travel blog on florence

Journey of Doing

3 Days in Florence: A Complete First-Timer’s Guide

3 days in Florence is never enough, but if that’s all I (or you) can manage, I will take them every time.  As I’ve mentioned before, I studied abroad  in Florence, Italy so it holds a special place in my heart.  Like Georgette once said, it’s like Florence can feel your emotion, and I find that comforting.  I went abroad during a very difficult time in my life.  I was struggling with several issues – all of which were mostly resolved by the time I came home.  Florence is a city of healing for me.  It is where I learned photography, ignited my wanderlust, and became comfortable in my own skin.

In 2015, I got to share parts of that with my husband as we spent part of our honeymoon in Florence .  ( Like Aimee I apparently have an unwritten agreement that says my feet much touch Florentine soil at least once a year.  It’s worked out for me so far.  Florence cannot be all those things for everyone, but I do hope that people can experience parts of “my” Florence.  It will always be on my list of places you should go.

07/2021 Update:  Updated to include new hotel and tour recommendations!

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Florence Itinerary Suggestions

It will be impossible to see everything in Florence in 3 days.  There are so many amazing landmarks in Florence to visit.  Make your peace with that. The city is walkable, but you’ll want to group attractions together by neighborhood to get the most out of your visit. In this particular case, I focused the 3 days in Florence around the Uffizi area, the Oltrarno, and the area around the Accademia.  If you only have 2 days in Florence, pick one of the museum days and couple it with a visit to the Oltrarno. If you’re looking for a great One Day in Florence Itinerary , Toti and Alessia have a great one on their blog!

I always recommend taking a break during the middle of the day.  This is when it is the hottest and the city is most crowded.  We like getting out to enjoy the city, taking a break in the mid-day, and going out again in the late afternoon/evening.

You will want to make sure you have dinner reservations in advance.  Your hotel can help with booking these.

Day One in Florence

• 9:30 – Start your day at Santa Croce (or Museo Galileo , if science is more your thing) when it opens.
• Head to Piazza della Signoria.  Check out the courtyard of the Palazzo Vecchio and enjoy the Loggia dei Lanzi .  If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, head to Orsanmichele for more religious art.
• 12:00 – Quick lunch at ‘Ino, Da’ Vinattieri, or I’ Girone De’ Ghiotti
• 1:30 – Uffizi Gallery tour
• Gelato o’clock at Gelateria dei Neri, Gelateria Santa Trinita or La Carraia
• Head back to your hotel for a little R&R.
• Watch the sunset over the Ponte Vecchio from one of the other other bridges in Florence.
• 7:30 (or later) – Enjoy a leisurely dinner at Sostanza, Buca dell’Orafo, Trattoria Nella, or Osteria Santo Spirito
• End  your night with a stroll through Florence’s most beautiful piazzas – Piazza della Duomo, Piazza della Repubblica, and Piazza della Signoria.  Enjoy the musicians.  Treat yourself to gelato from Edoardo (next to the Duomo).

Day Two in Florence

• Take the Ponte Vecchio to the Oltrarno before it gets too busy.  The gold shops won’t be open, but you’ll have the bridge all to yourself.
• 8:15am – Head to the Pitti Palace / Boboli Gardens or the Bardini Gardens and start your day outside.  Enjoy some of the most breathtaking views of Florence before it gets too hot.
• Wander the backstreets of the Oltrarno and check out the artisan workshops.  The shopping is more interesting on this side of the river, unless you’re looking for the designer names.  Make sure to visit Chiesa di Santa Felicita.
• Before grabbing an easy lunch at Raddi, Gusta Pizza, Gusta Panino,  Tamero, or Osteria Santo Spirito , visit the Santo Spirito Church .
• Finish off your lunch with gelato from Santa Trinita or La Carraia and walk back towards the Ponte Vecchio by way of the Arno.
• Head back to your hotel for a midday break.  If you aren’t a mid-day break kind of person, head back across the Arno to the DaVinci Museum .
• 4:00/4:30 – Head to the Duomo for one of the last entries of the day.
• Grab a cab or a bus to the Piazzale Michelangelo / San Minato al Monte for sunset.   You can take a bus, a cab, or walk.  (It’s easier to walk down than it is to walk up.)  If it’s supposed to be rainy, book a tour of the Palazzo Vecchio instead.
• Have a late dinner at the Golden View .  (Book a table overlooking the Ponte Vecchio in advance.)  If you’re too tired from the Piazza Michelangelo climb, you can have an easy dinner at i Bastioni di San Niccolo Pizzeria.

Day Three in Florence

• Head to the Accademia for your pre-booked early morning tour.  Enjoy seeing the David up, close, and personal with (fewer) crowds.  If you can’t do more art, head to the DaVinci Museum instead.
• Head to the Mercato Centrale / leather market for shopping and lunch.  (My favorite lunch in Florence is the 5 euro fresh pasta on the bottom floor of the Mercato Centrale.  You’ll have more options upstairs, but I prefer the fresh pasta.  Find the bakery that sells occhi di bue for a sweet treat.
• Take a mid-afternoon break while the crowds descend on Florence.
• If a break isn’t your thing, head to the DaVinci Museum, the Medici Chapel, or the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella .
• Have your final dinner in Florence with a view by making a reservation at La Reggia degli Etruschi in Fiesole.  Take the bus back to Florence.  You’ll get off in front of Santa Maria Novella, and you can spend your last evening wandering through the magical streets and piazzas of Florence.

Florence Tours – Getting Your Culture Fix in Florence

Florentine museum culture can be daunting for even the most fervent art lovers.  (I know; I’m friends with some of them.)  That being said, I don’t know that you can go to Florence without seeing the museums.  I mean, you can… but will you really understand how incredible the Renaissance is without that perspective?  Probably not.  The Firenze card is a great option if you only have 3 days in Florence, but you will still need/want a reservation for the museums and the Duomo’s cupola.  Even priority access lines can be long in Florence.

Here are a few things I highly recommend for people who want to get the most out of their visit to Florence (and not spend all their time in line).

Uffizi Gallery

BOOK THIS: Skip the Line Uffizi Walking Tour – Our guide, William, was incredible.  In fact, had we not waited so long in our trip to book this tour, we would have hired him for private tours.  The size of the Uffizi is absolutely daunting and we did not have any perspective for Renaissance art.  William walked us through various (read: popular) rooms of the Uffizi, helping us understand not only the art but also the political context in which the Renaissance was born.  Obviously, we saw the “big” works of art like The Birth of Venus, but William also taught us a lot about what makes Renaissance art different. He showed us how these artists were able to take flat paintings to new dimensions using color.

I found this to be a great introduction to the museum, the time period, and the art.  I highly recommend it to anyone visiting the Uffizi for the first time.  William’s passion for the subject was contagious and he refused to be deterred by the somewhat sluggish enthusiasm by our group.

The only drawback of this tour is that it begins at 1:30; I recommend going on an empty stomach so as not to experience the post-lunch lag.  If you decide not to do a tour, buy your tickets in advance or have your concierge reserve them. Don’t spend all day in line.  Seriously.  Skip the line.  It’s totally a thing.

Da Vinci Museum

VISIT THIS : Museo Leonardo da Vinci – If you are travel with scientists, engineers, or children, this museum is for you!  It is small, but they have rebuilt some of da Vinci’s contraptions exactly as his drawings called for and it’s incredible to see how progressive he was for his time period.  When I visited the da Vinci Museum, I finally understood what it means to be a “Renaissance scholar.”  I know that we like to classify ourselves as “math people” and “non-math people”, but da Vinci proves that you can do both.  Art and science complement each other.

Bonus/fun fact:  It’s located on via dei Servi and right across the street from my apartment!

Gallery Accademia

BOOK THIS:  Timed Entry Ticket & Galleria dell Accademia Tour – Yet another amazing site that was a block from my apartment.  The original David is housed here, so again, you’ll want to buy tickets in advance. Book a skip the line ticket or have your concierge arrange your visit.  I’ve seen these lines snake for blocks down via Ricasoli during high season so save yourself the headache.  I’ve never not seen a line, regardless of the time of year.  This tour provided more insight on the other works in the museum and ended with the David.  Nothing truly prepared me for what it felt like to see this piece in person.  It’s truly not just another sculpture; it’s hard to imagine how Michelangelo was able to create it.  You need to see this, even if you don’t consider yourself a fan of sculpture.  It’s truly beautiful.

Galileo Museum

VISIT THIS:  Museo Galileo  wasn’t my favorite museum to visit, but I’ve recommended it to other scientist/engineer types and they LOVED it. You’ll have to decide for yourself.  There are some really cool things in here, but there wasn’t as much about Galileo has I had hoped.  It’s tucked away on the back side of the Uffizi and offers beautiful views overlooking the Arno.  I would go when it’s least likely to be crowded because it could feel pretty stuffy. We found after lunch to be a good time for our visit.

Palazzo Vecchio

The  Palazzo Vecchio sits in my favorite Piazza della Signoria, and I never thought about what was inside.  I think someone told me it was city offices, and that was that.  One evening, I saw that the doors were open and I found myself inside a beautiful courtyard.  When it came time to plan another trip to Florence, I booked a tour of the Palazzo Vecchio .  It’s a great tour to get an idea of the historical and political timelines of Florence.   You learn more about the Papal rule, the secret hiding places of the Palazzos, and see the huge rooms where political assemblies were held (and Inferno was filmed).  As you climb the stairs of the Palazzo, you will learn more about the rivalries between Florence, Siena, and Pisa.

At the end of the tour, you can make your way up the tower to watch the sunset.  It is beautiful.

BOOK THIS TOUR:   Palazzo Vecchio Tour

Florence with a View

What trip to Florence is complete if you don’t include a list of places where you can experience the same views of Florence that the Renaissance painters did?  Sunrises and sunsets in Florence are especially magical, but don’t forget to look the other way to see the reflection on the opposite side of the sky.  You can also see views of the Florentine countryside from the Duomo cupola or Giotto’s bell tower, but I prefer the views below with limited time in Florence.

Piazzale Michelangelo / San Miniato al Monte

Piazzale Michelangelo – I’ve talked about this place before. It remains one of my favorite places to watch the sunset.  You can take a bottle of wine, some snacks (hello Eataly  – you’re so affordable I can’t even be mad that you took over my favorite bookstore), and enjoy the experience along with a couple hundred of your closest friends (take that for what it’s worth). The sunrise can be particularly beautiful and less crowded, but it requires you to get moving pretty early. The Piazza Michelangelo allows you to experience the vibrant colors of sunset that inspired numerous artists from the Renaissance and beyond.

If crowds aren’t your thing, keep climbing to San Miniato al Monte .  It’s considerably less crowded and offers similar views.

Boboli Gardens (and Pitti Palace)

VISIT THIS:  Boboli Gardens / Pitti Palace – If you want to feel like you have this place to yourself, go when they open.  We arrived shortly after opening, and despite a few school groups, we managed to wander around the gardens for a few hours.  At some point, we emerged onto the terrace near the Porcelain Museum and found ourselves staring at the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside.  Absolutely breathtaking.  You don’t even realize how far above the city you get and, all of the sudden, you find a completely difference side of Florence.  One of my favorite experiences ever.  I still love to imagine what it must have been like to live there and have those gardens be your backyard.  (I’m quite intrigued by the idea of the Vasari Corridor that runs from the Uffizi but I’ve yet to explore it.)

Bardini Gardens

Andrea at the St. Regis suggested the Bardini gardens to us.  It’s definitely less busy than the Boboli Gardens, but the views are just as lovely.  In the spring, the wisteria blooms and smells absolutely divine.  Just watch out for the bees.  (I’m allergic; it is both beautiful and terrifying.)  We really enjoyed spending the morning strolling the grounds.

Golden View

EAT & DRINK:  The Golden View Restaurant and Bar – Again, maybe it’s the nostalgia factor (my friends took me here for my 22nd birthday) but there’s something magical about getting a table overlooking the Ponte Vecchio at night.  There’s an extensive menu (something for everyone), live music, energetic ambiance, and a view.  What’s not to love?  (I’ll own the fact that it might be considered a little touristy.  I definitely come for the view though.)

Under-Appreciated Churches of Florence

Santa croce.

VISIT THIS:  Basilica of St. Croce – Everyone comes to Florence to ooh and ahh over il Duomo and its dome (and rightly so) but keep walking and find St. Croce.  It looks quite a bit smaller than the Duomo, but the inside reveals that you can’t judge a basilica by its facade!  In the early morning light, it is positively enchanting.  You have to go inside.  I also love the artists that hang out in the piazza – they don’t get started until mid-morning, but I find their work to be more authentic than the more touristy areas of Florence.

Orsanmichele Church and Museum

You will pass this church multiple times and probably never notice it.  It boasts one of the most beautiful altar pieces I’ve ever seen.  It’s a beautiful place to sit and rest your feet while taking in the fact that it is a former grain storage facility and you can still see the remnants of that.  The stained glass is also particularly beautiful.  Everything you see in Orsanmichele feels life-like, as though you could insert yourself into the art.  It’s truly beautiful.  Make sure to walk around the entire church to see all the sculptures in their niches – they were novel for their time because they are actually outside of their niche, rather than inside of it.  These artists are truly marvels in their own rights.

VISIT THIS:  Orsanmichele Church and Museum

More Things to Do in Florence

Medici chapels and church of san lorenzo.

A few steps from the Mercato Centrale is the Medici Chapel complex.  If you know a lot about Florentine history or the Medici family, I think you can jump right into this museum.  If you don’t (and we didn’t), I would recommend taking this night tour of Florence and then visiting the Medici chapels.  Either way, I don’t recommend it as one of the first things you do in Florence.  I think the ceiling of the Chapel of the Princes is absolutely breathtaking and the sculpture in the New Sacristy is incredible to see.  I’ve never seen the lines be too long, but you can book a skip the line ticket in advance.

BOOK THIS:  Florence evening walking tour

SKIP THE LINE:  Medici Chapel and Church of San Lorenzo

Food Tour of Florence // Wine Tour of Florence

What is Florence without Chianti?  We love this sunset walking tour of Florence .  It crosses both sides of the Arno and introduces you to the different types of Tuscan wine.  It’s the perfect introduction to the Florentine aperitivo and you’ll get to try different crostini with your wines.  While we’ve certainly had better wine tasting experiences in Tuscany , it’s a great way to see more of Florence on foot.

There are also a number of delicious Florence food tours that are worth considering.  I recommend the sunset tour or the Oltrarno tour.  (Almost every single one of our tour guides raves about restaurants on the Oltrarno.  We are still trying to find all of our favorites, but we’ve had some delicious experiences.)

BOOK THIS:  Sunset wine tour of Florence

EAT & DRINK:  Florence food tour

Fiat 500 Tour of the Florence Countryside

If you’re feeling really adventurous or you can’t bear to not enjoy the rolling hills of Tuscany, skip the day trips and book this vintage Fiat 500 driving tour instead.  You need to be able to drive a standard; vintage Fiats have a double clutch system.  Bring your patience and don’t surprise your husband with this tour.  (I know from experience.  Tell him in advance so he can prepare.)  Nico is a great guide and the views are beautiful.  We enjoyed watching the sunset with wine, cheese, and prosciutto.  FYI:  You’ll want to take a cab to and from the location though.

BOOK THIS:  Sunset driving tour outside of Florence

Day Trips from Florence

I don’t think 3 days in Florence is enough to take a day trip.  There is so much to see and do in Florence.  Stay in Florence.  Tuscany is meant to be savored, and I truly believe it deserves its own trip.  There are several tour operators that offer day trips from Florence to San Gimignano, Siena, Pisa, Lucca, and more – but those experiences are too rushed.  You want to explore the Italian hill towns at their best, not their worst.  The best day trip from Florence that I can truly recommend is Fiesole, which is a 20 minute bus ride from the city center.  If you really want to get out of the city center, book a dinner reservation at La Reggia degli Etruschi .

EAT & DRINK:   La Reggia degli Etruschi

Favorite Florence Restaurants

For years, I’ve struggled with putting together a list of my favorite restaurants in Florence .  While I favor authentic flavors, it can be difficult to tell people to get out of the city center completely, especially with only three days to do it.  I think you need to meet people where they are at, and often times, that’s going to be on the side of the river with all the tourist sights.  I’ve had more than a few “meh” meals, but I’ve also found some delicious meals as well.  I’ve also found some kind Florentines who are even kinder when we stumble through in Italian and appreciate their language.  (Seriously – try.)

For Bistecca Fiorentina

With only 3 days in Florence, you need to try bistecca Fiorentina.   Trattoria Sostanza  is my favorite.  The are two competing restaurants that show up on all the “best of” lists ( Buca Mario and Sostanza), but I’ve been coming to Sostanza for over 10 years and they win .  It’s not fancy, it’s not elaborate, it’s not big, and it can be impossible to get into without a reservation… but it’s worth camping out for before they open and begging for a table when they do.  (Just kidding – you don’t have to beg.  They are the nicest and quite friendly.)  If you want ambiance, Buca Mario is a solid option… but Sostanza edges them out for us.  If you’re not a red meat-eater, their petti di pollo al burro (butter chicken) is solid, too.  Many might argue it’s their better dish.

If you need an option to appease those who are not meat eaters, head to Buca dell’Orafo.  There’s more on them below, but they make a delicious bistecca.

EAT & DRINK:  Trattoria Sostanza

EAT & DRINK:  Ristorante Buca dell’Orafo

EAT & DRINK:  Ristorante Buca Mario

For Pasta in Florence

Aimee and I both agree that Trattoria Nella is worth a visit.  (She’s been coming to this restaurant longer than I have been.)  We were lucky enough to get the last table around 9:00pm one evening, and I am so glad we did.  As far as food, we ordered half a liter of wine (so.much.wine.), the misto Toscano (cheese, salami, etc.) as an appetizer, ravioli all noci (walnut ravioli), and penne Nella (penne with a tomato-herb cream sauce).  We really enjoyed our meal.  Service is friendly and leisurely, especially if  you attempt a little Italian.  The ambiance was warm and cozy.  This is a great place to end your day.

EAT & DRINK:  Trattoria Nella

Buca dell’Orafo Florence

We were huddled under umbrellas in the Piazza delle Signornia on our first night in Florence when we were trying to decide what to do about dinner.  We were at the point of calling it a night and heading back to our hotel.  I took us down a side alleyway and my husband stopped to look at the menu for Buca dell’Orafo .  It was busy and he decided to ask for a table.  They gave it to us.  It was the last one – many people after us were turned away.  (Notice a trend?)

I still dream of the primi pasta course – the penne alle carretteria.  It’s a penne pasta with a spicy tomato sauce.  We ordered it “ bis ” (to split), but we really should have ordered our own. It was so fresh and delicious.  Despite the fact that we thought we weren’t hungry, we opted to split the bistecca fiorentina and roasted potatoes.  It was probably one of the most delicious steaks I’ve ever had.  I was a little nervous because we forgot to tell them that we like our steak the way Italians like it (rare-medium rare), and most places will overcook steak for Americans.  Our fears were completely unfounded.  The steak was perfectly cooked and delicious with olive oil.  When we finally pushed our stomachs up the stairs, it had stopped raining and we headed back to our hotel for a good night’s rest.

For Quick, Cheap Eats in Florence

Florence street food.

You wouldn’t think that the panini shop facing the Duomo would be a good experience, but Panini Toscani  is incredible.  What makes this delicious?  Let’s start with the staff.  They kindly welcome you in and explain the different types of meats and cheese, letting you taste a bit of each one.  The different types of bread are also explained.  (The olive bread is my favorite.)  After you choose your meat and cheese, you can add toppings.  (I recommend the sun-dried tomatoes.)  They warm it up (if you choose) and wrap it to go.  There are a few tables inside and a few outside.  The wine is cheap and the sandwiches are delicious.  This will be my first stop on my next trip to Florence.

EAT & DRINK:  Panini Toscani

Located on a few small streets behind the Piazza delle Signoria is I’Girone de Ghiotti .  You’ll notice all the locals standing outside and push your way inside to order. They have a few popular items, but you can also make your own.  The olive pate is incredible (and the staff agreed that it was a very good choice).  Sun-dried tomatoes are succulent.  The salami had a delicious flavor.  Nothing we ate was bad.  There are stools behind the counter and a small sitting area upstairs.  Either way, you’l want to savor every bit of this fresh panini.  Y’all.  Subway sucks after eating all of these delicious sandwiches.

EAT & DRINK:  I’girone de Ghiotti

If you are feeling adventurous, you can head to the original window at Da’ Vinattieri and order the lamperodotto.  If you aren’t that brave, head to the tiny sandwich shop and make your own panini.  I think they have some of the best prosciutto of all the sandwich shops, and you can even add balsamic vinegar to your panini.  Next time I’ll be trying the truffle cream because it smelled absolutely delicious.

EAT & DRINK:  Da’ Vinattieri

‘Ino is a little intimidating, particularly if you arrive during the lunch rush.  It’s tucked behind the Uffizi gallery and offers delicious, fresh sandwiches on the traditional schiacciata bread.  The menu is actually on the wall facing the cash register.  Your basic Italian skills will be much appreciated.  Tom recommends the prosciutto and pecorino.  I recommend anything with the prosciutto.  We actually went to ‘Ino two days in a row because I liked it so much.  It was so busy that we took it to go and enjoyed it back in our room.  (Yet another benefit to staying at the Hotel Gallery Art.)

EAT & DRINK:  ‘Ino Firenze

One of our tour guides recommended I’Raddi as a great option for lunch.  This small restaurant in the Oltrarno has a takeaway counter, but it also has a small sitting area upstairs.  We opted for a table and a menu on a cold and rainy day.  We loved the Pomodoro e pappas (especially on a cold day).  My mom finally found the coccoli e straticella cheese that she had been pining over for 9 years, and I had a delicious spicy salami panini.  Tom tried to the lampredotto.  Service was very friendly, but you’ll want to practice your Italian.  There’s not a lot of English spoken here – but it’s worth it.  The food is delicious and perfect for lunch or apertivo.

EAT & DRINK:  I Raddi di Santo Spirito

Pizza in Florence

If you find yourself in the Oltarno, Gusta Pizza is a solid option for a hot meal in Florence that won’t break the bank.  Favorited by students (undoubtedly for its prices), there’s usually a line and you’ll have to fight for a shared table (or take it to go).  The pizza is served piping hot and always fresh.  Be prepared for a line though.  The Gusta “franchise” seems to be taking over, and we were disappointed that we didn’t have a chance to try Gusta Panino on our last trip.  (It’s right around the corner in Santo Spirito.)  If you are looking for a great late night option and you don’t want to wait in line, I think that  Munaciello or O’Scugnizzo are good for cheap pizza, as well as a place to sit.

EAT & DRINK:  Gusta Pizza

EAT & DRINK:  ‘O Munaciello

EAT & DRINK:  Pizzeria O’Scugnizzo

Mercato Centrale

I know I’ve said that I don’t trust any fresh pasta to go places in Italy, but there’s always an exception to the rule.  On the first floor of the Mercato Centrale , there’s a fresh pasta place.  ( Not the one on the second floor.  The first floor one.)  You can see them make the pasta on the side of the stall.  And, when you’re done ogling it, you can buy lunch for 5 euro.  This is the best 5 euro meal you will find in Florence.  I recommend anything with the tomato and olive sauce.  Tom recommends the olive oil and parmesan.  Skip the pesto.   We’ve been spoiled by the pesto of Cinque Terre and nothing ever measures up.  There’s a small counter that you eat at.  I could have eaten here for every meal but settled for two.

Bonus:  Go find the bakery that offers Occhi di bue.  It’s the most delicious cookie.  Apricot or Nutella?  Both win in my book.

Pro tip:  You can skip (most of) the crowds of the San Lorenzo market by entering through the back entrance.

EAT & DRINK:   La Primeria by FN Pasta Fresca (1st floor location!)

For a Social Meal

My husband really loves tours when we travel and I really love experiences.  Cooking classes are a great way to do both and bring a souvenir of sorts home.  I’ve taken both a  pizza and gelato class  and a fresh pasta class . Neither disappoint.  These classes are small and very hands on.  At the end of the class, you descend into the wine cellar to enjoy your creations with your new friends and wine.  It’s a great way to meet other people who are visiting Florence and learn new skills at the same time.

BOOK THIS:  Pizza and gelato cooking class in Florence

BOOK THIS:   Fresh pasta cooking class in Florence

Gelato in Florence

I can’t say that I’ve never met a gelato I didn’t love.  There is some seriously bad gelato out there.  Here are a few pro tips as you start your gelato quest though.  One, if it’s piled high and brightly colored, keep walking.  Gelato should be fresh and fresh gelato doesn’t pile high.  Two, expensive gelato is not a marker of good gelato.  Be wary of the places charging six euro for a single cone.  You’re getting ripped off if you pay that much. There’s a gelato place near Orsanmichele that takes the prices off the sign at night and we watched someone pay 14 euro for a cone to go.  FOURTEEN EURO.  No gelato is worth 14 euro.  (Their price during the day is 6 euro.  That’s still too high for a piccolo.

The most expensive gelato that I will tolerate is Edoardo , and he’s right in front of the Duomo.

Gelato is a personal adventure, and I take the journey very seriously.  I think you should try multiple places (and flavors) and see what works for you.  (There’s one place that is in all the travel guides that I think is terrible.)  Tom’s favorite flavors are bacio (hazelnut chocolate) and nocciola (hazelnut).  I love both of those, but I also love the fruit flavors.  I’ve yet to meet a fruity gelato I didn’t love.  I think Tom feels cheated every time I order fruit flavors.  That being said, here are a few of my favorite gelaterias in Florence.

Vivoli is a cult classic.  It’s near Santa Croce, and I’ve been coming here since 2004.  The service is gruff.  You pay before you order.  If you take too long to decide on your flavor combination, they move on.  Like many of my favorite Florentine memories, I come to Vivoli for my bacio e nocciola.  There’s a bench across the street where I will sit and watch the world go by.  I used to say that the beautiful of Florence is that nothing changes, but then the Turkish restaurant below my apartment closed and I was thrown off.  Vivoli is a reminder that the best parts of Florence don’t change.

EAT & DRINK:  Vivoli

Gelateria dei Neri

Near the end of all the cheap delicious eats on Via dei Neri is Gelateria dei Neri .  Like almost every other establishment on Via dei Neri, there is almost always a line at the gelateria.  Like Vivoli, I come here for my cult classic of bacio.  I think they have the best bacio in Florence.  I’m very happy to get un piccolo cono con bacio, solemente, per favore and make my way back to the Piazza delle Signoria or to Piazza Santa Croce.

EAT & DRINK:  Gelateria dei Neri

Gelateria Santa Trinita

Right across the Santa Trinita bridge (with the best views of the Ponte Vecchio) is the delicious Gelateria Santa Trinita .  This gelateria is the best value in Florence.  It’s also my personal favorite.  I particularly like the fruit flavors here.  Where it’s fragola (strawberry) e limon (lemon), mandarino (tangerine) e lampone (rasperry), or arancia (orange) and fruiti di bosco (mixed berries), I will mix and match fruits until my heart is content.  The bonus of Santa Trinita is that you can stand along the bridge and admire the Ponte Vecchio at any time of day, though sunset and evenings are my favorites.  (We also counted down the New Year on this bridge – magical.)

EAT & DRINK:  Gelateria Santa Trinita

A block away from Gelateria Santa Trinita and across the Ponte al Carraia is La Carraia , and it’s Tom’s favorite gelato.  La Carraia tends to have more exotic flavors, but they make a really delicious bacio.  I wanted to try their green apple, but sometimes you have to make the husband happy.  (Believe it or not, we share our gelato… because we eat so much of it in Florence.  I stopped counting but Tom gave me a count one day, and I was appalled.  Good thing we walk a lot.)  The best thing about La Carraia is that they are open until midnight, so whether we’re staying at the Hotel Gallery Art or the St. Regis, we can get a gelato fix.  (It’s equidistant from both.)

