24 Hours In Florence, Italy

by Heather Chadwell-Aminzadeh / Sep 23, 2024

Florence, an Italian city rich in culture and history, is famed for being home to some of the world’s most exquisite art and architecture. Our Global Chief Product Officer Ivanna Majic was lucky enough to spend 24 hours there while visiting our factories, as well as a leather-sourcing fair for new SENREVE collections (permission to get excited). From the best gelateria to botanical gardens and a vintage clothing store, she shares her favorite hotspots – ready for you to add to your travel bucket list.

Link to Interactive Map

 

 

Stay:


Stella d’Italia
“My favorite BnB in Italy. Each room has such personality and the in-room clawfoot tubs are perfect for soaking your feet after a long day of walking. Don't skip breakfast!”

 

 

Eat/Drink:


Sbrino - Gelatificio Contadino
“No trip to Italy is complete without trying the amazing gelato.”


Osteria Delle Tre Panche
“Beautiful rooftop restaurant with some of the best pasta in the city. If it is truffle season, be sure to opt in for the add on!”

Il Santino
“I like to take some of my nighttime calls with the team from this small and cozy wine bar as I snack on their hand shaved meats and cheeses. It’s a more casual option to their next door restaurant Il Santo Bevitore, which is also one of my favorite meals in the city.”

Mercato di Sant-Ambrogio
“The oldest market in Florence. I love taking a morning walk with my coffee from Ditta Artigianale to stock up on produce and of course, cheeses. There's also an amazing vintage flea on the last Sunday of the month across the street.”

Gusta Pizza
“There is always a line at Gusta but it goes quickly and trust me, it's worth the wait! You can always grab a glass of their house red wine to drink in line.”

Nugolo
“Modern take on Italian food in a locals-only neighborhood.”

Ino
“Florence is known for its panini sandwiches. Ino is my absolute favorite – short lines and super fresh ingredients. I normally grab mine and sit at the Arno to people watch as I eat."

Ditta Artigianale & Hario Cafe
“The best to-go coffees. They roast their own beans so I'm always sure to grab a bag to bring back with me.”

Atelier de’ Nerli
“It's like walking into a dream restaurant. The plush velvet couches and pink walls are a perfect backdrop to one of the best meals I've had in Italy.”

Rivoire
“Pink velvet everywhere, a huge stuffed giraffe and the best macchiatos in town. I always order mine to have at the bar along with a mini cornetto (it may have been where our Cornetti name was created).”

Regina Bistecca
“Florentine steak is something you can only get well, in Florence! Regina does it the best and if you have room after a full steak dinner, be sure to have them wheel over their dessert cart. It's really something to see!”

Trattoria Cammillo
“One of the oldest and best trattorias in Florence. There's a reason you need to call ahead weeks in advance for a reservation. The papa al pomodoro (a thick bread soup) is to die for.”

Wild Buns Bakery
“Scandinavian treats made by Italians! The sticky buns are even better than those we've had in Sweden.”

 

See:


Boboli Gardens
“If I am in Florence over the weekends, I always bring my kindle and a Panini and head to the gardens to relax. It's a little oasis in the middle of the city.”

Uffizi Galleries
“I can get lost wandering the halls of the Uffizi. The Birth of Venus by Botticelli is such a powerfully feminine painting and is always inspiring for SENREVE trips. Be sure to book your tickets in advance and skip the lines!”

The Westin Excelsior - Rooftop
“A best kept-secret view of Florence is from the rooftop of the Westin. Go for sunset aperitivo, which comes with an amazing spread of Italian treats.”

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
“The Duomo of Florence is one of the most beautiful in the world! I love taking in the views from the cathedral.”

Loggia dei Lanzi
“Florence has beautiful surprises around each corner. These stunning statues sit in the center of the city in the open air for everyone to enjoy. I love grabbing a macchiato at Rivoire and then walking to take in these beauties.”

Piazzale Michelangelo
“The absolute best place to take in all of the magnificent Florentine views. You can see down the Arno all the way into the Tuscan hills. I love to wake up early and run to the top of the hill to start my day.”

 

Shop:


Heart To Heart
“They sell the best handmade velvet slippers. I collect a new color each time I'm in town.”

Castorina 1895
“Castorina is another great shop to take home a unique handcrafted souvenir from Florence. Each piece is handcarved from wood in an ancient Italian technique. I have a bronzed cherub that is one of my favorite pieces in my home.”

Officina Profumo
“The church of Santa Maria Novella was built in 1221. The monks started to create balms and elixirs from the flowers and herbs that they were growing in the gardens. This store, which was built in 1847, was transformed from an old chapel where you can still take in the amazing architecture and interiors. Plus they have my favorite hand cream in the world.”

Giotti Ceramiche
“Giotti has such great handmade ceramics that are a perfect souvenir to take home. I have a wall in my kitchen filled with their ceramic fruits.”

I Visionari
“You can find really special one of a kind sun and reading glasses here from around the world.”

Momo Vintage
“Vintage shopping is where we find a lot of design inspiration at SENREVE. Momo is one of the best!”

Luisaviaroma
“I often shop on Luisaviaroma at home in the US so it's a must-stop shop when in Florence. There is a great cafe on the second floor to fuel up while shopping. Fun side note: you can preorder anything on their site to be delivered to the store to try on!”