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FOOD + WINE

TYPIQO: quality bites

It takes guts to open a business during a pandemic, but Antonio Badalamenti has shown he can stomach it. Formerly the chef at Nugolo (2020’s rave review restaurant opening, back ...

FOOD + WINE

Pay by weight: sustainable grocery stores in Florence

Plastics, unnecessary bags, boxes within boxes: be gone with them all! Florentine stores are putting the environment first, having replaced excess packaging with pay-by-weight foodstuffs and household essentials. Just bring ...

THINGS TO DO

Leisurewear meets fashion at Barberino Designer Outlet

Our style has changed over the course of the pandemic as we all seek comfort and to look after ourselves. Leisurewear is the first choice for most as we find ...

THINGS TO DO

At Home gift guide: creature comforts from Tuscany

Bring Tuscany to your home this winter with handcrafted items from the region we all love. From Prato-produced mattresses to candle bowls shaped by a Scottish potter, watercolours painted by ...

THINGS TO DO

Valentine’s Day gifts: The promise of Florence

Give the promise of Florence this Valentine’s Day. Help local businesses from across the miles by selecting a specialty gift. Here’s The Florentine’s pick of the crop for the Tuscany ...

THINGS TO DO

Lockdown-inspired gifts from Florence, Italy

The months spent at home have inspired creativity as Florence’s publishing houses, graphic design studios and bookstores devise unique books, games and gifts to mark these particular times.   Here’s ...

ART + CULTURE

Made to measure: a conversation with Saskia Wittmer

Entering the storefront of Saskia Wittmer’s shoe workshop, you are greeted by varying mesmerizing sounds—light taps to leather, hard strikes of a hammer and the gentle rub of various lotions—yet ...

THINGS TO DO

Brass and bronze beauties: Il Bronzetto Outlet d’Autore

  The historic Florentine workshop, Il Bronzetto, specializes in the manual processing of brass and bronze.   For two generations, the Bronzetto craftsmen have continued their talent for beauty and ...

THINGS TO DO

Dapper tutto: Bernardo menswear shop

Tucked away along the quiet central street, via Porta Rossa, Bernardo is a compact men’s artisan tailoring boutique whose dapper window displays tempt passers-by.         Andrea Marchi ...

THINGS TO DO

Bright ideas: Falsi Gioielli

It’s impossible to walk along via de’ Ginori and not be enticed into Silvia Franciosi’s Falsi Gioielli jewelry shop. Draped every which way with shiny pearls, iridescent plexiglass pendants and ...

NEWS

The Ponte Vecchio predicament

The jewellers will start to trade again with shared, sustainable projects

THINGS TO DO

Pitti Uomo 97: In Pictures

Pitti Uomo is back in town from January 7 to 10.   Highlights include the opening of Polimoda’s striking third headquarters at Manifattura Tabacchi, the presentation of the Fiskars by ...

THINGS TO DO

Flea-ing the piazza

Late October saw the official opening of the new Mercato delle Pulci, or flea market, in largo Annigoni. Nearly four years have passed since the stalls were moved from piazza ...

THINGS TO DO

The holiday gift guide for Florence lovers

 Here’s The Florentine’s pick of the presents this holiday season for the Florence lovers in your life.     SMELLS LIKE FLORENCE     Crafted entirely by hand, Officina de’ ...

FOOD + WINE

Organic to your door

The organic revolution has spread its roots in Florence. Here are the home-grown delivery services bringing “bio” to your house. LOCAL Embrace sustainable living and support local farmers at the ...

ART + CULTURE

The scent sorcerer: Sileno Cheloni

  You might not be searching for the philosopher’s stone down via di San Niccolò, but strolling into Sileno Cheloni’s signature atelier feels like you’ve found it. This blue-hued den ...

THINGS TO DO

Recycling clothes in Florence

When you fall out of love with a jumper, what do you do? Hide it in the back of your wardrobe, doomed to never see the light of day again, ...

ART + CULTURE

Enterprising fashion boutiques in Florence

What can Florence’s enterprising boutiques tell us about its sartorial habits? There’s an undercurrent of small business owners who keep the fashionistas well-heeled and individual in style. We had a ...

THINGS TO DO

Places to pamper yourself in Florence

Feeling the need for a little pampering in between cultural excursions? As Florence heats up for the summer season, here are some insider tips on places to keep you cool, ...

THINGS TO DO

A mini-guide to food markets in Florence

Begin your week at Mercato Centrale Firenze (piazza del Mercato Centrale/via dell’Ariento), the city’s oldest and largest food market nestled in a striking iron-and-glass structure designed by architect Giuseppe Mengoni ...

THINGS TO DO

The holiday gift guide for Florence lovers

Stuck on the inspiration front for gifts? Here’s The Florentine’s pick of the presents this holiday season for the Florence lovers in your life.   LEATHER LOVE Treat your loved ...

COMMUNITY

Shop dogs of Florence

Pups peeking out of bike baskets or strutting down sidewalks are found at every turn in Florence, but the Shop Dog is a specific, smile-boosting breed of canine found here in droves.

THINGS TO DO

Inside the Cuoiofficine Florence workshop and store

Cuoiofficine was founded in Florence by Timothy and Tommaso Sabatini, two brothers who decided to turn their combined bags of experience—in both leather techniques and the family restaurant business—to something ...

THINGS TO DO

Vanilla to vibrators: sex shops in Florence

A guide to the sex shops in Florence, with information on what they are like and where to find them.

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