Inside the Historical Heart | Florence
In and Around Sina Villa Medici, Autograph Collection
By Fernando Pane | General Manager | Sina Villa Medici, Autograph Collection
“My passion for hospitality means I’m always excited about making the guest experience as magical and elegant as possible.”
Sina Villa Medici | Florence
In Florence you can feel the heart of the Renaissance. The city’s role at the foundation of modern civilization can be felt everywhere today. From luxurious and modern hotspots to classic family establishments. It is a place where class, culture, and culinary delight are around every corner. One can’t help but be in awe of everything the city has to offer.
Fernando Pane, General Manager of the historically legendary Villa Medici Hotel, will show you around to his favourite places. As a local general manager of this five-star hotel, he knows all the not-to-miss bars, restaurants, and to-do’s in Florence.
Where to stay
Set in a historic 19th-century palazzo in the heart of Florence, this meticulously refurbished hotel blends contemporary luxury with an enchanting old-world charm. Guests are welcomed into a stylish establishment that is buzzing and yet feels peaceful, like a lush oasis.
The luxurious rooms and suites are full of tasteful touches and boast inspiring views of the breathtaking Florence cityscape. The grand swimming pool and lavish garden are unique in Florence and form the perfect home base from which to explore the riches of this Renaissance city.
Right by the pool, you’ll find Harry’s Bar The Garden, a collaboration with the legendary Harry’s Bar Firenze, globally renowned for its signature dishes, iconic cocktails, and unreplicable atmosphere.
Hotel Sina Villa Medici, Marriott Autograph Collection | Via Il Prato 42, Florence, Italy | e-mail | call
Book this Romantic Shooting Stars Experience August 2025
Surprise your loved one with this fantastic romantic two-night stay, hosted by Bearleader in Hospitality, General Manager Fernando Pane of five-star Hotel Sina Villa Medici.
The night of the shooting stars, better known as the ‘Night of San Lorenzo’ is one of August's most magical and eagerly awaited unique experiences. Read more.
Where to eat
ANTICA TRATTORIA DA TITO
In business since 1913, Da Tito has done everything right. Tasty Tuscan dishes like onion soup, pappa al pomodoro soup and wild boar pasta. If you don’t have anything to talk about, you can enjoy all the scribbles on the wall.
instagram | 30 min. walk from the hotel
HARRY’S BAR THE GARDEN
Two Florentine institutions are working together for the most fashionable meeting place in the city. Enjoy traditional Firenze cuisine by the pool at this wonderful collaboration between Harry’s Bar Firenze and Sina Villa Medici.
instagram | in the hotel
HOSTARIA DA FULVIO
Both the interior and the food here are simultaneously opulent and decadent, as well as heartwarmingly classic. A beautifully intimate space full of bohemian character.
instagram | 15 min. walk from the hotel
IL SANTO BEVITORE
On of the most beloved restaurants by the incrowd of Florence.
ATELIER DE’ NERLI
Chef Gianluca takes you on a voyage through Italy with his excellent cooking, while you soak up the fantastic atmosphere and high-class decor at this restaurant and art gallery.
instagram | 10 min. walk from the hotel
TRATTORIA CAMMILO
A typical trattoria with traditional Florentine recipes.
What to do
BOAT TRIP AT I RENAIOLI
When the weather is good, this is an unmissable experience! A boat trip along the Arno River on a traditional boat. It is especially recommended to go during sunset. Unbelievably romantic.
instagram | 10 min. walk from the hotel
CATTEDRALE DELL’IMMAGINE
A few steps from Ponte Vecchio bridge, this impressive church features immersive digital exhibitions dedicated to the great masters of art throughout history. It is an unconventional, enjoyable, and accessible way to experience work by Dalí and Da Vinci.
instagram | 10 min. walk from the hotel
MAGGIO MUSICALE
What better than a night at the opera? The theatre of Florence can be enjoyed both open-air and inside, making it a must all year round for lovers of culture and extraordinary architecture.
