Very much in line with the humanist ideas of Florence back in time, the facade of this church was once used for astrological calculations! The square itself, in its turn, was used as the Dominican gardens back in the 15th century, but sadly, only the internal part of the gardens was left to our days. The entrance to the basilica is not free (it costs €7,50) but it’s definitely worth it, as you will be able to enjoy the gardens, the beautiful interiors and the crucifixes by Giotto and Giambologna.

Keep an eye on Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, one of the most magical places in Florence. An ancient pharmacy dating back to 1221, this place once belonged to the Dominican friars who used to grow medicinal herbs in the aforementioned gardens. They would then create tinctures, balms, and various drugs to sell in this pharmacy. Today, you can buy amazing and very high-quality creams, balms, soaps, and perfumes here, as well as attend various exhibitions, ranging from historical ones, exploring the long history of the pharmacy, to temporary immersive exhibitions.

This is a must-stop for all modern art lovers: Museo del Novecento, one of the most underrated gems of Florence. Clearly, most people come to this city for the Renaissance; but if you’re an art history nerd (or current/ex major maybe? I feel you anyway!), this place is for you. From de Chirico to Fontana, this museum is full of 20th-century art masterpieces. Personally, I also love the way it's organized - and it hosts regular temporary exhibitions! And if you don’t know much about modern art but are feeling adventurous, I still recommend you to check this museum out.

I’m inviting you to pop by Todo Modo, which is a bookshop, a coffee shop and a little theatre - all in one! This is not a common occurrence in Italy, and the vibe there is just right. You know what I’m talking about? Take your coffee, browse some books (there are books in English, too), and enjoy the quiet atmosphere with occasional chatter and keyboard noises (they allow you to work on the computer from there until, and after, lunchtime).

Piazza Carlo Goldoni is a small traffic circle in Florence named after the playwright Carlo Goldoni. It's not your typical picturesque square, but more of a bustling intersection where five streets meet. You'll find cars zipping by and a statue of Goldoni in the center. It's a convenient spot if you're walking from the Ognissanti or Santa Maria Novella neighborhoods and need to cross the Arno river. Just watch out for traffic while you're there!

Piazza Ognissanti is a charming square in the heart of Florence, Italy, dominated by the luxurious hotel Westin Excelsior (Orvm is their rooftop bar that costs a lot but offers jaw-dropping views!) from one side and the Church of San Salvatore in Ognissanti from the other.

Orvm Bar is a cozy Italian restaurant located in Florence, Tuscany, known for its intimate ambiance and delicious cocktails. Situated on the rooftop of The Westin Excelsior Florence, this spot features black-and-white marble floors, wooden tables, and leather-covered walls and chairs. Guests can enjoy light meals like burrata mozzarella or grilled salmon salad, along with tasty pizzas, sandwiches, pasta dishes, and seafood and meat options. With a warm and inviting atmosphere, Orvm Bar is the perfect place to unwind and savor some authentic Italian flavors in the heart of Florence.

This church is free to visit and it’s full of unexpected surprises. First thing first, inside you can find numerous artworks by important Florentine artists, including the Crucifix by Giotto. But what else is interesting about the church is who’s buried inside (I know, doesn’t sound too good, but bear with me!). This church is the burial place of Sandro Botticelli, one of the greatest artists ever, and most definitely one of the key figures of the Renaissance. Having been a friend of Lorenzo the Magnificent who has commissioned one too many works for this extra-talented artist, Sandro Botticelli gained prominence under the Medici rule. Although his tomb here is small (it’s located underground with a small mark on the floor, but you’ll see it thanks to his portrait exposed nearby and a little basket with letters that visitors leave near his tomb), it attracts so many people who want to pay their tribute to the man who gifted us with The Birth of Venice and Primavera (both works you’ll find in the Uffizi Gallery, by the way) among many other masterpieces.

A tragic love story. There’s a beautiful but tragic legend linked to why Botticelli was buried there. The church has been long under the patronage of the noble Florentine family of Vespucci - and yes, explorer and navigator Amerigo Vespucci whose name was given to the entire two continents was coming from this family, too. Many of the Vespucci family members are buried in this church as well (including one whose name was Amerigo Vespucci - but not that Amerigo, just his descendent, so don’t be confused). One of the people bearing the Vespucci last name and buried there is a certain Simonetta Vespucci - you might have not heard her name, but you most definitely have seen her face. The thing is, she was the Botticelli’s Venus.

Simonetta Vespucci was the young wife of yet another Vespucci family member (Marco, the cousin-in-law of Amerigo Vespucci, the explorer) during the years when Botticelli was active. Originally from Genoa, upon moving to Florence after the marriage she immediately attracted a lot of attention, including that of Lorenzo de’ Medici and his brother, Giuliano. Her beauty was famous all around Florence and well beyond - no wonder that Sandro Botticelli considered her his muse. While there’s no account of any relationship other than that of a muse and an artist between her and Botticelli, some historians point out that Giuliano de’ Medici was most likely her lover. This story is also beautifully portrayed in the Medici series (yes, the very same series I’ve been talking about before), however, some historians believe that the love story between the two was nothing else than just “courtly love”, focusing on chivalry and admiration from afar. But no matter what kind of relationship linked Simonetta to Giuliano or Botticelli, her story was that of a true star: striking but short-lived. Simonetta died aged only twenty-three and on the day of her funeral, was brought around Florence in an open coffin, dressed in white, so that people could admire her beauty one last time (an honour usually reserved for only the most illustrious personalities). She was buried in the church of San Salvatore in Ognissanti and, according to the legend, it was Botticelli’s request to bury him near his muse and greatest inspiration. The saddest parts of this story? Simonetta’s tomb didn’t survive to our day, as it was either destroyed during the renovations or in one of the floods that have happened in Florence over the centuries.

