Even if Pitti Uomo‘s packed schedule leaves little downtime, Florence offers plenty of unmissable opportunities to enjoy the Tuscan lifestyle. From an aperitivo with local wine to some vintage shopping, editors and buyers in town can’t help but try and squeeze in some well-deserved fun. Here, a few locals share their favorite spots to experience the city at its best.
ELENA GHISELLINI
Founder and creative director, Elena Ghisellini
Lorenzo Villoresi: For the real perfume lovers. Create your own fragrance with Lorenzo.
Via de’ Bardi, 12. 39-055-234-1187
www.lorenzovilloresi.it
Farmacia SS. Annunziata: In keeping with the Florentine antique apothecary tradition, this store carries a body wash that restores the skin.
Via dei Servi, 80/R. 39-055-210-738
www.farmaciassannunziata1561.it
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Divina Essentia: Focused on aromatherapy and natural dermocosmesis, this laboratory creates biologic skin products.
Via Antonio Pacinotti, 30. 39-055-011-9846
www.divinaessentia.com
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Jackie’O: For a quick blow-dry. Antonio is not only extremely professional, but also kind and fun.
Via della Vigna Nuova, 16. 39-055-215-338
Madova: Here you can find the perfect pair of suede gloves, available in a wide range of colors.
Via de’ Guicciardini, 1/R. 39-055-239-6526
www.madova.com
Superduperhat: Impeccable and elegant handmade hats for both men and women.
Via Volterrana, 13. 39-055-538-6205
www.superduperhats.com
Cibrèo: A triumph of Italian and Florentine flavors. Mr. Picchi and his children also opened Ciblèo, which serves incredible dim sum.
Cibrèo: Via del Verrocchio, 8/R. 39-055-2341100
Ciblèo: Via Andrea del Verrocchio, 2/R. 39-055-247-7881
www.cibreo.com
Enoteca Bellini: Come here for the iconic Florentine aperitivo. Camilla will serve you amazing “crostini” and a glass of unforgettable chianti wine.
Via della Spada, 52/R. 39-055-238-1257
www.enotecabellini.it
Enoteca Falorni: Take a quick trip to Greve in Chianti to taste the most genuine and yummy cold cuts and wines. Look for Chiara — she will bring you the most beautiful tagliere ever.
Piazza delle Cantine, 6 — Greve FI. 39-055-854-6404
www.enotecafalorni.it
Elio Ferraro Gallery Store: Special vintage pieces, including incredible Emilio Pucci and Gucci styles.
Via del Parione, 59. 39-055-290-425
www.elioferraro.com
EDGARDO OSORIO
Founder and creative director, Aquazzura
J.K. Place: I love the J.K. Place, a boutique hotel which is very chic, has impeccable service and is very central.
Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, 7. 39-055-264-5181
www.jkplace.com
Vasari Corridor: For sightseeing, one of my favorite places is the Vasari Corridor, a hidden treasure used by the Medici family to get between the Pitti Palace and the Palazzo Vecchio. It’s been closed to the public for many years, but you can now book a private tour.
Via della Ninna, 5. 39-055-23885
www.uffizi.com
Buca Mario: Offering a very traditional Florentine setting, the food is simple yet delicious.
Piazza degli Ottaviani, 16/R. 39-055-214-179
www.bucamario.com
Procacci: For the perfect aperitivo, I go to Procacci, a wine bar with the most delectable truffles.
Via Tornabuoni, 64/R. 39-055-211-656
www.procacci1885.it
Gelateria La Carraia: The best gelato in town.
Piazza Nazario Sauro, 25/R. 39-055-280-695
www.lacarraiagroup.eu
Flair: I love doing antique shopping here.
Lungarno Corsini, 24/R. 39-055-267-0154
www.flair.it
FRANCESCA PAZZAGLI
Set designer and cofounder, Archivio Personale
Santarosa Bistrot: A cozy venue under the walls of the antique San Frediano door. To warm up in this cold season, I highly recommend the “Santa Punch,” a warm cocktail made with punch, citrus fruits, spirits and tea.
Lungarno di Santa Rosa. 39-055-230-9057
Numeroventi: Located inside Palazzo Galli Tassi, Numeroventi is a cozy coworking space furnished with design pieces that also hosts music and art performances.
Via de Pandolfini 20. 39-338-245-0055
www.numeroventi.it
Boutique Nadine: Established by Matteo and Irene, this concept store carries a great selection of votive jewelry pieces, spanning from ex-voto and hands of Fatima to lucky charms, all reworked through a contemporary filter.
Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli, 22/R. 39-055-287-851
www.boutiquenadine.com
Société Anonyme: An independent multibrands shop that also carries the namesake brand founded by the store’s founder, Massimiliano Giannelli.
