Florence: Where the Past Feels Alive
Florence isn’t just beautiful — it’s magnetic. One minute you’re standing in front of Michelangelo’s David, the next you’re sipping wine under faded frescoes in a tucked-away piazza. This is a city that rewards curiosity and lingers in your memory long after you’ve left. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, there’s always something new to uncover.
Exclusive things to do in Florence
Start early, stay late
Florence is best explored with no fixed agenda. That said, a few things are non-negotiable — but try to do them differently. For the Uffizi, book an early-access private tour before the museum opens to the public. It’s quieter, cooler, and a completely different experience.
Skip the Ponte Vecchio shops — head to the Oltrarno instead
Cross the Arno to explore the quieter, more authentic side of Florence. In the Oltrarno, artisans still work in small, family-run studios. Stop by Scuola del Cuoio for handcrafted leather goods or Mannina for custom-made shoes. If you’re into interiors, Il Papiro is a great stop for hand-marbled paper and writing accessories.
Book a seat at the chef’s table
Florentine food is simple but rich in flavor. Go beyond the classics with a tasting menu at Ora d’Aria, a Michelin-starred spot that feels genuinely intimate. For something more interactive, Desinare offers high-end cooking classes in a beautifully designed space — it’s where stylish locals actually go to learn.
Need a break from the city?
Ask your concierge to organize a half-day wine tasting in Chianti Classico — close enough for an easy getaway, but far enough to feel like you’ve escaped. Go private, and you’ll get access to boutique vineyards that aren’t on TripAdvisor.
VERTU’s insider tip: For a drink with a view, everyone will point you to Piazzale Michelangelo, but for a more refined sunset experience, book a table at La Terrazza at the top of the medieval Consorti Tower. It’s one of the few rooftop spots where you can sip a Negroni while watching the Duomo light up — no crowds, just views.
Best time to visit Florence
Florence in late spring and early autumn strikes a perfect balance: the city glows with golden light, the crowds thin, and cultural events are in full swing. If visiting in June, attend the Calcio Storico, a centuries-old match that’s more gladiator battle than football game — uniquely Florentine.
Where to Stay in Florence: Palazzo Montebello
Set in a 19th-century villa just a few steps from the Arno, Palazzo Montebello offers a rare kind of quiet elegance in Florence — central without being crowded, refined without being showy.
The atmosphere is warm and discreet. Rooms are decorated in a classic Italian style, with high ceilings, soft lighting, and just enough old-world charm to make it feel special. It’s the kind of place that feels like a well-kept secret.
Where to sleep: Choose a room overlooking the garden or inner courtyard for a peaceful, residential feel — perfect for slow mornings or an espresso on the balcony.
Ambiance: While the hotel is housed in a historic building, it’s been carefully maintained, with modern comforts integrated seamlessly into the setting.
Insider tip: The bar staff mix an excellent Negroni (Florence is its birthplace, after all), and they’re always happy to tailor a drink to your mood. It’s a great pre-dinner stop before heading out into Oltrarno or San Frediano.
Palazzo Montebello is ideal for travelers who value authenticity and comfort over flash — a quiet base from which to explore Florence at your own pace, with everything you need close at hand.
Palazzo Montebello, a member of the VERTU Collection