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. Like so many drifters and dreamers before me, I remained, fell in love with Italian life and built my home here. For me, Florence isn’t just about queuing for the Uffizi or climbing the Duomo. It’s stumbling upon Renaissance frescoes in obscure places, savouring a morning cappuccino, or taking a evening stroll along the Arno and up to Piazzale Michelangelo. It’s those lesser-known museums, low-key aperitivo spots, vibrant weekend markets and the age-old trattorias I’ve discovered since being here.  🍂 Autumn 2024: Florence has year-round appeal, but Autumn is an especially magical time to visit: the hordes diminish, the heat abates, and mist rises from the surrounding hills. It’s also the season for winemaking, the olive harvest, and truffle hunting in the surrounding countryside.  RECOMMENDED:📍 A weekend in Florence: the ultimate itinerary🛍️ 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 affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidel

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.