E’s Edit: Florence
Florence, Found: A Stylish Stay & Timeless Finds
Florence can be crowded—especially in the summer. But if that’s when you have the Change to go, then by all means, go!
Before my last trip, I happened to bring along Still Life by Sarah Winman, a novel set partly in Florence. It’s a beautiful story of war, love, art, and community, and it gave me a deeper appreciation for the city’s history. Having that context made our three-night stay in Florence even richer.
Where We Stayed: A Stylish Retreat by the Arno
Since I’d visited Florence before, I knew this time I wanted to stay outside the city center—somewhere quieter, yet still within reach of everything. Since it was just my daughter and me, I also opted for a hotel experience over an apartment rental.
That’s how I found Fornace Suites, a beautifully designed hotel just off the Arno River. A lovely 20-minute walk along the river led us to the Ponte Vecchio, making it the perfect refuge from the crowds while still keeping us close to everything.
The Hunt for the Perfect Leather Bag
Florence is known for leather goods, and I had a mission: find the perfect bucket bag in caramel.
We spent hours ducking in and out of little shops, trying on bags, touching the leather, debating whether this was the one. And of course, in true shopping fashion, I found the perfect bag on our very last day—just minutes before we had to rush to the train station.
While putting this post together, I browsed the Courieria Fiorentina website and discovered this bag, which might just be making its transatlantic journey this spring.
Shopping with Purpose: A Travel Tip
When I travel somewhere known for a specific craft, I like to plan ahead for what I’m looking for. It helps:
✔ Avoid impulse buys
✔ Stay focused on finding something truly special
✔ Bring home a meaningful keepsake—whether it’s art, a textile, or a handbag
This approach has served me well, and it’s why my husband always keeps an eye out for cycling shops when we travel, while my son hunts for English football jerseys.
In Florence, there are some fantastic vintage shops, and a couple of years back, we stumbled upon Dolce Vita Vintage Lab—an incredible shop packed with classic football and cycling jerseys, plus a small selection of vintage Italian luxury bags. A must-visit for collectors.
The Gucci Museum: A Must-See for Fashion Lovers
If you’re even remotely into fashion or design, the Gucci Museum (Palazzo Gucci) is a must. So much inspiration in one place—bags, scarves, tennis-inspired looks—and, of course, a shop if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
(*And if you haven’t seen House of Gucci with Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, and Jared Leto… what are you waiting for? Affrettarsi!)
Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens: A Fashionable Walk Through Time
The Pitti Palace houses an incredible collection of Renaissance art, but what really captivated me was the Museum of Costume and Fashion. Walking through centuries of dresses, shoes, hats, and handbags was pure inspiration.
The Boboli Gardens, located just behind the palace, are stunning and well worth a slow wander—especially if you need a break from Florence’s bustling streets.
Eating Gluten-Free in Florence
My daughter and I are gluten-free, so I remember feeling a little anxious before our first family trip to Italy. A land of pizza and pasta—how would we survive?
Turns out, Italy takes gluten-free dining very seriously. With a high rate of celiac disease, restaurants are incredibly accommodating. Many even have separate gluten-free kitchens to avoid cross-contamination.
If you eat gluten-free (or even if you don’t), Sgrano is a must. Their gluten-free focaccia panini is hands-down the best I’ve had. Pair it with a glass of vino bianco, and life is good.
And of course, no trip to Italy is complete without pizza—enter Mama Eat! We first discovered Mama Eat in Rome a few years ago, and at the time, I couldn’t believe how good the gluten-free pizza was. Coming from the U.S., where most gluten-free pizza is, well… a little on the stiff side, we were blown away by how perfectly chewy and flavorful their crust was.
The ambiance might not be anything to write home about, but the pizza more than makes up for it.
Final Thoughts: Slow Down & Savor Florence
Beyond the famous landmarks and must-visit spots, the best way to experience Florence is to wander.
✔ Stroll beyond the crowded streets—some of the best finds are tucked away.
✔ Stop at a café for a cappuccino or a glass of wine.
✔ Walk slowly with gelato in hand, taking it all in.
Florence is meant to be savored, and no matter how many times you visit, there’s always something new to discover.
