Florence’s top concierges share their personal recommendations for a perfect day in the city
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PAUL LYDKA
CHIEF CONCIERGE, FOUR SEASONS HOTEL FIRENZE
+39 055 262 61
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By GlobalDataWander down the alleyways of Florence to discover unique artisan stores and admire Renaissance buildings, galleries and remarkable churches.
Try your hand at making high-quality leather items at the Leather School of Sante Croce, which runs afternoon and week-long courses. Guided tours of the Galleria dell’ Accademia, the home of Michelangelo’s David, and the Uffizi Gallery are a must. For stunning views across Florence visit Fiesole, a hillside village five miles north of the city where there is a well-known horse riding school. Take a tour through the delightful Chianti region and visit the olive groves, vineyards, castles and scenic towns. After a long day, soothe body and mind at the Four Seasons Spa.
BEST RESTAURANTS
Enoteca Pinchiorri
Cuisine: French/Italian Fusion
Cibréo
Cuisine: Italian
Fuor D’Acqua
Cuisine: Seafood
BEST SHOPS
Via Tornabuoni and Via Strozzi are the most exclusive shopping streets in Florence. Italian brands on offer include Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, PRADA, Bulgari, Gucci, Ferragamo and Tod’s. For quality handicrafts and antiques, the best art galleries and stores are located around Via Maggio, Via Santo Spirito and Via dei Fossi. San Lorenzo Central Market is the largest in the city but Florentines prefer Sant’ Ambrogio for Tuscan delicacies.
Ponte Vecchio, with its traditional goldsmiths’ shops, is the place for top-quality, handmade items.
Angela Berti
Enjoy a professionally guided three-hour walking tour around Florence’s impressive city center, where elegant palaces, fashionable shops and charming narrow medieval streets grace every turn.
Alternatively, JK Place will organize an exclusive cooking experience – with a professional chef – for their guests. The chef will greet visitors at the hotel before guiding them around the buzzing San Lorenzo market to select the freshest ingredients. Participants then cook alongside the chef to produce a mouthwatering Tuscan menu. Hiring a personal shopper is recommended, both for visiting high-end international boutiques and for exploring the fascinating world of Botteghe – local artisan stores. Visit the Chianti region to tour beautiful villas and to sample the best local wines.
BEST RESTAURANTS
Trattoria 13 Gobbi
Cuisine: Florentine
Buca Lapi
Cuisine: Classic Tuscan
Cestello Ristoclub
Cuisine: Seafood
BEST SHOPS
Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica Di Santa Maria Novella and Dr. Vranjes Firenze for natural perfumes, soaps and body care products.
Simone Abbarchi and Antonio Liverano for tailor-made men’s suits.
Casini and Scuola del Cuoio for one-of-akind leather items.
Il Micio and Mantellassi for quality, tailormade prêt-à-porter shoes.
Lorenzo Villoresi for special perfumes.
Angela Caputi for original 1940s Hollywood inspired bijoux. Angela Caputi Giuggiù has gained worldwide recognition for her embellished resin jewelry and in 2005 she exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Contact the designer at angelacaputi@hotmail.com; +39 055 212 972.
RUGGERO VANNINI
A guided walking tour is the best way to see the historical architecture, traditions and art culture of Florence.
A visit to the Uffizi Gallery, one of the oldest and most influential public art galleries in the world, is a must. The Boboli Gardens are perfect for a romantic afternoon stroll. The historic city of Pisa and the elegant town of Lucca are both within easy driving distance of Florence. Ask your concierge to organize a chauffeur-driven day tour through the picturesque Tuscan countryside. Alternatively, book a guided tour and wine tasting at a vineyard in the nearby Chianti region.
BEST RESTAURANTS
Enoteca Pinchiorri
Cuisine: French/Italian Fusion
The Enoteca Pinchiorri has three Michelin stars, an elegant summer courtyard, an exceptional wine list and a dazzling menu.
Nove
Cuisine: Fusion
+39 055 230 2756
10 Lung’Arno Guicciardini, 50123
Classic Tuscan dishes with a Japanese twist are perfectly complemented by a selection of fine wines.
Cestello Ristoclub
Cuisine: Italian and Seafood
Pick your favorite fish from the Cestello Ristoclub fish market and enjoy it cooked to order.
BEST SHOPS
Exclusive designer boutiques, including Emilio Pucci, Prada and Salvatore Ferragamo, are located on Via Tornabuoni and Cesare Paciotti and Etro are to be found on Via della Vigna Nuova. For a unique shopping experience, hire a personal shopper who can take you on a sartorial excursion off the tourist trail.
