Nardia Plumridge

Small but perfectly formed, Florence is a city that feels stuck in time in all the best ways. When I moved here in 2020, I planned to stay for a summer – but like so many drifters and dreamers before me, I remained, fell in love with Italian life and built my home here. Now, it’s not all about the big hitters. It’s about finding Renaissance frescoes in obscure places, savouring a morning cappuccino and taking evening strolls along the Arno. It’s the low-key aperitivo spots, the lesser-known museums and the age-old trattorias.  What should you not miss in Florence? Don’t worry about trying to tick off all the art or visit every church. Hit the Uffizi Galleries for Renaissance classics (Michelangelo, Da Vinci and Botticelli are among the main stars here), peek inside the Duomo to ogle at its architectural grandeur, and take the short but steep climb up to Piazzale Michelangelo for a sunset view of the entire city. But in my opinion, the more time you’ve got here, the better. For all things big and small, read on for my list of the best things to do in Florence.  RECOMMENDED:📍 Where to stay in Florence🛍️ The best shopping in Florence🍴 The best restaurants in Florence🏡 The best Airbnbs in Florence🏨 The best hotels in Florence This guide was recently updated by Florence-based writer Phoebe Hunt. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes af

If you close your eyes tight and imagine a travel paradise, the best beaches in Italy might just be the image that comes to mind. Europe has plenty of fabulous beaches, but there is something about sitting by the sea in Italy that hits differently. In truth, there is something about Italy as a whole that hits differently, from its world-beating cuisine to its unbelievable range of attractions, landmarks, museums and galleries. There is nowhere quite like it. But we don’t need to worry about all that for now because we’re sipping wine on the beach. Italy’s best beaches are what tranquil dreams are made of, from popular resorts to quaint caves and coves. Do keep in mind that not all these beaches are free to enter, but all are worth the price to secure that sun-drenched seat. RECOMMENDED:🏝️ The best Italian islands📍 The best things to do in Italy😋 The best restaurants in Italy At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

Along with Milan, Florence has long been one of the epicentres of the ‘Made in Italy’ movement. Home to Gucci, Pucci, Ferragamo and a host of other luxury designers, he high-end shopping spots here are some of the best in the business. Beyond flashy designer brands, the pocket-sized renaissance city is also filled with unique independent stores. Grand promenades such as Via Roma and Via dei Calzaiuoli slice through the main historic centre with all the big brands, while sleepy Sant’Ambrogio and the Oltrarno are where you’ll find more unusual treasures. Florence is as well known for its crafts and textiles as it is for its art scene, so it’s no surprise that this creativity leaks into its threads too. Fancy vintage garms and made-to-order jewellery, custom-made shoes and classic souvenirs? You’re in the right place. Here are the best spots for shopping in Florence. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Florence🍴 The best restaurants in Florence🏨 The best hotels in Florence🏡 The best Airbnbs in Florence This guide was last updated by Phoebe Hunt, a writer based in Florence. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.