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24 Hours in Florence: A guide to the artistic Italian neighbourhood
By Shivani Dubey | 12 May 2025 | Food & Drink, Travel
Tempus’s 24 Hours series visits the city of Florence to discover the best, most exciting things to do and explore in this charming Italian neighbourhood
You have 24 hours to spend in Florence. What do you do? One of the most charming neighbourhoods of Italy, Florence is where fashion, culture and serenity meet. The birthplace of Renaissance, this Tuscan city is home to the Santa Marie del Fiori or Il Duomo cathedral. This city also plays host to Pitti Uomo, the bi-yearly menswear tradeshow.
Florence has art and history in its every crevice — not to mention some top quality leather goods that make you want to buy out the whole store. So it was only right that we took a trip to sunny Italy for the first international instalment for our 24 Hours series to find the most interesting things to do the next time you find yourself in this historic neighborhood.
Whether you’re looking for a gorgeous boutique hotel in the heart of the city that still makes you feel the serenity of the countryside or an al fresco dining experience overlooking the cityscapes below, here is the best way to spend 24 hours in Florence.
STAY | Il Salviatino
Il Salviatino is a 15th century villa turned boutique hotel which is by and far the most incredible place to stay in Florence. With exquisite suites — each one completely different from the other — a state-of-the-art-spa, stunning views of the city and an incredible in-house restaurant, Il Salviatino is a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation in Florence. There is Florentine history in every room. In fact, legendary masters like Salvador Dalì and Gabriele D’Annunzio conducted their vibrant literary salons in this very hotel. The hotel has made sure to incorporate this legacy into the history of this villa — and the incredibly kind staff is more than happy to talk you through the rich tapestry of this hotel.
Il Salviatino not only offers the tranquility of the countryside while still being very much in the heart of the city, but also stunning views of Florence from the comfort of your suites. During your stay, take a moment to indulge in the hotel’s newly refurbished Aquae Vitali spa. Featuring infrared sauna and hammam, it offers a variety of relaxing and invigorating treatments — and a massage tailored completely to you.
Il Salviatino truly needs to be experienced to be believed. A perfect intersection of history, art and unparalleled relaxation, it makes you never want to leave — which is saying something when a city like Florence awaits exploration just moments away.
DINE | Giacomo al Salviatino
Il Salviatino’s in-house restaurant, Giacomo al Salviatino, faces the Duomo and is one of many incredible destinations in Florence for a wonderful al-fresco meal. It is, however, one of the only few eateries that can also offer a beautiful view of the city from its outdoor terrace with your meal. The cuisine is focused on authentic Italian tradition, offering a menu that combines simplicity and refinement, using aromatic herbs, vegetables from the hotel’s organic garden and a careful selection of local raw materials.
From delicious bread dipped in top quality olive oil to oysters, fish and of course, mouthwatering pasta, this is an incredible restaurant to enjoy the best of Tuscan cuisine. Combined with free flowing Italian wine and music-filled ambience to match, Giacomo al Salviatino is our definitive pick of a Florentine restaurant that should be on your radar.
SHOP | Via de Tornabuoni
If you’re after luxury shopping in Florence, head over to Via de Tornabuoni. This is a street in the centre of Florence that houses a host of designer high fashion boutiques and jewellery brands. Here you will find famous Italian titans like Gucci, — Florence was the birthplace of this brand. In fact, this street houses Gucci’s very first store in the world — Salvatore Ferragamo, Enrico Coveri, Roberto Cavalli and more. For jewellery, there is Damiami, Bulgari and Buccellati. 
EXPLORE | Il Duomo, Uffizi Art Gallery and more
Florence is a lot more relaxed than Rome, but it certainly has a lot to explore. One such thing is the Santa Marie del Fiori or the Il Duomo cathedral. This is the 11th largest church in the world but features the world’s largest masonry dome. The cathedral took 140 years to build, and is one of the most beautiful constructions in the heart of the city. Also worth exploring is the Basilica di San Lorenzo, which is one of the oldest churches in Florence.
If you’re a fan of Renaissance art, you absolutely must take a trip to the Uffizi Art Gallery, which is home to the largest Renaissance art collection in the world. And if you want charming views of the city along the river, Ponte Vecchio bridge is a very Instagrammable destination to check out. The statue of Michelangelo’s David in Florence can be found at Piazza della Signoria. And finally, head to the Galileo Museum to learn more about the life and work of the famous astronomer.
Read more stories from the 24 Hours series and check out more travel stories with Tempus