EAT & DRINK:  La Carraia Gelateria

If you find yourself deep in the Oltrarno, it’s worth finding Sbrino .  Sbrino does not open early because all the gelato is made fresh daily.  It stays open late and you can find it because of the lights outside (or the line).  It has the most imaginative flavors I’ve ever seen in Florence.  On our last trip, we tried a white chocolate hazelnut bit of goodness.  It was so good that Tom wanted to go back after dinner and get it again.  I also think that Sbrino has the friendliest staff of any of the gelaterias.

EAT & DRINK:  Sbrino Gelatifico Contadino

Where to Stay in Florence

St. regis florence.

After realizing that my Florence apartment will never again be my home, I have made the deliberate choice that the St. Regis Florence  could be my home away from home.  Every single room I have stayed in is beautiful.  No two rooms at the St. Regis Florence are the same.  The staff is, without question, the best in the business.  We always feel so welcome by everyone – from the doorman to the front office manager.  I love that the location is slightly removed from the crowds. I love being able to listen to the Arno rush by my room. On New Year’s Eve, we redeemed points and we had a room with a Duomo view.  I didn’t hate it either.  😉

Whenever I was sad or lonely during my study abroad semester , I would sit on the banks of the Arno. Sometimes I would write in my journal.  It would remind me that life is beautiful and there is so much yet to be explored.  I’ve always chosen the river view rooms at the St. Regis for that constant reminder.  There are plenty of posts that recap the rooms of the St. Regis, but it’s always the first place I check when I start planning a trip to Italy.

STAY:  St. Regis Florence

Gallery Hotel Art

This hotel might be the best kept secret in Florence hotels.  We stumbled upon it when the St. Regis was completely sold out for April and Tom wanted to stay somewhere more central because of my hip issues.  Despite its prime location, the room rates are incredibly reasonable.  The Gallery Hotel Art is set right off the Ponte Vecchio on a quiet square.  Our room (110) did not have any sort of a view, but it was quiet.  (I did miss the natural light in the afternoon though.)  You can read my entire review of the Gallery Hotel Art.   (If you are looking for more upscale options, check out my full review of the Hotel Lungarno and others owned by the same group!)

This hotel (and a few others) are owned by Salvatore Ferragamo and the design elements are on point.  My favorite part is the striped curtains (and the blackout shutters), but the large bathroom with dual sinks and the soaking tub are great, too.  The bath amenities smell incredible, and I certainly hoarded them to bring home and relieve my best vacation life.  It’s worth nothing that you receive spa privileges at the Continentale , and they literally called someone in when I asked for a massage and they didn’t have anyone available.  How’s that for five-star service?

While I’m loathe to admit it (because I love the St. Regis so much), this hotel is beautiful and convenient for sightseeing.  You’re less than a 5 minute walk from the Piazza della Signoria and the Piazza della Repubblica.  You can be in the Oltrarno in less than 10 minutes.  It was particularly nice, given my hip pain issues.  If you’re someone who likes being in the middle of everything, the Gallery Hotel Art is definitely worth checking out.

STAY:  Gallery Hotel Art

Arte Boutique Hotel

We stayed at the Arte Boutique Hotel in Florence in June 2021 when the St. Regis wasn’t open yet.  I chose this hotel because of its location.  The unique design of the rooms also appealed to me.  The art is absolutely amazing, and it works really well with the bright accents in the room.  The hotel is two blocks from the Duomo, two blocks from the Accademia, and two blocks from the apartment I lived in when I studied abroad.  It’s a great value, particularly given its premier location.

We booked a king deluxe room that included a sofa that could be converted to a bed.  (We were assigned room 8.)  While the room was on the smaller side for Florence, it was perfect for what we needed between the two of us.  (It would be tough to have 2 adults and an older child in this room.)  I found the linens to be nice and the bed to be pretty comfortable.  We had a large wardrobe with plenty of hanging and storage space.  The room offers a mini-fridge, tea service and a safe.  I didn’t have any trouble doing zoom calls with the wifi and the desk was nice for working.  Our room had a slight view of Giotto’s bell tower.  

The bathroom had a walk-in shower, a single sink and a heated towel rack.  Our shower offered a rain showerhead, as well as a hand shower.  (The water pressure with the hand shower was very good.)  It was separated from the room by a pocket door, which was really nice for maximizing space.        

The staff here is absolutely lovely.  They were so helpful and always eager to assist with anything we needed.  Our room rate did not include breakfast, but the breakfast room and small hotel bar have a nice interior courtyard with a view. Everything was very clean and very well maintained.  There is an elevator in the building and the rooms have AC.  

Valet parking was 25 euros per night.  They picked up the car from us after we checked in and delivered it quickly when we were ready to check out.

STAY HERE:   Arte Boutique Hotel           

Travel Tips for Getting To and Around Florence  

By plane or by train.

I have flown directly into FLR at 10:00pm and grabbed a cab to the city centre.  Easy enough.  You can also take the tram from the airport to the train station.  It’s very easy and the ride is quite smooth.  It takes about 20 minutes.

In 2010, I flew into Pisa and boarded the Terrevision bus to Florence Santa Maria Novella (the main train station).  We arrived around midnight, so we snagged a cab to our hotel.  There’s a taxi line outside the main entrance to SMN.  Just exit the platforms and keep walking straight ahead and out the main doors.  In 2015, 2016 and 2017, we arrived via train from Rome (easy trip), from Pisa (even easier trip), and from Siena (not-as-easy trip) and grabbed a cab to the St. Regis.

Arrival is basically the only time when I use cabs because cobblestones shred plastic wheels.  When I studied abroad, I walked to/from the train station to my apartment with my weekender bag.  It doesn’t take more than 10-15 minutes to get most places. Despite throngs of tourists, it’s manageable.  It’s even more manageable now that the city center is mostly a pedestrian zone.

In 2018 and 2019, we drove into Florence.  In spring 2018, we dropped off the car at the Hertz office right down the street from our hotel.  When we came for New Year’s Eve, we used the valet service at the St. Regis .  And, when we returned in 2019, we used the valet service at the Gallery Hotel Art .  In all cases it, was very easy.  They registered our car so we were not charged for being in the ZTL zones.  Getting out of Florence from the Gallery Hotel Art was more difficult, but that’s because Tom thought he knew more than the map.  We took a very scenic route through the city center.  😉

The best way to experience Florence is to walk. I love ducking down small streets to see where they lead, climbing through winding streets that lead to the Piazzale Michelangelo , and watching the world go by in large piazzas.  Florence does all of that extremely well. The city is a complex maze of one way streets. You’ll miss a lot of Florence’s charm if you don’t explore it thoroughly on foot. Wander. Explore. Get lost. You’ll never be far from home because Florence just isn’t that big.

The Best Florence Souvenir

One of my favorite things we’ve done in Florence is book a portrait session with Cristiano from Facibeni Fotographia .  We were not disappointed with the results.  He did a fantastic job capturing us at all my favorite places in my beautiful city.  These portrait sessions (we booked  L’amour de Paris  for our honeymoon and Ksenia in Venice for our 4th anniversary) are some of my favorite souvenirs.  It’s a fun way to get advice from a local on places to go, things to see, and what their favorite experiences are, too.  Cristiano is actually who convinced us to go to Budapest when we weren’t entirely sure about going (and I’m so glad he did)!

Download DIY tours of the most popular sites in Florence.  Rick Steves offers free audio walking tours of the Accademia, the Bargello Museum, the San Marco Museum, the Uffizi Gallery, and a city walking tour .  If you want to teach yourself a little Italian, I’ve been using the DK Eyewitness Phrase Book and CD since 2004.  I’m a believer.

Tom and I love a good travel guide for trip planning purposes.  I prefer pocket-sized books that fit easily into my day bag, my carry-on bag, or even Tom’s pocket.  Thus, Florence and Tuscany Day-by-Day and Top 10 Florence & Tuscany are my favorite guides.  My most recent purchase is the DK Florence and Tuscany Travel Guide .  Tom prefers the Rick Steves guide to Florence because of the history and walking tour maps.

There is no shortage of Florence content on this blog.  Feel free to click around to get more ideas on how to plan the perfect trip to Florence.

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Sara loves to help people use their vacation time more effectively by planning beautiful, memorable, and delicious trips. She spends several weeks every year exploring Italy and central Europe. In addition to her full-time job, she is constantly searching for beautiful places and spaces. She loves the direct flights between Dallas and Italy, France, and Germany but is always up for wherever a great deal on an airline ticket will take her. (Sara also really loves European Christmas markets and tries to visit at least one new one every holiday season.)

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22 comments.

Florence seems utterly gorgeous! If I ever get to visit, I’ll definitely stay at your “home”/hotel 😉 I totally love the pictures of it!

Ahh, that hotel is gorgeous! That canopy over the bed, is beautiful!

It’s all so amazing!!!!

OMG I think I might need to cancel our current hotel reservations for Florence and change hotels to Hotel California!! Stunning rooms!! #WednesdayWanderlust

Such a great guide to Florence. It’s always good to read about a place from someone who’s lived there and knows all its ins and outs. Florence is one of my favourite cities and I agree with you about the Santa Croce – the interior is amazing although the exterior of the Duomo always takes my breath away. Great tip about the guide for when you visit the Uffizi. #WanderfulWednesday

Florence looks gorgeous! The architecture of the buildings and churches are just so charming. I’d love to visit Palazzo Vecchio one day. Love that you arranged a photo shoot to capture the beauty of this place with you two in it.

Ok I’m officially hungry now! Can I just hop in your suitcase on your next fabulous trip across the pond?

Thanks so much for this great post.  We are headed to Florence soon so I was so excited to hear all of the recommendations that you gave.  I’ll be pinning it for future reference.  

Your photos are absolutely magical and made me want to go to Florence pronto! The views from both the Boboli and Bardini gardens are stunning. I realise that I still have so much to discover in Italy. 

Great tips! I used to live in Florence, so I really appreciate the gelato section. Such a magical city, and you go a great job of helping people get around.

Wow! The Bardini Gardens look beautiful. We missed out on them when we visited. I love that you’ve included so many gelato places. One of my favorite things about Italy!! 

I had a hard time finding good gelato spots in Florence without any prior research. Clearly I didn’t look hard enough as your recommendations look delicious! We liked Gusta pizza, but my favorite was O’Vesuvio. We went since it was the Jersey Shore place, but it was actually extremely good!

I love this comprehensive guide! I’ve been to Florence for 2 days and it definitely wasn’t enough time! I wish I could’ve also visited the Da Vinci Museum. It looks amazing! Thanks for sharing this. This guide will help me planning my second trip 🙂

Oh wow this is such a comprehensive guide! Firenze is on my bucket list! xoxo

the description given here is awesome. highly appreciated. thank you. keep smiling u both, forever

Such a great post!!! I visited many years ago, but have been dreaming of returning.

Grazie mille for this in-depth review. My wife is Turinese and I live there halftime. I agree with most everything you say, but I’d swap your third day suggestion of going to Rivoli with Veneria. Veneria is so cool, especially when the garden is in bloom. I’d say it is no more difficult to reach on the Veneria Express (from Palazzo Reale or Porta Susa), or the 11 or… I think the 72 (both with a walk at the end).

I was in Florence in Aug 2017 for some personal work. Although i did not visit many places but Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, The Uffizi, Galleria dell’Accademia. I was planning for Rome but due to lack time drop it. Hope to return soon.

You’ll need to stay in Florence for at least 3 days if you want to see everything the city has to offer. Four days in Florence will give you a little more time to see the city if you’d like to travel more slowly.

I was thoroughly impressed by your article. The way you approached the topic was refreshing, and I enjoyed the depth of analysis and research you put into it. Your writing style was engaging and easy to follow, making it a pleasure to read. Thank you for sharing your valuable insights, and I can’t wait to see what you write next.

Your information has been incredibly helpful to me, and I am so grateful for the time and effort you put into gathering and presenting it. Your expertise and knowledge on the subject are truly impressive, and I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from you. Thank you so much for your generosity and support.

Great post. It’s very well organized and quite informative. Keep it up.

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How to Spend 3 Days in Florence, Italy: A Complete Guide

Florence is without a doubt one of the most beautiful cities in all of Italy. Known as the ‘Birthplace of Renaissance’, the city is an unparalleled hub of world-class art and architecture. From Michelangelo’s Statue of David to the towering Duomo and its renowned dome, Florence is home to more masterpieces than you’ll know what to do with.

The rich and sometimes salacious history around the Medici family, one of the most famous families in Florence’s history, is worth learning about. And I do mean “rich” in multiple ways. 

At one time Florence was the banking capital of Europe, and was where the first gold florins that were later used as international currency were minted. Florence was, like, a big deal. Florence wasn’t rich because it had a lot of art. It was, in fact, it was quite the opposite. Florence had a lot of art because it was rich, and that wealth allowed for the commission of all these amazing works of art. 

Florence’s history has all the makings of a good HBO series – murder, mystery, intrigue, and plenty of scandal (a pope with a son, who was made the duke of Florence? Questionable at best). 

We’ve set up this 3 day Florence itinerary to help you learn alllll about it. From world-class art museums to walking tours, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to dive into the stories that bring the city’s history to life. 

Our favorite thing to do in Florence , though, is to wander the quiet streets before 9:00 am, which is just about when all the tourists seem to wake up. It’s so calm and serene, and the architecture is beautiful.

Three days in Florence isn’t a huge amount of time. While the city may be small in size, there are countless fantastic things to do, including several huge museums where you could easily spend an entire day alone.

This 3 day Florence itinerary is here to help you experience both the city’s most famous attractions, and save some time for other experiences so that you get as much out of your time as possible. 

With three days, we also think you should take advantage of Florence’s amazing location in the heart of Tuscany to get out of the city and explore other parts of this glorious region on your third day.

The easiest way to do that is to take a guided tour, but you could also do it yourself via train or renting a car. We’ve got plenty more on where to go on a day trip from Florence and what to do and see below. 

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

Where to Stay in Florence

Being a small city, you can’t really go too wrong wherever you choose to stay in Florence. We have an entire guide on where to stay in Florence that dives deeper into the specifics and details – make sure to read that if you’re trying to decide where to stay and want more details.

These are a few of our top suggestions. 

The Historic City Center: Best Overall Location

The historic city center of Florence is fairly compact and is where you’ll find the majority of the city’s main attractions and hotels. For context, no matter where you stay in this area you’ll likely be no more than a 10-minute walk from most of the places you’ll want to visit. 

Staying in the historic city center will ensure you get as much out of this 3 day Florence itinerary as possible.

The best hotels in Florence’s historic center:

• Palazzo Gamba Luxury Apartments – An amazing aparthotel with elegant and spacious rooms, all with their own private kitchen and some of which have frescoed ceilings and a balcony. But the best part? It’s just a few steps away from the iconic Cathedral so is about as central as you can get in Florence.
• Arte’ Boutique Hotel – A super stylish and cozy boutique hotel sitting between Accademia Gallery and the Cathedral. The spacious suites can sleep up to six people so are a great option for larger groups or families. Some rooms also have a private terrace with stunning views across the Florence skyline.

Oltrarno is the area to the south of the Arno river – Oltrarno translates to ‘across the Arno’ – and is Florence’s artisans quarter, with plenty of small workshops and independent boutiques. There are also a few nice piazzas filled with restaurants and bars.

While technically still a part of the historic city center, Oltrarno is usually a little quieter than the main tourist district north of the river. It’s a neighborhood where you’ll be able to get a glimpse into authentic local life in Florence.

Some parts of the neighborhood are outside of the ZTL so it’s also a convenient place to stay in Florence if you’re traveling by car.

The best hotels in Oltrarno:

• The House of Books – A modern and spacious apartment that is guaranteed to give you interior design envy. The chic split-level apartment has a large kitchen, views across to the Duomo and a beautiful shared terrace. It’s conveniently located just a short walk from the center but outside of the ZTL area so you can park your car on the street right outside.
• Hotel Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio – An affordable 4-star hotel sitting right next to Ponte Vecchio (bridge), which means that while it’s in Oltrarno, the hotel is only a couple of minutes walk to the many attractions north of the river. The highlight of the hotel has to be its top floor restaurant terrace with panoramic views.

Your Complete 3 Day Florence Itinerary

There are a number of amazing things to do in Florence , and it’s definitely not possible to fit it all in if you only have 3 days in Florence. In this guide, we’re going to help you figure out what to prioritize (and by doing that, what to save for next time). 

We think that Florence is best experienced slowly. Of course, you’re going to want to see the Uffizi Gallery and some of the other famous sights in Florence. But you’ll also want to save time to experience the magnificent food and wine scene of Tuscany and to wander along the river.  

One of our favorite parts about Florence is that it serves as a fantastic home base for exploring the surrounding area of Tuscany. On your third day in Florence, we highly, highly recommend you take a day trip either to Lucca, Bologna, or the wine region of Chianti.

Here’s what the itinerary looks like at a high level. 

Day 1 : Brunelleschi’s Dome, an Introduction to Florence, and the Statue of David Day 2 : The Uffizi Gallery and Exploring Oltrarno Day 3 : Choose Your Own Day Trip Adventure

For this itinerary, we’ll assume you’re arriving the evening before and have three full days to explore. 

Planning a trip to Italy? You won’t want to miss our guide to planning an incredible Italy itinerary , with ideas for one week in Italy , 10, and 14 days in Italy , how to organize your trip, and the best things to do and see along the way.

Day 1: Brunelleschi’s Dome, an Introduction to Florence, and the Statue of David

On your first day, take in the view from the top of Florence’s Duomo before diving into the history of the city and finishing with the David.

Brunelleschi’s Dome and the Florence Cathedral

You’ll want to get out nice and early on the first day of this Florence itinerary so you can hit the main attractions of Piazza del Duomo before the crowds get too big. 

The Piazza is where you’ll find several of Florence’s most important landmarks, including the iconic Duomo, as well as the Baptistery and Giotto’s Campanile. It’s not hard to see that these three buildings are all part of the same complex from their shared Gothic-Renaissance architecture and famous marble design.

We’d strongly recommend choosing one attraction here to focus on (there are five separate pieces of the complex) rather than trying to see it all. And we’d recommend that one attraction is Brunneleschi’s Dome. Here’s why. 

The Dome gives you both the best view of Florence from the top (the Campanile or Bell Tower has a netting at the top, which makes it hard to take pictures), and an up-close-and-personal view of the best part of the interior of the cathedral, the dome (which means you don’t have to wait in the crazy line to get into the interior of the cathedral). 

If you are interested in visiting all of the attractions on Piazza del Duomo, you’ll save both time and money by purchasing a combined Duomo complex ticket . You could also book a guided tour of the Duomo complex .

Opening times for key attractions on Piazza del Duomo:

• Campanile : 8:15 am to 6:45 pm
• Baptistery : 8:15 am to 10:15 am and 11:15 am to 7:30 pm
• Duomo Museum : 9:00 am to 7:00 pm (closed Sunday afternoons)
• Duomo : 10:00 am to 4:30 pm
• Brunelleschi’s Dome: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Climbing Brunelleschi’s Dome

The striking 13th-century Gothic-Renaissance cathedral is one of the largest Christian churches in the entire world. But the real highlight of the Duomo has to be its magnificent dome – known as Brunelleschi’s Dome – which was once the largest of its kind in the world. 

Be sure to admire the outside of the Duomo first, which is intricately decorated with amazing sculptures and designs. Once inside, you’ll notice that the cathedral is a little less elaborate. Don’t miss the marble floor and its pure immense size. 

Then, climb up to the top of the dome to see its striking frescoes up close and to take in the fantastic views over Florence. 

We did this first thing in the morning, and would strongly recommend that you do the same for the best light over Florence and fewer crowds. Which means you’ll want to buy tickets for the 8:15 am time slot and be in line by 8:00 am. 

It’s an early morning, but we think it’s worth it. 

The website to buy tickets for the Dome is here . You’ll follow that link, click on “Brunelleschi’s Dome,” then choose a date and time slot and go from there. Alternatively, if you want to avoid the sometimes confusing official website, you can book skip-the-line tickets here , which are exactly the same thing – tickets for entry to the Dome. 

There are another 463 steps (there’s no elevator) to reach the top of the dome. The walkways to the top are a little narrow and cramped so it’s not something we’d recommend for anyone who is super claustrophobic. 

There’s a point where you are shuffling along a narrow balcony (behind a glass wall, of course, it’s not like you’re at risk of falling) around the base of the dome high above the floor of the church below, which is spectacular. 

From there, you can see the details in the art on the interior of the dome, which is worth stopping to admire. There are depictions of heaven and hell, and some of the figures in the hell portion really make me wonder exactly what drugs artists back then were taking. The imagination that went into creating this piece is truly wild. 

However, by stopping to admire, and everybody else doing the same, you will be standing there, suspended several hundred feet up on a narrow ledge, which isn’t for everyone. Alysha was a little antsy to be done with it after about five minutes, which is why I’ve included this little blurb. I’m not a fan of heights, but I was totally fine on this one.  

A Walking Tour with Andrea

A walking tour is our favorite way to get to know a new city when we first arrive. And it’s how we’d recommend spending the first morning of this 3 day Florence itinerary after climbing the dome. 

Not only will you be able to get to grips with the layout of the city and where to find all of the main attractions, but you’ll also learn about Florence’s fascinating past and have a chance to ask a knowledgeable local guide any questions you might have. 

There are a few different walking tours of Florence that we’d suggest as an introduction to the city, but we have a specific recommendation based on our own personal experience in Florence. 

We did Andrea’s Walking Tour on our first evening in Florence, and we thought it was one of the best walking tours we did during our three month adventure to Italy, Spain, and Portugal! Andrea is about as Italian as it gets, and we loved the energy and enthusiasm he brought. 

His tour is a great overview of the city, and we liked that it was only two hours long, so it’s plenty of time to dive into the history, see some sights, and give you enough knowledge to know what to focus your time on or come back to later, but not so long that it feels like a slog by the end.

You’ll start from Piazza di Santa Croce on the eastern side of the city and make your way to Piazza di San Lorenzo over the course of the tour, with stops at Piazza della Signoria to learn about Cosimo I de’ Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, and see the bronze statue of Perseus, which has stood in the same spot for more than 500 years. 

We highly recommend it as an introduction to Florence, and you should do it as early in your trip as you can. 

Click here to check prices, reviews, and availability for Andrea’s Tour.

There are a few other walking tours of Florence that we’d suggest as an introduction to the city.

Take Walks Best of Florence Tour (2 hour 30 minutes) – If you’ve read our guides to Rome , then you already know we love Take Walks (if you’re interested, you can read about our amazing Colosseum tour ). This is a great small-group walking tour of Florence which covers the histories and stories of all of the city’s highlights, from the unique Ponte Vecchio bridge to Florence Duomo and plenty more. The tour also includes a skip-the-line entry to see Michelangelo’s David at the Florence Accademia, which we have you doing later in the day on this itinerary. Two birds, one stone. 

Context Travel: Introduction to Florence (3 hour 30 minutes) – With Context Travel, a local historian will help you to get acquainted with Florence’s main sites and neighborhoods while talking you through the city’s fascinating history. The tour also includes a visit to see Michelangelo’s David and the Accademia Gallery.

Lunch at Mercato Centrale (San Lorenzo Market) or Sant’Ambrogio Market

Florence has a duo of food halls, and they offer slightly different experiences. Both would be a good option for lunch in between attractions here, though San Lorenzo Market is in a more convenient location given the agenda for the day. 

San Lorenzo Market (also known as Mercato Centrale ) has two levels – the lower dedicated to fresh foods like fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and meats, and the upper being a hip food hall with tons of different stalls and options. There’s also an outdoor market that is full of leather goods, trinkets, and other gadgets. 

The other market – Sant’Ambrogio – is filled with locals going about their weekly shopping, particularly on Saturday. There’s a smaller but more authentic selection of stands ranging from butchers and cheesemongers to ready-to-eat foods. 

Better yet, take a guided food tour that includes a visit to the markets and try some local delicacies with the help of a knowledgeable guide!

The Statue of David and the Accademia Gallery

We would say that the Accademia Gallery is one of the three things you shouldn’t miss in Florence, along with the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo di Firenze (specifically, the view from the roof and the art on the inside of the dome). 

My memory of seeing the statue of David for the first time is realizing just how huge this statue is. It’s not life-sized, which is kind of what I had thought before seeing it in person. It’s actually 17 feet tall. 

The Accademia Gallery is really all about the David, though there are a couple of other noteworthy pieces that you should spend some time exploring.

You essentially have two options to see the Galleria dell’Accademia. You can pre-book tickets yourself (and yes, we’d highly recommend pre-booking here ), or you can join a guided tour . If you want to do it on your own, you should know that tickets sell out months in advance for peak season (aka the summertime), so book as early as humanly possible. 

If you’re planning a trip at the last minute and tickets are sold out, jumping on a guided tour is the best way to see the David. 

The museum is closed on Mondays , so plan accordingly. 

Day 2: The Uffizi Gallery and Exploring Oltrarno

This day is action-packed, starting with one of our favorite art museums in the world, the Uffizi Gallery, and moving across the river to explore a more low-key neighborhood, Oltrarno, finishing with one of the best views in all of Florence. 

Santa Croce Church (Basilica di Santa Croce)

Start your day with a quick visit to the Basilica di Santa Croce . The Gothic-Renaissance church is a little removed from the other main attractions (and by that we mean a 5-10 minute walk away) but it’s worth visiting, being the burial place of many notable Italians.

Some of the most famous names you’ll find buried at the church include artist Michelangelo, who called the neighborhood of Santa Croce home, scientist Galileo Galilei and political philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli. The church also has an impressive art collection.

Our favorite part of the church is the facade, which you can see from different angles was basically just added on to the front of the church to make it look prettier from the front. Other parts of the church are less ornate and more austere, which shows how the church evolved over the years from a humble place of worship to one of the more important churches in Florence.  

Piazza della Signoria

While there are numerous piazzas in Florence, Piazza della Signoria is the city’s main square and a definite must-visit.

The large square is somewhat of a free open-air gallery, with numerous statues and sculptures in every direction you look.

Keep an eye out for :

• The Fountain of Neptune
• Cosimo I de’ Medici on horseback , one of the most important figures in the sometimes salacious history of Florence
• A replica of Michelangelo’s David – don’t let anyone convince you it’s the real one! – in the place where the original used to stand before being moved indoors out of the elements
• The many lifelike statues of important historical figures like Galileo and Da Vinci along the Loggia dei Lanzi

Piazza della Signoria is also home to Palazzo Vecchio, the town hall of Florence and one of the city’s most important historic government buildings. You won’t be able to miss it.

A History of Renaissance Art at the Uffizi Gallery

Round off your second afternoon in Florence by ticking off another of the city’s most famous attractions, the Uffizi Gallery . The gallery is just to the south of Piazza della Signoria.

The world-famous Uffizi Gallery has an unparalleled collection of Renaissance and European art assembled by the Medici family over the course of their centuries at the top of the Florence food chain. 

It’s an absolute must-visit in the city known as the ‘Birthplace of the Renaissance’. The gallery is home to many priceless masterpieces from different famous Italian artists including Botticelli’s ‘The Birth of Venus’, Michelangelo’s ‘Doni Tondo’ and Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Annunciation’.

With an astounding 101 rooms and thousands of artworks to explore, you’ll need at least a couple of hours in the Uffizi Gallery. But how do you know what to focus on?

This is the part where we tell you that the best way to see the Uffizi is on a guided tour , which is exactly what we did.

We like taking guided tours of places like the Louvre in Paris and the Vatican in Rome , because the expert guides are able to give you so much context and color that is lost on us when we walk through the museums on our own. 

Otherwise, we’d look at the art, say “yeah, that looks pretty,” and move on without really understanding the context behind what we’re looking at.

