Are you interested in experiencing the rich culture and history of Italy? Consider visiting Florence – a city with a unique charm and character. From stunning architecture and world-renowned museums to delicious cuisine and charming cobblestone streets, Florence offers something for every traveler.
To help you plan your trip, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to exploring Florence, including top recommendations on where to stay, what to eat, and what to see in this beautiful city.
Where to Stay
Florence offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to affordable hostels. For a truly authentic experience, consider staying in a traditional Italian apartment in the heart of the city. You’ll be within walking distance of many of Florence’s top attractions and can immerse yourself in the local culture.
What to Eat
No trip to Florence is complete without indulging in some delicious Tuscan cuisine. From savory dishes like ribollita (a hearty vegetable soup) and bistecca alla fiorentina (a thick, grilled steak) to sweet treats like gelato and tiramisu, your taste buds will thank you. And don’t forget to pair your meals with a glass of Chianti or other Tuscan wine – maybe even from a little wine window! More on the Buchette del Vino down below.
What to See
Florence is home to some of the world’s most famous museums and art galleries, including the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery (home to Michelangelo’s David). There’s also plenty to see just by strolling through the city. Take a walk across the Ponte Vecchio bridge, admire the iconic Duomo cathedral, and don’t forget to snap some photos of the charming cobblestone streets.
For a truly unforgettable experience, consider taking a day trip to the nearby Tuscan countryside to sample some of the region’s world-renowned wines and explore its charming hilltop towns.
Unique Experience: The Buchette del Vino
Ah, the Buchette del Vino – a true hidden gem in Florence, that makes you feel like you’ve discovered a secret club for wine lovers! If you’re a wine lover, a history buff, or just looking for a unique experience in Florence, you won’t want to miss out on the Buchette del Vino. These little wine windows are a fascinating feature of the city that have been around for hundreds of years.
Originally used to sell wine directly to customers on the street, these wine windows allowed local nobles to avoid paying taxes and opening a shop. And during the epidemic of 1630-1633, they provided a useful anti-contagion way to sell wine.
In more recent times, the buchette del vino have once again become a useful tool during the COVID-19 pandemic. With restaurants, bars, and gelaterias unable to open, many have turned to these ancient wine windows to sell their products just as they did 400 years ago.
Where can you find buchette del vino? While the buchette del vino are scattered all over Florence, the Santo Spirito neighborhood and the city center are the best places to start your quest.
In Santo Spirito, you’ll find a number of charming wine bars and restaurants that still use the wine windows to sell their products. Take a stroll through the neighborhood and keep your eyes peeled for the tiny inscriptions on the walls of the palaces.
In the city center, you’ll find a concentration of buchette del vino around the Piazza del Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio. These areas are popular with tourists, so be prepared for crowds. The wine windows in this area are from the most influential families in Florence with a great reputation in producing Tuscan wines. This includes the Antinori, Frescobaldi, Rucellai, Verrazzano among others. You won’t have trouble locating the traditional wine windows since these palaces remain essential parts of Florence’s city center.
