Florence City Guide

AMIIN Founder, Ameena (Bajar) Gupta, shares her personal guide to spending two days in Florence - the city where the brand was conceptualized.

It’s hard not to love Florence. It’s jam-packed with historic art, architecture, fashion, incredible cuisine and only a stone’s throw from Italy’s top vineyards. What makes it even more special for me; however, is that Florence is where I first conceptualized AMIIN - my brand that seamlessly merges handcrafted Italian shoes (there is a reason why the top luxury brands have theirs crafted here), with handwoven and hand embroidered textiles from India. Inspired by the art that surrounds you in every corner of the city, the birthplace of Italian luxury craftsmanship and the need for chic, unique shoes that can take you from day-to-evening.

Read on for my top recommendations for spending two days in this incredible city.

DAY 1:

In many cities, shopping comes second to sightseeing; however, in a city like Florence, shopping is truly part of the sightseeing. Venture to Via de' Tornabuoni to experience the presence every Italian luxury brand throughout the cobbled streets of this historic shopping district. Towering above them all and not to be missed is the Salvatore Ferragamo Flagship Store and Salvatore Ferragamo Museum, which explores the history and the legacy of the founder and his impact on Italian and International footwear design and fashion.

After some serious wallet damage (or window browsing), take the elevator to the rooftop of the Westin Excelsior and soak in the sunset over an aperitivo at SESTO on Arno. Cross the Ponte alla Carraia (which offers great views of the neighbouring Ponte Vecchio), to reach your dinner destination at Gurdulù Gastronomica in Florence’s up-and-coming Oltrarno district. Ask to be seated in the courtyard and savour Italian farm-to-table cuisine under the starry skies.

For something sweet after dinner, walk to Gelateria Santa Trinita to savour classic Italian gelato while walking along the Arno river to cap off your first day in beautiful Firenze.

DAY 2:

Start your day at the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo) and burn off your morning cornetto by climbing all 463 steps to reach the top for stunning 360 degree views of Florence. Then, head over to the nearby Mercato Centrale to explore Italian gastronomy in a different way. This sprawling, double-level market houses colorful stalls loved by locals and tourists alike - including fresh vegetables alongside oven-baked pizza and pasta - making it the perfect spot for a casual lunch.

Stroll through the Piazza della Repubblica to take in the Renaissance architecture that Florence is so famous for, and by sure to stop by the nearby Palazzo Strozzi, where there are often many interesting art exhibitions.

Florence gets quite hot during the summer months, so retreat back to your hotel to spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing by the pool (my recommendation is Villa Cora). By early evening, head to Cantinetta Antinori for a pre-dinner wine tasting located in Palazzo Antinori, the historic private residence of the Antinori family. Sample a few of their most famous wines, and some rare vintages that you may not find outside of Italy. From here, head to dinner at Konnubio for elevated Italian cuisine with an inventive flair.