Nerocarbone Bistrò Toscano in Florence is a cozy gem tucked away on a quiet street. With a laid-back vibe and friendly staff, this charming spot offers delicious Italian dishes like tartare and pasta, along with a great selection of house wines. The small size adds to its charm, making it a perfect place for a relaxed meal or aperitivo.

The Lungarno Corsini in Florence is a charming stretch of road along the northern bank of the Arno River, known for its picturesque views and historic buildings. The highlight is the Palazzo Corsini al Parione, with statues on its rooftop and home to the Galleria Corsini. Other notable buildings include the Palazzo Gianfigliazzi, once owned by the Ruggerini and Masetti families, and the former residence of writer Alessandro Manzoni. It's a great spot for a leisurely stroll and soaking up the beauty of Florence's riverside.

Make sure to stop at the Ferragamo Museum, a fashion museum exploring the history of one of the most famous Italian brands, Salvatore Ferragamo, with an exceptional display of their luxurious pieces. The exhibitions also change often, which makes this museum especially cool - and it’s definitely a must-visit if you’re into fashion and fashion history.

Located on one of the most prestigious streets in the city, lined with fashion boutiques, walk straight up to Palazzo Strozzi, a Renaissance palace that hosts different contemporary art exhibitions. Do check out their website, because very often you can find some really big names on display there (just to give you an example, I once visited an exhibition of Jeff Koons’ works, and it was one of the best collections of his works I’ve ever seen in one place).

Medici’s biggest nemesis? Of course, like many other influential families, the Medici family has had their fair share of rivalry in the city. Before the Medici came to prominence, the city was dominated by two other families - the Albizzi family and, right, the Strozzi family. Forming a so-called “anti-Medici” fraction, they even managed to exile Cosimo de’ Medici for a short period of time. But, upon his return, Cosimo took matters into his own hands, exiling the two families from Florence in his turn. In 1466, Filippo Strozzi, the then-head of the house, was allowed to come back. But her returned to Florence with a burning desire to prove that Medici did not break him - and in 1489, he started the construction of the Strozzi Palace, hoping to turn it into a splendid place that would celebrate the Strozzi family. Filippo died before the construction was finished, but when it eventually was completed, in 1538, the Strozzi Palace indeed became one of the most important buildings in the city. Today you can admire its beauty while also visiting an art exhibition, and even though the interiors haven’t made it to our days, the palace still leaves an unparalleled impression thanks to its grandeur.

One of the best-conserved palaces in the entire city, I highly recommend you to visit Palazzo Davanzati, a gem not many people know about. Well, actually the palace itself has conserved mostly its medieval look, with only several aspects typical for the Renaissance era (like the internal courtyard) as it was built in the 14th century! Inside you’ll find the authentic interiors with many original furniture pieces and little details, as well as well unique wall engravings. In one of my older videos, we’ve stopped by the place, so you can have a taste of what to expect here.

One of the coolest immersive experiences you can get in Florence can be found not far from there, inside Cattedrale dell’Immagine, an ex-church repurposed into a beautiful art space. In the evening, it hosts classical music concerts, but during the day, the space transforms into an immersive art gallery, hosting temporary exhibitions (changing every 6 months or so), that allow you to literally step into the artworks of the most famous artists. From Leonardo to Banksy, their exhibitions span over centuries and different art styles, and offer a truly unique experience to get immersed into your favourite artworks inside a space that couldn’t have fitted better. Check out their current exhibition here. Bonus points if you’re visiting Florence with kids and want to introduce them to the art in a fun and engaging way! The regular ticket costs 15€ (19€ if you want to get a VIP option and wear Oculus VR), with discounts available to students and seniors (11€), and a family ticket will cost you 10€ (valid for a family made up of 1 or 2 adults and at least one child aged 5 to 12, for a total of up to 5 people).

Dating back to the 14th century, Ponte Vecchio is well-known as one of the most famous landmarks in Florence - and it can be a truly unique experience to walk across the bridge lined with jewellery shops (many of which would be centuries-old artisanal productions). However, personally, I prefer to admire it from afar (it can get pretty crowded) and take pictures from further down the riverside walk, in the direction of Ponte alle Grazie (there are different points between the two bridges where you can snap amazing shots, so keep experimenting!).

Ponte alle Grazie is a bridge in Florence, Italy that was originally built in 1237 and reconstructed after being destroyed in World War II. The new design, completed in 1953, features four slender piers with thin arches. It's a modern twist on the old structure, blending in with the city's vibe while still standing out. My favorite part about it? This is the perfect spot to take pictures of another symbol of Florence - Ponte Vecchio!