Florence Recommendation List
Museums and Culture (We recommend booking tickets for museums and attractions in advance)
- Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore) – The city’s crown jewel. Climb to the top of Brunelleschi’s dome or Giotto’s bell tower for incredible views over Florence.
- Ponte Vecchio – A medieval bridge lined with jewelry shops and one of the most romantic spots for a sunset stroll.
- Uffizi Gallery – Home to masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Caravaggio.
- Galleria dell’Accademia – The star attraction: Michelangelo’s David.
- Palazzo Pitti & Boboli Gardens – Enjoy the residence and gardens, now a spectacular display of art and history.
Food & Wine
- Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco – A very cozy favorite of Stanley Tucci – try the wild boar dishes and book a reservation ahead of time.
- Osteria delle Tre Panche – Enjoy the beautiful summer weather with a rooftop reservation at the Hotel Hermitage location.
- Buca Lapi – Looking for an old-school, white tablecloth, Italian steakhouse restaurant to split a Florentine steak? Here is your spot.
- Osteria dell’Enoteca – A cozy, family-style spot for local cuisine.
- Mercato Centrale – A foodie’s market dream: fresh pasta, pizza, truffle sandwiches, and local wines all under one central market roof.
- Wine bars and wine windows – Pop into any tiny enoteca for Chianti or Brunello, and enjoy the wine windows scattered across the city (this is a fun wine window trail to follow here).
- Il Santino – A go-to spot for an aperitivo before dinner.
- Gusta Pizza – A delightful lunch stop for fabulous pizza (be warned, the line might be long and there will be plenty of other tourists, but it’s worth it).
- All’Antico Vinaio – Well known for its sandwiches and the spot to go for lunch.
- Gelato – La Carraia – One of the most popular spots in the city.
- Gelato – Gelateria dei Neri – Teeny shop but must try their pistachio or hazelnut.
Shopping
- Leather goods – Florence is famous for high-quality leather bags, belts, and jackets.
- Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella – Visit this perfumery and pharmacy first opened in 1221.
- Boutiques – Via de’ Tornabuoni for high-end fashion.
Stays (There are many, many options for accommodations in Florence – here are just a few from us)
- Hotel Lungarno Firenze ★★★★★
- Four Seasons Firenze ★★★★★
- Hotel La Gemma ★★★★
- Hotel NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa ★★★★
- Hotel Milu ★★★★
- Hotel Hermitage Firenze ★★★
- Hotel La Scaletta Florence ★★★
Tuscany Recommendation List
Looking to extend your Tuscany stay before or after the wedding? Please enjoy a list of places to check out near the wedding venue.
Attractions and Culture
- Experiences Through Vignamaggio – looking for fun wine tastings, cooking classes, and more directly through our wedding venue? Vignamaggio offers a list of experiences here and you can reach out to tour@vignamaggio.com to learn more and/or book.
- Punto Panoramico – The best overlook of the Tuscan countryside, pull off and enjoy a panini and €2 glass of wine from the Cecchini Panini Truck (details below) and savor the view at Panzano 2, 50022 Panzano in Chianti FI, Italy.
- Siena, Italy – We highly recommend a day trip to the medieval hilltop town of Siena.
- There are thousands of vineyards in Tuscany – a few nearby that you can stop at for a tour and tasting are Antinori nel Chianti Classico, Castello di Gabbiano, Castello Vicchiomaggio, and of course Vignamaggio (our wedding venue)!
Food & Wine
- Officina della Bistecca – World famous butcher, Dario Cecchini, hosts guests for one lunch and one dinner seating every day right in downtown Panzano in Chianti. Enjoy multiple courses of beef, sides, and endless wine!
- Also, consider visiting the Cecchini Panini Truck – a fabulous, lunchtime food truck with the most incredible views of the countryside (details here)
- Ristorante Oltre Il Giardino – Incredibly gorgeous views and large menu of Tuscan favorites.
- Ristoro di Lamole – Lovely hilltop restaurant in Greve in Chianti.
- Osteria di Passignano – A Michelin-recognized splurge in the area if you want a more refined dinner.
Stays
- Castiglion del Bosco — ★★★★★
- Relais Chateaux Il Falconiere & Spa — ★★★★★
- Hotel Le Fontanelle/Hotel The Club House — ★★★★★
- Borgo Vescine — ★★★★
- La Pensione di Vignamaggio — sister hotel of our wedding venue and a charming B&B ★★★
- Castello di Gabbiano — ★★★