Florence Day One: Art, Shopping, and Aperitivo Vibes
Florence is the heartbeat of Tuscany and the perfect place to kick off your girls’ getaway. Stay somewhere central so you can walk everywhere. Consider boutique hotels or a stylish apartment rental near the Duomo or Santa Croce. If you arrive early in the day before check-in, ask the hotel to store your luggage so that you can explore the city unencumbered.
If you are a foodie like me, you’ll want to explore the rich history and culinary traditions of the region. In that case, the best place to start your day is at Mercato Centrale, a bustling indoor market packed with food stalls serving everything from truffle pasta to fresh-baked focaccia. My friends and I grazed on everything from pastries to cheese, sipped espresso, and soaked in the lively atmosphere. Don’t miss the fresh mozzarella counter or the upstairs wine bar—it’s the perfect place for a group toast.
Florence is known for its incredible art and architecture. The heart of the Italian renaissance, Florence was home to masters like Michelangelo, Brunelleschi, Leonardo da Vinci, Donatello, and Botticelli. Their influence is everywhere as you walk through the streets. If your group are art or history lovers, you will love exploring the many museums and palaces found in the city center. The Uffizi Gallery is a must-see. Born out of the Medici family’s personal collections, this museum is filled with famous works from some of the world’s best-known artists.
After lunch, stroll over to Loggia del Mercato Nuovo to shop leather goods. We each picked up gorgeous leather handbags and jackets at fair prices. Haggle a little (it’s part of the fun) and look for sellers who handcraft their pieces locally.
Insider Tip: I always bring home scarves and beautifully woven wraps for my friends. You will find a wide selection here in the Mercato Nuovo.
As you finish shopping, stroll north along the Via Calimala/Via Roma toward the Piazza di San Giovanni where you will find yourself behind the famous domed basilica known affectionately as the Duomo. The building itself is a marvel and decorated in beautiful colored stones and tiles. You may enter the church and even climb its narrow staircase to the top of the dome for incredible views of the city.
After all of that walking, it’s time for a bit of rest and a snack. My absolute favorite cafe in the city is found in the Piazza della Signoria across from the replica of David. Rivoire is a famous chocolatier and their cafe is a moment of beauty and sophistication among the bustling tourists of Florence. If the weather is nice, take a seat beneath the canopy and enjoy the piazza views with a cup of their famous hot chocolate or a plate of pastries. The people-watching here is top-tier, and the cafe itself will make you feel like a movie star in a foreign film.
Insider Tip: Order at the table for the full experience, even if it costs a bit more, and take your time. Savor the scene and the moment with friends. You’re paying for the atmosphere, and it’s worth every euro.
Florence Day Two: Artisans and Excursions
Florence is known for its artisan craftsmen. Not only art, sculpture, and architecture, but leather goods, glass, culinary arts, and paper crafts are famously designed in Florence. What many tourists don’t realize is that you can join the fun by taking artisan tours and classes while you are visiting the city. A cooking class is a fun way to get your hands dirty with your friends. You can choose from pasta making, chocolates and pastries, or even pizza and gelato. You’ll learn traditional techniques and take home recipes you can recreate long after your vacation is over.
Or, learn to make your own leather wallet, a souvenir you’ll always cherish. There are also classes to learn the Florentine art of paper marbling for handmade cards and stationary. My favorite is a tour that introduces you to a leather craftsman, a mosaic artist, and a paper artist so that you get a full view of the talents hidden in this historic city. Unique experiences like these are not only fun, they’re bonding moments for your group of friends.
Now, what would be a girls’ trip to Italy without a little wine tasting? This region is best known for its rich red wines, most notably Chianti. In Florence, you will have no shortage of opportunities for wine tasting, both in the city and out among the local vineyards of Tuscany. There are several tour guides who specialize in food and wine tours within the historic city. These are walking tours that share the history of the city and its connection with wine as you explore local wine shops and restaurants among the streets of Florence. This is a great way to experience the famous “wine windows” you may have seen on Tiktok or Instagram.
Another option is to take a day trip with a guided wine tour of local vineyards. There are many to choose from and it is a great opportunity to get out of the city and see the Tuscan countryside. They will arrange to pick you up in the city and return you after a day of sightseeing and wine tasting. Options include a simple tour or one or two vineyards, tours that include multiple stops in nearby villages for shopping and lunch along the way, or more elaborate tours that include private wine tasting and multi-course dinners. If wine tasting is top on your friends’ wish list, then planning a wine tasting tour in Tuscany will be an unforgettable experience.
My Recommendations
Stay in the beautiful Hotel Continentale just steps from the Ponte Vecchio. This hotel offers transfers from the train station, making it easy to get into the heart of the city without the hassle of taxis or wandering through the ancient streets with luggage in tow.
For a special dining experience, I recommend the beautiful Antico Ristorante Paoli 1827. With its well-dressed waitstaff and frescoed walls, this restaurant is sure to wow your girlfriends as they step inside. The food will not disappoint as you choose from regional dishes like roasted boar and Italian favorites like Tiramisu.
I recommend at least two days to enjoy the city, but it also makes a great base for day trips into the Italian countryside for those who want to see more of Tuscany. You could easily spend a week exploring this region. For the best weather, I recommend planning your trip for autumn months. Visit in September and October to avoid the crowds and enjoy the added bonus of fresh truffles and newly harvested grapes.
Final Thoughts
Florence is a perfect destination for women who are looking to mix cultural experiences with a bit of shopping and dining. Whether you’re planning a bachelorette party, a milestone birthday, or a long-overdue reunion, Florence is the perfect backdrop for making memories that will last a lifetime. So grab your girls, pack your flowy dresses, and get ready to fall in love—with Italy and with the joy of traveling together.
Ready to book your girls’ trip to Florence? Message me and I will take the stress out of travel planning so you can focus on what matters most: spending time with the people you love.
