Phoebe Hunt

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id="request-699f0f00-ba5c-8386-ab21-02dd04d31656-3" data-testid="conversation-turn-20" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn="assistant"> Starry-eyed romantics have been flocking to Florence for centuries in search of artistic inspiration (and, yes, romance). It’s a city of world-class art, knockout restaurants and an almost overwhelming list of things to see and do – but eventually, you’ll need somewhere suitably fabulous to lay your head. Choosing the right hotel matters here. This is Florence, after all – your base should feel as considered and characterful as the city itself. The best hotels in Florence span boutique beauties, homely hideaways and full-blown five-star titans. Location-wise, you’ve got options. Stay in the historic centre (Centro Storico) if you want the Duomo, Uffizi and Piazza della Signoria on your doorstep. Oltrarno, across the river, offers a more local, artisan feel, with cool wine bars. Around Santa Maria Novella you’ll find handy transport links and elegant piazzas, while the leafier edges of the city offer retreats away from the thickest tourist crowds. For 2026, our top spot goes to Four Seasons Hotel Firenze – but every stay on this list guarantees sweet dreams and a stylish launchpad for exploring one of Italy’s most magical cities. 💎 Most luxurious: Four Seasons Hotel Firenze ✨ Most iconic: Hotel Savoy 🏛️

Delayed train. Hungry. Wheelie bag rattling uncontrollably over the cobbles. Arriving in the Eternal City, I felt the eternal irritations shared by business travellers and holiday-makers entering the hectic maze of Roma Termini station. A half hour walk through the hustle and bustle later (note to self: take a taxi next time), stepping through the door into First Arte Roma felt all the more rewarding. The small yet luxurious 5 star hotel is perfectly positioned in Rome’s historic centre. It’s an 8-minute walk from the Spanish Steps, 4 minutes from Piazza del Popolo, and less than a minute from a stroll along the banks of the Tiber. Tick, tick tick - in terms of location. But what you might not expect before stepping inside this elegant 19th century townhouse is over 200 original works of art.  Why stay at First Arte Roma? Obviously, Italy’s capital city is bursting at the seams with art and culture. But what makes this hotel so special is its celebration of contemporary, mostly living Italian artists. We’re not just talking about a few paintings in the hotel lobby, but dozens of unique pieces in every room, forming a living and constantly evolving gallery. The owners did a massive refurbishment in 2024, and chose a dedicated artist for each of the four floors of the hotel. Within this, each room is curated by a contemporary artist with an exhibit that excites curiosity. If you’re interested in finding out more, there’s even a dedicated ‘Art Gallery Consultant’ on site who can

What’s the vibe? One of Florence’s most historic restaurants, Cammillo has been in the same family since it opened in 1945. You’ll still find Chiara, the matriarch of the family, in here most days. The vibe is frilly lace curtains, big wooden tables and a loud, convivial atmosphere that’s hardly changed in the last half century. What are the prices like? Though it’s more expensive than your average trattoria, locals and tourists agree Cammillo is worth the price. A meal for two with wine will set you back about €100. 📍 Discover the best restaurants in Florence What should I order?  Don’t be overwhelmed by the long menu. You can’t go wrong with the ‘piatti del giorno’ printed at the top; seasonally changing dishes showcasing the best produce. In late spring, deep-fried courgette flowers stuffed with ricotta are a go-to, but stews and hearty ragu dishes are equally delightful in the cooler months. For dessert, its cloudlike tiramisu is agreed to be one of the best in Florence.  What’s worth visiting nearby? Cammillo is in the Oltrarno, the trendy and bohemian neighbourhood south of the Arno river. After a leisurely lunch, stroll over Ponte Santa Trinita for spectacular views of the Ponte Vecchio, or head into nearby Santo Spirito for a drink in the buzzing piazza. 📍 Ultimate guide to eating in Florence

What’s the vibe?  On summer evenings, snag one of the street side tables for dinner at one of Florence’s most romantic spots. The food is excellent, but it’s as much about the wine here, with a strong natural wine offering and hundreds of bottles to choose from. Flickering candles and exposed stone walls make this place at once rustic and elegant. Founded by three childhood friends who are passionate about ingredients and provenance, the interiors are simple enough to let the food shine. What are the prices like? Though it feels like a special occasion place, the prices are fairly average for a meal out in Florence. Pasta dishes are around the €12 mark, and mains are mostly around €25.  📍 Discover the best restaurants in Florence What should I order?  Gastronomes will delight in the selections of fresh produce that often grace the menu here; ‘a tasting of special Sardinian cheeses,’ for example, or a platter of cured meats from Umbria and Chianti, always expertly and creatively paired with wines. For those who prefer a more classic dinner, you can’t go wrong with the handmade pasta dishes, like garganelli with red onions and courgettes.  What’s worth visiting nearby?  Just next door to Il Santo Bevitore is the restaurant’s little sibling, Santino, a wine bar where you can settle in to sample yet more of their delicious selection of Tuscan bottles. 📍 Ultimate guide to eating in Florence

What’s the vibe?  It’s hard to get more Florentine than a dinner at Cibrèo, where everything from the Ginori crockery to the Tuscan wine list to the cypress-scented hand soap in the bathrooms pays homage to this city. The restaurant’s late founder Fabio Picci is credited with bringing historic and homely Tuscan recipes into the restaurant sphere. What are the prices like? Rather confusingly, Cibrèo is split into two parts: a casual, rustic trattoria and a more formal, white tablecloth ristorante for special occasions. The prices change accordingly, though they share a kitchen and a number of dishes are on the menu at both. Expect to pay €15 to €25 for a main at the trattoria, and upwards of €35 for a main at the ristorante. 📍 Discover the best restaurants in Florence What should I order? The menus change with the seasons, but there are certain staples to look out for. Offal and tripe dishes like lampredotto or chicken liver pate are outstanding, as are the stuffed artichokes during spring. For dessert, order the famous bitter marmalade cheesecake and a grappa. What’s worth visiting nearby? Just metres from the restaurant is Mercato Sant’Ambrogio, a vibrant and traditional fruit and vegetable market where much of the fresh produce on the menu at Cibrèo is sourced. 📍 Ultimate guide to eating in Florence