Stefanel is the Italian equivalent of Club Monaco and because it’s Italian, it’s automatically cooler. You’ll find more Stefanels in Florence and throughout Italy than Mango, Zara and H&Ms combined. Simple luxury is its motto as they carry gorgeous knitwear, classic trousers and statement accessories. Sigh.

Trench looks like a cool menswear store from the outside but becomes an experience once you walk through their doors. Carrying trendy pieces that’ll still please your boss, this is a go-to shop for men looking for well-tailored clothes and accessories. For the ladies, pop in anyway to check out the “boys chalet” décor and breath in the place, literally – the store smells so good! 

A trip to Italy wouldn’t be complete without sampling the local wines, olive oils, Limoncello or my personal favourite, Vin Santo. Nestled in an adorable site street near the Duomo, Borgovino serves all of the above with products from Tuscany and around Italy. The owner is married to an American, so ask away in Inglese and learn as much about their products as you would on a Chianti wine tour. 

True, you can buy all of the 18K Italian gold your heart desires on Florence’s famed Ponte Vecchio, but I find the prices are better if you venture outside of the main tourist area. Head over to the Santa Croce Basilica to admire Michelangelo and Gallileo’s tombs, then walk West of the Piazza Santa Croce and into Misuri. Misuri carries classic high-end designer leather goods including wallets, purses, belts and gloves that they initial for free in the store. A monogrammed leather wallet is the perfect gift for Mom – or for yourself. Connected to Misuri is the Gold Market with beautiful pieces at competitive prices, but if you keep walking towards the Uffizi Gallery you’ll hit Walter’s gold and silver. A great little spot ran by British ex-pats with much more reasonably priced jewelry than what’s available on Ponte Vecchio, you’ll surely find a classic Italian medallion or a pretty bracelet. Check out Walter’s prolific pin collection while you’re at it. 

Inexpensive, well-made Italian leather and suede footwear. What more can I say? Otisopse is known by locals as the “comfy shoe store” as they specialize in loafers, oxfords and flats. With a plethora of colors and textures to choose from for both men and woman, I guarantee you’ll be walking outta there with at least two pairs.  

La Giostra is run by a kooky father and son duo who make some of the best food I have ever had in my life. The restaurant itself and food presentation isn’t fancy and they use simple ingredients, but it all works to produce an unforgettable culinary experience. After the complimentary Prosecco and bruschetta, order the recommended hors d’oeuvre of the night and the steak with aged balsamic reduction as your main, or the pear and pecorino cheese ravioli. Finish your dinner with tiramisu and a bottle of Vin Santo. But before you go, learn how to say “OMG” in Italian because you’ll be saying it over and over during this meal.

If you’re in the mood to sample the Florentine nightlife grab a drink at Moyo. You won’t be surrounded by many tourists or the by the cast of Jersey Shore here, promise. 

After a day of sight seeing and shopping, visit the top floor of the La Rinascente designer department store in Piazza della Republica for a coffee break or aperitivo. Best enjoyed at sunset, have a late afternoon cappuccino or a glass of cold white wine and enjoy the terracotta rooftops and breathtaking views of Florence. After all of the sight seeing you’ll have done, my guess is that you’ll opt for the cold glass of wine. 

The glove shopping in Florence is fierce, as Italian leather goods are sold all throughout the city. I found the coolest gloves at relatively affordable prices at Luciano. However, if you’re looking for practicality over design (i.e. gloves you can wear during our Canadian winters) you can find great gloves with rabbit fur lining at the San Lorenzo leather market.

Purses, wallets and belts – oh my! One of many places to buy leather goods including luggage, belts, jackets, purses, wallets and gloves in the city, this market is located next to the San Lorenzo Basilica. Michelangelo was commissioned to design the façade of the Basilica in 1518 but his design in white Carrara marble was never executed, giving it a rough unfinished appearance. The leather market beside it has more than enough colored goods to make up for it. 

Give your newly purchased leather wallet a rest and take in the sights and smells of one of two Florentine food markets. While Mercato Centrale may the biggest market in the city, San Ambrogio is the cutest. Pick up some fresh olives, cheese and bread, all produced nearby in the Tuscan countryside no doubt, then walk to the closet church steps and enjoy a delicious and budget-conscious lunch like the locals do.

If you opt to visit Mercado Centrale instead, head over to Rosso Pomodoro for a wood-oven thin crust pizza-heaven lunch. Try the San Marzano. 

Across the Ponte Vecchio to your right is where you’ll find Mama Gina, a family run tratorria that serves authentic Tuscan cuisine. Tempted as you may to order a traditional pasta dish (you are in Italy after all) go for the grill instead. Tuscany is known for its wild game and meat dishes and Mama Gina’s steak is divine. Have the avocado with shrimps in creamy vinaigrette for a starter and split the Tuscany vegetable soup with rice with your buddy, known by us Americanos as minestrone soup. For dessert, wait my mouth is watering as I’m writing this, you absolutely must have the tiramisu. I had tiramisu all over Italy and Mama Gina’s has the best. A bold statement I know, but seriously, it’s the BEST.

Ducci is a beautiful home store in a 16th-century, frescoed-ceiling building that sells traditional and modern artwork. Their eclectic product offering has something for both the art aficionado and souvenir seeker in you. Keep walking west along the Arno River and turn up via dei Fossi (towards Santa Maria Novella Basilica) for more impeccable home and furniture shops. 

While walking along via dei Fossi get your vintage fix at Epicura Vintage (yes, they carry designer pieces as well). If you’re in the mood to mix new with old, Boutique Nadine sells unique clothing and accessories of both today and yesteryear. 

If strolling along the streets of the San Spirito area or visiting the gardens of the colossal Pallazzo Piti are on your Florentine itinerary, stop by O Café near Ponte Vecchio for a much needed espresso. With a SOHO meets Italy vibe and an impressive vantage point on the bridge, O Café offers delicious snacks (ummmm…cannelloni) and coffee for a mere 1 or 2 euro.  Be sure to stand and not take a table to avoid paying double the price.

Whatever you do in Florence, make sure you do this: Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset. I know your feet are going to be sore and I know you won’t feel like walking all the way there, but the Piazzale is well worth it. Bring a bottle of wine, your lover, BFF, mom, a journal or whoever you’re in Italy with and drink in the city views. From the rolling Tuscan hills on your left, to the Arno straight ahead and the Dumo on your right, you’ll see the entire city from up here. If you’re lucky, a musician will be serenading the crowd with live music. The Florentine scenery is even more beautiful when basked in the setting sun.