Florence is a beautiful city in central Italy and the capital of the Tuscan region. Its history as the birthplace of the Renaissance and home to many famous artworks, including Michelangelo's David, Botticelli's Birth of Venus and La Primavera, among countless others, attracts tourists from all over the world. But Florence has much more to offer beyond its art and museums, such as its beautiful architecture (like the famous Duomo), world-renowned food and wine, and amazing shopping.

As someone who spent four months living and studying in Florence, I can recommend some of the city's hidden gems and ways to experience it on a more personal level.

Starting off strong with food! Florence is home to a wide variety of traditional Italian dishes, with its most famous being Florentine steak. The best Florentine steak I had (or as the locals call it, "Bistecca alla Fiorentina") was at a restaurant called La Loggia, located near Piazzale Michelangelo. This spot offers the best view of the city in all of Florence and is a must-visit location. Nearby is the Giardino delle Rose, which also offers a great view. You can reach it by a short hike up the hill on the other side of the Arno, or by taxi.

Even if you are not looking to go to dinner at La Loggia, Piazzale Michelangelo is a great spot for pictures!

Another famous Italian food is gelato. Florence is home to countless gelaterias, but it’s important to know the dos and don'ts of gelato that come straight from the advice of locals. Never get brightly colored gelato that is displayed in large mounds with toppings on top (AKA the ones that usually catch your eye first). Instead, go for natural-looking and less flashy ones, as they tend to be more traditional and cheaper. My favorite shop that I found in all of Florence is called La Sorbettiera. It is family-owned and has been making gelato since 1934. If you have a chance to go, my favorite flavors are lemon sage and lavender!

Florence is also known for its delicious paninis. I tried almost every shop and narrowed down my favorites to Sandwhichic, Pino's, and Semel Street Food. For dinner, I particularly enjoyed Trattoria Zaza and La Giostra, but you really can't go wrong with any of the restaurants.

Now for things to do! Of course, you must visit the Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze to see the famous David statue and the Uffizi to view countless other famous artworks. You should also see the duomo. However, the most rewarding time I spent in Florence was down by the Arno River in a little grassy area. This is where the locals go to read, sunbathe, picnic, play soccer, paint, and more. The spot is unnamed on the map, but you can find it by following Lungarno della Zecca Vecchia until you reach the historical landmark of Torre della Zecca.

When it comes to shopping in Florence, I highly recommend visiting Scuola del Cuoio behind Santa Croce and Cecchi Carlo Di Ricchi Giuliano in Santo Spirito.

Scuola del Cuoio is a leather shop that crafts everything in-store. They offer free embossing on all purchases, making it the perfect place to find customizable souvenirs and gifts. Florence is renowned for its leather products in all of Italy, so this is definitely a go-to spot for anyone looking for a keepsake.

Another hidden gem in Florence is Cecchi Carlo Di Ricchi Giuliano. This is a must-visit location if you are interested in handcrafted jewelry. Owned and operated by an older couple, the store offers free customization and alterations right in front of you. Not only is it affordable (I purchased a handmade necklace for only 15 euros), but the owner is a retired jewelry designer for Gucci, Cartier, and Neiman Marcus. He has over 50 years of experience as an engraver and metal presser. Despite having no storefront, email, or website, Giuliano and his wife, Maria, have thrived on word-of-mouth recommendations alone.

I hope these recommendations help you make the most of your time in Florence. It truly is a city of hidden gems, and I recommend everyone visit at least once in their lifetime. Ciao!

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