A weekend in Florence

Saturday

Morning

My favorite mornings start at Caffè Cibreo. One cappuccino… maybe two. Always with a little dolce on the side. 

Wandering 

What I love most about Florence is its craftsmanship. The city is full of small shops and makers keeping old traditions alive. A few of my go-to spots:

  • Palazzo dello Strozzino – part bookstore, part cinema, all charm.
  • Giovanni Baccani (The Blue Shop) – for the most beautiful picture frames.
  • Alberto Cozzi – stunning leather notebooks, perfect for journaling.
  • Celeste Vintage and Heart to Heart – for unique vintage finds.
  • Todo Modo – a bookshop with a café that invites you to stay for hours.

Lunch

For lunch, I almost always go to Il Santino. It’s a tiny and cozy winebar that works with the best ingredients. 

Afternoon

I love stopping by Museo Marino Marini. It’s small and quiet—one of the few places in the city that never feels crowded.

Aperitivo

As the day winds down, I like to have a glass of wine. Enoteca Bellini is right by the museum and always a good choice. Other spots I love are Enoteca Spontanea and the Loggia Rooftop Bar for a beautiful sunset view. 

Dinner

Dinner at Trattoria Sostanza is a must. The food is simple and delicious. Don’t skip the famous meringue cake for dessert.

Sunday

Slow morning

Florence can be busy, but cross the river to the Oltrarno neighborhood and the pace immediately changes. Life feels slower there.

Depending on the weekend, you might find one of the city’s markets at Piazza Santo Spirito—antiques on the second Sunday of the month or a small organic market on the third. On the last Sunday, there’s a lively market at Sant’Ambrogio.

While in Santo Spirito, I like to stop by Momo Vintage for their amazing designer vintage selection.

Lunch 

Lunch at Alla Vecchia Bettola is one of my favorite Florence traditions. Their pasta alla vodka is truly special.

Afternoon Stroll

Walk up to Giardino Bardini after lunch. It’s peaceful and lush, with one of the best views over the entire city.

Gelato

Stop by La Sorbettiera and order the lemon sage flavor – trust me on this one.

Dinner

End your weekend at Trattoria Cammillo. A true Florentine classic with a menu that never disappoints.

Why you should go

Florence is a city built on craftsmanship, from the handmade leather notebooks to the carefully poured glass of wine. It’s in the details—the markets, the food, the quiet streets across the river. No matter how many times I return, the city always feels welcoming, like it’s ready to make space for you at its table and let you be part of its rhythm, even just for a weekend.

Where to stay

For a stay that feels like stepping into the soul of Florence, check in at Stella d’Italia, an elegant hideaway within the historic Palazzo del Circolo dell’Unione, designed by Giorgio Vasari in the 16th century. Just off Via Tornabuoni, the city’s most fashionable street, this boutique hotel captures everything that makes Florence so magnetic—art, history, and effortless beauty.