Last September, I went to Florence for a wedding. Technically for work. Well, work for a day! Realistically? For a girls trip. Spiritually? For my own personal renaissance.

It was the middle of my “everything I own is in storage and I answer to no one” era. The kind of summer where your lease is up, your life fits into two suitcases, and you stop asking, “What’s next?” and start asking, “What feels good today?”

Florence felt like the physical manifestation of that freedom. In between wedding events, it was espresso, pasta, long walks, and absolutely no sense of urgency. We’d wander around Florence like it was casual (it’s not casual, it’s full of history and absolutely stunning), grab late night gelato, and sit in piazzas talking about everything and nothing. There’s something about being in Italy that makes you braver with your thoughts. You say the thing. You order the extra glass of wine. You wear the dress.

And because my stuff was in storage back home, I felt untethered in the best way. No clutter. No timeline. No pressure to be in a specific season of life.

Florence became this backdrop for that version of me, the one who trusted that movement was the plan. The one who didn’t need to have every detail locked in. The one who could fly across the world for work and turn it into a celebration of friendship and possibility. There’s something wildly powerful about realizing you can exist without everything nailed down. That your life doesn’t fall apart when it’s not perfectly organized.

Sometimes it gets better when it’s not.

Wake up early at least once. Step outside before the city fully hums. The light hits the stone buildings in this almost cinematic way. Order your espresso at the bar. Stand while you drink it. No rush. No scrolling. Just you and the quiet rhythm of the morning. Take the long way wherever you’re headed. Let yourself get slightly lost. That’s when the magic happens!

This might be my favorite part of any Italian day.
Around 5 or 6, find a piazza. Order a spritz or a chilled glass of wine. Watch the light soften and the city shift into evening. Don’t overthink the “best” spot. The best spot is wherever you’re sitting with people you love, or honestly, even just yourself.

Wander through a garden. Sit on a bench and people… Florence is layered with history, art, conversation, movement. But underneath it all, there’s this quiet steadiness. If you slow down enough, you can feel it.

Let it remind you that travel doesn’t have to be packed and perfect. It can just be present.

Lets eat…

Osteria Pastella
This is where you go for the truffle pasta moment. Yes, it’s indulgent. Yes, you should absolutely lean into it. It’s intimate and softly lit… very “we are on vacation and slightly in love with our lives”. Go for dinner, not lunch. Order wine. Stay a long while.

Trattoria Sostanza
Tiny. Historic. No fuss. This place feels like it hasn’t changed in decades & in the best way. You’re here for Florentine classics done right. It’s cozy and packed and a little chaotic. That’s part of the charm. Trust the menu. Don’t try to reinvent the wheel.

Il Santo Bevitore
Cool but grown up. Slightly modern without losing its Italian soul. It’s perfect for that long dinner where you start with “just one glass” and suddenly it’s midnight. The energy is buzzy but not overwhelming. Ideal for a girls dinner that turns into the best night with all the wine.

Vini e Vecchi Sapori
This one feels more personal. Tiny dining room, handwritten menus, deeply traditional flavors. It’s the kind of place where you feel taken care of. Go hungry. Order boldly. Order a lot.

Fiaschetteria Fantappié
Understated and classic. A local feeling spot where everything is simple and deeply satisfying. Nothing flashy… just good food and good wine. Perfect for a night when you want authenticity over aesthetics.

Cibreo
Elegant but warm. A slower, more intentional dinner. This is where you go when you want to dress up a little and fully settle in. The flavors feel thoughtful. The service feels refined but welcoming. It’s a memory maker! One of my favorite dinners.

Lets get casual and lets drink…

Fermino
Low-key, neighborhood feel. Sweet and unfussy. Grab a drink! Chat with the locals…

FN Pasta Fresca
Fresh pasta made quickly and well. Ideal when you want something fast but still authentic.

Berberè
Light, crisp pizza with great ingredients. Casual setting, very easy. Ideal after a long day of walking when you want something comforting but not heavy.

Pizzium
Fun and reliable. You’ll leave happy. No notes. Sometimes you just want pizza and to not think too hard… this is that.

Loggia Roof Bar
Rooftop. Golden hour. The skyline glowing. It’s romantic in that effortless, European way. Order a spritz or glass of wine and just sit. This is where you take the photos and then put your phone down.

Enoteca Bellini
Small, intimate, quietly cool. Ask for recommendations. Try something local you can’t pronounce. Let the staff guide you!

Vineria Sonora
Natural wine energy. Slightly edgy. A great pre dinner stop if you want something less traditional.

Cantina de' Pucci
Historic cellar vibes. Cozy and layered. It feels tucked away from the rush of the city. Ideal for lingering conversations.

The Florence Irish Pub
For when you want a break from elegance and just pure fun. Late night, loud, no one cares what you’re wearing. Highly recommend for a spontaneous night out!

Confidence doesn’t always arrive with a bold entrance. Sometimes, it builds quietly, step by step, as we show up for ourselves day after day. It grows when we choose to try, even when we’re unsure of the outcome. Every time you take action despite self-doubt, you reinforce the belief that you’re capable. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about trusting that you can figure it out along the way.The key to making things happen isn’t waiting for the perfect moment; it’s starting with what you have, where you are. Big goals can feel overwhelming when viewed all at once, but momentum builds through small, consistent action. Whether you’re working toward a personal milestone or a professional dream, progress comes from showing up — not perfectly, but persistently. Action creates clarity, and over time, those steps forward add up to something real.You don’t need to be fearless to reach your goals, you just need to be willing. Willing to try, willing to learn, and willing to believe that you’re capable of more than you know. The road may not always be smooth, but growth rarely is. What matters most is that you keep going, keep learning, and keep believing in the version of yourself you’re becoming.

Confidence doesn’t always arrive with a bold entrance. Sometimes, it builds quietly, step by step, as we show up for ourselves day after day. It grows when we choose to try, even when we’re unsure of the outcome. Every time you take action despite self-doubt, you reinforce the belief that you’re capable. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about trusting that you can figure it out along the way.The key to making things happen isn’t waiting for the perfect moment; it’s starting with what you have, where you are. Big goals can feel overwhelming when viewed all at once, but momentum builds through small, consistent action. Whether you’re working toward a personal milestone or a professional dream, progress comes from showing up — not perfectly, but persistently. Action creates clarity, and over time, those steps forward add up to something real.You don’t need to be fearless to reach your goals, you just need to be willing. Willing to try, willing to learn, and willing to believe that you’re capable of more than you know. The road may not always be smooth, but growth rarely is. What matters most is that you keep going, keep learning, and keep believing in the version of yourself you’re becoming.

MY GUIDE TO; FLORENCE ITALY