What to see

Founded in 1221 by Dominican friars, the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is one of the world's oldest continually operating pharmacies. Stepping through the elegant entrance on Via della Scala, just a few steps from us, you'll be enveloped in an atmosphere suspended between art, science, and tradition. The historic rooms, once used for distilling medicinal herbs, preserve original frescoes, antique furnishings, and iconic perfumes. Even today, the Officina produces cosmetics, essences, and herbal teas following traditional monastic recipes. It's a truly unique place that we highly recommend you visit.

Nestled in the heart of Florence's Oltrarno district, San Frediano blends authenticity with creativity. Its streets host historic artisan workshops and contemporary ateliers, keeping the "Made in Florence" tradition alive. Emblematic spots like Piazza del Carmine and the Church of San Frediano in Cestello tell centuries-old stories, while the lively nightlife and typical trattorias offer an authentic experience of Florentine culture. Lonely Planet recognized this neighborhood as one of the "coolest" in the world, and it's just a short stroll from our doors.

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore—the Duomo—is the vibrant core of the city and enchants visitors with the imposing dome designed by Brunelleschi, the largest masonry dome in the world. Outside, the Neo-Gothic façade of polychrome marble refracts light in chromatic displays, while inside, a solemn spirituality breathes, ennobled by frescoes by Paolo Uccello and Vasari. Michelangelo's Deposition is preserved in the apse—a true masterpiece.

Ponte Vecchio, with its characteristic shops suspended over the Arno River, is undoubtedly one of Florence's most iconic landmarks. Originally home to butchers, it was transformed into a hub for goldsmiths by the Medici family, who wished to make it more elegant. A stroll among its famous jewelry shops, reflected in the water below, is a journey back through centuries of history and art, as well as one of the most romantic experiences Florence has to offer.

Palazzo Pitti is an imposing Renaissance residence that was initially the home of the Medici family and later the residence of the House of Savoy. Today, it houses prestigious museums, including the Palatine Gallery and the Museum of Fashion and Costume. Beyond its museums, Palazzo Pitti opens onto the extraordinary green expanse of the Boboli Gardens, a magnificent example of an Italian garden. In addition to lush plants and blooming vegetation, the garden features unique attractions like the Buontalenti Grotta, the Egyptian obelisk, and the Medici's lemon house.

Commissioned by Cosimo I de' Medici, the Uffizi Gallery is a temple of Renaissance art. As you traverse its halls, you'll be captivated by masterpieces from Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Giotto, Paolo Uccello, Piero della Francesca, Correggio, Mantegna, Caravaggio, and many others, in a grand compendium of art history, not just Florentine. The expansive windows offer stunning views of the Arno, adding an evocative note to your visit in the heart of art.

Famous home of Michelangelo’s majestic David, the Galleria dell’Accademia is a must-see stop for tourists from all over the world. But this art treasure chest holds many other gems: from Michelangelo’s Prisoners, poignant in their unfinished state, to the Bartolini Plaster Casts Gallery, as well as precious paintings from the 14th century and the Florentine Renaissance. Walking through the rooms, you will witness the evolution of artistic taste while immersing yourself in the extraordinary cultural heritage of our city.