Florence on Film.

Alex Kittoe

Instagram: @alexkittoephotos

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Florence is one of those rare cities that doesn’t feel like it’s changed much in hundreds of years. When you look out over the skyline, the soft terracotta rooftops and towering Duomo make it easy to imagine what it looked like centuries ago. The entire city feels like a living work of art. As a photographer, that timeless quality is part of what keeps drawing me back. I’ve spent a lot of time here over the years, and last year I was lucky enough to stay for a full month with my wife. No matter how many times I return, I always find something new to appreciate.

One of my favorite things about Florence is that you never have to step foot in a car. Everything is walkable. You can squeeze so much into a single day just by setting out on foot and following whatever catches your attention. Some of my best days in Florence have started without a plan, just wandering across the Ponte Vecchio and weaving through quiet side streets on the other side of the river. That area feels a little less touristy, with smaller neighborhoods that have a slower rhythm.

Each morning I tried to wake up before sunrise and walk to Piazzale Michelangelo. During the day it’s usually packed, but at sunrise it’s a completely different scene. The air is still, the light is soft, and the city feels like it belongs only to you. Watching the sun come up over the Arno, with the dome of the Duomo catching the first light, is one of those moments that stays with you. Early mornings are one of my favorite ways to explore any city, but in Florence it feels especially worth it. You see the same landmarks everyone else sees, but without the distractions.

During the day, there’s no shortage of ways to get immersed in the culture. The Uffizi Gallery holds some of the most iconic works of Renaissance art in the world. Just down the road, the Accademia is home to Michelangelo’s David, which still stops me in my tracks no matter how many times I’ve seen it. History is everywhere—carved into the buildings, tucked into quiet chapels, and layered into the cobblestone streets. It’s one of the few cities where you can learn as much by walking as you can by reading.

One of my favorite experiences in Florence is taking a pasta-making class at Pasta Class Florence. The hosts are incredibly warm and make the entire evening feel like a dinner party with friends. You make the pasta by hand while sipping unlimited wine, and though you cook the pasta, they handle the sauces. At the end, they serve you a full multi-course meal using what you’ve prepared. It turned out to be one of the best meals I’ve ever had.

When it comes to aperitivo, one of the best hidden gems I’ve found is the Sky Bar at La Scaletta Hotel. The views are some of the most unique in the city, and somehow it always feels peaceful and undiscovered. After drinks, we’ll usually walk toward Santo Spirito for dinner. One of my go-to spots is 4 Leoni, tucked into a quiet piazza with outdoor seating and their famous pear pasta. It sounds unusual, but it’s incredible. Their lasagna is also a favorite, and the atmosphere feels cozy and local.

On the way there, we usually stop at a tiny spot called the Wine Window on Borgo dei Greci. It’s one of those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it places, but the crowd outside is always buzzing. People gather in the street with glasses of wine before heading off to dinner. It’s casual, affordable, and always full of energy. Another favorite for dinner is Osteria Santo Spirito. A bottle of wine, bruschetta, two plates of pasta, and the bill still somehow comes out under 40 euros. It’s hard to beat, though you’ll definitely want a reservation unless you’re ready for a long wait.

During the day, I love walking through the Mercato del Porcellino to browse leather goods and small souvenirs. It’s a fun place to look for handmade camera straps or a new belt, and if you’re clearly a tourist, you can negotiate a little. A short walk away is one of my favorite little shops in Florence, Signum. It’s a stationery store with vintage globes, handmade papers, illustrated notebooks, and the kind of details that feel like they belong in another time. It’s the kind of place I never leave empty-handed.

While most visitors head straight to the top of the Duomo for the iconic view, my favorite vantage point in the city is actually from the Arnolfo Tower at Palazzo Vecchio. The climb isn’t easy, but it’s manageable, and it gives you a perfect view of the Duomo rather than being inside it. As a photographer, I love having the dome in the frame. The tower gives you a full, 360-degree panorama of the city, and it’s usually much less crowded.

One of the reasons I love Florence so much is that it gives as much as you ask of it. If you want a fast-paced day full of museums, food, and shopping, it’s all there. But if you want to slow down, wander without a plan, and stop for an espresso at a curbside café, you’ll be just as rewarded. There’s beauty in every corner, and more often than not, the best moments come from simply walking and paying attention.

Travel Tip I Swear By

Don’t let things that go wrong get to you too much; try to embrace them. Sometimes these unplanned changes to your itinerary end up being the best memories of your life.

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Alex Kittoe is a travel photographer driven by a love for exploring the world and capturing its quiet, cinematic moments. His work reflects a deep appreciation for natural light, meaningful moments, and the beauty of everyday life.