Via Giovan Battista Niccolini, 3/F. 39-055-386-0084
www.societeanonyme.it
Todo Modo: An independent bookstore where the owners, Pietro and Maddalena, can always suggest the perfect title. The store also hosts a bar and a theater.
Via dei Fossi, 15/R. 39-055-239-9110
www.todomodo.org
BUH! Circolo Culturale Urbano: Located in the former Dogana venue in the Rifredi suburban area, this is an urban cultural club offering a rich music schedule.
Via Panciatichi, 16. 39-055-417-666
https://florence.impacthub.net/buh
TOMMASO BENCISTÀ FALORNI
Designer and public relations executive
Ditta Artigianale:
The house of coffee, where you can also sit down and work. I recommend the “El Diamante,” a Costa Rican coffee made in the pour over-infusion method. It’s a ritual!
Via dello Sprone, 5/R. 39-055-045-7163
www.dittaartigianale.it
Koto Ramen:
A no-sushi Japanese restaurant. Of course, ramen is the key dish but also try the Kakuni, slow-cooked tiny cubes of Cinta Senese meat served with Japanese mustard, and the Namban, butternut squash marinated in rice vinegar and sake.
Via Giuseppe Verdi, 42/R. 39-055-247-9477
www.kotoramen.it
Blues Barber:
A retro Fifties-inspired barber shop created in collaboration with Proraso. Don’t miss the Whiskey Experience, a post-shaving treatment made with whiskey.
Via Cimabue, 36. 39-055-933-7616
Gerard:
A unique store carrying its namesake line, it sells charming men’s and women’s pants cut in comfortable silhouettes, including the 229 style, which is crafted from Japanese denim washed with enzymes.
Via Sassetti, 16/R. 39-055-217-448
www.gerardfirenze.com
Galleria Von Hessenbeck:
A new gallery carrying a tiny, edited selection of interior design pieces and artworks reflecting the dandy attitude of the owner. You will be attracted by Nicola Falcone’s velvet Deco seats and by Untitled’s glass cubes with 3-D butterflies.
Via San Niccolò 101/R. 39-324-047-5947
www.vonhessenbeckgallery.com
Argenteria Pampaloni:
A top-notch selection of tableware. The 17th-century silverware is incredible, as well as the Baroque-inspired pottery. Super chic yet never banal!
Via Porta Rossa, 99/R. 39-055-289-094
www.pampaloni.com
Jardin Divers: The place to be if you are looking for unusual flowers and unconventional bouquets sold with simple packaging exalting the natural beauty of each flower.
Via Giovanni Cimabue, 57/R. 39-055-246-6604
www.jardindivers.it
FEDERICA CIRRI
Art curator, DJ and event organizer
Ceri Vintage: A secondhand shop for those looking for something unique.
Via dei Serragli, 26. 39-055-217-978
Luisa Via Roma: The Florentine luxury shopping mecca filled with couture-like and sophisticated pieces.
Via Roma, 19-21/R. 39-055-906-4116
www.luisaviaroma.com
Gucci Garden Concept Store: The temporary restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Massimo Bottura and exhibition space opening this January.
Piazza della Signoria.
www.gucci.com
Aldo Coppola: Definitely the best place in town for a blow dry.
Via Del Parione, 62. 39-055-239-9402
www.aldocoppola.com
Trattoria Cammillo: The most authentic Florentine cuisine…chic and unmissable.
Borgo S. Jacopo, 57/R. 39-055-212-427
Tabarin: French atmosphere in the heart of Florence.
Via de’ Vecchietti, 6. 39-055-239-9943
www.tabarinrestaurant.com
Ristorante Frescobaldi: A brand-new restaurant serving yummy home-made pasta.
Piazza della Signoria, 31. 39-055-284-724
www.deifrescobaldi.it
CARLO SESTINI
Social media influencer and model
Campanile di Giotto: The most beautiful bell tower in Italy. Even if you need to walk 414 steps to get to the top, I think the view is worth the climb.
Piazza del Duomo. 055-230-2885
www.ilgrandemuseodelduomo.it
Caffè Paszkowski: I love it for breakfast… I think there is something poetic about this place.
Piazza della Repubblica, 35/R. 055-210-236
www.paszkowski.it
Colle Bereto: When I want to catch up with my friends, I come here for drinks. It’s always packed and the music is great. On the second floor, there is also a club for night owls.
Piazza degli Strozzi, 5. 055-283-156
www.cafecollebereto.com
I Visionari: Here, I can always find the perfect pair of eyeglasses.
Piazza Sauro Nazario, 14/R. 055-282-714
https://ivisionari.com