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.

In Florence, a city filled with beautiful museums, art galleries and churches, it is easy to find a way to spend a rainy day.

9:00 Start your day off with a quick cappuccino and cream-filled croissant at Gilli, an iconic cafe on the corner of Piazza della Repubblica. A favorite of locals and tourists alike, Gilli is one of the oldest cafes in Florence. Take your breakfast like a true Italian, standing at the bar inside, or sit at one of the covered tables outside for people-watching.

10 a.m. Housing some of the world’s most famous pieces of artwork, including Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, the Uffizi Gallery is a must-see. It is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Florence, with wait times reaching up to five hours during peak season. Avoid the lines by buying tickets in advance, or visiting on a weekday morning.

1 p.m. Stop for lunch at the Mercato Centrale, an expansive two-story market building in the heart of the San Lorenzo district. The upper level of the building functions as a food court, with over 20 vendor stands selling delicious traditional Tuscan food. Order a full entree from one stand, or branch out by trying smaller plates from a few stalls. Once you’ve finished lunch, take some time to explore the lower level, where vendors sell every sort of fresh produce, meats and goods imaginable. Pick up a bottle of local olive oil or Chianti wine as a souvenir.

5 p.m. Brush up on your fashion history by visiting the Gucci Museum or the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum. The Gucci Museum explores the history of the celebrated Florentine fashion brand with permanent exhibitions of iconic looks, while the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum houses over 10,000 models of shoes created by the famous shoe designer, including models that belonged to Ava Gardner and Marilyn Monroe.

8 p.m. While by no means a hidden-gem or well kept secret, Gusta Pizza has rightfully earned its reputation as the best pizza in Florence. Shaped with a thick crust, sprinkled with a liberal helping of cheese and cooked to perfection in a wood-fired oven, one of Gusta’s personal pizzas is a well-deserved ending to a busy day.