Part of the Aimé team, Emilia, recently took a city break to Florence, and shares her intel on the best places to explore, shop and eat in one of the most beautiful regions of Italy.
A Sweet Spot
Vivoli Gelateria is a must-visit for many — and it truly lives up to the hype. Expect a line, but it’s well worth the wait. The affogato with pistachios is absolutely divine, and their ice creams and millefoglie are just as delightful.
Vivoli, Via Isola delle Stinche, 7r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
The Shopping
Florence is easily one of the best places I’ve ever visited for shopping. From bustling flea markets to antique treasures and rows of leather stalls, it’s nearly impossible to resist. One highlight is the Mercato delle Pulci, open Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 2 PM. This charming market features everything from fresh fruit and vegetables — mostly shopped by locals — to outdoor antique stalls selling traditional lace and vintage jewellery.
Renowned for its leather, Florence offers countless shops, but a few truly stand out. The Leather School in Santa Croce is a historic gem where you can experience true Florentine craftsmanship. You'll find beautifully made leather jackets, belts, and bags in a rainbow of hues, crafted in house from a variety of leather types. Another standout is The Pitti Leather Shop, known for selling some of the region’s finest leather. I especially loved their coin purses (very useful!) and jewellery boxes in rich, vibrant tones.
Beyond leather, there were several other spots I adored: hair clips and perfumes from Profumeria Invicta, the iconic Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella (make sure to visit the original store), Moranduzzo for vintage jewellery and beads, and the Santo Spirito Antique Market, held every second Sunday of the month—an absolute treat for antique lovers.
Mercato delle Pulci, Largo Pietro Annigoni, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Scuola del Cuoio S.r.l., Via di S. Giuseppe, 5/R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
The Pitti Leather Shop, Piazza de' Pitti, 28r, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Moranduzzo, Via della Condotta, 19, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
The Food
The food in Florence is every bit as delicious as in other regions of Italy. One of the highlights of our trip was taking a cooking class — a favourite activity whenever I travel, as it offers a genuine taste of the local culture and cuisine. We joined a class with Ciao Foodies, we learned how to make fresh pasta, bolognese, ravioli, and tiramisu. Just across the street is Mercato delle Pulci, where we picked up fresh beef, pork, vegetables, and of course, Parmigiano Reggiano.
Some other restaurants I recommend are: Cantinetta Antinori served an incredible beef tagliata, and Buca Lapi offered classic Tuscan dishes in a traditional setting. For something more casual, All’Antico Vinaio is a must-visit for their famous schiacciata sandwiches — perfect street food. For a lighter bite or a coffee break, Wild Buns at The Hoxton had great sandwiches and pastries in a relaxed café atmosphere.
Ciao Foodies, Cucineria La Mattonaia, Via della Mattonaia, 19R, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy
Cantinetta Antinori, Piazza degli Antinori, 3, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
All' Antico Vinaio, Via dei Neri, 65r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Where to Stay
We stayed at the Hoxton, which opened only a few months ago on Via delle Mantellate. The interiors are as usual really fun, joyful and Italian. I like the personal touches and attention to details.
The Hoxton Hotel, Via delle Mantellate, 2, 50129 Firenze FI, Italy
Culture
Florence is a cultural treasure trove, with countless sights to explore. The Uffizi Gallery is undoubtedly the most famous — be sure to arrive early or prepare for queues. For fashion, the Gucci Garden Gallery is a must-see, offering a glimpse into the brand’s archival collections, along with an exclusive boutique and an restaurant. For a peaceful escape, the Orto Botanico Giardino dei Semplici provides a serene setting. If you're keen to explore on foot and learn more about the city from a local perspective, GuruWalk offers a variety of walking tours on a donation basis — an enjoyable way to discover hidden gems and hear insider tips and stories.
Uffizi Gallery, Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Gucci Garden Galleria, P.za della Signoria, 10, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Orto Botanico Giardino dei Semplici - Università di Firenze, Via Pier Antonio Micheli, 3, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy
GuruWalk
What To Pack
