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Written by: Bea Pablo, Writer
Florence is a city where history and art shape everyday life. Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, it has influenced centuries of culture through its cathedrals, palaces, and public squares. Today, that legacy is visible across the city. Sunlit piazzas reveal sculptures and fountains, narrow streets open onto artisan workshops, and cafés hum with the rhythm of local life. In Florence, the extraordinary exists alongside the ordinary. Every street and corner offers a chance to discover something new, from a tucked-away gallery to a centuries-old bakery, making the city both inspiring and approachable.
In this guide, we will take you through the heart of Florence, highlighting the best places to see, eat, and stay, with practical tips for navigating the city and experiencing its art, culture, and culinary traditions.
Getting to Florence
From Arrival to the Historic Center
Travelers from the United States usually connect through major European hubs to reach Florence. Most travelers fly through cities such as Frankfurt, Paris, or Rome. Airlines including Lufthansa and Alitalia operate connecting flights from New York, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., into Florence Airport (Peretola). Pisa International Airport is another option, often with more availability. From Pisa, travelers can transfer to Florence by train, bus, or private car.
Travel times vary depending on layovers, but the journey from the U.S. to Florence typically takes 10 to 14 hours.
A great way for Equity Residences investors to explore Italy is to fly into Rome and stay at the Equity Euro Fund residence for a few days to start the vacation in the Eternal City. From Rome, you can drive your car to Siena and vacation at the Equity Platinum Fund’s penthouse while enjoying the outdoor museum that is Siena. A drive from Siena to Florence will be short and picturesque. You can finish your adventure in Florence before flying back home. If you fly into Florence, here are a few ways to get to the heart of the city where our residence is located.
Taxi or Private Transfer
The fastest option is a taxi or private car. The ride takes approximately 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis are readily available outside the terminal, and private transfers can be arranged in advance for added comfort and convenience. This is ideal for travelers with luggage or those seeking a seamless arrival experience.
Tram
The T2 tram line departs from the airport and connects to central Florence near Santa Maria Novella station. From there, Via dei Servi is a short walk or taxi ride. Tram travel takes 30–35 minutes, is economical (around €2), and runs frequently throughout the day.
A Home Base in the Heart of Florence
Via dei Servi is a central street just steps from the Duomo – Santa Maria del Fiore. It combines the convenience of the historic center with a quiet, residential feel. The street is lined with artisan shops, cafés, and historic buildings. Locals start their day early with coffee and errands, while visitors drift through to explore Florence’s landmarks.
For those looking to stay in the heart of Florence, location makes all the difference. Being within the historic center allows you to experience the city on foot, with its landmarks, restaurants, and galleries just minutes away.
Our luxury home in Florence offers that level of access, set just steps from the Duomo. This historic three-bedroom apartment sits within a 16th-century palace and reflects the character of the city while offering modern comfort. The home was restored over a five-year period with careful attention to its original details. Historic frescoes from what was once the palace library have been preserved, giving the space a sense of depth and authenticity that is difficult to replicate.
From the balcony, there are direct views of the iconic Duomo. The location allows you to step out into the center of Florence and return just as easily, whether for a break in the afternoon or to settle in after dinner.
Staying here offers a different experience from a traditional hotel. It feels more like living in Florence, with space, privacy, and immediate access to the city.
Things to See and Do in Florence
Living or staying near Via dei Servi places you within a short walk of Florence’s most iconic landmarks, historic sites, and cultural experiences. Just steps from the Duomo, you can admire Brunelleschi’s magnificent dome from different angles as you wander the narrow streets. Entering the cathedral, you’ll notice the intricate marble floors, frescoed ceilings, and the sense of scale that has inspired visitors for centuries.
A few minutes further takes you to Piazza della Signoria, where the Palazzo Vecchio dominates the square. Here, art and history blend seamlessly: statues like the replica of Michelangelo’s David and the Fountain of Neptune stand as reminders of Florence’s Renaissance past. The piazza is alive with locals and visitors alike, offering opportunities to sit at a café, watch street performers, or simply take in the architecture.