We believe that a guided tour is worth it for a few reasons. 

• As we already mentioned, the gallery is massive. Which means, unless you’re an art history buff, you’re going to want someone to help curate the pieces and artists that you should focus on . 
• An art historian brings two important things to the table that will help bring the pieces of art you’re going to see to life. They are historical and cultural context (who was the artist and what was happening in the world when this piece was created?) and stories . The added richness will help you understand the piece of art and its role in the history of Florence and broader Italy. 
• Skip-the-line tickets . The ticket line is always huge, and whether you do a tour or not, you should book your tickets in advance to walk right past them directly to the security line. 

We booked this tour of the Uffizi in Florence , and we really enjoyed it. 

Visiting Independently : If you want to visit independently, we’d definitely recommend investing in the audioguide. Being one of the city’s most popular and busiest attractions, you’re going to want to book your ticket and time slot online in advance . The entrance can be booked in 15 minute time slots until 5:00 pm each day. The museum stays open until 6:50 pm so you’ll have plenty of time to wander around, even if you arrive late in the afternoon.

Lunch at Via dei Nei

Imagine our surprise when we exited the Uffizi Gallery onto Via dei Neri ( here on Google Maps) only to find ourselves in the midst of another long line. 

“Oh, this must be the line for the ticket office? Or is the line wrapped around the building? Weird that it’s all the way over here.”

We meandered alongside the line, curious to see what exactly all these people were not-so-patiently waiting for. At the front of the line was a surprise. 

They were in line for a sandwich. Not just any sandwich, though. A “Schiacciata” (we also have seen Schiacciate, which I think is the plural form) from All’Antico Vinaio , one of the most reviewed food establishments IN THE WORLD. 

The sandwich is a very popular form of street food in Florence, which we learned when we saw multiple different shops selling essentially the same thing, all with long lines pouring into the street. 

The sandwich itself is basically two pieces of focaccia (though, I want to be clear – it’s not focaccia, it’s made differently and with more salt than your typical focaccia), with some sort of cured meat, a cheese, and some other accouterments stuffed in between.

Either stand in line for the famous one, find another alternative nearby that looks good to you, or head a half block down the street to Sgrano for a gluten free version made in a 100% gluten free restaurant. 

Take your sandwich over to the Arno and enjoy it on the banks of the river before making your way to Ponte Vecchio and preparing to cross the Arno. 

Ponte Vecchio

Just a two minute walk away from the Uffizi Gallery you’ll find Florence’s famous bridge, the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) crossing over the Arno river.

The unusual-looking bridge is the oldest in Florence and was the only one to survive the bombings of World War II. It’s been lined with shops since the 13th century. Originally, many of the shops were butchers or fishmongers, but due to the awful smell they were banned and most of the shops you’ll find there today are high-end goldsmiths and jewelers.

You’ll probably catch glimpses of Ponte Vecchio a couple of times while exploring Florence during this itinerary, but our favorite time to visit is when it starts to light up around sunset.

By the evening, most of the shops will be closed. However, taking a slow stroll across the bridge with all of the wooden shutters down, stopping to marvel at the sunset views along the Arno river, is one of the most romantic things to do in Florence in our opinion.

Don’t forget to look up and see the Vasari Corridor, a raised corridor built by the Medici family so they could cross without rubbing shoulders with commoners.

Oltrarno: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

Between Ponte Vecchio and the Boboli Gardens, take some time to explore the neighborhood on the other side of the river, which is full of great food, drinks, and piazzas that are worth a stop. 

Here’s a map of a route you could start from, but we’d encourage you to do some exploring on your own. 

Here are some stops we’d recommend based on our own experience. 

• Ditta Artigianale : One of the O.G. specialty coffee shops in Florence, this location is newer, and has a beautiful interior and nice outdoor patio. Great coffee, too. 
• Gelateria Della Passera : Alysha’s favorite gelato in Florence, and maybe all of Italy. It’s on a nice little square too, which is a good spot to relax, eat gelato, and do some good old fashioned people watching. 
• Piazza Santo Spirito : Andrea, the walking tour guide mentioned above, told us this is where the locals hang out. It’s a big piazza, with the Basilica Santo Spirito at one end, and a nice fountain on the other. The outside of the square is lined with bars and restaurants, and it’s a good place to pass the time in the sun. 
• Le Volpi e l’Uva : One of our favorite wine experiences in Florence. They have a wide range of Italian wines, both from Tuscany and from other Italian regions, and are passionate about wine and willing to chat about different grapes and wines they’re loving at the moment. 

The Boboli Gardens

After a glass of wine or two, head up the street to Pitti Palace .

We actually don’t recommend doing the Pitti Palace if you have limited time – you’ll find it in the “with more time” section below. Instead, focus on the lovely green space that sits behind the palace, the elegant Boboli Gardens. 

It’s part of the Pitti Palace Complex, but you can buy a separate ticket that is significantly cheaper and just covers the gardens. 

The vast grounds span over 45,000 square meters, making them the largest green area in all of Florence. On a stroll around, you’ll discover fountains, pergolas, grottos, a small lake and hundreds of ornate Renaissance statues. A lovely way to take a break from the crowds of the busy city outside.

On a warm day, we’d also recommend bringing some drinks (Aperol Spritz?) and snacks to enjoy a late lunch or afternoon aperitivo as a picnic in the tranquil gardens.

Note : The entrance to the gardens is the same as the entrance to Pitti Palace ( here on Google Maps). If you’re looking at Pitti Palace, the ticket office is off to the right. 

Get your tickets in advance – the ticket line can be very, very long, and you get to skip right to the front if you already have tickets. You will still need to exchange your electronic tickets for paper tickets, though, which surprised us. Again, though, you skip the line, show a barcode, and off you go! Learn more and get tickets here . 

Piazzale Michelangelo

Finally, end your day on the other side of the river with a walk up to the best viewpoint in the city, Piazzale Michelangelo. Follow the crowds of locals and tourists up to Piazzale Michelangelo for the most spectacular sunset views in the city.

The large hilltop terrace has a bronze replica of Michelangelo’s David – once again, don’t let anyone convince you that it’s the original – as well as a restaurant and plenty of vendors catering to the crowds that flock to this stunning spot for the views each evening. 

From Le Volpi e l’Uva, you can walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo in around 20 minutes, and you’ll walk up through the rose garden, which is worth a stop to admire the blooming roses in the spring and summer. You’ll get some great panoramic views on your stroll.

If you don’t feel like walking, jump on bus line 12 to the top, which you can catch from the southwestern end of Boboli Gardens at Porta Romana ( here on Google Maps).

Dinner at Mister Pizza or Ciro and Sons

On your second night in Florence, it’s pizza time!

We spent five weeks in Italy, and ate our body weight in pizza over that timeframe. We love pizza, even though Matt has Celiac Disease and needs to eat gluten free. 

There are two places we’d recommend for pizza (including gluten free options) in Florence. 

Mister Pizza was our favorite pizza in Florence, and they have two locations in the city center. One right under the Duomo, where you can eat with a view of the dome, and one quieter location towards Santa Croce, which is where we ate lunch on our last day in Florence. 

Ciro and Sons is a few blocks from the main attractions in Florence, but that doesn’t mean the food isn’t good. The biggest problem is the huge line and unorganized staff, which meant we were standing in a line (and by line, we mean blob of people) waiting for our table that we reserved for over an hour after our reservation. The pizza is good, but it wasn’t our favorite in Florence.  

Day 3: Choose Your Own Day Trip

For your final day in Florence, make the most of the city’s prime location in the heart of beautiful Tuscany by taking a day trip from Florence out to one of the amazing nearby destinations.

You might be wondering about Pisa and Cinque Terre, and we wouldn’t recommend either as a day trip from Florence for different reasons. We wouldn’t recommend Pisa because it’s not that cool. There’s the leaning tower, sure, but that’s it. And it’s absolutely swarming with tourists. Guess what? There’s a leaning tower in Bologna too, which is a day trip we’d recommend. 

Cinque Terre is too far to comfortably tackle as a day trip, and it requires more than a day to see it properly. 

Instead, we would recommend either doing a day trip to Bologna , one of the best food cities in Italy (if you’re a foodie and you’re into prosciutto, parmesan, and bolognese, this is the place for you), to Lucca , a charming town whose medieval walls are still intact, or the Chianti wine region . 

Option 1: Bologna – the Choice for Foodies

Bologna is our number one recommendation for foodies in Florence. Bologna is known for its food, both within Italy and throughout the European continent. 

We were lucky enough to experience Bologna with friends who had moved there from the United States, and they did a great job showing us around and introducing us to the Emilia-Romagna region.

This is the region that is known for Italian delicacies like tagliatelle al ragu (which is similar to the American version Bolognese, but is very different than what I think you’re probably picturing, at least if you’re American), parmigiano reggiano, prosciutto di Parma, balsamic vinegar from Modena, and mortadella.

Basically, if you want to experience some of the best food Italy has to offer, a day trip to Bologna should be on your agenda. 

Getting to Bologna

Bologna is easy to get to from Florence – there’s a high speed train that gets you from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella Station to Bologna Centrale in 40 minutes or so. From the station, it’s a 20 minute walk to the main attractions in Bologna.

What to Do in Bologna

Basically, walk, eat, repeat. 

We have an entire guide dedicated to spending a day in Bologna , which you should read if you choose this one.

Climb the Torre degli Asinelli : Did you know Bologna has its very own leaning tower? It’s just not nearly as famous as the one in Pisa. Climb to the top of the Torre degli Asinelli for great views out over Bologna. 

Eat your heart out : A good place to start would be the Quadrilatero, which is a huge area just east of the main square – Piazza Maggiore – full of amazing eateries, market stalls, and shops to buy meats, cheeses, and all of the foods. Specifically, we’d stop by Mercato di Mezzo , which is a food hall with tons of different options. We stopped at Tamburini , a gourmet grocery store, to buy some prosciutto and parmesan to take back to Florence with us. 

Option 2: Lucca – a Beautiful Town with Medieval Walls

Lucca is a great day trip if you’re looking to experience a Tuscan town that is less visited than other cities in the region like Florence and Siena, but still has all the charm you’d expect from Tuscany. 

Located west of Florence towards the coast, Lucca was founded by the Etruscans more than 2,000 years ago before becoming a Roman settlement. It’s unique because it has a set of medieval city walls that completely encircle the city, which is fairly hard to find. 

Getting to Lucca

We have good news and bad news for this one. 

The good news is that getting to Lucca from Florence is both easy and cheap. 

The bad news is that the journey is on a regional train, which is slower and takes a long time. 

It’s 10 Euros each way, and takes an hour and twenty minutes if you opt for a direct train (roughly once an hour). 

What to Do in Lucca

Circumnavigate the city on the walls : Far and away our favorite thing to do in Lucca was to circumnavigate the city walls, which is a 4km journey that takes you allll the way around the city along its intact medieval walls. It’s a unique experience, and it’s gorgeous. We were there in the fall, so there was plenty of nice fall color to go around. A lovely way to spend your morning before venturing into the center of Lucca. 

Climb the tower : Torre Guinigi is the main tower in the middle of Lucca, and it’s unique because it has a little garden growing on top. From the top, you have incredible 360 degree views of the surrounding landscape, which includes the city and the mountains in the distance. You’ll climb 230 steps up to the top of the tower, which sits at 145 feet above the ground. 

Piazza dell’Anfiteatro : One thing you should definitely do is wander around the old medieval center of town a bit. And Piazza dell’Anfiteatro is a great place to start. It was a Roman amphitheater for centuries, but now all that remains of that structure is the shape of the public square, which is distinct because it’s the same shape as an amphitheater rather than being square or circular. This would be a good place to take a break from exploring with a glass of wine or an espresso in the sun. 

Option 3: Chianti – Taste Some of the Best Wine in the World

If you’re interested in wine, you’re in the right place. Tuscany is one of the most famous wine regions in the world, and is easily accessible by day trip from Florence. Big bold reds rule the roost here, and you’ll find famous grapes like sangiovese and barolo at wineries just outside of Florence. 

The best way to do a day trip into wine country from Florence is with a guided tour . 

You could also do it independently if you have a rental car. But, it’s going to be a much more enjoyable experience with a group tour where you have a driver so you can imbibe in all the amazing wine without worrying about getting behind the wheel. 

You have two options – do a tour that visits multiple wineries and includes transportation (like this one or this one ), or go DEEP with a single winery, and deal with getting to and from the winery on your own (like this one or this one ). 

The former is easier because there’s no trains and buses to worry about, the latter is cheaper, but you’ll have to deal with the logistics of getting there. 

They’re both great ways to experience one of the most famous wine regions in the world. 

Planning a trip to Florence? We’ve got some detailed travel guides to help you plan an unforgettable trip.

• The Best Things to Do in Florence: A Complete City Guide
• Where to Stay in Florence: A Complete Guide to Florence’s Best Places to Stay
• Gluten Free Florence: A Complete Travel Guide for Celiacs
• Where to Find the Best Coffee in Florence: A Specialty Coffee City Guide

What to Do with More Time in Florence

If you find yourself with more time in Florence, below are a few other attractions in the city worth adding to your itinerary.

Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti)

The Pitti Palace is a series of museums and galleries housed inside a grand 15th-century Renaissance palace. For many years the palace was the chief residence of the ruling families of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.

The palace is now split into four main museums:

• The Treasury of the Grand Dukes
• The Palatine Gallery and the Imperial and Royal Apartments
• The Gallery of Modern Art
• The Museum of Costume and Fashion

To really explore the entire palace you could spend an entire day here. But for a leisurely couple of hours, we’d suggest visiting the opulent Appartamenti Reali and the Costume Gallery, a stunning collection of clothing including pieces from brands such as Gucci, Versace, and Prada.

You can buy a single ticket to visit all of the museums of the Pitti Palace . However, if you’re following this itinerary and plan on visiting the Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens and Uffizi Gallery, you’ll save money by purchasing the PassePartout combination ticket for all three instead (€38).

The Campanile di Giotto (Giotto’s Bell Tower)

The Campanile di Giotto is the bell tower of Florence’s Duomo. 

The impressive 277.9 foot tall free-standing tower dates back to the 14th century when it was originally designed by celebrated painter Giotto di Bondone, after whom the building is named. However, Giotto died long before the tower was complete and it took another two architects 25 years to complete the job.

To reach the top of the Campanile you’ll have to walk up the 414 steep steps (there’s no elevator). As long as you don’t mind a little morning workout, the climb is worth it for the amazing views back over Piazza del Duomo and out across Florence from the top.

The Campanile opens at 8:15 am, so the earlier you arrive, the better to avoid the crowds in Florence. 

The Baptistery (Battistero di San Giovanni)

From the Campanile, head across to Florence Baptistery, which is believed to be one of the oldest buildings in the city.

While many people choose to view the Baptistry from the outside, we’d recommend heading inside to admire the incredible Byzantine ceiling mosaic which dates back to the 12th century.

One of the most famous parts of the Florence Baptistery is the Porta del Paradiso (Gates of Paradise). However, what a lot of people don’t realize is that the current gates are only a replica of the original. The original gates are kept in the nearby Museo dell’Opera del Duomo (Cathedral Museum) .

The combined ticket includes entry to the Cathedral Museum so it won’t cost you any extra to pop inside and see the original gates, even if you don’t have long to spend there. Although, if you’ve got more time on your trip to Florence, you could easily spend a few hours exploring the fascinating museum.

The Baptistery opens at 8:15 am, but it’s important to note that it shuts for a short period between 10:15 am – 11:15 am each day. This is why it’s best to arrive early in order to visit the Campanile and Baptistery between 8:15 am – 10:15 am.

Even More Things to Add to Your Florence itinerary

• Medici Chapels . The two chapels of Basilica of San Lorenzo are the final burial place of many members of Florence’s important Medici family. Parts of the chapels were designed by Michelangelo himself.
• Strozzi Palace . A 15th-century palace hidden with an impressive courtyard that now hosts contemporary art exhibitions.
• San Marco Museum . Located in a former convent, this museum houses the largest collection of sacred art in Florence 
• Piazza della Repubblica . With extra time in Florence, you’ll be able to spend more time simply enjoying Florence’s many lively piazzas. Piazza della Repubblica ( here on Google Maps) is a busy square where we love to grab a coffee or spritz and just watch the world go by.

What to Do with Less Time in Florence

Only have a day or two in Florence? Here’s how to make the most of your time on a shorter Florence itinerary.

Florence in Two Days

With two days in the city, just follow days 1 and 2 of this Florence itinerary. You can always come back again to explore more of the Tuscany region.

Florence in One Day

With just one day in Florence , spend the morning on a walking tour to get to see as much of the city as possible in a few hours. Try to choose a tour which includes a visit to see Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia Gallery. 

In the afternoon, fit in a visit to the Duomo to climb the dome then on to Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi Gallery . 

End your day by walking over Ponte Vecchio and climbing up to Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset. 

Eating and Drinking in Florence

What’s a trip to Italy without eating and drinking as much as possible?

Eating in Florence

• Schiacciata on Via di Neri . All’Antico Vinaio , which is one of the most reviewed restaurants in the world on all sorts of platforms, which means hundreds of tourists flock there every day to get their hands on one of their Insta-famous focaccia (ish) sandwiches. There are multiple lunch options on this street, and it’s a must-do if you’re visiting Florence. 
• Da Garibardi . For traditional Tuscan cuisine (and good wine), head to this small Trattoria and order the pici with wild boar or pumpkin tortelloni (they have Celiac-safe gluten free options, too). 
• Mister Pizza . Delicious pizzas at a quick and easy canteen-style restaurant close to the Duomo. Every pizza can be cooked on a gluten free base!
• Grom Gelato . Our favorite gelateria in Florence, if not all of Italy. Everything they serve is 100% gluten free, but that doesn’t mean it’s not good. Their gelato is top notch, and you should order the pistacchio. 
• Ciro and Sons . Florence’s first gluten free pizzeria serves delicious Neapolitan style pizzas that are both gluten free and lactose free. Ciro and Sons have even won the world champion award for their amazing gluten free pizzas.

Psst! Need to eat gluten free? Check out our gluten free guide to Florence for the best gluten free eats.

Coffee and Tea in Florence

• Ditta Artiginale – Via de Neri & Via dello Sprone . Elegant and picturesque specialty coffee bars owned by modern-day coffee artisans and Italian roasting company Ditta Artigianale. Definitely some of the highest quality coffee you’ll find in Florence.
• Coffee Mantra . A cozy little local coffee shop with fantastic coffee and friendly knowledgeable baristas. It tops our list of the best coffee in Florence because they rotate through different single origin coffees every day. 
• Caffe Piansa . Small family-run coffee roasters that use only the finest varieties of beans and prepare its blends and mono-varieties using artisanal processing techniques. Sit and enjoy a cup in their cafe or grab a bag to take home with you.
• Le Murate . One of the most unique spots to stop for a coffee in Florence. Le Murate is located within a former prison. The popular student hangout has a lovely large terrace to use during the day and a variety of live entertainment each evening.

Bars in Florence

• Casa del Vino . There are countless wine bars all over Florence, but Casa del Vino has to be one of our favorites. A cozy local wine bar with a comprehensive wine menu and extremely popular with locals – so you know it’s good!
• Loggia Roof Bar . A romantic rooftop terrace bar in the Oltrarno district, close to the Pitti Palace, with a great cocktail list as well as amazing panoramic views over the city and surrounding hills. 
• Beer House Club . The best selection of beer in all of Florence, with over 100 bottles from all over the world. Plus, don’t miss their unusual Birramisù, the popular Italian dessert made with beer instead of coffee.

The Best Time to Visit Florence

Florence is a popular tourist destination all year round, so there’s no real low season. However, the height of summer is when the largest crowds descend upon the city. So this is the time to avoid unless you want to spend your entire trip waiting in line for attractions in the grueling summer heat. 

The shoulder months of April, May, September and October are the best time to visit Florence, with pleasantly warm weather and fewer other tourists to share the city with.

• Summer sees temperatures in Florence rise to the high 80s and 90s. So hot that many locals choose to escape the city in August to cooler destinations. July and August are also the peak tourist season so you can expect much larger crowds.
• In Fall , the weather in Florence remains warm and sunny, and you can still enjoy open-air dining and the city’s many festivals, but with fewer tourists than summer.
• Winter in Florence doesn’t get too cold and there’s an extremely low chance of snow, making it a popular winter destination in Italy for people who prefer to avoid extreme temperatures. You’ll also get to experience the city’s Christmas decorations and festivities.
• Spring is a beautiful time to visit Florence, with long sunny days, slightly fewer crowds, and the flowers in full bloom in the city’s parks. It’s also the perfect time to explore the surrounding Tuscan countryside.

Getting to Florence

For the most part, you’re probably going to be arriving for your trip to Florence either by train from another place in Italy, like Rome or Venice , or you’ll be flying in from somewhere outside of Italy.

Flying to Florence

There are two main airports from which to reach Florence; Pisa International Airport and Florence Airport.

Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei Airport, PSA) is the main airport in the Tuscany region and the airport where most international flights arrive.

To get from Pisa Airport to Florence there are a few options:

• Train . Take the Pisa Mover shuttle train from Pisa Airport to Pisa Central Station (€5) where you can catch one of the regular trains to Florence Santa Maria Novella station (€13.70). This takes around 1 hour 30 minutes and is the method we would recommend.
• Bus . Sky Bus Lines Caronna runs a bus from Pisa Airport to Florence for €19 which takes around 1 hour 15 minutes. However, these only run a few times a day so it’s important to check whether timings lineup with your flight.
• Taxi . While a taxi is a convenient option, it is extremely expensive. You’ll pay around €150-200 to get from Pisa Airport to Florence. 

Florence Airport (Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola, FLR) is a smaller international airport, just 4 km from Florence city center. Many European and internal flights arrive at this airport.

To get from Florence Airport to Florence city center:

• Tram . The new Tramway Line T2 is now the easiest and cheapest way to reach Santa Maria Novella train station in the city center. The journey takes 15 minutes and tickets are only €1.50 one way.
• Bus . The ‘Vola in bus’ shuttle bus is another easy way to get from the airport to the city center. The bus runs every 30 minutes during the day and every hour at night, takes just 20 minutes, and costs €6.00 for a single ticket and €10.00 for a return.
• Taxi . A 15-minute taxi from the airport to the center will cost you around €25.

Arriving by Train

If you’re arriving in Florence by train, you’ll want to head to Stazione di Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN) which is right in the heart of the historic center.

The other two major stations on the outer edges of the city are Firenze Campo di Marte and Firenze Rifredi . If your train arrives in either of these, just swap onto a connecting train into Santa Maria Novella station. 

Arriving by Car

Florence isn’t the most car-friendly city. Much of the historic center is pedestrianized and the few roads are a ‘Zona a Traffico Limitato’ (ZTF) or Limited Traffic Zone. This means you’ll get a fine for driving or parking there. 

Even if you do manage to get a ZTL permit, the narrow one-way roads are extremely difficult to navigate your way around.

If you’re arriving in Florence by car as part of a wider Tuscan road trip, try finding a hotel on the outskirts of the city away from the ZTL zone. You can park at your hotel and get the local bus into the historic center.

Getting Around Florence

Considered a ‘living museum’, there’s only one way to properly explore Florence’s stunning historical center – on foot! 

Wander around the ancient streets, soak in the atmosphere and admire the city’s world-renowned Renaissance architecture. Florence is truly one of the most beautiful cities in the world so you won’t want to miss a thing.

Plus, the historic center is pretty small. You can walk from one side to the other in roughly 30 minutes.

If you’d rather use public transport, you can also make the most of Florence’s fleet of small electric ATAF buses.

Tickets (valid for 90 minutes) cost €1.50 and can be purchased from convenience stores around the city. If you can’t find a store and need to purchase a ticket on the bus it will cost you €2.50 instead.

Don’t forget to validate your ticket as soon as you step onboard the bus.

Matt is the founder and main writer behind Wheatless Wanderlust, which he started back in 2018 as a way to share his gluten free travel guides with his fellow Celiac travelers.

Since then, Matt and his wife Alysha have visited 18 national parks, spent three months in Europe and six weeks in Colombia, and have explored every corner of the Pacific Northwest, which is where Matt grew up.

He writes super detailed guides to the places they visit, bringing together personal experience and historical context to help YOU plan an amazing trip.

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I really enjoy your blog, mostly because you inject your personal observations and experience and very importantly you impart important gluten free information. That is priceless! Just wondering how you made out at Mercato Centrale in finding gluten free food. Was it easy? Available?

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Florence Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 23, 2023

Florence is one of the most famous cities in Italy and a hotspot on the country’s tourist trail. Few people miss it, especially if they are visiting Italy for the first time.

With stunning Renaissance architecture, winding streets, and picturesque white buildings capped with red roofs, Florence is one of my favorite spots in Italy.

If you love art, the number of galleries here will keep you busy for weeks. There are also beautiful Renaissance churches to be explored and you could easily spend hours on foot wandering the manicured pathways at the Boboli Gardens.

The city is also a great jumping-off point for Tuscan winery and food tours. Moreover, Florence is a popular study abroad location so the city also boasts incredible nightlife.

This Florence travel guide can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this classic Italian city.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Florence

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Florence

1. Spend a day in the Galleria de Uffizi

The Uffizi holds the world’s most important collection of Renaissance art (including the The Birth of Venus and La Primavera by Botticelli, Bacchus by Caravaggio, and Doni Tondo by Michelangelo). Towards the end of the gallery, there are some portraits and Dutch works that are beautiful too. Be sure to buy tickets in advance to avoid long lines. If you go later in the day, there are fewer crowds. Tickets are 20 EUR (plus a 4 EUR online booking fee).

2. Climb Il Duomo

One of Florence’s most popular sites is the Duomo (the cathedral). This huge Gothic building was started in 1296 and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that covers Florence’s historic center. Filippo Brunelleschi, known as the father of Renaissance architecture, engineered the famous dome, which is still the largest brick dome ever constructed. The real highlight is the view from the top where you get a panoramic look at Florence and its iconic red roofs (time slot reservation required). The cathedral itself is free to visit, but if you want to visit anything else in the complex (such as the dome, bell tower, or museum), you’ll need to purchase one of three passes, with prices ranging from 15-30 EUR. The passes are good for three days. You can also get a skip-the-line ticket with exclusive access .

3. Walk along Ponte Vecchio

The Ponte Vecchio is a medieval bridge, built in 1345 as the city’s first bridge across the Arno River. Today, it’s the only surviving historic bridge in Florence, as all the others were destroyed in World War II. The bridge is lined with shops selling gold and silver jewelry. It’s closed to vehicular traffic, making it a fun place to stroll around.

4. See David

Housed in the Galleria dell’Accademia, Michelangelo’s 16th-century David is one of the most impressive sculptures in the world. At 5.17 meters (17 feet) tall, it’s a lot bigger and more detailed than you think it would be. This is the one piece of art in the city that is a must-see. Admission is 12 EUR and skip-the-line tickets (with a guide) cost 74 EUR.

5. Wander the Giardino di Boboli

Commonly known as the Boboli Gardens, the Medicis (an Italian banking family and powerful dynasty; four popes were Medici family members) designed the landscape and architecture here in the Tuscan Renaissance style that later influenced aristocratic and royal gardens throughout Europe. The gardens are absolutely gorgeous, with ancient marble statues and large fountains everywhere, and the scent from the citrus trees completely flooding your senses. It costs 10 EUR to visit (there’s also a combined ticket for the gardens and Pitti Palace for 22 EUR).

Other Things to See and Do in Florence

1. take a walking tour.

Walking tours are a wonderful way to learn about Florence and there are a handful of excellent free tours in the city. They cover all the highlights and are the perfect introduction to the city. Florence Free Walking Tours runs daily free tours in English. Just be sure to tip!

