It was clear to us, as we drove up the Florentine hills that Hotel Torre di Bellosguardo was the right choice for the entirety of our visit. Perched above the basin where Florence lies, this property offers unparalleled views as its vantage point sees the city in sunlight from sunrise to sunset. The tranquil setting provides respite from the bustling city below while remaining conveniently close. As New Yorkers, we appreciate and understand the importance of this careful balance. 

As we explored the hotel’s gardens, we were absolutely overwhelmed by the views, surrounded by the aroma of fresh flowers, and stunned as each corner we turned was more breathtaking than the last. 

The gentleman mentioned above shared with us the best walking routes into Florence from Hotel Torre, revealing idyllic views along the way. We spent 2 full days exploring Florence by foot and even though it was tiring, and quite hot out, the gems we serendipitously discovered along the way made it worth every step. Of course we’ve added all of these finds to The Guide.

Before we dive into these spots themselves, here is a gallery of our favorite shots while walking into and within Florence to both wander and take in the city’s most famous sights.

Amidst the absolutely chaotic transition of Florence’s museum closures and the influx of people spilling into the streets, we slipped into the lobby of Hotel Bernini Palace. Unexpectedly, and much to our delight, the lobby was almost empty despite its proximity to the packed Palazzo Vecchio. The lobby itself, as indicated by the hotel’s beautiful exterior, was exquisite and a cherished resting point before continuing on with our evening.

Similarly, with a brief window of time before our next dinner and a desire to rest, we wandered into Hotel Degli Orrafi with an inquiry about a place to enjoy a drink. We were ushered to a breathtaking rooftop with great views. Next to Ponte Vecchio bridge on a Saturday evening, we could not have been in a busier area, and yet, the Hotel remained calm. Naturally, we indulged in an espresso and savored the complimentary assortment of cookies, a custom in Florence we firmly believe should exist in New York, especially when a coffee costs $8 USD.

On one of our strolls, we encountered a store that had been recommended by a friend: Momo Vintage, a small well-curated boutique with a well-deserved following that now includes Spaced Magazine. Here, we found gems that spanned from luxury to accessible and one of the most impressive collections of quality vintage Levi’s denim we’ve seen.

Sbrino Gelato came highly recommended from a number of sources as the best gelato. While we don’t know if it is truly the best of Florence, it’s undeniably the best we’ve had, ever. Sbrino has a few locations across the city and we found ourselves at the Santo Spirito shop after the disappointment of arriving at a closed Brancacci Chapel where we hoped to see the fresco that includes Masaccio’s famous “Expulsion from the Garden of Eden.” Even though the gelato immediately melted from Florence’s heat, Sbrino provided the perfect bandaid to our heartbreak.

As we traveled from Hotel Torre di Bellosguardo into the city on one of our mentioned treasured walks, we decided it was time for yet another espresso. Though our intention was to stop quickly, we found ourselves lingering in this precious space during their quieter hours and would absolutely recommend for you to do the same.

Regardless of their overexposure on social media, we were still fascinated and excited by the prospect of being served a glass of wine through a tiny window along Florence’s cobblestoned streets. Having been around since the 16th century, wine windows were an integral part of the city’s culture and encouraged under the rule of Cosimo Medici as a way to keep the city’s inhabitants happy and for the wine trade to flourish. Nearly 300 windows still exist across Florence. One that is modernized, currently operating, and satisfyingly aesthetic is Babae, pictured here.

On our first day of exploring, we approached Piazza di Santa Maria Novella and Spotted Grand Hotel Minerva directly beside the landmark, gracefully blending into the architecture. Here we enjoyed the best spaghetti al pomodoro of our entire time in Italy, and possibly ever. Florence’s city centre was humming while we admired the view of the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella from the al fresco dining section. The patio was elegant yet inviting, and the quality of each dish was aligned with the 5-star hotel’s calibre.

As the sun set on the city of Florence and the tourists began to retreat, the streets started to fill with locals and students ready for their night out. As we walked into La Giostra, a space once used as winter storage for a neighboring carousel – or in Italian, giostra –  we knew we were in for a treat.

The hidden gem is cozy, nestled in a cave and designed with artifacts and frames of happy moments the restaurant has shared with its famous and friendly patrons. The eclectic interior and dim lighting pleasantly remind you that you are somewhere else. And in this case, you are in Florence indulging in traditional Tuscan cuisine.

When seeking a place to enjoy a relaxed yet elegant dinner, Osteria dell’Enoteca is the perfect destination. An intimate restaurant near Pitti Palace, the location offers a collection of specialized wines and an elegant Tuscan-inspired menu featuring locally sourced fresh ingredients.

In place of a traditional wine list and with a focus on conversation and intimacy, guests have the opportunity to visit the Wine Wall. Here, they are personally guided through their small production bottles with attention to food pairings and preferred taste profiles, making for a truly customized experience.