Jewelry Designer Carolina Bucci’s Guide to Florence

Morning | Arrive at Collegio alla Querce

There’s something truly special about waking up in the very halls where I spent my teenage years. I recommend starting your stay with a quiet walk through the gardens—four levels of them, each more beautiful than the next—and settling into the rhythm of the place.

Afternoon | Florence Without the Crowds

If you’re looking for inspiration without the lines, the Bargello Museum is my go-to. It has the world’s best collection of Renaissance sculpture and is somehow always overlooked. From there, head to the Museo dell’Opificio delle Pietre Dure – an incredible homage to Florentine craftsmanship and one of the inspirations behind my FORTE Beads collection.

Evening | Dinner Among Friends

Cross the Arno to Il Santo Bevitore, my favorite for a relaxed but perfectly judged dinner. It’s cozy, unfussy, and the service is always just right. On a cool summer evening, it feels like you’re dining among old friends—even if you’ve never been there before.

Morning | A Walk Through Time

If you’re up for it, take a walk up to Fiesole. It’s the perfect escape from the city, and the Etruscan ruins behind the square are breathtaking—a peaceful, ancient corner of Tuscany that feels miles away from the world.

Afternoon | My Florence Shopping List

Florence is a treasure trove if you know where to look. I always stop at Loretta Caponi for beautiful hand-embroidered linens and nightwear. For interiors, Flair on Lungarno is like walking into the most perfectly styled apartment. And of course, a visit to my own boutique is always a joy—it’s where we bring old-world techniques into a modern light.

Evening | Aperitivo at Bar Bertelli

Back at Collegio, enjoy a cocktail at Bar Bertelli. It used to be the headmaster’s office, which makes me smile every time I walk in. Now it’s moody, elegant, and the perfect place to wind down before dinner at La Gamella, where local produce and countryside traditions come together beautifully.

Morning | A Slow Start + Something Sweet

I always find time for a visit to Sbrino Gelateria – it’s a little off the beaten path, but completely worth it. Their gelato is among the best in town, and the perfect excuse for a slow start to your final day.

Afternoon | A Cinematic Escape

If I have a free afternoon, I love visiting Odeon Giunti. By day it’s a bookshop, but in the evening it transforms back into the most glamorous, old-world cinema. Watching a film here feels like stepping into another era.

Evening | A Classic Florentine Farewell

My final dinner is always at Trattoria Sostanza. It’s tiny, historic, and always buzzing. The butter chicken and artichoke omelette are non-negotiables. It’s one of those places that hasn’t changed in decades—and that’s exactly why I love it.

Instagram: @carolinabucci
Website: carolinabucci.com