Top 5 Things to Do in Florence for Culture, Food & Shopping
- carryonsandcouture
- Dec 3
- 5 min read
Florence is a small city compared to other Italian/European metropoles, but it is definitely mighty. With excellent food, art, shops, and more, it is one of my favorite cities I’ve seen, and one I can’t wait to revisit. Whether it’s your first time in the cradle of the Renaissance or your fiftieth, here are five of my must-do experiences I cannot recommend enough.
1.Take a Scenic Wine Tour Through Tuscany’s Vineyards from Florence
While Florence is part of the larger region of Tuscany, it is not as notable a producer of vast vineyards. However, you can easily access other regions within Tuscany from Florence, boasting some of the most notable wine regions in the world. Tuscany is home to over 12,500 wine producers with vineyards ranging from small family businesses producing a few barrels a year, to some of the largest wine and olive oil producers in the world.
There are several ways to really delve into the vineyards in Tuscany, from booking tours to renting a car and visiting some vineyards on your own. You can even book stays at some of the estates to really immerse yourself in the countryside.
For my trip, I booked a small wine tour that took my mom and me to three different vineyards, all located in the Chianti region of Tuscany. This tour had an incredibly knowledgeable guide, and highlighted various wines and olive oils from all three of the estates. Each location also had fresh food for us to enjoy with the wine; from bread with oil to a pasta lunch, and a delicious meat and cheese selection that I still dream about, there really were no misses.
At each vineyard we tried a variety of whites, reds, reserves, and even an orange wine which ended up being one of my favorites.
Truly, this tour was one that will stay with me forever. From the beauty of the countryside, to the delicious sips and nibbles, to the relaxed atmosphere, it’s something I can’t wait to get to enjoy again in the future.
2. Discover Florence’s Best Perfume Shops
Located just steps away from Florence's famous Duomo is the beautiful Profumeria Invicta. This shop is the home to many luxurious scents as well as expertly crafted hair accessories and pharmacy goods.
The shop is small and family-run, with a knowledgeable family that showcases a great love for the craft of perfume making. My mother and I spent hours in the shop trying out many scents and falling in love with more than is financially reasonable. The staff is excellent and will help you find the perfect combination of every note you want in your own signature scent.
I talk a lot more about my experience at Profumeria Invicta in my blog post, I Found Florence’s Perfume Secret… and Left With Five Bottles (coming soon to Carry-Ons & Couture).
Another notable stop in Florence is Santa Maria Novella, the world's oldest pharmacy. It is a luxurious stop off the beaten path in Tuscany with dozens of scents and rooms filled with products in some of the most aesthetically pleasing packaging I’ve seen in my life. The scents are simple but elegant, and the products are expertly crafted. For the history alone, it is a stop you simply can’t miss.
3. Where to Eat Bistecca alla Fiorentina in Florence
Located just moments away from Profumeria Invicta is a steakhouse called Regina Bistecca. This spot was recommended to us by the staff at the perfumery, and it definitely did not disappoint. With the restaurant located in such a tourist-heavy area, I do heavily recommend making a reservation in advance to ensure you have a table.
The restaurant offers an extensive menu featuring fresh cuts of meat, sharing options, and a wide selection of delicious sides. Florence is known for its steak, and you can tell that the locals truly care about the quality of meat they’re serving, no matter where you are. After sitting down in the stunning and dimly lit restaurant, my mom and I ordered an excellent bottle of Montalcino wine.
We each decided to get a cut of the filet of beef. While I opted for garlic and herb butter, my mom chose a bearnaise sauce, and the restaurant definitely gave us our money's worth. We also enjoyed two sides made to share, the creamed spinach and the potato gratin with truffle.
Not a single part of this meal let us down. Everything tasted fresh and delicious, and the service was excellent. We even got to see our cuts of meat before they were cooked to approve that they were to our liking. Just thinking about this meal has my mouth watering, and I’m counting down the moments until I can go back.
4. Why You Should Get a Haircut in Florence
One thing I’ve done a few times abroad now is get a haircut. Typically, I research this in depth since I am quite particular about my hair, but on my last day in Florence, I had some downtime and knew I needed a refresh.
After a quick Google search and a deep dive into reviews, I booked an appointment at Compagnia Della Bellezza Hair Collection with Francesco for a cut and glaze.
Francesco gave me one of the best hair services I’ve ever received, and at nearly half the price I would typically pay in the United States. He sat with me and discussed my goals and style. What I liked and didn’t like. And he made some recommendations. Together, even with a language barrier, we came up with the perfect look for me and got to work. He even threw in an excellent Kerastase hair mask during my wash.
I left this appointment feeling refreshed, happy, and effortlessly chic. I couldn’t recommend making an appointment with Francesco enough! He even had me take before and after photos that made me feel like Mia in The Princess Diaries.
5. Visit the Iconic Ponte Vecchio Bridge
Ponte Veccio is one of the most unique bridges I’ve come across in the world. Hovering over the Arno River is a bridge that has survived since medieval times, making it Florence’s oldest bridge. Most notably, now, it is home to dozens of beautiful high-end jewelry shops.
Each shop was home to friendly staff and gorgeous pieces. From earrings to necklaces, bracelets to rings. There was everything and anything you could dream of, all in one place. Custom pieces were also available for purchase, and no matter where I went, the staff was prepared to help me find what I was looking for.
On this trip to Florence, I wasn’t looking to buy any jewelry, but I definitely kept an eye open. My mom, though, was on the hunt for a new pair of earrings as she had recently lost one from her favorite set. She went into several shops, all of which were very helpful, showing her a variety of styles from studs to hoops and diamonds to sapphires. Eventually, she found a stunning pair of diamond hoop earrings at Oreficeria del Ponte Vecchio.
I was definitely envious of her purchase, so the next time I’m in the market for jewelry, I’ll have to jet back to Florence to go shopping myself.
Is Florence Worth Visiting? Final Thoughts on the Cradle of the Renaissance
Regardless of your interests, Florence has something for everyone. It’s somewhere where you can step back and appreciate the art of being alive. The architecture transports you back in time, and everywhere you go, the staff helps you appreciate the love all of its locals have for the city.
What To Wear in Florence:
Elevate this look with a Chanel double flap bag, an Hermes Twilly as a headband, or an oversized black coat from Reformation.
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