LOCAL TIPS FROM SOMEONE WHO LIVES IN FLORENCE
Where to eat and stay in Florence: a personal selection of restaurants, traditional trattorias, apartments, bed and breakfasts, hotels and accommodation in the city and the surrounding hills.
Discovering Florence also means taking the time to enjoy its food, experience its neighbourhoods and choose a welcoming place to stay.
On this page I share a few places I know and feel comfortable recommending to my visitors: restaurants with different atmospheres and culinary styles, accommodation in the historic centre and residential districts, and a country house in the Chianti landscape.
A PERSONAL SELECTION
Recommended places for making the most of your stay
This is not intended to be a complete list, but a selection of places Giulia knows and recommends for their hospitality, food or location.
01
Tradition and quality
Trattorias, restaurants and wine bars where you can experience Tuscan cuisine, local produce and different interpretations of Florentine hospitality.
02
Different locations
Places in the historic centre, the Oltrarno, residential districts and the hills surrounding Florence, suited to different ways of experiencing the city.
03
Personal assistance
Giulia can help you choose, check certain information or make initial contact. Bookings, payments and conditions are then agreed directly with the provider.
FLORENTINE CUISINE AND TUSCAN FLAVOURS
Where to eat in Florence
Florence has a rich and distinctive culinary tradition. Alongside the most tourist-oriented establishments, there are trattorias, restaurants and wine bars where the food and hospitality retain an authentic connection with the city and its surrounding region.
These are some of the places Giulia currently recommends to her visitors.
OLTRARNO
Trattoria Diladdarno
Located in Via dei Serragli, in the Santo Spirito district, Diladdarno is a trattoria devoted to traditional Tuscan cooking. It is a welcoming and informal place in the heart of the Oltrarno for anyone wishing to enjoy dishes connected with Florentine culinary tradition.
NEAR THE DUOMO
Casella 18
Casella 18 is located in Via Santa Elisabetta, just a few steps from the Duomo. It serves Italian and Tuscan cuisine, pasta, daily dishes and pizza, making it suitable both for a break during a sightseeing day and for dinner in the historic centre.
SANTO SPIRITO
Trattoria La Casalinga
La Casalinga is a historic family-run trattoria in the Oltrarno, operating in Via dei Michelozzi since 1963. It is a well-known choice for straightforward Tuscan cooking, traditional recipes and a genuinely Florentine atmosphere.
SANTA CROCE
Boccanegra
Located in Via Ghibellina, at the corner with Via Verdi, Boccanegra combines several different options: a restaurant, osteria and pizzeria. It is a versatile choice in central Florence, also suitable for groups with different tastes and requirements.
HISTORIC CENTRE
Cantinetta dei Verrazzano
Cantinetta dei Verrazzano is located in Via dei Tavolini and is the Florence venue of Castello di Verrazzano. Combining a wine bar, bakery and café, it is suitable for breakfast, a break, a light lunch or a tasting of local wines and produce.
It is primarily a daytime venue: checking the opening hours before visiting is therefore advisable.
Menus, opening days, opening hours and booking arrangements may change. Always check the latest information on the restaurant’s official website or channel before visiting.
IN THE CENTRE, LOCAL DISTRICTS OR CHIANTI
Where to stay in Florence and the surrounding area
The choice of accommodation depends on the kind of stay you prefer: exploring the historic centre on foot, choosing a quieter local district or combining Florence with the Tuscan countryside.
The accommodation listed below consists of personal recommendations. Giulia can help you consider the options or make initial contact; availability, rates, bookings, payments and conditions of stay are then agreed directly with the providers or through their booking platforms.
CENTRAL MARKET
Zannoni Loft
Zannoni Loft is an apartment in the San Lorenzo district, close to the Central Market and Santa Maria Novella railway station. Its location makes it possible to walk to the Duomo, the Medici Chapels and many of the principal museums and monuments in Florence’s historic centre.
It is managed by Massimo and Beatrice, who welcome guests and provide all information concerning the stay directly.
