Florence is as beautiful as a Renaissance painting. Everything here seems to be just right. It doesn't have the rough edges that Naples or Genoa have; it is manageable. The old center is only 5 km², so you can walk everywhere easily, which I love.

But that is also the downside: that small inner city is flooded by millions of tourists every year. So finding places that haven't been overrun is quite a challenge. This is probably the umpteenth list of Florence tips you've come across, but I've done my best to find a few places—alongside a number of classic spots that I just really like—that you probably don't have on your list yet.

Because no matter how touristy it is: I always love coming to Florence, preferably out of season. There are naturally fewer tourists then, and Tuscan cuisine is perfectly suited to autumnal or winter weather. Think of a richly filled ribollita with cavolo nero and pieces of bread, wild boar ragù with pici, that delicious thick hand-rolled pasta, and of course the bistecca alla fiorentina. Afterwards, something sweet with chestnut. You get the idea; so give me Florence in the winter any day.

So here is a winter list, with the finest places to stay, museums where you are practically alone, wine bars, restaurants, the best Italian tea shop, and the nicest bookstores.

Don't these places make you want to settle down inside with a good book, each and every one of them?

Plinius LITTLE GEM NO. 060: Stella d'Italia. I slept here myself the last time I was in Florence, and honestly: I could have stayed in my pink room all day. I got exactly the room I had hoped to get beforehand! Because how nice is this?

Plinius LITTLE GEM NO. 007: Casa Howard. I also visited Casa Howard. It's located on the corner from the station, so it's very convenient. And doesn't this just scream coziness? I love the eclectic interior and especially this beautiful claw-footed bathtub. I can already picture myself disappearing in there on an autumn day, with a good book and a glass of wine.

Also lovely on a gloomy autumn day to scour shops.

Todo Modo. The best bookstore is definitely Todo Modo. A great selection of books and other fun goodies, and there is also a very nice café, so it is perfect for anyone who can't wait to open their new book.

La Via del Tè. Italy isn't really a tea country, so when I discovered this brand, I was very happy as a big tea enthusiast! The family business started in 1961 and has several shops in Florence. Tea in such a beautiful tin is, after all, a lovely souvenir to take home.

Momo Vintage. A lovely shop to browse for beautiful vintage items! Also a big fan of this Santo Spirito neighborhood in general.

From trattorias passed down through generations to natural wine bars: here is the best food and drink in Florence.

Enoteca Bellini. Close to the Museo Marino Marini and perhaps my favorite wine bar. They have a delightful selection of small, tasty bites and salads, and lots of delicious local wines.

Il Santino. A slightly better-known wine bar, but also loved by the Florentines themselves. They serve delicious hams, cheeses, and antipasti here. The organic wines come from the region. Next door, you will also find restaurant Il Santo Bevitore and a panificio.

Enoteca Spontanea. Looking for a cozy natural wine bar? This is the place for you. A changing menu, delicious food, and the kind of place you can always go to.

Florence is a city to pause in regularly, for coffee, pastries, or a scoop of ice cream.

Ditta Artigianale. Very good Italian specialty coffee, at a few places in the city.

Gelateria La Carraia. The place where I always stop for an ice cream and then eat it while walking along the Arno.

Caffè Gilli. A classic café in the heart of the city and the oldest in Florence. Yes, it is a bit touristy, but it is also considered the living room of the city. Think of Café de Flore in Paris.

Vivoli. Another Florentine classic, but unfortunately nowadays mostly known for the long TikTok lines, I think. Anyway: the affogato is divine. If there is a line, I would just keep walking!

Wild Buns Bakery. For specialty coffee and Scandinavian pastries.

My Sugar Artisanal Gelato. Also a great tip for delicious ice cream!

Caffè Lietta. The kind of place where the Florentines themselves often meet up, just on the edge of the old center. By the way, also nice for an aperitivo!

Op plinius By the way, you can find plenty of nice hotels or houses near Florence, perfect as a base to discover the charm of this region. For example, this lovely Borgo in the Chianti area: little gem N016

Or beautiful villas such as, for example Villa No. 001  of Villa No. 063  A 1 hour and 15 minute drive from Florence.