The founder of Aquazzura shares his top spots for sightseeing, gelato, aperitivo hour and more in his hometown

1. Where to stay

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of JK Place

JK Place: To me, the hotel symbolizes La Dolce Vita chic, with rooms designed by Michele Bonan, the Florentine designer that is also behind JK Place in Capri.

Portrait Firenze: A hotel owned by Ferragamo, with rooms overlooking the Ponte Vecchio and a glamorous restaurant.

Villa San Michele: The villa is close to the city but it’s a great place for a relaxing getaway, with a pool and amazing gardens.

Villa Cora: Located in the hills just outside of the city, the villa is an elegant and classic building with a lot of history, as well as a great pool that makes it feel quite modern.

See also: Inside Aquazzura Founder Edgardo Osorio's Eclectic Florentine Home

2. What to see

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Museo Stibbert

The Vasari Corridor: The corridor was used by the Medici family to get between the Pitti Palace and the Palazzo Vecchio, and features a collection of Rubens and Botticellis. You can book a private tour, and it is also close to the Boboli Gardens.

Museo Stibbert: It has an amazing collection of armours along with pieces from Japan.

Antico Setificio Fiorentino: They make textiles here with machines designed by Leonardo da Vinci. It is home to some truly fascinating archives.

Museo Bardini: This museum features Etruscan, Roman and medieval pieces.

See also: On the Road With Maserati: 7 Ways To Live La Dolce Vita In Modena

3. Where to eat

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Se.sto on Arno

Harry’s Bar: This is an institution.

Trattoria Sostanza: For the best Florentine steak in town. I also love their artichoke omelettes.

Enoteca Pinchiorri: One of my favourite restaurants in Florence.

Trattoria Cammillo: A typical Tuscan restaurant that I consider to be my personal canteen.

La Carraia: For gelato. When figs are in season, they make the most amazing fig ice cream.

Se.sto on Arno: For aperitivo hour. The restaurant is located on the rooftop of the Westin Excelsior Hotel.

4. Where to shop

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Loretta Caponi

Flair: They have a beautiful selection of pieces from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s.

Eredi Chiarini: A chic boutique that sells a lot of old-school Italian brands that you rarely find anywhere else, such as Caruso, Alessandro Gherardi and Cesare Attolini.

Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella: I love their soaps and shower gels.

Richard Ginori: For their beautiful porcelains.

Loretta Caponi: For embroidered linens, tablecloths, silk pyjamas and nightgowns.

Find out more about Aquazzura at aquazzura.com

See also: 48 Hours In Sonoma, California

Topics