Art lovers can explore the Uffizi Gallery nearby, home to masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Caravaggio. The gallery’s layout allows for a chronological journey through Renaissance art, making it easy to understand the city’s cultural evolution. For a quieter experience, head to the Basilica of Santa Croce. Its soaring ceilings and tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli give a sense of Florence’s intellectual and artistic legacy.
Florence is known for its deep artisan tradition, with many authentic leather workshops, jewelry makers, and studios tucked away on quiet streets and in historic districts. These are not mass‑produced souvenir stalls but genuine craft spaces where leather is shaped by hand and traditional techniques are still practiced and passed down through generations. Beyond leather and jewelry, Florence also offers unique experiences like perfume masterclasses, where you can design your own personal fragrance under the guidance of expert perfumers.
Exploring these side streets and workshops gives a more intimate, authentic view of Florence, away from the main tourist thoroughfares, and highlights the city’s rich tradition of craftsmanship and creativity.
For those who enjoy views, nearby rooftops and terraces provide striking panoramas of the city. Watching the sun set over the Duomo or across the Arno River is a simple pleasure that few locations can match. Even short walks along the Arno, passing the Ponte Vecchio with its goldsmith shops, reveal a side of Florence that is lively, colorful, and distinctly local. The area around Via dei Servi is also filled with cultural experiences that extend beyond museums and churches. Seasonal markets, wine tastings, and local events are often within walking distance.
Where to Eat in Florence
Florence is a city of flavor, with dishes that reflect its history and local ingredients. When visiting, there are a few specialties you won’t want to miss: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, the thick, charred T-bone steak; ribollita, a hearty vegetable and bread soup; pappardelle al cinghiale, wide pasta noodles with wild boar ragù; lampredotto, a traditional tripe sandwich; and artisanal gelato made from seasonal ingredients. These dishes are part of the city’s culinary identity and can be found at historic cafés, trattorias, and markets throughout the center.
Staying near Via dei Servi places you in the heart of Florence, mornings begin with the aroma of freshly brewed espresso drifting from local cafés. Historic spots like Caffè Gilli, one of the city’s oldest cafés, offer a classic experience with delicate pastries, cappuccinos, and elegant surroundings that recall Florence’s refined traditions.
For lunch or a more casual meal, you can wander to small trattorias tucked alongside streets. Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco is known for its authentic Tuscan cuisine, from hand-rolled pasta to wild boar ragù, paired with local wines. Its warm, welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to enjoy a slower, more intimate dining experience. For those seeking a contemporary twist, La Menagere blends a modern café and restaurant within a beautifully designed interior. It’s ideal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, with fresh ingredients and seasonal menus that reflect the best of Florence’s evolving food culture.
If you prefer to explore Florence’s food markets, Mercato Centrale is a short walk away. Here, dozens of vendors showcase fresh cheeses, cured meats, pasta, seafood, and street food, making it easy to pick up ingredients for a private meal or simply enjoy tasting your way through Tuscany’s specialties. The market is also home to small wine bars and casual eateries, offering an energetic yet approachable environment for sampling local flavors.
Evening dining in this part of Florence offers everything from intimate wine bars to refined restaurants serving classic Italian cuisine with modern touches. Walking home after dinner, the quiet streets of Via dei Servi provide a peaceful contrast to the lively piazzas nearby, letting you return to your residence without the hustle of the main tourist areas.
Experience Florence from the Heart of the City
Florence blends history, art, and everyday life into a city that is both grand and approachable. From Renaissance landmarks like the Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio to intimate artisan streets, the city offers experiences that span centuries of creativity. Staying near Via dei Servi places you in the center of it all, with cafés, galleries, and shops just steps away. The three-bedroom Florence residence combines historic character with modern comfort, providing a refined base for exploring Florence. Visitors can enjoy iconic cuisine, wander hidden streets filled with workshops, and take in the city from charming terraces. Every moment becomes a chance to engage with Florence’s culture, taste its flavors, and experience its enduring artistic legacy.
If you want to own a piece of Florence and access some of the most sought-after destinations around the world, investing with Equity Residences makes it possible. You can own a share of this remarkable city, enjoy stays in your own residence, and be part of a curated portfolio that combines luxury living with smart real estate investment. It’s an opportunity to experience Florence today while securing your place in its story for tomorrow. Contact us at info@equityresidences.com.
