least a week in advance. Arrive at 8:15am for the first slot. Do not try to see everything — the Botticelli rooms alone, with the Birth of Venus and Primavera, are worth the entire trip.
Afterwards, walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo for a panoramic view, then continue to the church of San Miniato al Monte — one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in Italy and usually uncrowded. Staying at Ostello Bello Florence means you are in the historic centre, steps from the main sights. Register with the +BELLO Club for the best rates on your stay.
Saturday Afternoon: Hidden Florence
The Cappelle Medicee contain some of Michelangelo’s most powerful sculpture and are often quieter than the Accademia. Visit the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella — a pharmacy founded in 1221 that still sells perfumes and herbal remedies from a frescoed Renaissance hall.
Saturday Evening: Bistecca and Chianti
Florence’s defining dish is the bistecca alla Fiorentina — a thick-cut T-bone from Chianina cattle, cooked over wood fire and served very rare, sold by weight. Pair it with Chianti Classico and finish with cantucci dipped in Vin Santo.
Sunday: Markets and Final Gems
The Mercato Centrale in San Lorenzo is one of Italy’s great covered food markets — two floors of fresh produce, cured meats, cheese, truffles and ready-to-eat food. Florence is a city you will want to return to. Joining the +BELLO Club means every visit costs less.
