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JOURNAL
The Florence Travel Guide With Ruby Hamilton
If searching for a European cityscape weekend, it’s hard to look beyond the beauty and history steeped in the Italian city of Florence. Often considered Rome’s younger sister, Florence offers a quaint yet charming approach to understanding Italian culture with its historic cathedrals and museums, cobblestone piazzas, hole-in-the-wall-style authentic trattorias and boutiques dating back to earlier than the 1800s.
Discover a guide to visiting Florence, together with photographer and #FAITHFULLGirl Ruby Hamilton who shares some of her favourite recommendations.
Where to stay
A luxurious yet authentic Italian-style accommodation, only ten minutes from the centre of Florence. Set in a 13th century stone building, it overlooks sprawling green lawns and a classic swimming pool with views of the city behind.
A true XVI palazzo-style hotel with classic Italian architecture, vibrant colours and a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city. Even if you don’t book a stay here, it is worth a visit just for a cocktail at sunset.
A boutique-style hotel with only 24 rooms, each uniquely designed by blending timeless Italian design with contemporary style, and housed in a 16th-century palazzo first designed by Giorgio Vasari.
For a more relaxed and true local experience, you might want to stay in the suburbs of Oltrarno or Santo Spirito. Walkable to the city centre, they each offer more of an authentic experience, living amongst the locals with neighbourhood coffee shops and restaurants. If you’re planning to stay for longer than a few days, you can also book an apartment-style accommodation.
Where to wine and dine
Fratellini Panini e Schiacciate dal 1875
A casual eatery with on-the-go homemade paninis and crostini that has been a mainstay family-run business in Florence since 1875.
A hole-in-the-wall style wine bar with streetside tables, known for its Tuscan-inspired menu and wines sourced from small-scale producers based on the outskirts of Florence.
The sister restaurant next door to Il Santino Wine Bar, pop-in when you’re ready for a late night dinner. Offering a creative take on local Italian dishes, it’s best known for its seafood and star anise creme brulee.
Considered the oldest restaurant in Florence, dating back to 1880, this classic steakhouse is tucked inside the Palazzo Antinori cellars and still shows evidence of more than a century of history, thanks to very careful building restorations. The steak and chicken cacciatore are must-orders.
Where to explore
Watch the sunset at Piazza del Michelangelo
A piazza set up on the hill of the Arno River, a few minutes walk from the city centre, which offers panoramic views of the city and is one of the best spots to watch the sun set.
Wander through the Baboli Gardens
Found just behind the Pitti Palace, these gardens are lined with freshly trimmed hedges and filled with a labyrinth of trees, historic fountains and statues and grottos. It’s the perfect spot to spend a relaxing afternoon in the shade with a book.
Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
While on the more tourist-side of visiting Florence, this is one of the largest churches in the world and considered to be one of the greatest masterpieces of Gothic art and one of the first within Italian Renaissance art.
Where to shop
The original Santa Maria Novella space is found in Florence, the oldest pharmacy in the world dating back to 1221. Just around the corner from the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, the space itself is like stepping back in time with incredible Renaissance art on display and an apothecary-style display of their beloved fragrances.
A vintage store with a remarkable collection, carefully curated with Italian designers and pieces dating back to the 1920s.
Another vintage store that has been beloved for years by stylists and creatives alike for their eclectic mix of pre-loved denim, leather jackets and accessories as well as their gemstones and bold jewellery.
A bookbinder and craftsmanship store that first opened its doors in 1908, is now beloved for its handmade leather journals, custom paper designs and gold engraving for bespoke gifts.
The world-renowned ceramics and homewares brand’s flagship store is found just outside of Florence and is one of the most exquisite spaces to visit. Standing in the same building since 1802 and carefully restored in 2014 when it was acquired by Gucci, it is set out in a series of rooms to mimic an Italian home with each of their ceramic pieces on display – dining room, drawing room, kitchen and so forth.
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