If you’re looking for a high-quality and detailed tour focusing on the city’s art or history, try Walks of Italy . They’re my favorite walking tour company because their tours offer behind-the-scenes access and are led by informative guides. Tours start at 69 EUR for a 3-hour tour with skip-the-line access to the Duomo and Accademia Gallery.

2. Visit the baptistery

Consecrated in 1059, the baptistery of John the Baptist is one of Florence’s oldest buildings. The octagonal baptistery that you see today was rebuilt from an earlier building dating back to the 4th-5th century CE. It was here where famous Renaissance figures, including poet Dante Alighieri and members of the Medici family, were baptized. Standout features include the three sets of huge bronze doors and the interior of the dome, which is covered in golden mosaics. Admission is part of one of the Duomo passes, which range from 15-30 EUR depending on which group of monuments you want to see.

3. Visit the Piazzale Michelangelo

Head to the Piazzale Michelangelo on the south side of the Arno River for a great cityscape view. It requires a good hike up a hill but it’s a great way to see the stunning view of the city without paying to climb the Duomo. Florentine architect Giuseppe Poggi designed the space in 1869 specifically to showcase Michaelangelo’s works. There’s a bronze cast of David here, along with bronze casts of some of the artist’s other works. If you aren’t able to or can’t walk up the hill, you can take city buses 12 or 13 to reach the top.

4. Lounge in Liberia Café la Cité

This is a combination bookstore, café, and cultural center. It’s a great spot for some in-depth conversation with locals and a prime atmosphere for getting some work done. They host a lot of weekly events too, such as readings and writing workshops. It’s open late (until midnight most days), when the atmosphere changes into a trendy, book-filled bar with great cocktails.

5. Admire Palazzo Pitti

Palazzo Pitti was built in 1457 for the Pitti family and was later sold to the Medici family in 1549. As major patrons of the arts, this palace serves as a beautiful ode to the Medici family’s contribution to the cultural advancement of Florence. It hosts an impressive collection of paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries, including works by Filippo Lippi and Botticelli. Admission is 16 EUR (combined admission for Pitti and the Boboli Gardens is 22 EUR).

6. Explore the National Museum of Bargello

The museum, which originally dates to the 13th century, is home to original works by Bandinelli, Donatello, Antonio Rossellino, and other Renaissance masters. It has the largest Italian collection of Renaissance and Gothic sculptures in the country and is just a short walk from the Piazza della Signoria. Admission to the museum is 11 EUR.

7. Visit the Sant’Ambrogio Market

Sant’Ambrogio is one of the oldest districts in the city, and in fact is the oldest market in Florence, having been around since 1873. Although it’s just a 10-minute walk from the Duomo, the market here is completely underrated. It’s not as famous as the Central Market, and so its atmosphere is much more laidback. While you’re here, try some traditional foods like lampredotto (made from cow’s stomach), cured meats like finocchiona (fennel salami), pecorino sheep’s cheese, and local wines. You’ll find some excellent Tuscan food at the Trattoria Da Rocco restaurant. The market is open 7am-2pm from Monday-Saturday.

8. Hang out in Piazza Santo Spirito

Piazza Santo Spirito is a public square located in the quiet district of the Oltrarno. In the mornings, the place is bustling with market stalls. Once the sun goes down, locals flock to the bars and restaurants. There’s a nice church to admire at the center of it all as well.

9. Visit the Stibbert Museum

This is one of Florence’s most interesting and unique museums, though it doesn’t get the same attention as the city’s other museums since it’s tucked away on the outskirts of town. This is the private collection of Frederick Stibbert, who also donated his villa and gardens to the city. There’s some fascinating stuff amongst the collection of 36,000 artifacts, including historic armor from the Middle East and a completely reconstructed army of medieval knights sitting on their horses in the great hall. The main attraction: Napoleon Bonaparte’s cloak from when he was coronated. Admission is 8 EUR.

10. SUP on the Arno River

If you want a unique way to see the Arno River, head out for a stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) session with Toscana SUP. You’ll paddle your way underneath the Ponte Vecchio and then take a break for a glass of Chianti (you’re in Italy, after all!). Tours start from 60 EUR and last two hours.

11. Check out the Biblioteca delle Oblate

This public library is housed in the former Convent of the Oblate and is a popular study spot for students. It’s an important cultural center too, with an entire section dedicated to local history on the first floor. When you’re done browsing, go to the rooftop terrace for a coffee at the Caffetteria delle Oblate. There’s a great view of the Duomo from here and it’s never crowded with tourists. Note: the cafe is temporarily closed.

12. Admire Santa Croce

Santa Croce is the largest Franciscan church in Italy and holds the tomb of Michelangelo (there are also funerary monuments to Dante and Leonardo da Vinci here too). It’s an interesting place to explore if you have already covered the highlights and have extra time in town. There are usually rotating exhibitions here as well. Admission is 8 EUR.

13. Take a vineyard tour

Florence is surrounded by vineyards, many of which can be accessed via day tours. Most tours visit a couple of vineyards and include some samples. Expect to pay at least 50 EUR per person for a half-day trip. If you have your own vehicle, you can arrange your own tour (but you won’t be able to drink). Many vineyards also operate B&Bs or Airbnbs, which makes for a nice getaway if you want to splash out for a night.

14. Take a food tour

To learn more about the history and culture behind Florence’s cuisine, take a food tour. It’s the best way to eat your way around the city sampling the best eats Florence has to offer while learning what makes the cuisine unique. Devour Tours runs in-depth food tours led by expert local guides that will introduce you to the food culture and its history. If you’re a foodie like me who wants to learn more about the history and culture behind each dish, this tour is for you! Tours from 89 EUR.

For more information on other cities in Italy, check out these guides:

• Cinque Terre Travel Guide
• Milan Travel Guide
• Naples Travel Guide
• Pisa Travel Guide
• Rome Travel Guide
• Sorrento Travel Guide
• Venice Travel Guide

Florence Travel Costs

Hostel prices – In peak season, a bed in a hostel dorm with 4-6 beds costs 30-55 EUR per night, while a bed in a dorm with 8-10 beds costs 27-40 EUR.Private rooms cost 85-150 EUR per night during peak season.

In off-peak season, 4-6-bed dorms are 27-33 EUR while 8-10-bed dorms are 25-30 EUR. Private rooms are 70-100 EUR in off-peak season.

Free Wi-Fi is standard and a couple of hostels also have self-catering facilities and offer free breakfast.

Budget hotel prices – During peak season, budget two-star hotels start at 80-90 EUR per night. During off-peak season, rooms start at 60 EUR. Free Wi-Fi and free breakfast are usually included.

On Airbnb, you can find private rooms for as little as 40-75 EUR per night (though prices are usually double that). You can rent entire homes (usually studio apartments) for closer to 100-125 EUR per night if you book early.

Average cost of food – Italian cuisine is beloved around the world, though every region in Italy offers its own distinct flavor. Tomatoes, pasta, and olives and olive oil form the backbone of most meals, with meat and fish and various cheeses rounding out the menu. In Florence, popular dishes include bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak), lampredotto (tripe sandwich), tagliatelle funghi porcini e tartufo (pasta with mushrooms and truffles), and of course gelato.

While eating out in the city is expensive, the good thing about Italy is that you can get pizza and pasta for reasonable prices. A filling meal at a casual Italian restaurant won’t cost more than 15 EUR. You can get a small personal pizza for about 10 EUR or less.

If you want to splash out, a mid-range meal with drinks and an appetizer costs around 35 EUR.

You can find cheap sandwich shops all over the city for 4-6 EUR. A fast-food combo (think McDonald’s) costs around 8 EUR.

Chinese takeout is around 6-10 EUR for a noodle or rice dish, while a meal at a Thai restaurant is around 10-15 EUR.

Beer is around 4-5 EUR while a latte/cappuccino costs 1.50 EUR. Bottled water is around 1 EUR.

If you plan on cooking your own food, a week’s worth of groceries costs around 45-55 EUR. This gets you basic staples like pasta, seasonal produce, rice, and some meat.

Backpacking Florence Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Florence, my suggested budget is 65 EUR per day. This assumes you’re staying in a hostel, cooking all of your meals, limiting your drinking, taking public transportation to get around, and doing mostly free activities like walking tours and enjoying the parks and plazas. If you plan on drinking, add 5-10 EUR to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 135 EUR per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb, eat out for a few meals, enjoy a couple of drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like visiting the museums and doing a vineyard tour.

On a “luxury” budget of 250 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink as much as you want, rent a car or take more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need per day. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day, who knows!). We just want to give you a general idea of how to budget your money. Prices are in EUR.

Florence Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Florence is one of the most expensive cities in Italy. A visit here can really set you back, mainly due to all the museum tickets you’ll buy (as well as all the delicious food you’ll eat). Fortunately, there are some ways to save money in Florence. Here are my top tips:

• Eat cheap – Eating near Piazza della Signoria or in the square can be very expensive. If you move further away from the busy tourist hubs, you’ll find cheaper places to eat.
• Travel on foot – Public transportation in Florence isn’t quite as necessary as in other European cities because most attractions are within walking distance. Skip the bus and walk if you can. You’ll save a few euros.
• Get the Firenze Card – If you are going to do lots of sightseeing, this card provides free entry to the top museums, tours, and attractions. It costs 85 EUR and is good for three days. Note: The Firenze Card is currently unavailable.
• Get a Duomo Pass – If you don’t want to get a Firenze Card but still want to visit the monuments of Piazza del Duomo, you’ll want to get one of the three passes: Brunelleschi, Giotto, or Ghiberti. These range in price from 15-30 EUR depending on which monuments you want to see and are valid for 3 days.
• Pass on the bread – Some restaurants charge extra for bread or breadsticks set on the table — but they won’t tell you until the bill comes. Decline the bread to save money.
• Buy wine at the store – You can buy a great bottle of wine at the store for just a few euros. It’s a lot cheaper than drinking at the bar.
• Stay with a local – Accommodation is expensive in Florence so use Couchsurfing to find free accommodation. It’s the best way to save money and connect with a local who can share their insider tips and advice.
• Take a free walking tour – This is a great way to learn the history of the city, see the main attractions, and fill in your day without spending a lot of money. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Florence

There are several budget-friendly hostels in Florence. My favorite places to stay in the city are:

• Plus Florence
• Archi Rossi Hostel
• Ostello Bello Firenze (15% off and a free welcome drink if you’re a member of HostelPass )
• YellowSquare Florence

How to Get Around Florence

Public transportation – Florence, especially the city center, is very walkable. You can get between all the top sights (like the Duomo and the Uffizi) in just a 5-10 minute walk. The furthest you will walk to see just about any attraction is 30 minutes.

That said, if you need public transportation to get around, Florence’s Autolinee Toscane bus system is efficient and reliable. A bus ticket that’s valid for 90 minutes costs 1.50 EUR (or 2.50 EUR if purchased on the bus, though drivers often run out of tickets). You can get tickets at just about any newsstand or kiosk. You can also buy ten 90-minute tickets for 14 EUR.

Bicycle – Florence is mostly flat and ideal for cycling. Rentals start around 10-15 EUR per day. E-bikes cost 30-45 EUR per day.

Taxi – Taxis aren’t cheap here, so I don’t recommend taking them. The base rate is 4 EUR, and then it’s an additional 1 EUR per kilometer. Skip the taxis if you’re on a budget!

When to Go to Florence

Florence is a year-round destination. The warmest months are July and August, which is also peak season. The average high throughout July and August is 31°C (88°F). Temperatures are slightly cooler in June and September, but these months are also very busy.

December and January are the coolest months, with an average high of 11°C (52°F). From March-May and October-November, temperatures average 7-13°C (46-55°F). It gets a bit rainy during this time, especially in November. Make sure you have a few layers with you.

My favorite months to visit are during the spring and fall when the weather is still nice but the crowds have thinned out.

How to Stay Safe in Florence

Florence is a very safe place to backpack and travel – even if you’re traveling solo or even as a solo female traveler. While violent crime is rare, scams and pick-pocketing are common, especially at major tourist sites. Be vigilant around Piazza del Duomo and Ponte Vecchio and always keep your valuables secure and out of sight.

Don’t buy “skip-the-line” tickets from people on the street as they are usually scamming you and selling you fake tickets. To learn more about scams, you can read my post on common travel scams to avoid here.

It’s also a good idea to avoid wandering around the city alone at night, especially in Santa Maria Novella.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe, however, the standard precautions apply (when out at the bar, always keep an eye on your drink, avoid walking home alone at night if you’ve been drinking, etc.).

If you experience an emergency, dial 113 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Florence Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• Take Walks – This walking tour company provides inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere. Their guides rock and they have some of the best and most insightful tours in all of Italy.
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Florence Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Italy and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

Where to Stay in Florence: The Best Neighborhoods For Your Visit

Where to Stay in Milan: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 6 Best Hotels in Milan

The Best Walking Tours in Florence

The 8 Best Hotels in Rome

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Florence travel blog — the fullest florence travel guide for a great budget trip for first-timers.

Florence is often hailed as one of the most beautiful cities in the world with a lot of valuable historical places to visit. Florence is also considered the birthplace of the Renaissance art and architecture in Europe between the 15th and 16th centuries. It still retains almost intact works of art, ancient beauty features from hundreds of years ago, notably the brown brick houses with its signature red tile roofs stretching many blocks. In 1982, Historic Centre of Florence was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. So, what to do and how to plan a budget perfect trip to Florence for the first-time? Let’s check out our Florence travel blog (Florence blog, Florence Italy blog, Florence Italy travel blog) with the fullest Florence travel guide (Florence Italy travel guide, Florence guide) from how to get, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit and top things to do to find out the answer!

• A quick guide to Florence — Florence travel tips & what to do in Florence for first-timers
• Where to eat in Florence? — 13+ top restaurants & best places to eat in Florence
• What to eat in Florence? — 17+ must try food in Florence & best food to eat in Florence
• Visit Accademia Gallery Florence to admire 50 ‘shades’ of David
• Florence itinerary 1 day — How to spend a day in Florence perfectly?

Florence travel blog: Overview of Florence

Florence (Italian: Firenze) is the capital of the Tuscany region and is located in the central of Italy. The city of Florence is only 300km to the south from Milan and 280 km to the north from Rome.

Florence was founded in 50 BC when Emperor Julius Caesar’s soldiers started building barracks here. It was once the capital of the Kingdom of Italy in the period of 1865 – 1870. This more than two thousand years old city is famous not only for its many ancient architectural masterpieces but also for the home of the Renaissance movement in Europe covering the 15th and 16th centuries.

Since the 13th century, Florence was the living place and ruling of many powerful clans. Thanks to the protection and support of these clans, Florence has had the opportunity to develop its comprehensive range of cultural and artistic values. Many the world’s greatest geniuses in many fields have appeared here such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raffaello, Sandro Botticelli, Donatello… They have revolutionized poetry, painting, sculpture and architecture.

This revolution of culture and art of the city that spread to many other Italian cities and then to other countries in Europe, creating a historical period in Europe that was called the Renaissance Period. Therefore, up to now, mankind still considers Florence the cradle of the Renaissance movement in Europe.

Florence travel blog: When to visit?

Florence has a clear differentiation in weather during the year. Summer is long, hot, sweltering, especially in July and August. Winter begins from December to March, although the temperature is not too cold but wet, causing the inconvenience for your trip.

The best time to go to Florence is in spring (March-May) and in autumn (September-October), the weather is cool, not too cold or too hot and avoid crowded with tourists.

Florence blog: Where to stay?

During my trip to Florence, I stayed at the Le Burella apartment , right in the heart of Florence. The room rate at €54/night for 3 people. The apartment has 2 bedrooms and the above price is for one room. It also has a toilet, a kitchen. I like this place most because of its very convenient location. Just a few hundred meters to Piazza del Duomo (Duomo Square), Ponte Vecchio Bridge, Piazza della Signoria (Signoria Square)… The downside is probably the house is quite old, the floor is bad, and the bathroom is cramped. The quality of the house is worse than I thought. If you only need a place to sleep after a long day of sightseeing in Florence and do not have many requirements, you can stay here .

Also you can refer to a bugalow at Firenze Camping ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) for €39/2-3 people/room. Rooms here are very new, clean and also have an outdoor swimming pool. This place is about 20 minutes from the center of Florence, around there are many restaurants, supermarkets, bars. This is one of the accommodations that get the most reviews (with over 13,000 reviews on Booking.com ).

Another better option if you want to stay right near the center is Guest House Biffi Simone . The day I came, this place was out of room, so I couldn’t book. This accommodation also has a very convenient location, just 600 meters from Duomo square, it’s very modern and new. Price at €54/night for 2 people.

Below we recommend more best cheap, budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Hotel Pendini , a top rated 3-star hotel with room rates from $141/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Hotel David , a top rated 3-star hotel with room rates from $191/night (Check rates on  Booking.com ).
• The Westin Excelsior Florence , a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $350/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Hotel Lungarno , a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $425/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Hotel Spadai , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $148/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Hotel Spadai , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $355/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Check out more best and top hotels in Florence on Agoda.com or Booking.com .

Florence travel guide: How to get to Florence?

From other cities to florence.

Florence is located on the main railway of the country and connects to many other famous tourist cities of Italy such as Pisa (1 hour by train), Venice (2 hours), Rome (2.5 hours), Milan (2.5 hours), Siena, Bologna (1 hour). Therefore, the most convenient way to get to Florence from other cities is by train such as Italo train.

You can search the tickets at OMIO to buy tickets online if you have determined the exact travel time. If not, I still recommend you to buy tickets at tickets vending machines or ticket counters at train stations. Because with this way you can take the initiative on your travel schedule. However, the ticket price will be higher than online booking many days in advance. You can use code linhm0h7b4w6d to get a €10 discount when the booking value is over €40. You enter the above code in the Travel bonus form in the received an invite code section.

You can also take the Flixbus bus, which is cheaper and a little longer. If you can hunt for tickets early, the bus price is very cheap, sometimes only half the price of the train. Find tickets here .

If you choose to fly to Florence you can travel from the airport to central Florence by taking the VOLAINBUS bus with a ticket price of 6 EUR/way and 10 EUR/round trip.

However, you should not take domestic flights to get to Florence, although you can save time, but the fare for domestic flights in Italy is very high. There are 2 domestic airlines you can refer to: Alitalia and Meridiana .

Florence Italy travel guide: Getting around

In central Florence there are many means of transport such as taxis, buses, trams or Uber. However, to save the most money, you should rent a bike or on foot. With art cities such as Florence in particular and European cities in general, it is very suitable for slow walking to contemplate the ancient beauty here.

• Bus, tram: €1.2/single-ticket/trip, valid for 90 minutes
• Pack of 10 tickets: €10
• Hop on – hop off ticket: 1 day for €23, 2 days for 28 €
• By foot: If you rent a room in the center near Signoria square or Piazza del Duomo, you can completely walk to the tourist attractions of Florence. During my trip, I also walked and felt pretty good. The places to visit are not too far apart.

Florence travel blog: What to do and where to go?

Piazza del duomo (cathedral square, duomo square).

Giotto’s Bell Tower, Baptistery of St. John, as well as the Florence Cathedral are the three most prominent structures in Duomo Square. The Gothic facade of Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Giotto’s Bell Tower (Campanile di Giotto) gives a strong impression with its colorful sophisticated design. This is the most prominent Florence tourist destination that often appears in video clips as well as souvenirs when referring to Florence.

• Duomo Monumental Complex Direct Access Ticket in Florence with Guided Visit

Admission fee: Adults: €18/Children from 6-11 years old: €3.

Tickets apply to all buildings in the square such as church, baptistery, bell tower, museum … tickets are valid within 72 hours from the first entrance to a building in the square. Online booking website here.

Note: When visiting the church, it is not allowed to wear skirts, sleeveless shirts, and shorts. If you want to climb to the top of the church, you should choose a time slot in advance because the number of visitors is limited for each visit.

Opening hours:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: 10 am – 5 pm Thursday: 10 am – 3:30 pm (depends on the month) Saturday: 10 am – 4:45 pm Sunday and public holidays: 1:30 pm – 4:45 pm

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Florence Cathedral, Duomo di Firenze)

• Florence Duomo Skip-the-Line Tour with Balcony & Dome Access

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore also known as Duomo is an Italian term meaning cathedral which has become the symbol of Florence that any Italian visitor will know. Prominent on this beautiful Florence skyline is the magnificent dome of the cathedral – one of the most important structures of the Renaissance Period. The inside of the cathedral is splendidly decorated with many stained-glass windows and famous frescoes.

Duomo was designed and built by many talented Italian architects at that time. Among them are architect Arnolfo di Cambio – who first sketched in 1294 and Filippo Brunelleschi – who designed the magnificent dome of the cathedral. With a diameter of 45.5 m, this is the largest brick and mortar dome in the world to this day. You can climb the 463 steps (no elevators) to reach the top of the dome to see a great panorama of the city.

• Small Guided Tour with Fast Track Entry to Duomo and the Secret Terraces

I honestly have never been to a European tourist destination that is as crowded as this cathedral. It is impossible to count the number of people lining up to enter the church. If you want to go inside to visit, you should go early to get in line.

Florence Duomo Direct Access and Guided Tour

The Baptistery of St. John

Facing the entrance to the Cathedral is The Baptistery of St. John, one of the oldest structures in Florence. This work was built between 1059 and 1128 and took nearly 70 years to complete.

Like the other buildings around Duomo Square, its exterior is covered with mosaic marble, along with delicate bronze doors and interior mosaics forming its main attractions. The famous octagonal structure with three sets of bronze doors at the entrance is the highlight of this building. The most famous one is the Gates of Paradise in the east.

Giotto’s Bell Tower (Giotto’s Campanile)

Giotto’s Bell Tower was built in the Gothic style of Florence according to the drawings of architect Giotto. It was built in 1334 in a vertical rectangle with 84.7m high. The tower has 5 stories and 7 bells. However, in 1337 Giotto died when only marble tiles were installed for the ground floor of the bell tower.

In 1443, Andrea Pisano, who is famous for the south door of the baptistery, went on to build the bell tower. While closely following Giotto’s design, Pisano just added his new construction ideas and completed two more floors of the bell tower.

In 1348, the plague epidemic across Europe halted the construction of the Giotto bell tower. Until 1459, the last three floors of the Giotto bell tower were completed by Francesco Talenti with a slight change from Giotto’s original design.

• Florence Duomo, Baptistery, and Museum Tour

Piazza della Signoria

Piazza della Signoria Square was built in 1268. This is the largest and most important square of Florence with an L-shape located in front of the palace of the ruler of Florence, named palace “Palazzo della Signoria”, or ” Palazzo Vecchio ”. This beautiful neighborhood of Florence is home to many other famous buildings built in the 15th century such as the Palazzo Vecchio government building (the Town Hall), the headquarters of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Palazzo Uguccioni (a Renaissance palace), Palazzo delle Assicurazioni Generali Palace. In addition, this place is also very close to other famous Florence tourist attractions such as Piazza del Duomo square, Ponte Vecchio bridge, Uffizi Gallery.

It used to be the place to display many famous statues of outstanding Italian sculptors including Michaelangelo’s statue of David. The original was later relocated to the Galleria dell’Accademia Museum and now only the replica remains in front of the entrance to the Palazzo Vecchio city government building.

Palazzo Vecchio Palace is designed in a very unique palace architecture in Roman style. This is the architecture style of Central and Western Europe dating from the 11th and 12th centuries. Currently the city government is still working here. After the Piazza del Duomo square, tourists should not miss this spot when coming Florence.

Strozzi Palace (Palazzo Strozzi)

Strozzi Palace was built by the Strozzi clan, the construction started in 1489 and completed in 1538. Strozzi Palace is a cultural center and art gallery in Florence and is a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance architecture.

This is the most impressive palace with its large size. The largest of the more than 100 palaces built in Florence in the 15th century. Filippo Strozzi had to buy a total of 15 properties to build the building as you see today.

Address: Piazza degli Strozzi, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy Hours: 9AM–8PM

Palazzo Pitti (Pitti Palace)

This palace is located on the south side of the river Arno. This is the place to display the richest works of art collections. Featuring 7 galleries of the Medici family, along with some of the best art in Florence. The palace has an garden bearing bold Italian style. Here you also have a great view of the city. There is a small café in the courtyard where you can relax and take a break and admire the ancient beauty of this palace.

Florence Pitti Palace Tour

Address: Piazza de’ Pitti, 1, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy Construction started: 1446

The Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most important art galleries in Italy as well as in Europe today. This is the wealthiest and most valuable asset that the Medici family has left. Because this Medici family sponsored Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Donatello to create the world’s masterpieces as we see this day. For visitors who interested in learning about culture and history, the Uffizi gallery is the most ideal destination among the museums and galleries in Florence.

• Uffizi Gallery Guided Tour with Fast Track Entry

This entire Florence art gallery has more than 100.000 drawings and prints and numerous antiques, sculptures. It is divided into 46 galleries sorted by creative time and creative genre. I think it’s hard to admire all the works in this place in one day. Some outstanding works that you should not miss when visiting the Uffizi gallery include “Spring (La Primavera)” and “The Birth of Venus” by Botticelli, “Adoration of the Magi” by Leonardo by Da Vinci, “Doni Tondo (Holy Family)” by Michelangelo,” “Venus of Urbino” by Titian.

Uffizi Gallery Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket

The Uffizi gallery is located right next to Signoria Square and the River Arno. If you intend to visit, you should go early before 9am. This place is also as crowded as Duomo Square. Also near Uffizi are Pitti Palace and Bobolis garden. You can drop by if you want. Admission fee for each place is 3 euros. Uffizi is 29 €.

Uffizi and Galleria dell’Accademia are the only two museums in Florence that I recommend you to book tickets online in advance if you go in peak season. The number of visitors lining up to buy tickets at Uffizi is also not less at all, so save time by buying tickets online first.

Uffizi Gallery Skip-the-Line Ticket in Florence

Click here to get the €5 discount code, then book skip the line tickets at Klook to save your waiting time.

Address: Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

Ponte Vecchio Bridge

The Ponte Vecchio is Florence’s oldest bridge, it was built in 996 but rebuilt in 1345. An impressive Ponte bridge image with three wide arches stretching refects itself on the river Arno especially at sunsets are unforgetable moments. According to history, this was the only bridge not ordered to be destroyed by Hitler when they withdrew their troops through Florence during World War II.

It takes only 5 minutes from the Uffizi gallery to walk along the river to this bridge. The architecture of the Ponte Vecchio bridge is not so majestic as Chain Bridge in Hungary but should not be missed if you come to Florence.

Address: Ponte Vecchio, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy

Piazzale Michelangelo (Michelangelo Square)

Michelangelo Square is a must-go place in Florence for any visitor. Maybe this is a not new tourist spot, but it has never disappointed tourists with a passionate desire to learn about history. Many people mistakenly think that the square was designed by Michelangelo. In fact, this place was only built in 1869 by a Florence architect named Giuseppe Poggi.

At first Poggi intended to display here Michelangelo’s masterpieces or at least his copies. The original works can be found elsewhere in this same city of Florence. The most typical works are the statue of a young man David and 4 sculptures representing 4 times of the day in the Medici Chapel. These are just duplicates, the originals of these 5 statues are being placed at the Art Museum Galleria dell’Accademia and San Lorenzo Cathedral.

Poggi had planned to built a hillside building with a dome in the square as a Michelangelo’s Museum. However, this building was not built as expected. Today, it is the Caffe & Ristorante La Loggia – a cafe with panoramic terrace.

Galleria dell’Accademia

Founded in 1784 by founders Leopold II and Holy Roman Emperor as an academy for artists, the Accademia gallery today holds an outstanding collection of works by many famous masters of at that time. Some of them can be mentioned:

Leonardo da Vinci (1452 – 1519): An outstanding representative of the history of human civilization, the most famous painter, sculptor and scientist in history. His representative works include the Mona Lisa, The Last Supper. He is known as one of the three great masters in the Renaissance Period.

