Get to know Florence like a local

Getting to grips with what’s on offer in a city can sometimes be a daunting experience but a stay at our hotel brings with it the added benefit of having experts to guide you to all that appeals to your interests. Here’s a selection of some of what can be done to make you feel like you’re one of the locals…

That incredible view

If a native of Florence needs to step away from the bustling streets and get a sense of their own city from on high, then they are more likely than not going to take a walk up to the monastery of San Miniato al Monte. As well as getting to admire the original 11th century Romanesque architecture from this part of the region, they can fill their senses with the outstanding view. From here, one of the highest points in Florence, you can appreciate the red and white colored rooftops, the famous domes and towers, the bridges and the distant hills, all with a completely different perspective.

That romantic meal

Food and wine, as you will have imagined long before stepping foot in Florence, are an integral part of the culture in Tuscany. So for a special treat, allow us to reserve you a table at Cantinetta Antinori, a restaurant owned by one of Italy’s principal wine producers. Whether by the bottle or the glass, your welcoming waiting staff will recommend the appropriate grape to help you savor the delicious cuisine at its finest. The owner’s firm philosophy that "every product from the earth should be eaten during its natural season of ripening in order to be able to fully enjoy its flavors" ensures that no matter when you decide to visit, you’ll only be served up the best.

That surprising experience

It’s easy to walk past the Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella without giving its unassuming entrance a second thought. But we’re here to make sure you don’t. As one of the oldest perfume shops in the world – over 600 years its been standing there – the delectable aromas that hit you within don’t in themselves tell half the story. The traditional processes used by Dominican Monks all those centuries ago continue to be used for their modern fragrances and lotions, with only natural ingredients added. As well as all the beautifully crafted bottles, sachets, tins, and the like, the pharmacy has a 14th century library, which still displays perfectly preserved frescoes on the walls. You’d think with all this to see that there would be a tour on offer. You’d be right!

That magical entertainment

When traveling to a foreign country and soaking up the local culture, it can sometimes be comforting to relax in the evening with a movie in your own language. For this, try out the Odeon Theater on Piazza degli Strozzi, which not only gives you that opportunity inside but its wonderfully historical building adds an extra bit of magic to the occasion. For enchantment on yet another level, please make time to take in a traditional opera while you’re in town. The city’s oldest theater is the Teatro della Pergola and it’s where you’ll be able to mingle with locals before and after an exceptional show. There is always a splendid choice of performances to guarantee you’ll find something to suit your taste.

That sense of the city

When visiting any new city there’s often a desire to get a true feeling for its soul, how day-to-day life is conducted, and somewhere to pick up a little memento of your trip. The Mercato di San Lorenzo is one such place that gives you a real taste (quite literally!) of the Florentine spirit. This market is split into two – the indoor and outdoor sections – and between them they offer a glimpse into what used to be Italy’s capital, in the late 19th century. I’d recommend that you start by perusing the outdoor stalls, which are full of leather goods, clothing, pottery, and many, many souvenirs. If you’re looking for a good deal, don’t be afraid to haggle over the initial asking price

The indoor part, known as the Mercato Centrale, is made up of two floors and includes a huge gourmet food court. Watch as the dainty pastries are rolled, admire the handcrafted cheeses, and lick your lips as you observe the local artisan gelato being made right in front of your eyes. You can buy to take away but the best part of the market is choosing which of the myriad tasty delicacies you crave and then taking a seat, devouring them, while listening to the hubbub that surrounds you. Florence has so much to offer the millions of tourists that visit each year and by speaking to our hotel team you can get the inside track to make your stay that bit more special.