Florence Like a Local: Destination Wedding in Italy Tips

If you’re hosting a destination wedding in Tuscany, it’s likely that your guests will have a few days to explore Florence, and they’ll be turning to you (and us!) for tips on how to get the most out of their visit.

After all, Florence is one of the most visited cities in the world — and while its museums, churches, and iconic views are a must, the city also reveals a quieter, more intimate charm through its everyday rituals, timeless flavors, and authentic beauty that only locals know.

Here are a few of our favorite things to do in Florence like a local, perfect for turning your wedding in Italy into a truly unforgettable experience and living the authentic Italian life.

Start your morning the Italian way

Italians don’t always sit down for breakfast — in fact, while we do love the classic cappuccino e cornetto, it’s far more common to enjoy them standing at the bar, often while chatting with the barista or a friend.
It’s a simple and quick familiar ritual that starts the day, and a wonderful way to get a taste of local life and experience Florence the authentic way.

Skip the touristy cafés and head to a local bar in a hidden piazza, order an espresso or a macchiato, a freshly baked pastry, and take in the morning buzz, the real Italian way.

A different kind of art scene

We all know the Uffizi and the Accademia: they’re iconic for a reason. But if you’re looking for something locals truly love, it’s Palazzo Strozzi.
This magnificent Renaissance palace hosts rotating contemporary art exhibitions, bringing together international artists and immersive installations. A place where past and present meet, right in the heart of Florence.

Photo credit Elisa Manetti

Lunch like a Florentine

Traditional Tuscan cuisine is hearty, rustic, and built on simple, high-quality ingredients. To eat like a local, start with the classics.
If you’re in a hurry at lunchtime, grab a warm schiacciata, a crispy flatbread sandwich you’ll find all over the city.
But if you have time to slow down and enjoy a true Italian-style meal, settle into an osteria and go for traditional dishes like ribollita, pappa al pomodoro or, for the more adventurous, trippa alla fiorentina. Meat lovers won’t want to miss the iconic bistecca alla fiorentina: thick, juicy and always served rare. And of course, it all pairs perfectly with a glass of red Chianti wine.

Photo credit Francesco Spighi (2,3,4), Ahmed Almakhzanji (1)

Gelato, but make it real

Gelato is a serious business in Italy, but not all gelato.
In many cities (and especially near tourist hotspots), it’s easy to get distracted by towering displays and bright colors. But trust us: we don’t eat that kind of gelato.
We are obsessed with quality, flavor, and tradition. Whether it’s pistachio, hazelnut, or a seasonal flavor you’ve never heard of, just one bite of the real thing and you’ll understand the difference.

Two spots we swear by:

Gelateria della Passera, tucked away in one of the most charming little squares of the Oltrarno. Traditional and full of flavor, with seasonal and unique flavors that are absolutely worth trying.
Vivoli, a true Florentine institution, beloved for over a century. Go for classic cup, or treat yourself to their famous affogato: gelato drowned in espresso.

Photo credit Kristine Grinvalde (1,3), Francesco Spighi (2,4), Vanessa (5), vivoli.it (6)

A moment of calm in the gardens

Florence offers more than museums and monuments, the city is also home to hidden gardens and peaceful green spaces beloved by locals.
Ideal for a sunny afternoon, a moment of calm away from the crowds, or a relaxed picnic with friends, these spots reveal a quieter, more serene side of the city.

Our favorite escapes:

Giardino dell’Orticoltura, a peaceful garden just outside the busy center, with a beautiful greenhouse and lots of space to relax. Climb a few steps and you’ll find its hidden gem, the Orti del Parnaso, a terraced garden with sculptures, and one of the best views in town.
Giardino delle Rose, just below Piazzale Michelangelo and surrounded by blooming roses, it’s the perfect spot for a sunset stroll.

Aperitivo? Always

Before dinner, it’s time to slow down. If there’s one ritual that perfectly captures the essence of the Italian lifestyle, it’s aperitivo.
That moment, just before dinner, when everything slows down, and you can unwind after work and catch up with friends.
A glass of wine or a cocktail, a few small bites (think olives, chips, crostini or a little cheese), and unhurried conversation. It’s not just about the drink, it’s about the mood.
One of our favorite spots? Piazza Santo Spirito, with its lively, buzzing, but never rushed atmosphere.
There are plenty of bars here where you can enjoy an aperitivo, and whether you go for a classic Aperol Spritz, a Negroni or a glass of Tuscan red wine, just take your time. That’s the whole point.

Photo credit Francesco Spighi (1,2,5), Lucrezia Senserini (3), Kristine Grinvalde (4), Alison Bounce (6)

Take a break from the city

If you have a free day – or even just an afternoon – escape to the Tuscan countryside.
Just 45 minutes from the city, the Chianti wine region offers rolling hills, centuries-old wineries and a slower rhythm.
A wine tour in Chianti is the perfect way to relax between wedding events: enjoy tastings of local red and white wines paired with cheese, cold cuts and bruschetta.

Photo credit Photo Santucci (1,3), Francesco Spighi (2,4)

Not a wine lover? Many places also offer olive oil tastings, just as delicious and memorable.
And while you’re there, don’t forget to include stops in charming villages like San Gimignano or Radda in Chianti.
One winery we always recommend is the iconic Antinori nel Chianti Classico, where exquisite wine meets architectural beauty.

Photo credit Studio Bonon (1), Punti di Bianco (2), Beatrice Moricci (3)

Whether you’re here for a romantic getaway or a destination wedding in Italy, remember that the little things make the experience truly unforgettable.
Living the city like a local means slowing down – from a quiet espresso in a hidden piazza to a sunset aperitivo in Santo Spirito, or a taste of traditional Tuscan flavors among the vineyards of Chianti.
Trust us, and your guests will thank you for this tips!