August is fast approaching!! As your plans begin to take shape, here are some recommendations on how to best enjoy your time in Florence - we recommend booking tickets and reservations in advance wherever possible :)

Ditta Artigianale – a local favorite for a leisurely cappuccino or brunch

Caffè Gilli – historic and elegant, right near the Duomo

La Ménagère – Part flower shop and part café!

Rivoire – great for coffee, hot chocolate, and people watching on Piazza della Signorina

Caffè Gabbia del Duomo – near the Duomo, but quieter than other nearby cafes directly on the piazza

Caffè Casoni – another local favorite, in a quieter corner of the city

All’Antico Vinaio – More touristy, but still a local favorite we're told (and a nod to NYC)

I Due Fratellini – Small, walk-up wine & panino shop for a quick lunch on the go

Il Girone dei Ghiotti – 5 stars reviews!

SchiacciaMatta – near Santa Croce, and a great spot to try schiacciatta (Tuscan flatbread)

Salumeria Verdi – more 5 stars reviews! Go here for a wide deli selection of meats, cheeses, and sandwiches

Gelateria dei Neri – apparently, the ricotta + fig flavor is a must-try

La Carraia – just across the Arno and worth the walk!

My Sugar – a great spot if you are also planning to visit il Mercato Centrale

Vivoli Gelato – comes widely recommended and is near la Piazza di Santa Croce

Il Procopio – just down the street from lunch at SchiacciaMatta (see above)

Gelateria Medici – two locations on either side of the city center

Edoardo Gelato – if you're in need of a gelato fix while walking around the Duomo

Gelateria della Passera – another worthwhile walk across the Arno, and great to have after (or before) dinner at Trattoria Cammillo

Locale Firenze – a more elevated spot, claiming "inventive cocktails"

Mad Souls & Spirits – Across the arno and casual, with a twist on the classics

La Terrazza Rooftop Bar (at Hotel Continentale) – this comes highly recommended, especially at sunset. Great cocktails and rooftop views of the city!

Manifattura – For an authentic aperitvo, check out this very local spot that only serves Italian spirits

Art Bar – a short walk from Manifattura, fun drinks & bites

Rex Café – a late-night spot for drinks and dancing

Le Volpi e L'Uva – a well-recommended wine bar

Dondino – wine bar with duomo views and the Gwyneth Paltrow stamp of approval

Rasputin – a hidden speakeasy in Santo Spirito!

Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori – a great choice to enjoy classic Tuscan fare

Trattoria Sostanza – old-school spot known for their Florentine steak and butter chicken

Il Santo Bevitore – another great choice for classic Tuscan fare, go here after aperitivo at Mad Souls & Spirits or Le Volpi e L'Uva

Gustapizza – you guessed it - a pizza joint!

Il Latini – go here after aperitivo at Art Bar or Manifattura! And note the *unique* interior decor

Trattoria Garga – a stunning location and an option for more elevated dining

13 Gobbi – a personal favorite from our venue visit in February

La Giostra – this spot made it on to allll of the best restaurant lists. If you go here - let us know how it is :)

Tre Panche – a perfect location right after a visit to the Uffizi!

Atto – for those interested in a fine dining experience, Atto is located near the Duomo and boasts a Michelin star

Il Pizzaiuolo – a local favorite for pizza

Cibreo – another favorite from our trip back in February! Cibreo offers 3 different locations and experiences around the city

Visit the Duomo, and climb to the top for amazing city views

Visit the Uffizi Gallery, home to Botticelli’s Birth of Venus (advance ticket booking recommended)

Walk the Ponte Vecchio, at sunset if possible

Explore the Oltrarno – The "other side" of the Arno river, full of artisans and local shops

Cross the river to Piazzale Michelangelo and find the best panoramic view of Florence

Visit the Boboli Gardens to break away from the busy city streets. This historical (and stunning) garden was originally designed for the Medici family and dates back to 1766!

Walk around il Mercato Centrale – an amazing selection of local food stalls and a great place to pick up some flavorful souvenirs

Walk around il Mercato Sant’Ambrogio - another market to Centrale, (featured on Stanley Tucci's Searching for Italy)

Visit the Medici Chapels - the pictures speak for themselves

Walk the Vasari Corridor, an elevated passageway connecting the Palazzo Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti (tickets can be purchased through the Uffizi)

Stop in il Teatro Odeon, an old grand cinema that has been converted into a cafe and bookshop

Visit the Galleria dell’Accademia to see the David, among other notable Michelangelo works

Explore the Gucci Garden and trade art history for fashion history

Visit one of Florence's many leather shops, such as la Scuola di Cuoio

Hunt down one of the famous Wine Windows! The Pietrabianca window comes recommended as a lower-key, less touristy location

Hit the outlets! Florence boasts a famed outlet mall (cleverly titled, "The Mall"), just a 30 minute drive outside the city center. Shuttles are also available from the city.

Take a day trip to the Tuscan wineries! While there is no shortage of wineries just outside of Florence, here are a few recommendations to get you started:

- Podere Ema (accessible by public transportation)

- Villa Le Piazzole (accessible by public transportation)

- Poggio La Noce

- Antinori nel Chianti Classico