There’s a photo of me on the Ponte Vecchio from nearly a decade ago, standing in that iconic spot where every traveller seems to pause and think, “I’m actually here.” I’m wearing a flowing dress with a pearl headband, and I look genuinely, ridiculously happy. Not the forced “travel Instagram” smile we’ve all perfected, but the kind of joy that comes from being exactly where you want to be.*

That’s Florence for you. It has this way of making you feel like you’ve stepped into a Renaissance painting where you’re not just observing beauty—you’re part of it.

I’ve been to Florence three times now, and each visit has revealed new layers of this remarkable city. But as I sit here planning my return (because honestly, it’s been far too long), I keep thinking about how perfect Florence would be for solo travel—especially for women like us who’ve earned the right to wander slowly and savour deeply.

Why Florence Gets Midlife Women

Here’s what I love about Florence: it operates at exactly the pace we crave. This isn’t a city that demands you rush from attraction to attraction with a checklist. It’s a walking city where the journey between destinations is often more beautiful than the destinations themselves.

Picture this: You wake up in a boutique hotel near the Duomo, step outside, and within minutes you’re strolling cobblestone streets lined with artisan workshops. You pop into a little café for perfect espresso, browse some of the world’s most incredible stores (hello, Pucci!), and before you know it, you’re standing in front of Michelangelo’s David wondering how something carved from stone can look so alive.

It’s culture, food, architecture, design, and shopping all woven together into one impossibly elegant package.

The Walking City Advantage

Florence’s historic center is compact—beautifully, perfectly compact. Everything you want to see and experience is within walking distance. For solo travelers, this is pure gold. No complicated transit systems to figure out, no getting lost in sprawling neighborhoods, no anxiety about navigating unfamiliar territory after dark.

You can walk from the Uffizi to the Ponte Vecchio to the leather markets to that incredible little trattoria you spotted earlier. The city becomes your neighborhood, and there’s something deeply comforting about that for a woman exploring on her own.

Where Art Meets Everyday Life

What struck me most about Florence is how art isn’t confined to museums—it’s everywhere. The architecture itself is the attraction. You’ll find yourself stopping mid-stride because the way the afternoon light hits a building facade literally takes your breath away.

I remember one evening (captured in a photo where I’m in a red dress by the Arno River), just sitting by the water watching the city light up as the sun set. No agenda, no schedule, just me and one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

This is the kind of moment that solo travel was made for.

The Food Culture That Embraces Solo Diners

Italian food culture is perfect for women travelling alone. The pace is unhurried, the portions are reasonable (you’re not staring at a massive plate wondering how you’ll finish it), and the staff genuinely care about your experience. I’ve had some of my most memorable meals in Florence—not because of who I was with, but because of the quality of everything from the wine to the conversation with the waiter who was passionate about their regional specialities.

Plus, the aperitivo culture is made for solo travelers. Those early evening drinks with small plates let you ease into the social rhythm of the city without the pressure of a full dinner commitment.

Shopping That Actually Matters

Florence isn’t just shopping—it’s sourcing. This is where you find pieces that will be in your wardrobe for decades, not seasons. The leather goods, the jewellery, the textiles—everything has that quality and craftsmanship that feels like an investment in yourself.

I still have pieces from my Florence trips that make me smile every time I wear them. There’s something special about owning something beautiful that reminds you of the woman who was brave enough to explore one of the world’s most romantic cities on her own.

The Perfect Solo City Checklist

Florence ticks every box for confident solo travel:

✓ Walkable and safe - You can navigate the entire historic centre on foot

✓ English-friendly - Widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and shops

✓ Solo dining culture - Italians understand that eating well is important, company optional

✓ Rich but not overwhelming - You can see the highlights without feeling rushed

✓ Shopping heaven - Quality pieces worth the investment

✓ Photo-worthy everywhere - Your camera roll will thank you

✓ Excellent hotels - Options for every budget that cater to solo travellers

Why Your Timing is Perfect

Here’s something I wish I’d understood earlier: Florence in your forties, fifties, and beyond hits differently than Florence in your twenties. You have the wisdom to appreciate the art, the patience to savor the food, the confidence to strike up conversations, and the resources to stay somewhere beautiful and eat somewhere exceptional.

You’re not trying to do Florence—you’re trying to experience it.

Ready to Fall in Love?

Florence has been calling my name for years now, and I suspect it might be calling yours, too. There’s something about this city that feels like coming home to a place you’ve never been.

If you’re ready to explore Florence solo (or want to start planning that perfect return trip), I’ve created something special: The Wise Woman’s Florence Edit—a comprehensive guide with solo-friendly hotel recommendations, restaurant picks where you’ll feel completely comfortable alone, walking routes that hit the highlights without the tourist crowds, and all the practical details that make solo travel smooth and confident.

It’s everything I wish I’d had for my first Florence trip, plus everything I’ve learned since then.

Because you deserve a city that matches your sophistication, your curiosity, and your courage. And Florence? She’s been waiting for you.

The Perfect Negroni: My Florence Love Affair

But here’s my final confession about Florence—this is the city where I fell completely, utterly in love with the Negroni. Not just the drink itself, but the entire ritual that surrounds it.

Picture this: It’s aperitivo hour (between 7pm and 9pm), that magical golden time when Florentines transition from day to evening. You’re perched at a marble bar, and the bartender places before you the perfect Negroni—equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, garnished with a twist of orange peel. The drink has its origins right here in Florence in the 1920s, when Count Camillo Negroni asked his bartender at Caffè Giacosa for something stronger than his usual Americano.

But here’s what made me swoon: it wasn’t just the cocktail (though that bittersweet complexity is perfection). It was the little plate of accompaniments that appeared alongside it. Fat Tuscan olives, delicate grissini breadsticks, perhaps some grilled cheese toasties with onion marmalade, and if you’re lucky, a few perfect crostini topped with truffle or fegatini.

The Italians understand something we often miss: good things should never be rushed. That Negroni isn’t meant to be knocked back—it’s meant to be savored over an hour of conversation, people-watching, and those perfectly salty little bites that make each sip taste even better.

My Florence Negroni Recipe (for when you want to bring a bit of Florence home):

• 1 part gin

• 1 part sweet vermouth

• 1 part Campari

• Orange peel for garnish

• Serve over ice in an old-fashioned glass

And always, always serve it with something delightfully salty—olives, good crisps, or those little Italian touches that turn a drink into an experience.

This is what Florence taught me about solo travel: it’s not about checking boxes or covering ground. It’s about finding your rhythm, claiming your space at that marble bar, and discovering that sometimes the perfect evening is just you, a well-made cocktail, and a city that knows how to celebrate both.

Ready to start planning your Florence solo adventure? Download “The Wise Woman’s Florence Edit” for hotel recommendations, solo-friendly restaurant picks, safe walking routes, and everything you need for a confident, beautiful trip.

[Download The Florence Edit →]

And if this has you dreaming of other solo destinations, join the Wise Woman community for more destination guides, travel confidence tips, and the permission slips you need to see the world on your own terms.

Why Florence Has My Heart (And Why It Could Be Your First Solo European City)