Michelangelo (1457-1564): One of the greatest representatives in world art history: A sculptor, painter, architect. He is the author of “David”, “The Painting of the Sistine Chapel Ceiling”, “The Last Judgment” and the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. He is also one of the three great masters of the Renaissance along with Raphael and Da Vinci. He was the first Western artist to have a biography published while he was still living. His contemporaries often called him Il Divino (superhuman) or “the divine one”.

Accademia Gallery Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket

Galleria dell’Accademia maintains Michelangelo’s original statue of David. This work makes the museum deserve more attention because although replicas of David are everywhere in the city, the original is only one. Statue of David is one of the most beautiful and perfect art masterpieces of all time.

• Accademia Gallery Skip-the-Line Ticket in Florence

Today, the statue of David is always praised as one of the most beautiful statues in the world. Along with David, The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci and Sistine Madona by Raphael have became the epitome of Italian art during the Renaissance.

The Academia gallery is famous only after Uffizi. I see fewer people lined up here than the Uffizi. Alternatively, if you do not have enough time in line at Uffizi, you can come here to visit. Admission to Academia is €29 if you choose skip the line (over 18 years old). If you do not intend to visit, just skip this place. Because this gallery basically looks like a four-level house, it’s not as massive and grandiose as Uffizi or other museums.

Address: Via Ricasoli, 58/60, 50129 Firenze FI, Italy

Central Market (Mercato Centrale)

This central market is located in the San Lorenzo neighborhood in a 19th-century building. It sells everything from fresh food to restaurants, eateries with traditional local dishes. If you are looking for a place to experience Florence’s local culinary and lifestyle culture, then come here.

The food here is quite delicious but cheaper than the restaurants. Although it is only a market, it is highly rated on Tripadvisor. Along the road to the market, many leather products are displayed and sell. Perhaps the most typical is the handbag. Shopping lovers should not miss this place when traveling to Florence.

Basilica of Santa Maria Novella

It was the first church built in this city. It is also the church of the Dominican nuns. It is located on the opposite side of the largest station in Florence, which is named after the church called SM Novella.

The church facade is made of white marble with perfectly symmetrical architecture and colorful circular windows that give the inspiration to the design style of the post-Baroque and Gothic churches.

Address: P.za di Santa Maria Novella, 18, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy Construction started: 1279

Val d’Orcia

This is the most beautiful land that many tourists want to visit when traveling to Florence. Val d’Orcia is the valley that stretches from the hills in the south of Siena. Green hills interspersed with old villages to create a very unique ancient character. The land of Val D’orcia is considered the inspiration for the Renaissance art.

• Val d’Orcia Tour from Florence

Val d’Orcia is a valley in the Northwest, its name derives the name of Orcia river, the river flows through this land before flowing into the great river. This valley area was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage in 2004. Just 2 hours drive from central Florence, Val d’Orcia is famous for its winding road and lush vineyards.

Val d’Orcia: Montalcino, Montepulciano and Pienza Full Day Private Tour

Florence travel blog: Florence travel itinerary for 3 days

My personal opinion is that traveling to Florence is very interesting and should not be miss this place if you plan to travel to Italy. To visit all the famous tourist attractions of Florence, it will take quite a lot of time. If you only intend to visit and take photos from the outside, I think 1-2 days here is enough. If you visit inside the Uffizi gallery or the works in Duomo square, you can only visit up to 2 tourist attractions every day. I recommend the 3-day trip itinerary as below for you refer to.

• Day 1: Duomo Square, Cathedral of Santa Maria Novella, Accademia Gallery, Central Market.
• Day 2: Signoria Square, Ponte Vecchio Bridge, Uffizi Gallery, Michenlango Square (Boboli Gardens and Pitti palace can be added)
• Day 3: Val d’Orcia.

If you have only 2 days, you have two options:

• Option 1: One is to combine all the tourist attractions of Florence in the first 2 days into one. “Look at the flowers while passing on horseback” and looking from outside, you will don’t have enough time to go inside to visit. The next day should take time to go to Val d’Orcia.
• Option 2: Follow the first 2 days itinerary as above and skip Val d’Orcia. This Florence itinerary will be suitable if you do not intend to rent a car or take a tour as there is no public transport to get to Val d’Orcia.

However, if you do not want to rent a car but still want to visit the Italian countryside, check out the day tours at Klook. I found some package tours to visit Tuscany, the vineyards, farms or go to Pisa, the tour price is only about 60 euros/person/day.

• Pisa Half Day Tour from Florence

Florence travel blog: What and where to eat in Florence?

Coming to Florence, you cannot miss Gelato Italian ice cream, one of the best Gelato ice cream shops in Florence is Gelateria dei Neri (Address: Via dei Neri, 9/11R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy) . In addition, you can enjoy the high-end Cappuccino and visit the Mercato Centrale to tasting local foods or in the lesser known market Mercato Sant’Ambrogio.

Florence Morning Food Tour

I was introduced to these 2 eateries by my Italian host and found quite ok. They received much good reviews, so I also want to try. Indeed, a lot of people lined up.

La fettunta (Address: Via Santa Marta, 19/a, 20123 Milano MI, Italy/Closed: Mondays) . The shop specialized in pasta, spaghetti, beefsteak, and grilled pork.

I tried 2 dishes of beefsteak and grilled pork. It feels pretty good. The pork has a taste a bit like wild boar in Vietnam. Price €8/part. Beefsteak has two types. One costs €18/part of 150-200 gr along with some potatoes and salad. Another type costs €35/1 kg. Yes, 1 kg :))). I recommend you to try the 1 kg portion because the €18 portion is too little to eat and accounts half the price. Other dishes such as pasta and spaghetti cost about 7-8 euros.

Florence Evening Food Tour

Another restaurant near the restaurant above called All’Antico Vinaio (Address: Via dei Neri, 76R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy) . This shop is more crowded than the one above. The shop only sells bread for €5/piece with all kinds of filling. The advantage is that the restaurant prepares quickly, so even if the queue is very long, you do not have to wait too long. In my opinion, it is not as delicious as Vietnamese bread, but it must be very popular, so tourists were so crowded. With its huge filling, so you only eat 1 is full. There are so many shops on this street, but only these 2 shops are the most popular.

In addition, I found that the price of dining or shopping is not very cheap compared to other cities like Pisa or Venice. I found ice cream and souvenirs are more expensive than other regions in Italy.

Regarding supermarkets are mainly lidl, Conad and Carrefour Express. Conad is quite popular but I think its price is not cheap at all. However, you should try pizza, pasta with frozen seafood from Conad, quite delicious. The pasta package is just over 3 euros, but it is very tasty. It was better than the restaurants I had eaten before in Milan or Venice. Very handy package that has been seasoned with seasoning and full of seafood. Just put in the cooking pot, very convenient. Pizza you should also buy at the Conad. I think this is the best “pizza packet” I have eaten before.

Florence blog: Shopping

Leather products at mercato nuovo.

Florence is famous for its leather products such as purses, beautiful handbags and because it is rumored that all are handmade, the price is quite expensive, not the no-name goods are cheap at all. However, the bag quality is very good.

So, if you are a fan of leather goods and want a lovely European-style bag, definitely not to miss shopping at Mercato Nuovo (New Market) – the famous leather goods market here.

The Mall Outlet

Chain of famous fashion stores in Florence, coming here you will be overwhelmed by the branded products from clothes, bags, eyewear, … of famous fashion brands in the world such as: Gucci, Prada, Dior, Armani, … the products here are always guaranteed to be 100% brand name but the price is much lower than the same product you buy from outside. At times of seasonal sales you can get a discount of up to 70%, this is the point make this shopping mall attracts a lot of tourists every year.

Both a famous tourist attraction but also a shopping place not to be missed when coming to Florence. The jewelry products sold in the stores along the bridge are things attract many tourists.

Florence travel blog: Trip cost

The mid-range trip cost for a 3 day travel itinerary in Florence for you refer to.

• Hotel: €55/2 nights
• Travel: €35/day for car rental to get to Val d’Orcia. Renting a motorbike is cheaper and has a lot of options.
• Meals: €30/day.
• Admission to Duomo Square, Uffizi Gallery: €22.

A total of €200 for 3 days for self-sufficient trip itinerary.

Florence travel blog: Some notes and useful tips before you go

• The natural scenery is very beautiful, many huge, spectacular historical and monumental cultural works.
• If you intend to visit churches or museums you should go before 9am. For famous attractions such as Florence Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, Academia Gallery, I recommend you to buy tickets online in advance at home instead of waiting in line to buy tickets. This will save you more time.
• Florence is also a famous destination in Italy, so hotel rooms often run out very quickly. If you book late, you won’t get a good room. Like me, although I booked nearly 4 months in advance but the room is quite bad. So you should book as early as possible. Booking at Booking.com has free cancelation, so do not hesitate to book early.
• Because Florence is only 1 hour from Pisa by train and the famous countryside of Tuscany 1-2 hours by car, I recommend you to go to these two places. Having been to Florence without going to these two places is quite regret.
• There is a Firenze Card (costs EUR80) that can go to most museums in Florence for 72 hours, however I would not recommend buying it because this card cannot enter Duomo and Uffizi Gallery. However, you also shoud consider to buy it.
• In Italy and some other European countries, the pre-tip culture is very common. So, if you go to a restaurant or bar, please politely leave a small tip for the staff because of their excellent service quality! In addition, you can surely bargain or require discounts when shopping at the market or on the street in a reasonable and civilized way.
• IMPORTANT: Italy is one of the top 3 countries with pickpockets and theft in Europe so be careful.

Florence travel blog: Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Florence you can refer to

• Florence Bike Tour with Food Tasting Experience
• Florence City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Tour (Open Top) and Leonardo da Vinci Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket
• Tuscany Day Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting from Florence
• Rome to Florence Day Tour
• Chianti Afternoon Tour from Florence
• Excursion to Pisa through the Tuscan Countryside from Florence
• Florence Dome Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket + Free Souvenir Old Polaroid Photo
• Florence Accademia Gallery Skip-the-Line Ticket with Tour

Are you looking for more top things to do in Florence: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here . And Italy guide here .

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Le Travel Style

by Courtney Delfino • a San Diego based travel + lifestyle blog inspiring you to travel in style

Europe , Italy , Travel Guides · Last Updated: May 23, 2023

A First Timer’s Travel Guide to Visiting Florence Italy

Florence travel guide: for a first-time visit.

Nothing screams romantic charm and historic culture more than roaming the streets of Florence Italy. Or as the Italians call it Firenze. Florence is one of the most historic cities in Italy. It birthed the Italian Renaissance which inspired artists such as Michaelangelo and many of his masterpieces are still there today. In this blog ” A First-Timers Travel Guide to Florence Italy” I cover when to visit Florence, the best places to see in Florence, the top hotels and restaurants, and so much more!

Florence is the capital of Italy and is best known for its art, culture, fine food, and charm. The city is renowned for its incredible art collections and museums. It is home to the Uffizi Gallery, which houses works by renowned artists such as Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo. The Galleria dell’Accademia is famous for Michelangelo’s statue of David. The historic center of Florence has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982, recognizing its exceptional artistic and architectural heritage.

Things to Know Before Visiting Florence, Italy

• Florence is best explored on foot. The center of the city is so compact that you can easily walk around for a couple of hours and see the majority of it.
• When shopping in Florence, local shops are closed from 1 pm-4 pm for siesta. That is how you’ll know if it’s an actual local shop or tourist spot.
• Pre-book your tickets to the museums. You can spend hours waiting in line for the Piazza del Duomo or Uffizi, it’s easy these days to pre-book your ticket. I typically book my excursions on Viator or Get Your Guide
• There is no Uber in Florence. This took us by surprise when arriving at the Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station. We decided to walk to our hotel which was on the Arno. It wasn’t the most pleasant experience being that our luggage was making the most noise on the cobblestone streets. In retrospect, we should have taken a taxi!

When to Visit Florence Italy

Florentine summers are hot and humid and most businesses are closed for the month of August. For the best time to visit consider late September or early October. Tourism is at the end of its peak season and the weather is beautiful and sunny!

Spring (April to June): Spring is a popular time to visit Florence, as the weather is generally mild and pleasant. The city comes alive with blooming flowers, and outdoor activities become more enjoyable. However, this is also a peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.

Autumn (September to October): Autumn is another great time to visit Florence. The weather is mild, and the city experiences fewer tourists compared to the summer months. The foliage starts to change, creating a beautiful atmosphere. It’s a good time for sightseeing, exploring museums, and enjoying outdoor activities.

While all opinions are always my own, my content on this blog post may contain affiliate links for hotels I’ve traveled to, tours I’ve completed, and products I recommend. This means I get a small commission if you book a stay or purchase a product after clicking one of these links. As always, I am so thankful for your support and will continue to share the best properties, things to do, and items I love!

Best Things to Do in Florence

Visit the piazzale michaelangelo.

The high point of our trip. Literally. When visiting the Piazzale Michaelangelo, is situated on a hill called Monte Pincio, south of the Arno River, and offers panoramic views of the city’s skyline. At the center of Piazzale Michelangelo stands a bronze replica of Michelangelo’s renowned statue of David. While the original sculpture is housed in the Galleria dell’Accademia, this replica serves as a tribute to the artist and his masterpiece. The statue is a popular photo spot for tourists.

It’s completely free to visit and the views at golden hour were spectacular. If you want the place to yourself, make sure to get there early. If you only have time to see one of these places in this Florence Travel Guide, you better pick this one!

Visit the Piazza del Duomo

The Piazza del Duomo is one of if not the most popular duomo in the world. The square’s centerpiece is the Florence Cathedral, officially known as the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore. This magnificent Gothic-style cathedral is renowned for its striking dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. Visitors can admire the intricate marble façade and climb to the top of the dome for panoramic views of the city.

In order to climb to the top of the dome you’ll have to walk up 463 steps. But you’ll be rewarded with one of the most beautiful sights in Florence. You can pre-book your time slot. Plan to get here early in the morning for the best views and shorter wait times. Piazza del Duomo is not only a focal point for religious and historical landmarks but also a vibrant gathering place where visitors can appreciate the grandeur of Florence’s architectural masterpieces.

Visit the Uffizi Gallery  

A notable Italian Art Museum is located in the historic center of Florence. The gallery has been open since the 16th Century and the pieces of art were a gift after the Medici family lost its rule. Showcasing pieces from Michaelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo Da Vinci, and so many more artists. Uffizi Gallery’s most prominent piece is ‘The Birth of Venus’ by Sandro Botticelli. Finally, to make the most of your time in Florence, I highly recommend purchasing the “ skip the line tickets ” prior to visiting the Uffizi Gallery.

Florence Travel Guide: Visit the Galleria dell’Accademia

Another beautiful Italian Art museum is located in the center of Florence. It’s most famously known for housing Michaelangelo’s David sculpture. It also has many other Florentine artists’ pieces from 1300-1600.

Walk Along Ponte Vecchio and The Arno

Ponte Vecchio is the oldest bridge in Florence. The Italian translation of “old bridge” is literally Ponte Vecchio. When the bridge was in its prime, it was primarily meat vendors. However, the Medici family hated the smell so much, that they made it a law that only jewelry stores can be opened on the bridge. To this day this holds true and you’ll find countless jewelry shops on Ponte Vecchio. Finally, The Arno is the river that runs adjacent to Florence’s city center. If it’s a nice day, walk along The Arno to see what it’s like to live as a local in Florence.

Visit the Historic Piazza Della Signoria

Florence is filled with Piazzas (which is simply town square) however the most notable one has to be Piazza della Signoria. Here you’ll find a W-shaped square that is historic because it has always been the focal point of the Florentine Republic. The Palazzo Vecchio which is Florence’s Town Hall is located in this square. Finally, another popular square is the Piazza Santo Spirito so add that one to your list too!

Visit the Boboli Gardens

The Boboli Gardens is a historical park that was opened to the public in 1766. Originally it was owned by the Medici family and it represents one of the first examples of an Italian garden.

Day Trip to Tuscany for Wine Tasting

Florence is also famous for its wine, particularly Chianti, which is produced in the surrounding vineyards. One of our favorite days of our Florence trip was taking a day trip to the Tuscan vineyards. We booked a Tuscany Wine tour through Viator. It included lunch, transportation to two wineries, and visiting two medieval towns. Each winery offered a guided tour where we learned a great deal about winemaking. The tour took about 6 hours total and was a definite highlight of this Florence Travel Guide!

Best Hotels in Florence Italy

Plaza Hotel Lucchesi : We personally stayed at the Plaza Lucchesi when visiting Florence and would highly recommend it. The hotel is located directly on the Arno River so it’s not exactly in Florence’s historic center but it’s super close walking distance to all the sights. The views from the rooftop are reason alone to stay here! And like most European hotels, breakfast was included. Book your stay here .

Villa Cora : a 19th-century mansion that is secluded in the hills next to the center of Florence. Not only is it a beautiful property, but it boasts a lot of charm and elegance. They have a garden pool and spacious rooms, and the service is unmatched! It’s a perfect spot if you want to be more secluded. Book your stay here.

Hotel Savoy : A Rocco Forte hotel located on the Piazza Repubblica, this hotel is luxurious and stylish all in one. It’s only steps away from the main fashion houses and super close to the main attractions in Florence. Book your stay here .

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze : who doesn’t love a stay at a four seasons hotel? This 5-star hotel is only steps away from the cultural center of Florence. Enjoy a private garden, a luxurious pool, and a delicious on-site restaurant. Book your stay here .

Best Restaurants in Florence

Buca Niccolini – When visiting Florence you absolutely must have the Bistecca alla Fiorentina aka Florentine steak. It’s the main dish of Florence dining. Buca Niccolini is known for having the best and it’s big enough to split with three people!

Trattoria Zsa Zsa – There is something about sitting in a glass cube that sparks joy in my life. The food at Trattoria Zsa Zsa was not only delicious but decently priced as well. Get the truffle ravioli and you will not be disappointed!

Gusta Pizza – Surprisingly, Italy is not really well-known for its pizza. But this spot has amazing pizza. It’s great for on-the-go slices when exploring the city.

Gelateria Dei Neri – The most delicious gelato I’ve ever had in all of Italy. The portions are amazing and it’s located right in the center of town.

For a full restaurant guide to Florence, check out the Best Restaurants in Florence article from Conde Nast traveler.

Best Bars in Florence

Empire Rooftop Bar ($$) – Located in the Hotel Lucchesi this rooftop bar has views of the Duomo. Great bar eats and drinks!

Atrium Bar ($$$) – Elegant and casual at the same time. Great food and an epic atmosphere.

Golden View Open Bar ($$) –Enjoy a glass of vino while looking over Ponte Vecchio. This came highly recommended by a Florence local.

How To Get Around Florence

Since Uber’s been banned in Florence, there are plenty of other ways to get around this cultural city…

Walk ($) – Florence is pretty small and very walkable. A lot of places are pedestrianized and most of the streets are so narrow that walking can get you around much faster than driving.

Bus ($) – The ATAF electric bus is a great way to cover a lot of ground. They are made to navigate the narrow streets and run frequently during the day/night. One-day fare is only 5 euros.

Bikes ($$) – We rented bikes for the day and covered so much ground. If you’re feeling adventurous you can bike up to the Piazzale Michelangelo. It’s all uphill and you have to be in some sort of shape to do so, but the beauty we witnessed was unbelievable!

Grazie for reading my “First-Timers Florence Travel Guide”. If you’re headed here soon it’s safe to say I’m incredibly envious of you. Have the best time and make sure to check out more of my Italy Guides .

You’ll Also Love

February 7, 2023 at 5:34 am

Thank you for this great post and all very useful tips! I will soon visit Florence for the first time. You have beautiful photos! Do you remember where the shop in the first photo is located?

March 30, 2023 at 10:13 am

This post is amazing! Thank you! We are traveling to Florence in May and looking for a wine tour to book in Tuscany. The link in your post does not work, do you know if it is still offered?

March 31, 2023 at 7:49 am

Hi Arielle! Thanks for your comment I just checked and clicked on it myself and it is still offered through Viator. Try clicking on it again 🙂 perhaps the date you are searching for is sold out?

August 19, 2023 at 11:44 pm

My fiance lives in Florence, Tuscany, Italy, I’m planning on going there possibly in October,cause my birthday is that month, my fiance wants me to stay with him while I am there. I am looking forward to visiting Florence, Tuscany, Italy soon! Thanks A soon to be visitor and possibly a new resident after I marry my fiance. Thanks Linda Milton Stockton, California

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3 Days In Florence: The Perfect Florence Itinerary

Florence (in Italian, Firenze) is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and a true paradise for art and architecture lovers. Considered the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Florence was the workplace of the most renowned masters, such as Giotto di Bondone, Sandro Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Donatello Bardi, Michelangelo Buonarroti, and Raffaello Sanzio – in addition to being the birthplace of Dante Alighieri, one of the greatest poets of all time!

Capital of the famous Tuscany region, Florence is also one of the best places to visit in Italy . Among the several dozen monuments that make up the Historic Center of Florence – which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992 – it’s impossible not to mention the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (one of the most iconic cathedrals in the world) and the Galleria degli Uffizi (the most important art museum in the country)!

So, do you want to know more about 3 Days In Florence: The Perfect Florence Itinerary? Keep reading!

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World Heritage

Ponte vecchio, mercato centrale di firenze, piazzale michelangelo, brief history of florence.

The city of Florence was founded in the Roman Empire (around 59 BC) as a military settlement, but it’s known that this region had already been inhabited by the Etruscans, between the 7th-6th centuries BC. Unfortunately, few archaeological remains from this period have survived to the present day.

At the end of the Middle Ages, Florence began to become one of the main cultural, artistic, and commercial centers in Europe. And this development was consolidated from the first half of the 15th century when the House of Medici came to power.

The Medici were a family of bankers and politicians who ruled Florence and Tuscany for over three hundred years. In addition to their domain and influence in administrative and economic matters, the Medici were patrons of countless architects, poets, painters, sculptors, and musicians.

After the extinction of the Medici dynasty in 1737, Tuscany was integrated into the territories of the Austrian crown. And in 1807, it was annexed by France – a situation that only changed seven years later, with the fall of Napoleon Bonaparte. In 1861, Tuscany became a region of the Kingdom of Italy, with Florence being its capital between 1865 and 1871.

Did you know that the Historic Center of Florence was part of Italy’s third set of inscriptions on the UNESCO World Heritage List ? This 5th session of the World Heritage Committee took place in Paris (France), between December 13th and 17th, 1982.

Nowadays, Italy is the country in the world with the most UNESCO sites: it has fifty-nine heritage assets (both cultural and natural) inscribed on the world list of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization!

In the meantime, I’ve already had the opportunity to visit eight of them:

• 18th-Century Royal Palace at Caserta with the Park (1997)
• Archaeological Area of Pompei (1997)
• Cinque Terre (1997)
• Historic Center of Florence (1982)
• Historic Center of Naples (1995)
• Historic Center of Rome and the Properties of the Holy See (1980) – Castel Sant’Angelo , Colosseum , Pantheon , Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
• The Porticoes of Bologna (2021)
• Venice and its Lagoon (1987)

Visiting Florence

The city of Florence is served by Florence-Peretola Airport (FLR) , which has several connections to other major European cities – making it an even more attractive tourist destination for international travelers. And if you’re already in Italy, then you can reach Florence by train, bus, or car!

In my opinion, the most practical (and pleasant) way to travel around Italy is by train. With direct connections to the capitals of many Italian regions, Florence is around 40 minutes from Bologna (Emilia-Romagna), 1h40 from Rome (Lazio), 1h55 from Milan (Lombardy), 2h10 from Perugia (Umbria), 2h40 from Venice (Veneto), 2h45 from Genoa (Liguria), and 3h from both Naples (Campania) and Turin (Piedmont).

Florence Itinerary – Day 1

Cattedrale di santa maria del fiore (or duomo di firenze).

The first of this “3-Day Itinerary in Florence” begins in Piazza del Duomo, with a visit to the most famous monument of this Italian city: the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore . Built over the old Basilica di Santa Reparata , this cathedral was a project begun by the architect Arnolfo di Cambio in 1296 and continued by Giotto di Bondone in 1334, Andrea Pisano in 1337, and Francesco Talenti in 1349.

When it was consecrated in 1436, the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower was the largest cathedral in Europe and one of the first in a Renaissance style. Among the elements that differentiate it from the others, the magnificent brick dome (designed by Filippo Brunelleschi between 1420 and 1436) stands out. And of course, the tricolor external cladding idealized by Arnolfo di Cambio, with white marble from Carrara, green marble from Prato, and red marble from Siena!

Worldwide known as the Florence Dome (or Duomo di Firenze, in Italian), this cathedral is today one of the largest churches in the world, after other equally iconic religious temples that I’ve had the opportunity to visit (such as Saint Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City ; the Cathedral of Seville, in Spain; or the Basilica of the Holy Trinity , in Fátima, Portugal).

The Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore is open every day (except Sundays and holidays), from 10:15 am to 4:30 pm. Entrance is free, although it’s necessary to pay to go up to the dome. The best option is to buy the “Brunelleschi Pass” in advance on the official website of the Florence Duomo , which costs €30 (adults) or €12 (children from 7 to 14 years old) and allows you to visit the five attractions in the Piazza del Duomo:

• Brunelleschi’s Dome
• Giotto’s Bell Tower
• Baptistery of Saint John
• Opera Duomo Museum
• Old Basilica of Santa Reparata

Campanile di Giotto

The Campanile di Giotto is the bell tower of the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, almost 85 meters high. And in my opinion, climbing more than 400 steps to enjoy the panoramic views over the Piazza del Duomo is one of the best things to do in Florence!

Like the Dome in Florence, Giotto’s Bell Tower was built using the same polychrome marble from the Tuscan region. The design was charge of Giotto di Bondone and the works began in 1334, but the artist died three years later and only had time to complete the base of the tower.

Therefore, the project passed into the hands of Andrea Pisano, who followed the ideas and original concept of his predecessor. However, construction had to be stopped because of the Black Death pandemic, and when it resumed in the late 1340s, Francesco Talenti was already overseeing the works.

Giotto’s Bell Tower was completed in 1359 and today is considered a masterpiece of Florentine Gothic architecture. One of its most fascinating details is the dozens of decorative statues and reliefs – although the originals were kept in the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo (for conservation purposes) and replaced by replicas.

The Campanile di Giotto is open every day, from 8:15 am to 7:45 pm. On the official website of the Florence Duomo , you have the option to buy the same “Brunelleschi Pass”, or the “Giotto Pass” for €20 (adults) or €7 (children from 7 to 14 years old), which gives you access to four monuments of the Piazza del Duomo:

Battistero di San Giovanni

The Battistero di San Giovanni is the third and last monument located in the Piazza del Duomo (and in the Piazza San Giovanni), which I decided to include in this “3-Day Itinerary in Florence”. Interestingly, it’s one of the oldest churches in Florence, as its origins date back to the 4th century. In fact, for several centuries, Florentines believed that it was a pagan temple founded by the Romans!

As the name implies, the “baptistery” (or “baptistry”) is the place where Christian baptisms are carried out and can be incorporated into a church or be a completely independent structure – as is the case of the Baptistery in Florence. The octagonal-shaped religious building you see today was consecrated in 1059, but its construction lasted until the 16th century.

Besides its white and green marble cladding, the Baptistery of Saint John is famous for the three sets of bronze doors, created by Andrea Pisano and Lorenzo Ghiberti (the latter, the author of the “Porte del Paradiso” – the name given by Michelangelo to the doors facing the cathedral). With colossal dimensions and richly decorated with relief sculptures, the original examples can be admired at the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo !

