The El Camino Travel Guide to Florence, Italy
Written by Kayla Doris
Renaissance masterpieces, centuries-old palazzos, winding cobblestone streets, and sunlit stone rooftops—there’s no denying that Florence holds a certain kind of romance. As the capital of Tuscany—the region best known for its rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards—it embodies the spirit of this part of Italy: deeply rooted in tradition, proud of its craftsmanship and artistic heritage, and endlessly passionate about good food and wine. It’s no secret that Florence was at the epicenter of the Renaissance, a cultural movement that began in Italy in the 14th century and marked a new era of art, architecture, and science. Its artistic legacy is the city’s global calling card with most tourists arriving for the opportunity to see Michelangelo’s David, Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, and the soaring dome of the Duomo in the place where they were created. However, the popularity of these sites has led to an influx of issues for its residents who fear of Florence becoming the next Venice. Tourist crowds and queues have become commonplace and neighborhood shops in the city center have been replaced with mass produced souvenir stores. While overtourism is something the local government needs to manage, as travelers, we have control over how we choose to engage with somewhere. One of the major complaints from residents is the concept of “hit and run” tourism, where visitors drop in for a brief visit to tick off bucketlist sights without any meaningful engagement. At El Camino, we always advise traveling slow and traveling deep—visiting in off-season, seeking out and supporting local makers and artisans, venturing beyond the overcrowded center, and staying longer if possible.
We’ve collaborated with local insiders, Elisa Proietti—food guide from Eating Europe, and the team from luxury B&B Ad Astra. We’ve also included tips from ECT Italy Experts, Zoe Shapiro—founder of inclusive Italy tour company Stellavision Travel, and Livia Hengel—travel journalist and founder of The Italy Edit.
Eat
“Brand new restaurant Santa Barbara Firenze has delicious small bites and it feels modern for the city!” says Zoe. The founders started the restaurant to shake up “the stagnant Florentine gastronomic scene.” The venue has just 20 seats built around the kitchen where chefs directly serve seated guests. Wondering what’s on the menu? It depends on the availability of the market, the suppliers, and neighboring producers, so there isn’t a traditional menu, so to speak. Instead, you can choose how you want to experience their food by choosing from four different ‘routes’. Go for the Cannone route, for playful and creative dishes, or opt for the Torre route if you want more comforting and traditional flavors.
Also included in the guide:
Where local food expert, Elisa Proietti, goes when she’s “craving mama’s food'“
An old-school, family-run restaurant to try Florentine classics
Where to sample lesser-known Tuscan dishes that have been crafted for palates of locals
Image credit: Lisa Corti
Stay
Check into Ad Astra, a 16th-century mansion turned luxury B&B that oozes character and style. It houses 14 rooms surrounded by a magnificent wraparound terrace overlooking the garden (the largest private garden in Europe). Rooms vary in decor and size, but all feature a mix of vintage furnishings, modern art, and freestanding bathtubs. Breakfast is included in the room rate—expect eggs, cheeses, prosciutto, and pastries enjoyed from the salon or outside on the terrace. Find it located in Oltrarno.
Also included in the guide:
Show-stopping, pared-back lofts in a creative artist residence
A jaw-dropping hotel with themed bedrooms, including a room that comes with its very own library and premium amenities
Pink, green, and gold bedrooms in a playful hotel owned by a local illustrator
Image credit: Santa Barbara Firenze
Shop
Shop statement table linens, cushions, robes, and homewares from the Lisa Corti boutique in Sant’Ambrogio. Set inside a former workshop, the concept store brings the Milan-based textile designer’s signature aesthetic to Florence—think bold patterns, block prints, and East-meets-Mediterranean palettes. Browse limited edition prints and fabrics that have been designed in Italy and handcrafted in India.
Also included in the guide:
A showroom in the artisan quarter for exquisite handcrafted furniture
A fashion concept store that breaks away from the city’s old-world aesthetic
A local-approved list of the best vintage stores in town
Image credit: Ad Astra
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