You only have 24 hours in Florence.... what should you do? Don't worry - we have it all figured out for you! 

Florence is the city of art, romance, architecture, food (aren't all Italian cities?).... in abundance. This stunningly beautiful city really has everything, more than 24 hours is needed to see it all, but these would be our top picks...

We started our day by waking up at the very Florentine Hotel Santa Maria Novella in the Piazza Di Maria Novella- a stones throw from all the main attractions, making it a great base to see everything. The decor is typically Florentine, it feels like an old Italian palace, everything was beautiful. After breakfast we headed to the famous domed cathedral that Florence is famous for- Santa Maria Del Fiore, to get some photos before the crowds arrived (and to copy the professional influencers photo angles, that were there doing the same thing!)

The decor at Hotel Santa Maria Novella

Outside the Cathedral Santa Maria Del Fiore

We had a walk around the cathedral to marvel at its tile and stone work, we didn't get chance to go inside- but when I go back I will certainly find time for that. We then took a short 5 min walk (passing one of the vintage style photo booths that are dotted around the city, we couldn't resist collecting a little momento) to the famous Vivoli for their affogato. This place is always busy, there is a little wine window that makes for a cute IG post, and the affogato is delicious. We stood on the street, taking in the atmosphere, to enjoy our coffee break.

Affogato at Vivoli

We then took a 10 min stroll to Giunti Odeon, this is an old cinema (made famous for hosting Hollywood film premiers back in the day) turned into a book shop/cafe/study space. It's a wonderful place, take a walk up to the galleries and just sit in peace for a while, before heading back out into the hustle and bustle.

Our next stop was Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, located just off the Piazza Di Santa Maria Novella (right by our hotel).  It's  one of the oldest pharmacy's in the world founded by Dominican friars in 1221. The architecture is stunning, you can also do some shopping as they sell their own brand of perfumes.

By chance we came across a store opposite the pharmacy, selling all things mosaic related called Negozio di Produzione Artigianale Firenze. As a lover of mosaics, jewellery and homeware combined, this was a treasure trove for me. You could see the workshop in the back, where all the pieces were handmade from micro mosaic and stone mosaic. Artwork, jewellery and homeware, this shop has something for every budget. I brought a beautiful picture that is made using a Florentine stone mosaic technique called Pietra Durra, using a mix of hard  and semi precious stones to create a picture.

It was now time for lunch. We booked Vini e Vecchi Sapori, a traditional trattoria just off Piazza Della Signoria. It's a tiny, wood panelled restaurant- you definitely need to book here, there was a queue out of the door while we were there. The food is simple and delicious and the ambience is relaxed. The notices on the menu say it all- “No pizza, no cappuccino, no spritz”, only authentic Italian here!

After lunch we walked over to the Gucci Museum and Cafe, where you can enjoy a coffee in the Gucci Giardino cafe, which was (obviously, being Gucci) beautifully decorated and an all round luxurious experience.

You can't come to Florence without viewing some of the incredible art it has to offer, and my goodness there is a selection at the Uffizi Gallary, including the great masters  Botticelli, Michelangelo and Da Vinci.  My all time favourite  painting is housed here- the Birth of Venus, by Botticelli, so being able to see it in person was such a wonderful experience. 

The ceiling at the Uffizi Gallery

After a good dose of culture and inspiration we went for a walk across the Ponte Vecchio bridge and then onto an early dinner at Osteria Delle Tre Panche, a rooftop restaurant  at the top of Hotel Hermitage, right by the Ponte Vecchio with great view over the river Arno.

They DID serve Aperol Spritz at Osteria Delle Tre Panche

Our next stop was the station to catch the train to Arezzo in Tuscany then further on,  high into the mountains - where our jewellery is made- a place full of beauty and inspiration. To be continued...

PS- Our biggest regret was not going to see the colossal statue of David by Michelangelo. This needs to be top of your list, as we soon realised after we left Florence.

See how our time was spent in Tuscany