CHIANTI
Il Vichiaccio Country House
Il Vichiaccio is a country house near San Casciano in Val di Pesa, surrounded by the landscape and vineyards of the Chianti region. It is a suitable choice for visitors wishing to stay in the Tuscan countryside while keeping Florence within easy reach.
The property is managed by Massimo and Beatrice and offers different accommodation options in a carefully restored old rural hamlet.
VIALE MICHELANGELO
Hotel David
Hotel David is a small historic and welcoming hotel at the beginning of Viale Michelangelo, in the Oltrarno and at the foot of the road leading to Piazzale Michelangelo. Florence’s historic centre can be reached on foot or by public transport.
The hotel continues a tradition of hospitality dating back to 1958. It is located outside Florence’s restricted traffic zone and offers free private parking, making it especially convenient for visitors arriving by car.
PIAZZA DEL DUOMO
Duomo Flat
Duomo Flat is an apartment of approximately 90 square metres in the heart of Florence, just a few steps from the Cathedral. Its private terrace offers a direct view of the Duomo’s dome, and the apartment can accommodate up to four guests.
It is managed by Massimiliano and Jessica. The apartment is on the third floor of a historic building without a lift, so guests should carefully read the information about the stairs and accessibility before booking.
STEPS FROM THE DUOMO
Residenza Madiba
Residenza Madiba is a boutique B&B in Via Bufalini, in the historic centre and approximately 100 metres from the Cathedral. Its six rooms, inspired by the colours and atmosphere of a tropical forest, combine contemporary design, comfort and communal spaces with views over the city.
It is managed by Massimiliano and Jessica and is suitable for visitors wishing to stay close to Florence’s main monuments in an original and carefully designed setting.
LE CURE DISTRICT
Appartamento Fonderia
Fonderia Apartment is a ground-floor studio in the peaceful Le Cure district, north of Florence’s historic centre. It can accommodate up to four guests and includes a kitchen, Wi-Fi, a dedicated workspace and one free parking space.
It is managed by Massimiliano and Jessica. The residential neighbourhood is well served by restaurants, cafés, supermarkets and public transport connections to the city centre and railway station.
Availability, rates, services, accessibility and cancellation conditions should be checked directly on the website or official channel of each property.
A CITY TO EXPERIENCE AND DISCOVER
Complete your stay with a guided tour
I am Giulia Bacci, an art historian and licensed tour guide in Florence. I can help you create an itinerary that takes into account the location of your accommodation, the time available and the places you would like to discover.
We can explore the historic centre, major museums, churches and the Oltrarno, or create a route devoted to the Medici, the Renaissance, traditional artisans or a lesser-known side of Florence.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Frequently asked questions about eating and staying in Florence
Some useful information before choosing restaurants and accommodation.
Can Giulia help me book a restaurant?
Yes. When planning your tour, Giulia can recommend the most suitable restaurant, check availability and help you agree on the date, time and number of guests. Menus, prices, dietary requirements and booking conditions should nevertheless be confirmed directly with the restaurant.
Can Giulia also help me choose accommodation?
Yes. Giulia can suggest accommodation suited to the location, length of stay and number of guests, as well as helping you make initial contact or check certain information. The booking, payment and conditions of stay are then agreed directly with the provider or through the booking platform used.
Is it better to stay in the historic centre, a residential district or Chianti?
The historic centre is ideal for visitors wishing to walk to monuments and museums. Residential districts may offer greater peace and, in some cases, parking; Chianti is suitable for those seeking nature and wishing to explore the area outside Florence.
Do restaurants need to be booked in advance?
Booking is advisable, particularly in the evening, at weekends and during the busiest periods. Opening times and closing days should always be checked directly with the restaurant.
Can I ask for advice based on the area where I am staying?
Yes. You can tell Giulia where your accommodation is located or which property you are considering. This makes it possible to choose convenient meeting points, tours and restaurants and organise your stay more practically.
PLAN YOUR CULTURAL STAY
Discover Florence with a tour designed around you
Tell me your dates, number of participants, available time and what you would like to discover. I will reply with a personalised tour proposal.
Tell me about the tour you would like to arrange
Use the form below and, if possible, include your dates, number of participants, available time and main interests.
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