instagram | 10 min. walk from the hotel
MERCATO SANT’AMBROGIO
Guess what Fernando’s ritual is on Saturday with his family? They head out to the oldest market with the best and freshest groceries in town. There are also a lot of food stalls for you to enjoy.
instagram | 15 min. drive or tram from the hotel
PITTI MOSAICI
One of the few remaining family businesses in Florence, these mosaic layers are true artists in their field. They are the masters of the Pietra Dura inlay.
instagram | 10 min. walk from the hotel
RICCARDO LUCI
Discover the art of marbled paper with an artisan. Enjoy the mind-blowing creations, or learn this masterful technique during a workshop.
Boutique shopping
FLOW STORE
Shopping at the Flow store is an experience that goes beyond just purchasing clothing or accessories. The carefully curated space is housed in a thirteenth-century building in Via Vecchietti and filled with international brands of menswear and womenswear as well as imported books and magazines.
AQUAZZURA
An expression of contemporary elegance, Aquazzura luxury footwear has become iconic since its debut in 2012. Handmade in Italy with particular attention to the comfort and wearability of the product, Edgardo Osorio's creations combine craftsmanship with innovative designs, sophisticated details and bright colours.
LUISAVIAROMA
A Florence success story, now well known worldwide. A beautiful futuristic store.
CB MADE IN ITALY
An Italian shoes and accessories brand offering timeless creations that are designed to last.
SUPERDUPER HATS
Founded in Florence in 2011, SUPERDUPER grew out of a period of creative experimentation and a strong desire to create. Their 72-hour made-to-order production process puts the future of the planet back in the hands of young artisans. Their hats are all unique and made by hand.
PAOLO PENKO GIOIELLI
Unique handmade jewellery creations with innovative designs, reflecting centuries of history and tradition.
OFFICINA SANTA MARIA NOVELLA
Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella has a history all the way back to 1221. Founded as a Dominican friar convent, it is renowned for the formulation of the highest quality perfumes and remedies. Its legacy is deeply intertwined with Florence’s history: it is considered the world’s oldest pharmacy.
Where to go for a drink
MANIFATTURA
At Manifattura, it is all about authentic Italian cocktail culture. Their range consists of expertly crafted plays on classics, exclusively made from Italian products, fortified wines and spirits.
instagram | 11 min. walk from the hotel
CAFFÈ LIETTA
Located just a few steps from Fernando’s home, this is where he returns time and time again for anything from a delicious breakfast to an aperitivo with the family. From coffee and pastry to bar food and cocktails: this place has got you covered.
instagram | 15 min. drive or tram from the hotel
GUCCI GIARDINO 25
This legendary brand has ventured into hospitality. This expectedly cool all-day cafè and cocktail bar is located in an appropriately styled former florist shop in the heart of Florence. With Martina Bonci’s cocktails, inspired by the archives of mixology, this place is all about celebrating history.
website | 15 min. walk from the hotel
LOCALE
Here, the art of mixology is pushed to new heights. Its cocktails are both inventive and classic, perhaps inspired by the incredible Renaissance location with industrial touches. Mentioned in the top 50 bars of the world, and for good reason.
instagram | 15 min. walk from the hotel
ENOTECA ALESSI
A family-run deli and wine shop since 1952. Giorgio, the owner, sees the wine as an important form of cultural heritage and is firmly convinced that it has come to develop through time its own language made of flavours, smells, colours, moments and habits.
LE VOLPI E L’UVA
This small and unimposing wine bar simply has the best wine selection in town. Take a ‘Merenda’ - the Italian tradition of a light afternoon snack. This is always a good idea!
Book directly with the hotel to get VIP service & benefits
To receive exclusive benefits do mention Bearleaders when you are booking.
Book the special Bearleaders package for a suite experience with complimentary extras with booking code A1475
Gallery Hotel Sina Villa Medici*****