The Battistero di San Giovanni is open every day from 9 am to 7:45 pm. Once again, you can buy the “Brunelleschi Pass” or the “Giotto Pass” on the official website of the Florence Duomo – although you have the “Ghiberti Pass” at €15 (adults) or €5 (children from 7 to 14 years old), which allows you to visit three monuments in the Piazza del Duomo:

Palazzo Vecchio

Built between the end of the 13th century and the beginning of the 14th century, the Palazzo Vecchio has been the administrative seat of Florence for over 700 years. Originally nicknamed Palazzo dei Priori, this fortified palace is situated in Piazza della Signoria – a square that also houses dozens of sculptures, including:

• Statua Equestre di Cosimo I de’ Medici, a bronze statue by Giambologna
• Fontana del Nettuno, made in marble and bronze, with a central statue by Bartolomeo Ammannati
• “Ercole e Caco”, a marble sculpture by Baccio Bandinelli
• “Marzocco”, a sculpture in pietra serena by Donatello (it’s a replica, as the original is on display at the  Museo Nazionale del Bargello )
• “Giuditta e Oloferne”, a bronze statue also by Donatello (it’s also a copy, but you can see the original in the Sala dei Gigli of the Palazzo Vecchio)
• “David”, a marble sculpture by Michelangelo (logically, it’s a replica of the masterpiece preserved in the  Galleria dell’Accademia )

The Palazzo Vecchio was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio and was intended to accommodate the Signoria di Firenze (that is, the magistracy and government of the city). Over the centuries, the building has undergone several expansions and interventions, including name changes to Palazzo Ducale and Palazzo della Signoria.

The current designation of “Old Palace” was adopted in 1565 when the Medici Family moved into the newly built Palazzo Pitti. The Corridoio Vasariano also dates from this time, the passage designed by Giorgio Vasari and that connects the Palazzo Vecchio to the Palazzo Pitti, crossing monuments such as the Galleria degli Uffizi and the Ponte Vecchio.

The Museo di Palazzo Vecchio is open every day from 9 am to 7 pm (except on Thursdays, which closes at 2 pm). Torre di Arnolfo has the same opening hours, but from Friday to Wednesday it closes at 5 pm. As for tickets, they cost €12.5 (adults) or €10 (young people aged between 18 and 25 and university students) and can be purchased on the official website of the Florentine Civic Museums .

Galleria degli Uffizi

In 1560, Cosimo I de’ Medici commissioned an office building from Giorgio Vasari (the Palazzo degli Uffizi or “Office Palace”), to reunite the city’s magistrates, who then scattered throughout Florence. However, his “real” intention was to control them directly from the Palazzo della Signoria, situated right next door.

The Galleria degli Uffizi (i.e., Uffizi Gallery) was one of the first museums in Modern History, as it first opened to the public in 1765. Even so, it only officially assumed “museum” status about a century later. Today, it’s not only one of the most popular attractions in Florence but also one of the most visited art museums in the world!

The Galleria degli Uffizi is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 8:15 am to 6:30 pm. The entrance fee is €12, but there’s a reduced rate of €2 for all young people between 18 and 25 years old, who are citizens of the European Union. Plus, admission is free for anyone under 18!

Read my complete guide to the Uffizi Gallery , a must-see tourist attraction on any Florence itinerary! !

To end this first day of a “3-Day Itinerary in Florence”, I chose one of the busiest places in the beautiful Italian city: the Ponte Vecchio (or “Old Bridge”). Designed by Taddeo Gaddi, this arched bridge was built in 1345 after the ancient Roman bridge was destroyed by floods.

In addition to being one of the most tourist attractions in Florence, the Ponte Vecchio is very popular with more “wealthy” visitors. This is because the bridge deck is home to a series of luxury stores, the vast majority of which are jewelry shops.

Florence Itinerary – Day 2

Galleria dell’accademia.

The Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze (or Gallery of the Academy of Florence) is one of the most important art museums in Italy, with a collection of works from the beginning of the 14th century to the end of the 19th century.

The Accademia Gallery was founded by Emperor Leopold II (the then Grand Duke of Tuscany) in 1874 and aimed to promote the teaching of art and direct contact between these students and the works of art.

In addition to “David” (Michelangelo’s masterpiece), it’s possible to admire numerous paintings and sculptures by other Tuscan artists, especially from the Renaissance period. And in 2001, a collection of musical instruments opened, with examples by Nicola Amati, Antonio Stradivari, and Bartolomeo Cristofori.

The Galleria dell’Accademia is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 6:45 pm. As for tickets, the prices are similar to those of the Galleria degli Uffizi and are also subject to an additional fee of €4 when purchased on the official website of the Florentine State Museums .

Palazzo Medici Riccardi

As you may have noticed, this “3-Day Itinerary in Florence” focuses on the three most important types of historic buildings in this city: churches, palaces, and museums. And the Palazzo Medici Riccardi is another one of them, as this renaissance palace was owned by the Medici Family, before being bought and expanded by the Riccardi Family!

The construction of the palace was commissioned by Cosimo de Medici (the founder of the powerful dynasty) in 1444 and was in charge of the architect Michelozzo Michelozzi. But the family home was confiscated by the Repubblica Fiorentina in 1494, the year the Medici were expelled from the city.

In 1659, after the Medici family had returned to power, Ferdinando II de’ Medici sold the mansion to Marquis Gabriello Riccardi. And this other family of bankers quickly changed its architectural structure and decorative elements, seeking to expand the palace and modernize it in the Baroque style.

The Palazzo Medici Riccardi is open every day (except on Wednesdays) from 9 am to 7 pm. And like most monuments in Italy, ticket prices fall into three categories: €7 (adults), €4 (young people between 18 and 25 years old and university students), and free entry (under 18).

Basilica di San Lorenzo

The Basilica di San Lorenzo is one of the many basilicas that exist in Florence. I mean, when I was in Florence, I saw/visited seven: Basilica di San Marco, Basilica della Santissima Annunziata, Basilica di San Lorenzo, Basilica di Santa Maria Novella, Basilica di Santa Croce, Basilica di San Miniato al Monte, and the old Basilica di Santa Reparata !

Although there was a small church on this site, founded at the end of the 4th century, the current basilica dates from the 15th century. Designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, the works began in 1419 and lasted until 1460, already under the supervision of the Florentine architect Antonio Manetti.

The Catholic temple is another of the buildings built by the Medici, although this one has special importance. This is because the Basilica of St Lawrence houses the Cappelle Medicee (the family mausoleum), which includes two remarkable buildings: the Sagrestia Nuova (by Michelangelo) and the Cappella dei Principi (by Matteo Nigetti)!

The Basilica di San Lorenzo is open every day (except on Sundays), from 10:30 am to 4 pm. As for tickets, they cost €6 (Basilica) or €8.50 (Basilica, Medici Chapels, Cloister, and Medicea Laurenziana Library ), and children under 12 don’t pay admission.

Basilica di Santa Maria Novella

If you arrived in Florence by train, then you must have seen the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella, as it’s just a few meters from the Stazione di Firenze Santa Maria Novella (the central railway station). Built between 1246 and 1360 in Gothic and Renaissance style, this Dominican church was designed by the friars of the Order of Saint Dominic!

The Basilica di Santa Maria Novella is open every day, although with different opening hours: from 9 am to 5:30 pm (from Monday to Thursday), from 11 am to 5:30 pm (on Fridays), from 9 am to 5 pm (on Saturdays), and from 1 pm to 5 pm (on Sundays and holidays). The ticket costs €5 (adults) or €3.50 (children and young people aged 5 to 18, and over 65 years old).

If you thought I could write an itinerary in an Italian city without mentioning food, think again! The Mercanto Centrale di Firenze doesn’t have historical importance comparable to the other monuments in this article, but it’s one of the best places in Florence to taste the delicious cuisine of Tuscany and Italy!

Interestingly, Florence’s Central Market was designed by Giuseppe Mengoni (the same architect who designed the iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan). The iron and glass building dates from 1874, but its current appearance is the result of a long rehabilitation campaign to celebrate its 140th Anniversary (in 2004).

The Mercato Centrale di Firenze is open every day from 10 am to 12 am. In addition to the numerous stalls selling fresh products on the ground floor, you can find restaurants, taverns, pizzerias, ice cream shops, cafes, and bars on the upper floor. I tried a “panini al tartufo” at Il Tartufo by Luciano Savini and I have to confess that it was divine!

Florence Itinerary – Day 3

Basilica di santa croce.

My last day in Florence is dedicated to Oltrarno (the neighborhood on the south bank of the River Arno), although there’s one more must-see place on the north bank: the Basilica di Santa Croce . Located in the Piazza di Santa Croce, this monument is an authentic “Pantheon of Italian Masters”. After all, this is where figures like Lorenzo Ghiberti, Niccolò Machiavelli, Michelangelo Buonarotti, Galileo Galilei, or Gioachino Rossini are buried!

The history of the Basilica of the Holy Cross dates back to 1294 and its design is attributed to Arnolfo di Cambio. And despite having been consecrated in 1442, the works went on for centuries, with the addition of several chapels and the construction of the bell tower in the mid-19th century. Today, it’s the largest Franciscan church in the world.

The Basilica di Santa Croce is open every day (except on Tuesdays) from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm (Monday to Saturday) or from 1 pm to 5:30 pm (on Sundays and holidays). Tickets cost €8 (adults) or €6 (12 to 17-year-olds and university students). If you want, you can buy tickets in advance on the official website of the Basilica of the Holy Cross .

Palazzo Pitti

When you leave the Basilica di Santa Croce towards the Palazzo Pitti , make sure you cross the Arno river through the Ponte alle Grazie – this way, you have panoramic views of the Ponte Vecchio! Now, as far as is known, the Palazzo Pitti was commissioned by Filippo Brunelleschi in 1458, by the Florentine banker Luca Pitti.

However, its “fame” only emerged a century later, when it became the official residence of the Medici after they had decided to leave the Palazzo Vecchio. And even though the Medici dynasty was extinct in 1737, the building maintained its status as a “royal palace”, as it still housed the houses of Habsburg-Lorraine (1737-1801 and 1814-1860), Bourbóon-Parma (1801-1807), Bonaparte (1807-1814) and Savoy (1860-1871)!

Currently, the Pitti Palace is the main tourist attraction in the Oltrarno neighborhood, being divided into a series of museums: the Tesoro dei Granduchi (on the ground floor); the Galleria Palatina, Cappella Palatina, Museo delle Icone Russe, and the Appartamenti Imperiali and Reali (on the first floor); and the Galleria d’Arte Moderna and the Museo della Moda e del Costume (on the second floor).

The Palazzo Pitti is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 8:15 am to 6:30 pm. As for tickets, they cost €10 (adults) or €2 (young people aged between 18 and 25, who are citizens of the European Union), and give access to all the collections of this Renaissance palace. As the monument is one of the most popular in Florence, I recommend that you buy tickets in advance on the official website of the Florentine State Museums .

Giardino di Boboli

The Palazzo Pitti may be the largest museum complex in Florence, but the Giardino di Boboli is second to none in terms of sheer size and spectacularity! Designed by the Medici family behind their “new” official residence, this set of gardens originated the concept of “Giardino all’italiana” (that is, “Italian Garden”) and became a model for other European courts.

The Boboli Gardens are adorned with dozens of classical and Renaissance statues, artificial grottoes, and monumental fountains. In addition, they’re punctuated by other structures such as the Anfiteatro di Boboli (with an Egyptian obelisk), the Kaffeehaus (one of the few examples of Rococo architecture in Tuscany), and the Lemon House (built by Zanobi del Rosso between 1777-78).

The Giardino di Boboli is open every day from 8:15 am. However, the closing time depends on the month of the year: 6:30 pm (in January, February, November, and December), 5:30 pm (in March and October, in wintertime), 6:30 pm (from March to May and in September and October, in summertime), and 7 pm (from June to August). The ticket costs €6 (adults) or €2 (young people aged between 18 and 25, who are citizens of the European Union), and can be purchased on the official website of the Florentine State Museums .

Watching the sunset in the historic center of this Italian city from the Piazzale Michelangelo has got to be one of the best things to do in Florence (and one of the most indescribable too). Designed by the architect Giuseppe Poggi in 1869, this square has the best panoramic views I’ve ever encountered in my travels in Europe!

Michelangelo Square dates back to when Florence was the capital of Italy and much of the city was being renovated. Dedicated to the genius of painting, sculpture, and architecture, this wide terrace houses replicas of his works (including a bronze statue of “David”) and a Renaissance loggia, converted into a restaurant.

Map of the Florence Itinerary

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Best of Florence in One Day: Detailed Itinerary (+Map, Info & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 26, 2024

Florence ( Firenze ) is one of the famous Italian art cities with stunning architecture, a bustling atmosphere, and countless interesting sights. You could easily spend a week here and not get bored…

But what to see and do if you only have one day in Florence ? And how to plan your day so that you can make the most of your limited time?

In this article, we share a detailed 1-day Florence itinerary that covers the main sights and must-see places in Florence in the most efficient way. In addition to the main landmarks, we also include restaurant recommendations as well as some additional suggestions for a truly memorable day in Firenze!

To help you plan your day in Florence, we also created a map indicating all the places mentioned in this guide.

For each attraction, we also share practical info for the tickets/ tours that you better reserve in advance . Florence is a very popular destination and the only way to see the best of the city in a day is to have a good itinerary and book skip-the-line tickets/ tours where available. Find out!

TIP: If you get overwhelmed with all the tourist attractions and ticket options, or feel stressed about how to make it all fit time-wise, you can also opt for a guided city tour that covers a few of the main landmarks of Florence in half a day.

When looking for a tour, be sure that it includes the main sights such as Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery (David), and potentially a visit to the Duomo (although this one has so many different options that it’s often easier to do it separately).

One of the best tours to consider with a day in Florence is this 5-hr city walking tour that includes many of the attractions mentioned in our itinerary below in the most efficient way. However, this specific tour takes a limited number of people and might not always be available, especially if booking last minute. Alternatively, here you can find some of the best options available daily (except Mondays – that’s when both the Uffizi and Accademia Galleries are closed).

And if you rather do it all yourself, it’s perfectly possible too. See our suggestions and detailed Florence day trip itinerary below! In that case, you’ll need to pre-book the following tickets (timed entry and limited availability everywhere, so book ahead!):

• Accademia Gallery (Michelangelo’s David).
• Uffizi Gallery .
• Duomo & Dome Climb .
• Palazzo Vecchio & Arnolfo Tower .
• Medici Chapel (optional).
• Bike tour at sunset (optional).

You can find more information about all these places below.

Good to know: If you happen to visit Florence on a Monday when two of the main museums are closed, you’ll have to adjust this itinerary. But don’t worry – there are plenty of other amazing places to see in Florence and you won’t get bored. To help you make the most of your visit to Florence no matter when you travel, we created an alternative itinerary that would work on Monday as well. You can find it at the end of this article.

Here’s what you can see and do in Florence in a day:

Michelangelo’s David at Accademia Gallery

9 – 10 AM.

We recommend starting your day in Florence with a visit to the Accademia Gallery . This small museum is best known for Michelangelo’s David .

No matter how many pictures you have seen, this marble sculpture will take your breath away. It’s a real Renaissance masterpiece that you have to see with your own eyes! In addition, you can see some of Michelangelo’s unfinished sculptures that give an incredible insight into his working process.

The gallery also features several early-Renaissance paintings, and many other sculptures, including the plaster cast of the famous Giambologna’s ‘Rape of the Sabines’ (the original can be found on Piazza della Signoria, near Palazzo Vecchio). This sculpture is unique in the way it was carved and the first in its kind. When you walk around and see all the details, it’s difficult to believe it was carved from a single block of marble.

Practical info: Accademia Gallery is open daily except on Mondays, from 9 am. This is one of the places where you really should reserve your tickets in advance , especially if your time in the city is limited and you want to see as much of Florence in a day as possible. If you can, get the tickets for 9 am and visit here first thing in the morning.

Good to know: Accademia Gallery is not big and you can see the main highlights in about half an hour. If you want to learn more about all the stunning art at this museum, you could opt for a guided tour . However, with just a day in Florence and if you aren’t keen on doing too many tours, visit David on your own and take a tour of the Uffizi gallery in the afternoon – that museum is huge and overwhelming. There, it really pays to go with a guide. Or take a guided tour that visits both of these museums .

Duomo Complex

10 AM – NOON.

Next, head to the Duomo complex, which is just 5-6 minutes walk from Galleria dell’Accademia. Best known for the impressive Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo), this site actually has a lot more to offer than it looks at first sight.

There is a lot to see and do at the Duomo complex. Some of the main highlights include a visit to the Cathedral itself, climbing Brunelleschi’s dome and/ or Giotto’s bell tower, and visiting the Baptistery of Saint John.

How much you can actually see and do here depends so much on when you visit and how busy it is. Each of the sites has a separate entrance and often long queues. You can either simply admire the beautiful buildings from the outside, visit one or two of them inside, or climb the dome or the bell tower.

With just a day in Florence, I think I’d opt for the dome climb (if you are physically capable) and potentially also visit the Baptistery and Santa Reparata.

Good to know: You can visit the Cathedral itself free of charge, but be prepared to queue for a while. In all honestly, apart for the dome, the interior is not that impressive on the inside and you may find that it’s not worth the time to queue just for that… But if you climb the dome , the entrance/exit is inside the cathedral, so you can see the interior at the same time. And since you have to book timed tickets for the dome, you don’t waste time and it’s much easier to plan your day.

Alternatively, you can choose to climb Giotto’s bell tower. It requires a ticket as well but is usually not as busy here as at the dome. From the top, you get an amazing view of the exterior Duomo.

And if you don’t want to do any climbing, visit the Baptistery of St. John and Santa Reparata archaeological site under the cathedral. The latter has a separate entrance and hardly any queue, so you get to see the interior of the Duomo at the same time as well. These two sites also require a ticket.

You can find more info about the cathedral-combi tickets on the official website .

TIP: The best option is this all-in ticket . This ticket is valid for 72 hours and includes Giotto’s Bell Tower, Opera del Duomo Museum, Santa Reparata, the Baptistery, and the timed entry for the Brunelleschi Dome climb.

Good to know: On Sundays, the Cathedral is closed for visits, and the dome climb is only possible in the afternoon. If you visit on a Sunday, you can either opt for Giotto’s Bell Tower and other sights indicated above or rearrange the itinerary and do the dome climb later. You can see all the opening times here .

Our experience: We visited Florence Duomo (including the climb) and Michelangelo’s David with this VIP tour . It offers something unique that other tours don’t – a visit to the terraces of the Duomo. While not a must, this definitely made our trip more special. In addition, we got a separate ticket for Giotto’s tower and the Baptistery, which was well worth it as well.

Lunch at San Lorenzo Market

NOON – 1 PM.

Just a short walk from the Duomo complex is the bustling neighborhood of San Lorenzo . Here, you’ll find Mercato Centrale (aka Mercato San Lorenzo) one of the biggest markets in Florence. The historic food market is located in a covered hall, but the surrounding streets are lined with market stands as well. These usually sell clothing and leather goods.

Make your way between all the market stands on the street and walk to the market itself. Here, you’ll find many small cafes and various places selling food. On the top floor, there’s also a food hall where you can try all kinds of Italian specialties from various regions.

I don’t think there’s a bad place to eat here. We had lunch at the market a few times and everything was delicious. One day we had Tuscan meat specialties at one of the enoteca ‘s (wine shops) on the ground floor, and another time – we ordered pasta at one of the places in the food court upstairs and the wine from another enoteca nearby. Everything was excellent.

A popular place for Tuscan food at Mercato Centrale is Da Nerbone. Their specialty is the traditional Florentine lampredotto sandwich (made with tripe/cow stomach), but if that’s not for you, you’ll find plenty of other good options as well.

TIP: Try to arrive at the market early, ideally just a bit before noon. Most Italians eat lunch at around 1-2 pm and the market gets really busy at that time.

Medici Chapel (optional)

AROUND NOON – EARLY AFTERNOON .

There are a few other interesting places to see in the San Lorenzo area, just near the market. One of them is the Basilica di San Lorenzo , and you’ll see it when passing by anyway. It’s nice to visit inside, but with just one day in Florence, I’d skip that.

However, there is another place just behind the church that is well worth a visit if you can squeeze it into your itinerary. That’s Cappelle Medicee , a small burial chapel of the Medici family. It’s one of the most impressive places to see in Florence!

Good to know: The good thing is that a visit here doesn’t require much time (15 minutes inside should be enough to quickly see the chapel). The problem is that the opening times are somewhat special and so it requires a bit more planning. On weekends, it’s open in the morning and on weekdays – in the afternoon. And some days it’s closed completely.

TIP: If you want to visit the chapel, see if you can get a timed-entrance ticket in advance. If it’s open in the morning, book a visit at noon, before you go for lunch. And if it’s open in the afternoon, book the first available visit (usually at around 2 pm). Alternatively, you can also just pass by here and see if it’s open (and if the queue is not too long) and decide at that moment.

In the afternoon, take some time to walk around the city center of Florence. You could also get gelato and enjoy it while you explore. Be sure to skip all those gelaterias that have ‘mountains’ of colorful ice cream – these are really not the best places for a good gelato. Instead, look for a more local, quality place.

And while you are at it, be sure to try the traditional Florentine ice cream flavor ‘buontalenti’ . It’s named after Bernardo Buontalenti, a 16th-century Florence designer and artist, who is often credited as an inventor of Italian ice cream, gelato .

One of the better gelaterias (recommended to us by locals) in the area where you’ll be passing by is ‘Perché no!’. We indicated it on our map below.

Fontana del Porcellino & Leather Market

EARLY AFTERNOON.

As you walk towards the river, be sure to stop by Fontana del Porcellino on Piazza del Mercato Nuovo.

This is an iconic bronze sculpture/ fountain of a boar. They say that rubbing its nose will bring you luck. And if you put some money into its mouth, it will guarantee that you will return to Florence one day…

At this same location, you can also find a small market – Mercato del Porcellino . Here, you can buy all kinds of things made of leather – colorful handbags, wallets, gloves, etc. It’s somewhat similar to what you see in the streets next to Mercato Centrale.

Piazza della Signoria & Palazzo Vecchio

2.30 – 3.30 PM.

Just a short walk further, be sure to visit Piazza della Signoria , one of the most beautiful squares in Florence. Here, you can see Palazzo Vecchio and the Arnolfo Tower, the Fountain of Neptune, the incredible sculptures at Loggia dei Lanzi, and many other highlights. This square is like an open-air art gallery. Michelangelo’s David was originally supposed to stand here, and you can now see its replica.

If you plan your itinerary really well, you could pay a visit to Palazzo Vecchio and potentially also climb the Arnolfo Tower . With just one day in Florence, this is not an absolute must, but if you can, I find that a visit here is well worth it. Especially to the palace.

Keep in mind that the Palace closes in the afternoon on Thursdays, so if that’s when you visit, you may not be able to go inside unless you rearrange this itinerary.

Our experience: We climbed the tower and quickly visited the palace and it took us about 1 hour. But if you want to be sure you can visit without wasting time queueing, you have to book timed-entry tickets in advance. For this itinerary, you could potentially book a visit at +-2.30 pm.

Uffizi Gallery

4 – 6 PM.

In the late afternoon, visit the Uffizi Gallery , just next to Palazzo Vecchio. This is one of the most famous museums in Italy. Established in the 16th century, it’s also one of the oldest museums in the world. This ‘galleria’ gave name to all the art galleries in the world.

Here, you can see an incredible collection of ancient sculptures and paintings including some masterpieces by Michelangelo, Botticelli, Raffaello, Caravaggio, Leonardo da Vinci, and many other famous painters.

PRO TIP: Being one of the largest museums in the world, you can probably imagine that a visit here might get overwhelming. So if you want to be sure to see all the most important works of art in a limited time, we highly recommend visiting the Uffizi Gallery with a guide .

Our experience: There are so many tours that come here that the choice can get really overwhelming. After lots of research, we opted for this semi-private tour and it was absolutely excellent. Our group had 7 people and since we opted for a 4 pm tour, most tourists were leaving as we entered. This gave us a unique chance to visit the Uffizi Gallery without the biggest crowds. And our excellent guide made the visit very smooth and really interesting, pointing out all the most important works, telling stories behind them, etc.

Good to know: If you decide to go on your own, be sure to get timed entrance tickets ! Try to go somewhat later – after 3-4 pm. With a bit of luck, the (security) queues will not be too bad at this time of the day. An alternative would be to come here first thing in the morning, just as the museum opens.

Also, do some research about the main paintings in the gallery so that you don’t miss them. Some of the most important works can be found on the upper floor, so concentrate on that. On your way out, you can also see Caravaggio on the lower floor.

TIP: Uffizi Gallery has a nice café with an outdoor terrace overlooking the Palazzo Vecchio. It’s a good place to sit down for a drink and rest your legs after all the sightseeing.

Ponte Vecchio & Vasari Corridor

6 – 6.30 PM.

Ponte Vecchio is the most iconic bridge in Florence and one of the must-sees. It’s located just next to the Uffizi Gallery and connects the city center to the other side of the Arno River.

The colorful bridge is lined with gold and jewelry shops and is a bustling lively place. It’s just as interesting to see this bridge from the side – that way, you can better appreciate its unique structure.

When viewing the bridge from the eastern side, you’ll notice that there’s a covered corridor above all the shops. This is the Vasari Corridor ( Corridoio Vasariano ), one of the most intriguing places in Florence.

Built by the Medici family to give them easy and secure access between the Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery in the city center and the Pitti Palace on the other side of the Arno River, this passage has never been really open to the general public. Until now.

Corridoio Vasariano is said to be opening to the public soon (but this has been postponed time and again). When it reopens, visitors will be able to walk from the ground floor of the Uffizi, over Ponte Vecchio, all the way to Boboli Gardens. From what I understand, you’ll need a separate ticket for this (more info will be available here ).

With just a day in Florence, walking over this corridor might not be the best use of your time, but you can definitely see it from the outside. As a minimum, be sure to walk over and around Ponte Vecchio!

Sunset Views

End your day in Florence with some amazing views. There are quite a few options and – depending on the season – you might enjoy the city views around sunset. However, I wouldn’t pay too much attention to the exact sunset times and just focus on the activity/ place you want to visit and make sure it fits your itinerary.

One of the nice options for great views is to go for a drink at one of Florence’s best rooftop bars . La Terrazza Rooftop Bar at Hotel Continentale is just next to Ponte Vecchio and would fit this itinerary very well. Alternatively – my personal favorite – check out SE·STO on Arno Rooftop Bar at The Westin Excelsior . Whichever you choose, be prepared to pay € 25+ for a cocktail. And you really should try to reserve a table in advance!

Another popular way to end a day in Florence is to watch a sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo . It’s a 20-30 min walk (uphill) from the city center, but totally worth it. You could also take a taxi to get there.

We went to this viewpoint for sunset as part of this e-bike tour . However, it starts at 6 pm, so keep this in mind if you would want to do it too. In that case, I’d skip the Palazzo Vecchio (inside) and visit the Uffizi Gallery at around 3 pm. This would make your day a bit more relaxing.

End your day in Florence with a nice dinner. I don’t recommend having dinner at hotel restaurants or rooftop bars; instead, opt for a simple traditional trattoria . The food is usually much better and the prices – much more affordable.

A very popular choice for a traditional Florentine steak ( Bistecca alla Fiorentina ) is Trattoria Dall’Oste . They have a few restaurants in town; the one close to the Duomo (see our map) is the most popular one. You absolutely have to reserve a table in advance if you want to dine here!

My personal favorite of all the restaurants we tried in Florence is La Buchetta , close to Ponte alle Grazie (on the way back from Piazzale Michelangelo to the center). This is a small trattoria with very friendly service and the best gnocchi I ever had. They also serve Bistecca alla Fiorentina (and many other traditional local dishes from the Tuscany region).

