TRAVEL GUIDE | CABANA TRAVEL | WORLD OF CABANA

Architect, interior designer and co-founder of Archflorence, Francesca Garagnani, shares her favorite spots in and around the Tuscan capital. A city brimming with Renaissance grandeur and everyday Italian charm, Florence "hides some real treasures".

BY FRANCESCA GARAGNANI | CABANA TRAVEL | 17 MAY 2025

My Favorite Places to Stay

I must admit that both [of my favorite stays] are our own — myself, Francesca Garagnani, and Carlo Ludovico Poccianti (Ghigo) — created through our studio, Archflorence.

Collegio alla Querce: To truly enjoy Florence, we recommend staying in the hills or countryside just outside the city. The distances are minimal, and while Florence is stunning, its historical urban layout often makes it quite chaotic. Collegio alla Querce, a beautiful hotel, offers breathtaking views of the city’s skyline and the Arno Valley from its countryside setting.

Hotel Villa La Massa: A charming architectural complex consisting of a villa, farm buildings, barns, and even an old mill, all situated along the Arno river. Reaching Villa La Massa via the old Rovezzano road, which connects directly to Ponte Vecchio in just 15–20 minutes, is a lovely experience.

My Favorite Restaurants

Marina di Santo Spirito: Both Ghigo and I love seafood, and our favourite informal and lesser-known seafood restaurant is Marina di Santo Spirito. We recommend the surprise appetizers, the salt-crusted fish, and, if you enjoy it, the raw fish selection.

Massimo Francini: Florence is also famous for its Bistecca and Tagliata, and for this, visit Massimo Francini in Sambuca, a few kilometers outside the city. The experience of dining in what feels like a traditional butcher shop - with everything fresh and visible - is truly memorable.

Cantinetta Antinori: Don’t miss Cantinetta Antinori. Here, a touch of elegance and homemade cuisine is paired with some of Italy’s finest wines.

My Favorite Cafés

S. Forno: A bakery where you can enjoy moka-brewed coffee, a slice of carrot or chocolate cake—always wholesome and not too indulgent—a warm focaccia, and a newspaper to leaf through.

Biscottificio Mattei: Near our studio in Piazza Santa Trinita, we recently discovered that Biscottificio Mattei not only sells its famous cantucci, but also serves excellent coffee, along with pan ramerino and torta mantovana—all homemade by the owner herself. It’s a delightful experience.

My Favorite Museums

Florence is filled with world-renowned museums, but as architects, we’re particularly fond of, and have often revisited, the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo.

HZERO: In a more unconventional spirit, we recommend the HZERO miniature train museum—a family passion brought to life as an incredible work of engineering, a toy for adults, and a marvel to behold.

Wandering through the cloisters of Santa Maria Novella, Santa Croce, and visiting the Medici Chapels are also deeply moving and should not be missed.

My Favorite Shops

L’Ippogrifo: We’re drawn to craftsmanship and antiques — Florence hides some real treasures. We recommend L’Ippogrifo, a father-and-son workshop creating hand-colored engravings.

Il Parione: At the bookbindery Il Parione, you can have your own printed paper made. 

Bianco Bianchi: Here you'll find artisans working with scagliola and marble inlays.

Principe: This store offers timeless, classically elegant Florentine clothing, including bespoke shirts and pajamas.

My Favorite Antiques Stores or Flea Markets

For antiques, we love Galleria Baccarelli and the young, collaborative dealer Riccardo Chiavacci, who always finds exactly what we need for our projects.

And of course, the Sant’Ambrogio Flea Market, which is always full of unexpected finds.

My Favorite Gardens

Besides the iconic Boboli Gardens, we recommend the beautiful and often quieter Giardino Torrigiani and Giardino dell’Orticoltura, perfect for a peaceful walk.

My Favorite ‘Hidden Treasure’ 

Exploring Florence on foot is always magical. We recommend discovering the San Miniato Gardens, the Rose Garden, and walking along Via San Leonardo all the way to the Arcetri Observatory, a peaceful and inspiring route.

My Favorite Things to Do

Wake up early, visit the Sant’Ambrogio food market, have lunch in the hills, play a game of tennis, and enjoy a drink at Angel Roof Bar inside Hotel Calimala. The perfect Sunday starts with a walk from our home in Pian dei Giullari to Forte Belvedere, continuing into the Boboli Gardens, followed by lunch at Il Borro Bistrot. We always end our Sunday evenings with a pizza together with our four children—a simple joy we truly cherish.