We couldn’t compile a list of must-see sights in Florence without our store Tornabuoni! If you are looking for a special gift, crafted from the finest Italian leather in Tuscany, we have you covered. Our diverse collection at Tornabuoni offers something for everybody, whether you are looking for professional, casual or evening pieces. You will always find that our collection incorporates elegant and classic design, with high quality craftsmanship. It is our commitment at Tornabuoni to ensure that your purchase is not only made with confidence but with complete satisfaction.

Let’s start with a few quick rules…first rule of thumb when searching for delicious dishes is to not go to a restaurant that has staff outside ‘harassing’ you in the streets to come dine at their establishment. These places are touristy, and in most situations they are overpriced in addition to offering a mediocre version of Italian cuisine. If you see a restaurant that doesn’t have someone standing outside asking you to come in, the next step is to make sure they don’t have entree photos on their menus; it’s another sure sign they are touristy. Entree photos are of course helpful to understand what you are ordering, but it is a better idea to use Google translate.

When dining out, take note that there are some extra charges you pay for various additions to your experience. For instance, just about every ‘sit-down’ restaurant charges a cover charge per person, typically €2 per person. Bread and water are not always free additions to the meal. Water is often served in bottles unless you ask for tap water. Also keep in mind that if you get a coffee or gelato somewhere you will pay more to sit down rather than to drink or eat at the counter space provided or on the go; prior to you paying, the establishment should ask you whether you will be sitting but if they don’t, you should remember to tell them your preference.

Dining in restaurants is a relaxing experience to locals and you will notice that this behavior is reinforced with the service. Restaurant staff will not frequently come by your table unless you politely make eye contact and wave to them.

They do this, not because they are lazy and don’t care, it’s because the focus on dining in Italy is all about enjoying the food! Meals don’t need to be three hours long, but understand that their ‘food culture’ is not typically to rush. They won’t bring you the check unless you ask; again, this is not to annoy you, it’s because they don’t want you to feel that you must leave as soon as you put your fork down.

Lastly, be sure to tip when you have enjoyed the service at a restaurant. It is a common misconception that people should not tip. Add a few extra euro or up to five euro if you felt you had good service.

These are just a few of our suggestions while you are in Florence. There are of course many other activities you could choose to fill your time while visiting this beautiful city. Above all else, we hope you enjoy your time in Florence and hope to meet you at our store in Piazza Duomo!