READ ALSO: Traditional Italian Food by Region

Florence 1 Day Itinerary & Map

Based on our suggestions above, here’s an overview of the recommended Florence sightseeing itinerary for one day:

• 9 am.  Michelangelo’s David ( book timed tickets  well in advance!).
• 10 am.  Duomo complex. We recommend climbing Brunelleschi’s Dome (get timed tickets for e.g. 10.25 am) – that way, you see the interior of the Cathedral as well. Alternatively, visit the Baptistery of St. John and Santa Reparata – that way, you see the interior of the church too. We recommend this all-in ticket that includes everything at the Duomo Complex.
• Morning alternative: Take this 3-hour guided tour as we did – it includes David and the best of Duomo. If you are not interested in the Duomo climb, this highly-rated half-day tour is a better option for you (it also includes a short visit to the most popular places mentioned further below).
• Noon.  Lunch at Mercato Centralle (aka San Lorenzo Market).
• Optional – before or after lunch – Capelle Medicee. See hours/tickets .
• Gelato (you should always make time for gelato when visiting Italy!).
• 2 pm.  Fontana del Porcellino, leather market, Piazza della Signoria. You could also visit Palazzo Vecchio and/or climb the Arnolfo Tower ( book timed-entry tickets in advance ).
• 4 pm.  Uffizi Gallery. Here, you really have to get the tickets in advance ! However, we highly recommend booking a skip-the-line guided tour and visiting with a guide. We took  this small-group tour  and highly recommend it.
• 6 pm. Ponte Vecchio & Vasari Corridor.
• 6.30 pm.  Have a drink at one of the rooftop bars. Alternatively, walk (or join a 6 pm bike tour ) to Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset.
• 8.30 pm.  Dinner at a traditional trattoria. See our suggestions in the itinerary above.

Florence on Monday – Alternative Day Trip Itinerary

As mentioned before, the two main museums in Florence – Accademia Gallery and Uffizi Gallery – are both closed on Mondays. So if you visit the city on a Monday and have just that one day in Florence, you’ll need a somewhat different itinerary.

Here’s what your Monday in Florence could look like:

• 9 am. Duomo Complex. Climb the dome, visit the Cathedral, the Baptistery, etc. ( book your tickets in advance ).
• 11 am. Capelle Medicee ( reserve timed-entry tickets ).
• 11.30 am. Basilica of Santa Maria Novella.
• Lunch at Mercato Centrale.
• Fontana del Porcellino, leather market.
• +- 2 pm. Piazza della Signoria and visit Palazzo Vecchio. Book the tickets for the Palace and the tower in advance!
• Ponte Vecchio.
• +- 4 pm. Visit Boboli Gardens (the adjacent Palazzo Pitti is also closed on Mondays, but the gardens are usually open on Mondays in the high season – see here for tickets and opening days). Alternatively, visit Basilica Santa Croce .
• 6 pm. E-bike tour of the city.
• 8.30 pm. Dinner.

Please note that these times are just indicated for your reference. You can easily switch things around, but be sure to double-check the opening hours. For the Duomo dome climb and potentially Capelle Medicee and Palazzo Vecchio/ Arnolfo Tower, you really should get timed tickets in advance.

READ ALSO: Best Places to See & Things to Do in Florence

Where to Stay

If Florence is one of the stops on your Italy trip itinerary and you want to see the highlights in a day, we recommend spending at least 2 nights in Florence. That way, you have one full day to enjoy the best that the city has to offer.

In that case, it’s probably easiest to stay next to the main railway station – Firenze Santa Maria Novella. This area is excellent for any stay in Florence – it’s convenient for everything including transportation, sightseeing, markets, restaurants, etc. It’s just a few minutes walk from most of the main landmarks.

Here are some recommended hotels within a short walking distance from the railway station:

• €€€€€+ Grand Hotel Minerva
• €€€ € € Santa Maria Novella – WTB
• €€ € € Hotel Croce di Malta (this is where we stayed on a recent trip)
• €€€ c-hotels Club
• €€ Hotel Nizza or Hotel Machiavelli Palace
• € Hotel Abaco

I also have to mention B&B Le Stanze del Duomo – one of the best-rated low-budget accommodations near the Duomo. It’s a bit further from the railway station, but still walkable and the location (close to the Duomo!) is excellent for sightseeing. It offers a great price-quality for Florence.

READ ALSO: Best ROOFTOP Bars & Hotels in Florence

So, this is our recommended itinerary for one day in Florence. The city has a lot more to offer than what you can possibly see in a day. But if you want to get a quick glimpse of the main landmarks and most famous places in Firenze, this itinerary should help you do just that.

Remember to book tickets for all the main attractions in advance . It’s the best way to be sure that you can visit all the places in the most efficient way without backtracking or having to waste time.

Also, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and keep in mind that all the churches have strict dress code which requires that your knees and shoulders be covered.

It’s also best not to carry any large bags/backpack s with you since they are not allowed in some places.

READ ALSO: Florence to Bologna: Travel Info & Itinerary & What to See & Do in Bologna

More travel inspiration for Italian cities:

• Best cities to see in Italy
• 1 day in Rome
• 2 days in Rome
• 4 days in Rome
• 1 day in Venice
• 3 days in Venice
• Milan in 1 day
• Naples in 1 day
• Top sights in Rome
• Hidden gems of Rome
• Top sights in Venice
• Best of Naples
• Best of Verona
• Best of Ravenna
• Best of Siena
• Best of Montepulciano

If you found this post useful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

Some of our favorite places in Italy:

• Best places to visit in Italy
• Capri Island
• Best day trips from Naples
• Best places in the Dolomites
• Lake Como travel tips
• Bellagio (Lake Como)
• Varenna (Lake Como)
• Best Things to Do in Lake Como
• Cinque Terre vs. Amalfi Coast
• Most Beautiful Coastal Towns of the Italian Riviera
• Tuscany Itinerary
• Amalfi Coast travel tips
• Montepulciano (Tuscany)
• For more inspiration, please see our Italy travel blog .

More 1-day itineraries for some of the nicest European cities:

• 1 Day in Amsterdam (Netherlands)
• 1 Day in Barcelona (Spain)
• 1 Day in Edinburgh (UK)
• 1 Day in Glasgow (UK)
• 1 Day in Lisbon (Portugal)
• 1 Day in Madrid (Spain)
• 1 Day in Manchester (UK)
• 1 Day in Rome (Italy)
• 1 Day in Salzburg (Austria)
• 1 Day in Seville (Spain)

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Saturday 8th of July 2023

Hi Jurga, We're planning a trip to Florence in August and I can't seem to find skip the line tickets to Pallazo Vecchio on the date or time that we need. They're all sold out. My question is, if we were there at opening time which is 8am, would there still be a long queue at that time?

Monday 10th of July 2023

Hi Steve, did you also check the official website of the commune? Sometimes they have more time slots available, but it's also possible that it's a bit too early to book tickets for your travel dates at this moment. If you just want to visit the museum, you may be fine going at the opening time and just getting a ticket there, but for the tower, it's best to book.

Friday 31st of March 2023

Hi Jurga, your travel posts are thorough and so detailed with really helpful information—Thank you. I used them for planning a family trip to US National Parks two summers ago- so happy to have this resource for planning our trip to Italy!

Sunday 2nd of April 2023

Thank you for your kind feedback, Betsy. Have a great trip to Italy!

Howard Blount

Saturday 4th of March 2023

Hi Jurga! My name is Howard, and I am a travel blogger myself. I am currently planning a Tuscany road trip, and I discovered your website two days ago. Already, I am completely in love with it. Your posts offer so much valuable information in a well-organized and user-friendly way. I typically don't comment on blog posts, but I made an exception in your case so that you would know how much I appreciate your content. Thanks again! Howard

Monday 6th of March 2023

Thank you very much for your kind words, Howard. Appreciate it. Have a great time in Tuscany!

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Are you dreaming of visiting or moving to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance? Do you want to discover the art, culture, fashion, and fantastic cuisine of this amazing city? If so, you are in the right place. Welcome to my Florence travel & lifestyle blog, where I share with you my tips, experiences, and recommendations for exploring Florence, Italy. Whether you are looking for the best museums, restaurants, hotels, or day trips, you will find everything you need here!

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Home » Europe » Italy » Florence

An Honest Guide to Florence, Italy – From a True Fan of the City

Florence is one of the most popular cities to visit in Italy and for very good reasons: its Renaissance architecture, superlative art, and unwavering devotion to food have all made Florence an international sensation. People travel from all over the globe for a chance to experience Florentine culture, regardless of how much it may cost.

Yes, Florence can be pretty expensive these days, not to mention, very crowded. In the summer, the city is sometimes completely overrun by tourists and there are times where you’ll see more college students than actually Florentines.

BUT Florence is still worth visiting! You just have to know what to do, when to go, and what is really essential to the city.

This Florence travel guide is designed to help you get the most out of your trip and, at the same time, save a buck or two. We’ll cover an array of subjects from lodging to dining to what to see in Florence on any budget. It is my goal to show you a different side of this city and to give the means to really appreciate its splendor.

So let’s not waste time; this is the real way to experience Florence next time you visit!

How Much Does a Trip to Florence Cost? 

Backpacker accommodation in florence, what to do in florence, florence travel guide – a sample itinerary, florence travel guide – extra tips and tricks, eating and drinking in florence – the best food and restaurants, some final thoughts from this florence travel guide….

Visiting Florence on a budget is 100% possible. You just gotta know where to look for the best deals, how to spot a potential rip-off, and how to make your own pasta every now and then. Easy, right?

Florence, like the rest of Italy, can be expensive if you’re reckless with your money. Booking lavish hotel rooms, eating out every night, and buying expensive drinks at the bar will deplete your funds if you’re not careful enough.

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If you plan on visiting Florence on the cheap, you could probably do so for around $40-$60/day.  You will need to be a tough backpacker though. Here are some things to consider:

• Lodging : Lodging in Florence can be pretty expensive, especially when it’s located in the historical center. Even hostels in Florence can be more than than $20/night, at least for the decent ones. Hotels and apartments will obviously be more ($60-$100/night).
• Transportation : You can easily see Florence on foot so don’t worry much about transportation expenses. When you do use the bus, buy from a local tobacco shop instead of the driver – you’ll save a euro doing so.
• Food : If you eat in restaurants near the city center, you will get overcharged. If you stick to the cozy, hidden osteria and trattoria, dishes can be as low as 8-9 euros. Also, groceries and produce are cheap in Italy. 
• Drink : Beer, wine, and cocktails are about 5-8 euros when bought in the touristy neighborhoods of Florence. You can buy booze much cheaper in the local shops.
• Attractions : It’s never cheap to visit the museums in Florence. If you want to see David at the Accademia Gallery or the Birth of Venus at Uffizi, both cost you 20+ euros each.

Average Costs of a Trip to Florence

Here’s a breakdown of individual costs when formulating a daily budget in Florence:

Hostel Dormitory: $20-$30

Basic hotel room for two: $60-$100

AirBnB/temp apartment: $60-$100

Average cost of public transport: $1.50-$2.50

City-Airport transfer: $6.50-$9

Sandwich: $5-$7

Beer at a bar: $4-$6

Coffee: $1.50-$3

Bottle of wine from the market: $6-$8

Dinner for two: $40-$50

Florence Budget Travel Tips

• Buy cheap booze at the shops: Drinking in public is legal in Italy and everyone does it. You’ve never really been to Italy either until you’ve drank a Moretti on some church steps.
• When eating out in Florence: Stick to local osterie (taverns) and trattorie (informal restaurants) where prices are usually more reasonable. Avoid eating in the center of Florence at all costs.
• Find free walking tours in Florence : Or just make your own tour using this Florence travel guide!
• Cook your own food sometimes: Hostels and some apartments come with kitchens; use them. Your own special spaghetti will be way cheaper than that mediocre one in a restaurant. (Just don’t leave the pasta sitting on the table without the sauce; rookie mistake!)
• Buy a Firenze Pass : If you intend on visiting a lot of galleries and museums in Florence, you’re probably better off with one of these. It allows free entry to many of the best museums in Florence and you’ll save more money in the end. Note that you will still have to make reservations for the top sights in Florence, like Bruneleschi’s Dome.
• Stay outside the historical center : It may seem inconvenient walking the extra 5-10 minutes, but it may be worth the extra money saved on hotels in Florence. The city isn’t that big either so you shouldn’t be too far away from the main attractions.
• Take advantage of aperitivo: you can get some really good deals on wine and snacks with these. I myself have been known to make a dinner out of two or three.
• Have a water bottle: Don’t waste money on plastic, bottled waters; carry your own and refill it in the fountains and the tap.

Why You Should Travel to Florence with a Water Bottle

Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… so do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. And I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller .

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Florence is not a big city. Most of the city’s top attractions are located within 15-minutes walk of one another. No matter which neighborhood in Florence you choose to stay in, you’ll never be too far away from the action. 

The central areas of Florence – San Marco, Duomo, and Santa Croce – are where the grand majority of tourists stay. Many of the best things to see in Florence are located in these districts as well. This means that prices will be highest in these areas. 

If you want to stay in Florence on a budget, try looking for accommodation in the outer districts. Santo Spirito, Santa Maria, Annuziato, and Sant’Ambrogio are all more affordable than staying in the centre. 

Hotels in Florence will obviously be the most expensive choice. I don’t much care for hotels but, that being said, there are still some hidden gems in the city. 

I prefer staying in a local Airbnbs over hotels – they usually have more character and nicer hosts. Just remember to check the terms of the apartment and to see if you have to pay extra city taxes.

The cheapest places to stay in Florence are still hostels. There are several good ones in the city although most are located on the edges of the city center.

If you want to spend even less money, you may find success by staying at one of the campgrounds outside of Florence. Some, like the glamping site at Firenze Camping in Town, are easily accessible thanks to nearby bus lines. Others may be in the middle of nowhere, which means you’ll probably need a car (or be good at hitchhiking).

Refer below for some suggested places to stay in the city. If you need more information, then head over to Florence accommodation guide for more information!

The Best Places to Stay in Florence

Are you wondering  which is the best part of Florence to stay in?  Well, let me give you a few suggestions.

Home to the epic dome at Santa Maria del Fiore, which is the tourist center of the city. Lots of cafes, bars, and restaurants surround this landmark.

A more residential area that is a bit farther away but is also cheaper. Still plenty of activities and restaurants around.

San Spirito/San Frediano

Located on the other side of the Arno River, this neighborhood is full of cool bars and local haunts. Students and locals love to come here and sit in the piazzas.

Santa Croce

A tucked-away area very close to the Duomo but equally as interesting. Packed with activities, bars, and restaurants. Also, closer to the Arno.

Santa Maria Novella

A well-connected part of the city that is close to all of Florence’s main attractions. Busy and bustling.

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1. Find a calcio fiorentino match and brace yourself

I guarantee that you will not see one of these on ANY casual sightseeing tours of Florence. Calcio Fiorentina is the original sport in Florence and is very rough to watch. The game, which is a cross between rugby and football, involves a lot of hard physical contact and there is almost always blood. For a real Florentine experience, try and visit one of these in the summer.

2. Have a sundowner at Piazzale Michelangelo

This is my – and probably a lot of other people’s – favorite way to end their day in Florence. The Piazzale Michelangelo has, unquestionably, the best view in the city as the Duomo is literally smack dab in front of your face. Sitting on the steps and drinking a beer with friends makes the experience truly worthwhile and really puts the icing on your trip.

3. Eat some more at the Mercato di San Lorenzo

The Mercato di San Lorenzo is the largest market in Florence and probably the coolest as well. Inside this cavernous space, you will find all kinds of local products from fresh prosciutto to fruit to leather goods and more. Conveniently, there is a large, modern bar located inside as well; take a break from shopping with a glass of wine whenever. 

4. Get in line early for All’antico Vinaio 

There are people that travel to Florence just for this establishment. The sandwiches at All’antico Vinaio are legendarily delicious. This place is so well-regarded that it was actually voted one of the most reviewed restaurants in the world . So it goes without saying that you’ll need to arrive early if want to eat here. 

5. See everything at the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

No Florentine travel guide would be complete without mentioning the all-mighty Doors to Paradise and the cathedral attached to them. The Cathedral of Santa Maria de Fiore hosts probably the most iconic dome in the world and experiencing it is practically a rite of passage for those backpacking in Italy . It would be a tragedy to miss visiting this landmark.

6. Yes, you have to walk across the Ponte Vecchio

Among the most iconic sites in Florence, the Ponte Vecchio ranks up there near the top. It is a symbol of the city, which means that it is very popular and very touristy. Whilst it is a really cool bridge, the crowds here can be horrible and the local shopkeepers can be overly adament.  You should still visit the Ponte Vecchio, but do so once and then move along to other things.

7. Visit the Cappella Brancacci – one of the most underrated attractions in Florence

This chapel isn’t on most people’s must see in Florence, Italy list. Hell, I’m sure most people don’t even know what it is! The Cappella Brancacci is a hidden gem; one of the most underrated and unknown Renaissance masterpieces in the world. It’s half the price of most museums in Florence and attracts a fraction of the crowds. To me, both those qualities are winning. 

8. Have a drink in Santo Spirito 

By day, Spirito Santo is a calm area that is composed of little more than a church and a piazza. By night though, it’s a totally different scene. Santa Spirto is the place where all the locals go to drink late-night and is full of energy at this time. Even if I only have three days in Florence, I always make an effort to go here. 

9. Take a Medici tour

If you really want to understand Florence, then you need to understand its most important family: the Medici. As rulers of Renaissance Florence, the Medici were responsible for many of the city’s greatest achievements, including but not limited to Santa Maria de Fiore and the Palazzo Vecchio. See all the Medici sites in Florence and will become a master of the city yourself.

10. Visit at least one museum (just be careful of the prices)

Some of the most significant art in the Western World is housed in Florence. The Uffizi, Bargello, Palazzo Vecchio, San Marco, and Accademia all have excellent collections and all are worth visiting. But going to all of these institutions will also be expensive, especially for those backpacking in Florence.

I suggest doing some research and choosing one or two museums that you really want to see. For example, I find the Uffizi to be more worth the investment than the Accademia where the Statue of David is found. I figure that if I wanted to see a white dude with a small dick, I’ll just look in the mirror and save twenty euros. 

Editor’s Note: Yes, the author really did write this last part himself and, yes, I don’t think he gives a shit.

Day Trips from Florence 

One of the best parts about visiting Florence is the fact that you’re actually in Tuscany. Though it’s been the center of attention for a while and can seem overrun with wine snobs at times, Tuscany is totally worth the hype. It is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places in Italy and is totally worth exploring.

Here a couple of ideas for day trips from Florence :

• Sienna: Former independent republic and everyone’s favorite Tuscan town. Sienna is most famous for its Paleo races in August, which put the Kentucky Derby to shame. If you visit during this time, get ready for a madhouse. You’ll also find plenty of Italian yoga retreats in this part of Italy.
• Pisa : Famous for the Leaning Tower (partake in selfies at your own risk) but Pisa is so much more. The Duomo de Pisa, located literally next to the tower, is way cooler. May favorite panineria in Italy, Il Porci Comodi, is also here. Finally, being a student town, the nightlife ain’t too shabby either. 
• Viareggio : If you’re visiting Florence in February, you HAVE to make a trip to Viareggio to see the local Carnival. The townsfolk make giant, intricately crafted floats for the festival and there is almost always a Donald Trump themed one.
• Val d’Orcia : This is the place that everyone imagines Tuscany to look like. Winding roads, rolling hills, rows of trees; Val d’Orcia is the poster child for the region. Montepulciano is lauded for its brunello wine while Bagni San Filipo as some awesome travertine hot springs.
• San Gimignano : Probably the prettiest village in Tuscany, thanks to its many delicate towers and crumbling medieval fortifications. San Gimignano also has its own local vernaccia grapes soooooo there’s a good excuse to get drunk at the wineries!

Need help deciding between Florence or Venice ? Check out our helpful guide.

Wondering how many days to spend in Florence? Three days should be more than enough! Refer below for our suggested itinerary on how to see this city in a reasonable amount of time.

Day 1: The First Things to See in Florence!

Most people will arrive in Florence around mid-day – either by train or by flight. This means that the mornings will be quick and that you’ll have to hit the ground running to see the top sights in Florence!

On the first day of this Florence travel guide, we’ll visit many important locations. Much of the day will be for wandering, which I believe is one of the best ways to see Florence!

Morning: Check into your accommodation and drop of your bags. Pack a daypack and then head to the nearest cafe for a jolt of energy. Buy a cafe, a snack, and get ready; today is the first of three awesome days in Florence! 

Early-Afternoon: Start off by visiting one of the city’s many museums. There are a lot to choose from and, unless you have a Firenze Pass, I suggest you stick to one or two. The Uffizi and Academmia are good choices – the former has the Birth of Venus and the latter has the Statue of David. Don’t forget to make reservations for these though!

Late-Afternoon: Take a break and grab some Florentine street food. The local favorite is lampredotto – a sandwich stuffed with tripe (it’s better than it sounds.)

Evening: Spend the early-evening wandering amongst Florence’s many piazze . Visiting the Piazza della Signoria is an absolute must do in Florence as you’ll see many of the most iconic locations in the city, like the Palazzo Vecchio and Loggia dei Lanzi. Finish with an aperitivo .

Night: Head to a local Tuscan osteria for dinner. Order something hearty, like a bistecca fiorentina , because you’ll need a fortified stomach for the evening. After dinner, head to Santo Spirito for drinks and the chance to immerse yourself in Florence’s best nightlife!

Day 2: The Best of Florence!

The second of our three days in Florence is focused on one place: the glorious Duomo and Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. No trip to Florence is complete without seeing these religious and architectural wonders!

Morning: There are tours of the Duomo in Florence throughout the day. If you’re feeling a little haggard, wake up at your leisure and then head out when ready. Note that on Sundays the church is only open after 15:00.

Early-Afternoon: Spend the whole afternoon exploring the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Gawk at the gilded frescoes in the baptistry; climb to the top of Brunelesci’s Dome (there are over 450 steps!); see former Florentine remains in the crypt; spend as much time as you want here! All of these places are accessible with a Cumulative Ticket.

Late-Afternoon: Take a leisurely walk south towards the Arno River. On the way, be sure to drop by the Fontana del Porcellino, home to the bronze statue of the Porcellino Little Boar). Rub its snout for good luck! Once you reach the river, head across the iconic Ponte Vecchio and window shop along the way – the hawkers will be in full force here. 

Evening: Make for the Giardino delle Rose and Piazzale Michelangelo. The former is a lovely rose garden while the latter offers the best views in Florence. Having a beer and watching the sun go down at the Piazzale Michelangelo is a must do in Florence! Be sure to get there early to grab a seat.

Night: Relax, have a nice meal in a quiet spot, and don’t go crazy. Tomorrow is a long day so it may not be a good idea to go out to the bars in Florence tonight.

Day 3 in Florence: Let’s make a daytrip!

Florence is not such a big place; by day three, you may have seen most of its biggest attractions. Granted, there is always something to do in Florence but I think it may be a better use of your time to explore the surrounding area.

Tuscany is a gorgeous region and there are lots of cool places to visit here. We’ve already broken down some of our favorite day trips from Florence; in this section, we’re going to stick to just two: Siena and the Val d’Orcia.

Morning: Pick up a rental car in Florence and get ready for a road trip. Whilst some backpackers may hesitate to spend money on a car, having one is really the best way to appreciate the Tuscan countryside.

Early-Afternoon: Make a b-line for Siena, which is located about 90 minutes south of Florence by car. Once you arrive in the city, be sure to visit the Duomo of Siena and the Piazza del Campo – both are close to one another. Have some lunch at a local osteria or eat a packed one before leaving town.

Late-Afternoon: Depart from Siena and continue south for another hour to reach the Val d’Orcia. This is quintessential Tuscan scenery, which means lots of rolling hills, tree-lined country roads, vineyards, and tourists. Just drive around and find your favorite spot. Here are some tips for taking photos in Tuscany .

Evening: After sunset, make your back to Florence. If you have the time, make a detour into the Monti del Chianti region, which is famous for the eponymous chianti wine. Drop by a local winery for some samples and dinner though please remember not to drink too much. Drinking and driving is frowned upon in Italy.

Night: Return to Florence, pack your bags, and reflect upon an amazing trip!

This is only one of many possible routes; read about some more by checking out our Florentine itinerary post!

Learn more about what to expect when visiting Florence by reading the following sections!

Best Time of Year to Visit Florence

Florence has a very ideal climate, even by Itailian standards. Winters are short, summers are long, and spring and autumn are absolutely perfect. Rain comes and goes but is never around for too long. Those planning a trip to Florence will have a very large window to visit the city so don’t feel pressured!

Summer is the most popular time to visit Florence. Lots of people imagine Florence to be in top form during this time; with long days and balmy evenings, the mood in Florence should be heightened. In reality, summers in Florence are horrible. The crowds are massive, prices are high, and the temperature is sometimes unbearable. Florence is actually one of the hottest Italian cities and temperatures regularly go above 100 degree F in July and August. 

The absolute best time to visit Florence is in the spring . During this time, the temperature is mild and the city is bursting with bloomage. The hills of Tuscany are lush as well and during this time they take on their quintessential green color. Prices are also reasonable up until late-May. 

Autumn is also a great time to travel to Florence . September is the month of the harvest, which means there will be lots of wine and food festivals both in and outside the city. Temperatures are still mildly warm as well and stay so until around November.

Florence in the winter can also be fun! This is a great time to bury yourself in the local osterie and to keep yourself warm with a good glass of chianti or some porchetta . The museums will also be less crowded although they’re never really quiet in Florence.

For information on what to bring, be sure to refer to our Italian packing list guide.  

Want to Study Something in Florence?

Studying can be expensive, but with Global Work and Travel , you can pay in instalments and it’ll fit nicely into any itinerary. You can study either coffee making or cooking in Florence for a week or two weeks. Then, take this new skill home with you to impress the neighbours or woo your future spouse.

Getting In and Out of Florence

There are several ways to travel to Florence:

• By plane – Florence has one major airport (Peretola) located about 20 minutes outside of the city center. Regular buses connect the airport with the city. Note that not many people actually use Florence’s airport – most fly into more well-connected ones like Rome and Bologna and then transfer to Florence. As such, airline tickets for Florence may be more expensive than necessary.
• By train – Train travel is, hands-down, the best way to get around Italy. Florence’s primary train station is conveniently located close to the historical center as well so you can start exploring the city in no time. Just be sure to buy your train ticket ahead of time – prices go up quickly as the departure date approaches.
• By car – We’ll go into this in more detail in the next section, but if you’re driving to Florence then you’ll need to leave your car in the outer areas of town. Driving is restricted in the historical center so there’s no point in trying to park there. The best parking in Florence can be found near the outer metro stations, like Scandicci.
• By bus – Traveling to Florence by bus is cheaper than trains and is pretty similar in comfort. Italian buses are modern, comfortable, and convenient. Taking a bus to Florence is ultimately very convenient and highly recommended. Check out prices on Flixbus using the link below.

How to Get Around Florence

Much to its credit, Florence is one of the few European cities to ban motorized traffic in the city center. The no-car zone is called the ZTL Zone in Florence . In these areas ( refer to this Google map for more info) cars will either not be allowed to drive or will be fined heavily for doing so. For those drivers who think they can sneak by: there are cameras everywhere so don’t think you’re  not being watched. Touristy areas also mean more cops that can spot you. 

If you have a car and are wondering then where to park in Florence, you have two options:

• Stay closer to the city center but pay to park.
• On the outskirts of the city near the tram lines where parking is usually free.

The metro station at Scandicci has a large parking lot where you can leave your car overnight. If you’re spending three or so days in Florence, park your car here and then take the tram into the city. Trust me, you won’t need a car in Florence, ever.

Once you’ve actually made it to the center, the best way to see Florence is just by walking. The city center is pretty small and all of Florence’s must-see attractions are fairly close to one another. You could maybe even walk across the entire center if you make a b-line. 

