Sunny streets, delicous eats

Ancient architecture, breathtaking views and a maze of streets make Florence the perfect city to explore on a sunny day.

10 a.m. Start your day with a strut down Tornabuoni for some serious designer shopping. Comparable to New York City’s Fifth Avenue, Via de’ Tornabuoni boasts some of the best luxury labels in town along with some thrifty boutiques including Zara and H&M.

1 p.m. Travel across Florence’s main river, the Arno, for picturesque views at Piazzale Michelangelo. Located atop a steep hill, the climb is worth the postcard-worthy Instagram photos. Overlooking historic sights such as the Duomo, the square of Piazzale Michelangelo also features bronze replicas of some of Michelangelo’s esteemed sculptures.

3 p.m. Just down the street lies another of Florence’s crown jewels. Boboli Gardens, built in the early Renaissance for the prominent Medici Family, holds precious sculptures from the 16th to 18th centuries, as well as expansive green spaces — perfect for a clear, sunny day. In close
proximity to the museums at Palazzo Pitti, the Boboli Gardens boast grottos, nympheums, garden temples and more.

5 p.m. For an afternoon snack, head to La Rinascente — the Bloomingdale’s of Italy — for their hidden terrace cafe and possibly more shopping. Order an espresso or a hot chocolate to enjoy along with the view of Piazza della Repubblica — an atmosphere of street performers, carousel riders and the grand Arcone arch.

11 p.m. After a home-cooked meal, a catnap and a quick Netflix binge, head to Santa Croce for a night of Italian bar hopping. With a mixed crowd of locals and tourists, the Santa Croce district features some of Florence’s most noteworthy nightlife destinations. Try a cocktail and hookah at Moyo for a lounge atmosphere or a beer and shots at Kikuya Pub. For those interested in a more lively scene, hit Bamboo Lounge and Club for a true turn up on the dance floor.