The only kind of vehicles that are allowed in the heart of Florence are taxis and hotel transports. Most of the drivers have an annoying habit of sneaking up and then scaring the shit out of you with the horn. To avoid the ire of the dickish drivers, try not to stand in the middle of roads aimlessly while taking photos and just be aware of any subtle beeping sounds behind you.

Safety in Florence

Florence is not a dangerous city by any means. Violence rarely, if ever, happens here and if it does it’s completely removed from tourists. Not having to worry about traffic makes Florence doubly safe and frankly I can’t think of any situation where your life would be in danger (besides drunkenly jumping from the Ponte Vecchio). 

That being said, the pickpockets in Florence are particularly talented. A good thief will be able to open your backpack, grab your wallet, and get away without you even noticing. All of Italy suffers from this problem unfortunately so don’t feel like you’re putting yourself at any more risk than usual.

Pickpockets prey upon stupid and unsuspecting tourists. The key to beating them is to a) not look a victim and b) have a backup plan just in case. If you look confident and like you have your shit straight, a lot of thieves will leave you alone and look for easier targets. Some might still go for you, in which case having a money belt would be the ultimate deterrent. 

Not all cons come from crooks either – a lot of reputable businesses may also try to rob you and by that I mean overcharge for something as basic as a coffee or bread bowl. Shady taxi drivers, dickish restaurant owners, souvenir hawkers; not all of these people live to make sure you have the best trip in Florence. 

Not everyone in Florence is necessarily out to get you though! The grand majority are lovely! The key to avoiding the bad ones is simply doing a little online research and checking your bill before you pay.

Travel Insurance for Florence

Traveling without insurance would be risky so do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure.

I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. They’re easy to use, professional and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once you’ve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.

If there’s one insurance company I trust, it’s World Nomads.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Tips for Saving Money on Accommodation in Florence

Sometimes you need your own roof above your head – we know the feeling. Other times, you’re doing everything you can save a nickel and dime.

If you’re trying to the cut the costs of travel to Florence, then maybe it’s time to stay somewhere besides a hostel or apartment. If you need to save money, try one of these:

Couchsurf! – Couchsurfing is the best way to save on cash when it comes to accommodation since most of the time you’re crashing for free. Staying with a local host is also a great chance to experience a more authentic side of the city and to visit hidden Florence.

Problem is couchsurfing is really popular (duh, it’s free) and demand often outstrips supply. Hosts are picky as well so you’ll need to impress them with an eye-catching message. Definitely try couchsurfing but be ready to be rejected.

Tap into your backpacker network – You never know when you have a friend in a foreign city! If you’ve traveled a lot, you may have met someone from Florence or know someone who knows someone.

Reach out to people! Ask to stay with people for a night or two in exchange for cooking dinner or a bottle of wine. If you don’t know anyone in the city, ask your friends if they do – travelers understand the struggle and are usually more helpful than you think.

Camping – Urban camping is a growing trend in many cities. These campsites are comfortable, sociable, safe, and cheap. They are often located on the outskirts of town, which means they are quieter too. Research to see if Florence as any and be sure to bring your own tent too !

Some Extra Free Things to Do in Florence

If you intend on visiting Florence on a budget, you will need several tools at your disposal. Taking advantage of the many free activities around the city is one such method that will you help you save lots of cash. Here are some potential free things to do in Florence:

• Go on a free walking tour in Florence: Whilst technically you could do this yourself if armed with the proper guidebook or travel guide for Florence (nudge, nudge), reaching out to a local expert would also be good. The people at Florence Free Tour offer four walks per day in both English and Spanish.Go on a free walking tour in Florence: Whilst technically you could do this yourself if armed with the proper guidebook or travel guide for Florence (nudge, nudge), reaching out to a local expert would also be good. The people at Florence Free Tour offer four walks per day in both English and Spanish.
• First Sundays: Many museums have free entry on the first Sunday of every month between October and March. Check out the list here!
• Visit the original Last Supper(s) : Few people know that Da Vinci wasn’t the first to paint the legendary scene depicting Jesus and his acolytes. There were several Florentine painters who attempted this first. Refer to VisitFlorence’s page to see them all. (Kudos to them for bringing this to my attention.)
• See the chapel of Santa Maria de Firenze: Whilst many of the facilities at Santa Maria de Firenze require paid-entry, the main chapel is still free to enter. From the inside, you will be able to see the marvelous fresco of the dome still.
• Admire the statues at Loggia dei Lanzi: It’s not the Uffizi, but the selection of sculptures at the outdoor gallery of Loggia dei Lanzi is still impressive. The statues are reproductions but damn good ones at that.
• The sweet smells of Santa Maria Novella’s pharmacy: Pop in for a moment to get a whiff of the tonics and tinctures at the church’s private pharmacy. This place has been creating remedies for over 400 years!

Books to Read Before Visiting Florence

If you need a little extra info to supplement our Florence travel guide, try reading one of these books on the city!

• The Prince : The groundbreaking essay about socio-political dynamics as outlined by the original master manipulator, Niccolo Machiavelli. To this day, The Prince is still one of the most relevant pieces of literature concerning politics and how to take advantage of them. Machiavelli was born and died in Florence during the era of the Florentine Republic. 
• The Divine Comedy : One of the most important pieces of literature ever written in the Western World. The Divine Comedy was the first to ever describe in detail in the supposed levels of Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven. It’s author, Dante Alighieri, is perhaps the greatest Italian writer in history and lived in Florence most of his life.
• Under the Tuscan Sun: A travel novel that is partly responsible for Tuscany’s massive tourist appeal. Concerns a couple who spend a summer renovating a villa in the countryside.
• The History of the Renaissance World: Florence helped give birth to the period of the Italian Renaissance – a period of history that served as a pivot from the Medieval era to the Modern one. Though there are lots of books about the Renaissance, this one comes highly recommended. 
• The House of Medici : The Medici Family and the city of Florence are practically synonymous – you cannot understand one without knowing the other. This book does a good job explaining the Medici’s role in Renaissance Florence.

As the capital of Tuscany, Florence takes gastronomy very, very seriously. Pork is treated with the utmost respect and wine is as revered like a holy saint. Those looking to go on a food tour in Florence should have no problems finding their way. 

Breakfast in Florence usually starts with a caffe normale (espresso) and a cornetto (croissant). Most Italians eat and drink whilst standing at the bar and you should do the same – some cafes in Florence may charge extra if you sit down at a table and order there.

Lunch is usually heavy on the carbs e.g. pasta, bread, and other things that keep people’s energy up. Following a big meal though, many Italians will take a 1-hour sonnellino (nap/break), especially on a hot day. Be prepared for shops to remain closed until 4 or 5 in the afternoon.

Early evening is the time for the aperitivo . An aperitivo is a light snack usually accompanied by a glass of wine or spritz. Aperitivo prices are usually lower than normal; the best comparison I can make is that they are like the Italian version of happy hour. 

Dinner in Florence is late, usually around 9 in the evening. This is when you start to see many of the staples of Florentine cooking. Bistecca alla fiorentina , which is essentially a giant steak, is widely advertised on most menus in restaurants. Florence is also known for lampredotto or tripe. Though it may sound gross at first, it’s better than you think when served in a sandwich. 

Desert is, of course, the most important part of the meal for Italians and in Florence, it usually comes in the form of pastries or biscuits. Schiacciata fiorentina is a particularly beloved treat in Florence.

Nightlife in Florence

When I last visited Florence in summer, my girlfriend and I used to play a little game: every time we heard a foregin accent, we would pop into a cafe and take a shot. To this day, that is probably still the stupidest game we ever invented – within an hour we were wasted.

Now, that game was not much a testament to how many foreigners there are in Florence (there are a lot) but more to how easy it is to drink in Florence. There are little cafes and bars in every corner of the city; having a drinking is just a matter of popping into one for a moment! The fact that you can take your beer or negroni to-go in Florence is also really awesome.

The biggest nightlife in Florence is generally found in the city center. Much talked-about joints like Moyo, YAB , and The Blob are all found around Santa Croce and the Piazza del Republica. Whilst I personally don’t go for clubs myself, I can recommend visiting local-legend Lion’s Fountain . This is one of the most notorious college bars I’ve ever been to and is, for me, like a blast from my very hazily-remembered college past.

If you want to be with locals, then the best place to drink in Florence is Santo Spirito. During the day, this Florentine neighborhood is a quiet, unassuming area. At night though, the piazza erupts with natives and the mood becomes quite rowdy. Bars emerge from cracks in the walls and table magically appear in the square, although a lot of people choose to sit on the church steps instead. 

If you’ve reached this point and are still wondering whether or not Florence is worth visiting, then I can only say at this point: “GO!” Florence is totally worth the hype. Yes, it is crowded with tourists and, yes, almost every single corner of this city requires a ticket to see. That being said, none of these things should deter you. 

Florence is one of my favorite cities in Italy. It is gorgeous, hopelessly romantic, and imbued with an energy that you can’t really find anywhere else. I often remark that the feeling I get from Florence is what I expected from Paris in that this is one of the most culturally unmatched cities in the world. 

It doesn’t matter how many days you plan to spend in Florence – one, two, seven, twenty, whatever – just make sure you visit at least once in your life. You won’t regret it.

Before signing off, I wanted to share some last bits of information regarding responsible travel in Florence and how to possibly stay here for longer periods of time. Take a moment to consider the following… 

Volunteering in Florence

Long term travel is awesome. Giving back is awesome too. For backpackers looking to travel long-term on a budget in  Florence whilst making a real impact on local communities look no further than  Worldpackers . Worldpackers is an excellent platform  connecting travelers with meaningful volunteer positions throughout the world .

In exchange for a few hours of work each day, your room and board are covered.

Backpackers can spend long periods of time volunteering in an awesome place without spending any money. Meaningful life and travel experiences are rooted in stepping out of your comfort zone and into the world of a purposeful project.

Worldpackers opens the doors for work opportunities in hostels, homestays, NGOs, and eco-projects around the world. We’ve tried and approved them ourselves – check out our Worldpackers in-depth review here.

If you’re ready to create a life-changing travel experience and give back to the community, join the Worldpacker community now. As a Broke Backpacker reader, you’ll get a special discount of $10. Just use the discount code BROKEBACKPACKER and your membership is discounted from $49 a year to only $39.

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

Make Money Online While Backpacking in Florence

Traveling in Italy long-term? Keen to make some cash when you are not exploring the country?

Teaching English online is a great way to earn a consistent income—from anywhere in the world with a good internet connection.

Depending on your qualifications (or your motivation to obtain qualifications like a TEFL certificate) you can teach English remotely from your laptop, save some cash for your next adventure, and make a positive impact on the world by improving another person’s language skills!

It’s a win-win! Check out this detailed article for everything you need to know to start  teaching English online .

In addition to giving you the qualifications to teach English online,  TEFL courses open up a huge range of opportunities and you can find teaching work all over the world. To find out more about TEFL courses and how you can teach English around the world, read my in-depth report on  teaching English abroad.

Broke Backpacker readers get a 50% discount on TEFL courses with  MyTEFL (simply enter the code PACK50), to find out more, please read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad.

Whether you are keen to teach English online or looking to take your teaching game a step further by finding a job teaching English in a foreign country, getting your TEFL certificate is absolutely a step in the right direction.

Being a Responsible Traveler in Florence

Reduce your plastic footprint:  Perhaps the best thing you can do for our planet is to make sure you do NOT add to the plastic problem all over the world. Don’t buy one-use water bottles, the plastic ends up in landfill or in the ocean. Instead, pack a  tough travel water bottle .

Go and watch A Plastic Ocean on Netflix – it’ll change how you view the plastic problem in the world; you need to understand what we are up against. If you think it doesn’t matter, get off my fucking site.

Don’t pick up single use plastic bags, you’re a backpacker – take your daypack if you need to go to the shop or run errands.

Bear in mind, that many animal products in countries you travel through will not be ethically farmed and won’t be of the highest quality. I’m a carnivore but when I’m on the road, I only eat chicken. Mass-farming of cows etc leads to the rainforest being cut down – which is obviously a huge problem.

Need more guidance? – Check out our post on  how to be a responsible backpacker.

Visiting Florence, Italy will bring you ample opportunities to participate in debauchery, and it is very important to have fun, let loose, and get a bit wild at times. Most trips I have been on across the world have included at least a few mornings where I wake up knowing I went too far.

But there are some things that will put you in the category of a straight up jackass if you do them. Being super loud and obnoxious in a tiny hostel at 3 AM is a classic rookie mistake. Everyone in the hostel will hate you when you wake them up. Show your fellow travelers respect whilst traveling in Florence and anywhere else for that matter!

Florence is a beautiful place that has touched countless people, so let’s not mistreat it. It clearly inspired the makers of this video, which, not gonna lie, has made me cry (only) a few times.

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Florence Has World-class Museums, Incredible Nightlife, and Beautiful Hotels — How to Plan a Trip

Visit Florence for an unforgettable adventure. Discover the best hotels, restaurants, and things to do with this highly curated Florence travel guide.

Best Time to Go

Things to know, how to get around, best hotels, best restaurants, things to do, best shopping, neighborhoods to know, apps to download.

Michelangelo here, Donatello there. As the cradle of the Renaissance, Florence was the city that brought you all those household names – and they're all still here. The famed Uffizi Galleries and the Accademia are just the start – this is a city stuffed to the gills with museums, galleries, and masterpieces aplenty. Churches are full of frescoed chapels and heavily pigmented crucifixes. Houses are hulking palaces, built with hand-hewn, human-sized stones. Even the stores come with ancient beams and painted ceilings. Sometimes, the beauty is overwhelming.

That's where the other Florence comes in. This is a city surrounded by nature like no other. Cross the Ponte Vecchio and the river Arno is the Oltrarno district, home to cobblestone piazzas, laidback cafes, and artisans plying centuries-old trades. You can stroll along the riverside, explore exquisite gardens laid out in the Renaissance, or wind around cypress-studded hills. At every turn, you'll get killer views of the city and its gargantuan terracotta dome, standing out against the mountains in the distance. In Florence, even the landscape is art.

Central European Standard Time

Summers are hot, sticky, and super busy, but other than that, any time is good to visit Florence — not least because you'll spend most of your time indoors in the museums. Florence's Easter celebration of the Scoppio del Carro, in which a team of cream-colored oxen tow a wagon into the Piazza del Duomo and then set off the fireworks inside it, is a huge event. In late June, Piazza Santa Croce is closed off to make the pitch for a game of Calcio Storico — or "historic football," a mix of soccer, rugby and wrestling in 16th-century dress. Festa di San Lorenzo takes place each August, where there are celebrations including free lasagne in Piazza San Lorenzo, in honor of former ruler Lorenzo de' Medici, the man who kicked off the Renaissance.

Currency : Euro (Check the current exchange rate )

Language :Italian

I don't speak Italian : Non parlo italiano I'm lost : Mi sono perso/a I would like… : Vorrei… How much is…? : Quanto costa…? How do I get to…? : Per andare a…? I don't understand : Non capisco

Learn more Italian phrases

Calling Code :+39 Capital City : Rome

Trains : High-speed trains stop at Florence Santa Maria Novella station.

Buses : The city center is largely pedestrianized, though there are trams from the train station that wrap around the center. Coaches arrive near Santa Maria Novella, too.

Taxis : There are taxi stands at main sites including the train station, Piazza del Duomo and Piazza San Marco. Or call +39 4242 or +39 4390.

Car service : Most hotels can arrange private transfers.

The Place Firenze

Address: P.za di Santa Maria Novella, 7, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 264 5181 Book Now

With its rooftop terrace pointing plum at the Duomo, JK Place was long a lux pied-a-terre for those in the know. In 2021, after a light renovation, it became The Place Firenze – still offering a plush townhouse feel, but with a renewed focus on throwing visitors into Florentine life, hooking them up with the best artisans, artists and creatives in the city. Everything from breakfast to the minibar is included.

Velona's Jungle

Address: Via Montebello, 86, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 274 1536 Book Now

Veronica Grechi is the consummate host at this upscale B&B in her grandparents' former home. The theme – all lush leaves and wild beasts – is taken from the 1930s, and the place combines period antiques collected by her nonno , an antiques dealer, with loud Christian Lacroix wallpaper and the odd flash of animal print. Just four rooms on the main floor gives a home-from-home feel; in 2021, they added six rooms themed around wildlife on the floor below.

Address: Via Baccio Bandinelli, 98, 50142 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 713 0272 Book Now

What do you get when one of Florence's top architects converts a former factory into his atelier and hotel? This urban retreat, where staircases seem to float midair, soothing creams pair with mid-century furniture, and antique travel trunks have been turned into wardrobes. The intimate garden and pool are a haven from the city, though note it's a 30-minute walk to the center, or easy five-minute tram to Santa Maria Novella.

Palazzo di Camugliano

Address: Via del Moro, 15, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 265 4578 Book Now

Think this looks like an aristocrat's lair? You'd be right – the 16th-century palace belongs to the Marchese di Camugliano, who generously shares its grand coffered ceilings, elaborate stuccoes and multiple frescoes with guests. Four-poster beds, fireplaces, and heavy drapes amp up the luxury in the 11 rooms – one junior suite even has stucco putti beckoning you into the bathroom – but it's more elegant than over-the-top. There's a lovely, leafy roof garden, too.

Four Seasons Florence

Address: Borgo Pinti, 99, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 26 261 Book Now

Step into this living museum and you'll be met by 15th-century frescoes and bas reliefs in the courtyard of what was once a summer villa owned by the Medici family. It's made for good weather, with a sprawling 11-acre garden filled with art and shade-giving trees, plus an outdoor pool. Choose from rooms in the main building or La Villa, on the far side of the garden – the best bet for families.

Address: Piazza del Duomo, 1/7, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 267 0004 Book Now

You'll have unparalleled views of the Duomo from this 18th-century palazzo standing right opposite it. It's divided into six elegant, contemporary serviced apartments, each with jaw-dropping views – one even has Giotto's Bell Tower peeking over the part-glass roof.

Grand Amore Hotel & Spa

Address: Via dei Servi, 38/A, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 035 1500 Book Now

This is Italian opulence at its best: bold, colorful rooms (think purple, black, or scarlet-themed) with sexy black and white photos behind the velvet-headboarded beds. Some rooms nab great views of the Duomo, peeking out at the end of the street, but the real reason to come here is for the "comfort crew," who customize your stay with everything from your favorite flowers to drinks, and note your in-stay preferences to provide a truly unique experience.

Boutique Hotel in Piazza della Signoria

Address: Via dei Magazzini, 2, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 239 9546 Book Now

Locations don't get much more exciting than this, a 14th-century palazzo in Piazza della Signoria itself. The traditionally styled rooms have touches including 18th-century frescoes or beams, and, for groups, there are three apartments. It's a B&B, and breakfast is served at the communal table.

Continentale

Address: Vicolo dell'Oro, 6r, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 27 262 Book Now

Part of the Ferragamo family's Lungarno Collection, the Continentale whisks you back to the 1950s with its low-slung chairs, monochrome portraits, and travel trunks as furniture, cocooned by white-on-white palettes, and gauzy drapes round the beds. Riverside rooms feel cantilevered over the Arno, while even city-view ones have glimpses of the Duomo. Spy on the Ponte Vecchio from the rooftop terrace, or have a treatment in the basement spa.

Il Tornabuoni

Address: Via de' Tornabuoni, 3, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 212 645 Book Now

The latest five-star hotel in the city takes over a 12th-century palazzo, fitting it with 62 boldly colored rooms – think flaming reds, deep indigos, and blazing mustards – plus a rooftop terrace. Traveling with family? This is the one for you – most rooms have two double beds, with modern brass four-posters.

Portrait Firenze

Address: Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli, 4, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 2726 8000 Book Now

Overlooking the Arno in the shadow of the Ponte Vecchio, and owned by the Ferragamo family, this top-notch hotel combines location with style. The look is understated retro – all shades of grey paired with brass, mid-century furniture – while the ultra-bespoke service means arriving to see your favorite pillow or photo by the bed. Front-facing rooms have knockout views of the Ponte Vecchio and the cypress-spiked hills behind town.

Address: Via del Campuccio, 53, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 075 0602 Book Now

Backed up against Europe's largest privately owned city garden with a yawning wraparound terrace, this bucolic retreat is only a 15-minute walk from the fray. Outside the modern rooms, it feels every bit a stately home – in fact, the Marchese Torrigiani, whose villa this is, has a family pad elsewhere in the building.

La Leggenda dei Frati

Address: Costa S. Giorgio, 6/a, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 068 0545 Website

In the 17th-century Villa Bardini overlooking the city center, this Michelin-starred restaurant takes Tuscan cooking to new heights, with cinta senese pork and macaroni found in its up-to-nine-course tasting menus. Its Coach Kitchen workshops share the secrets. Reservations recommended.

La Carbonata del Porrati

Address: Borgo Pinti, 95R, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 234 3370 Website

You might come here for the chichi pizza, made with top-end ingredients from the adjoining grocery store. You might come for the melt-in-the-mouth bistecca alla fiorentina, Florence's signature steak, its local Mugello meat grilled to utter perfection. Or you might come for the service – you won't find a friendlier family in Florence.

Trattoria Zà Zà

Address: Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 26r, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 234 2836 Website

It's at the busy San Lorenzo market but Trattoria Zà Zà isn't here for the tourists. This Florentine classic has been going strong since 1977 and showcases owner Stefano Bondi's mother's recipes, from Tuscan steak tartares to the dozens of pasta dishes and smorgasboard of meaty mains.

Trattoria Sabatino

Address: Via Pisana, 2/R, 50143 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 225 955 Website

You want: classic Italian nonna cooking. You need: to while away a couple of hours at this superb, casual trattoria, serving Tuscan classics from the retro-typed daily menu. The choice is limited but you can't go wrong, with normally two types of pasta, several meats, plus cheese and alcohol-stewed fruit for desserts.

Burro e Acciughe

Address: Via dell'Orto, 35/R, 50124 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 045 7286 Website

When all that hearty Tuscan cooking gets too much, you need this taste of the seaside in San Frediano. The chichi seafood, from grilled shellfish to fusilloni pasta with octopus ragu, is the perfect palate-cleanser.

Osteria Mescita San Niccolò

Address: Via di S. Niccolò, 60 r, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 234 2836 Website

Excellent traditional trattoria and wine shop, with well priced Tuscan classics such as pappa al pomodoro, chickpea soup and rabbit with beans and potato. Choose from the old-style tiled dining room or the ancient church crypt, uncovered after the 1966 floods.

Ristorante Accademia

Address: Piazza San Marco, 7r, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 214 412 Website

It's steps from the Accademia but this is no tourist trap – it's a classic Florentine restaurant, serving fantastic, hearty Tuscan food, as well as dishes from Southern Italy's Abruzzo. All the pasta is made inhouse. Reservations recommended.

Mercato Centrale

Address: Piazza del Mercato Centrale, Via dell'Ariento, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 239 9798 Website

Try the best Tuscan (and beyond) street food on the mezzanine floor of the city's San Lorenzo food market. Stalls include Roman trapizzino (filled pizza pockets), Tuscan-Chinese dumplings, and homegrown lampredotto – essentially tripe sandwiches.

Trattoria 4 Leoni

Address: Via dei Vellutini, 1r, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 218 562 Website

A laid back but top notch trattoria amid the artisans of Oltrarno. Sit outside in the square and feast on Tuscan specialities – the veggie dishes are superb, from pumpkin flans to artichokes smothered in lardo (a super-fatty salume) and pecorino.

Address: Via della Spada, 62/R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 218 757 Website

You'll need to sleep off the carbs after a meal at this excellent restaurant which specialises in roasted and grilled meats from their rosticceria . Try anything from pork to rabbit on a spit, or go all out with a steak. Don't miss the grilled sausages or the juicy roast potatoes.

Berberè San Frediano

Address: Piazza dei Nerli, 1, 50124 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 238 2946 Website

Hands down the best pizza in Florence is from this cult little Italian chain. Eat with the locals in the Borgo San Frediano location – you'll find all kinds of dough, and imaginative toppings, including spicy Calabrian 'nduja with salami.

Address: Borgo Pinti, 99, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 262 6450 Website

Summer's the time to visit this Michelin-starred restaurant in the Four Seasons Hotel – it's when tables are laid outside in the garden. Book a romantic dinner in a nook overlooking the grounds or under the 'weeping' beech.

Uffizi Cafeteria

Address: Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 294 883 Website

While away a day in the Uffizi Galleries, breaking in the café for lunch. It's a cut above museum restaurants, with one of the best views in the city from its panoramic terrace pointed straight at the Duomo.

Piazza della Signoria

Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure

Address: P.za della Signoria, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

Kick back at one of the ringside restaurants (we like Rivoire) to take in the scene at Florence's main square. The seat of power, with the Palazzo Vecchio and Uffizi at its heart, it's a cobbled, open-air gallery of grand statues, a gushing fountain, and locals cycling through.

Address: Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 230 2885 Website

Florence's brick-domed cathedral, known simply as the Duomo ("the dome" – still the largest masonry cupola on the planet) is the city's icon. Climb the 463, narrow-threaded steps (not for the faint-hearted or claustrophobic) to the top for unparalleled views of the city, plus close-ups of Vasari's famous murals inside the dome. Wander the square but don't miss the sister museum, the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, home to Michelangelo's Pietà and beautifully modernized in 2015.

Museo di San Marco

Address: Piazza San Marco, 3, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 088 2000 Website

You'll get a taste of Renaissance Florence at this still-functioning monastery. The 15th-century painter Fra Angelico lived here – you'll find his meditative frescoes in the monks' cells, as well as a newly renovated room displaying some of his best work on the ground floor.

Uffizi Galleries

It's one of the world's most famous museums for good reason: there are over 3,000 works of art on display here, including iconic paintings like Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Michelangelo's Doni Tondo. The second floor, containing 16th-century paintings, was refurbished for 2021.

Palazzo Vecchio

Address: P.za della Signoria, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 276 8325 Website

The castle-like building dominating Piazza della Signoria (and the one which took center stage in "Hannibal") is this, the seat of power of the Florentine republic. It's studded with works by the likes of Donatello, Michelangelo, and Bronzino, but it's the ruling Medici family's private rooms, frescoed by Giorgio Vasari, that really spin back the centuries.

Ponte Vecchio and River Walk

Address: Ponte Vecchio, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy

Cross the Ponte Vecchio – that famous covered bridge with houses dangling off the side – for great views of the River Arno from the open-arched middle. Then cross back to the Uffizi side for a riverside walk west – in 10 minutes, and crossing the river once more, you'll be in Piazza Santo Spirito, or continue up to Borgo San Frediano and the old city walls.

Piazza Santo Spirito

Address: 50125 Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy

The city center can get uncomfortably busy but this square typifies the laidback Oltrarno ("across the Arno river") district. Go on the second Sunday of the month for its famous antiques market, or pick a trendy bar and drink in the scene.

Cappella Brancacci

Address: Piazza del Carmine, 14, 50124 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 238 2195 Website

Up a little from Piazza Santo Spirito, this unassuming little chapel in the Santa Maria del Carmine church is where the Renaissance is said to have begun. It's frescoed wall-to-wall by Masolino and Masaccio, the pupil who would come to outshine him, with later additions by Filippino Lippi. Masaccio's startlingly modern Adam and Eve being expelled from Eden changed the course of art history.

Piazzale Michelangelo

Address: Piazzale Michelangelo, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy

You'll get the best views of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo, halfway up the hill on the other side of the Arno, with a panoramic terrace pointing straight at the Duomo. If you've got the stamina, carry on up to San Miniato al Monte, the marble-clad, Romanesque church which overlooks the city.

Santa Croce

Address: Piazza di Santa Croce, 16, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 246 6105 Website

Another monastery stuffed to the gills with great art and great Italians. Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and Galileo are amongst the people buried here, while there are works by Cimabue, Canova, and the della Robbia brothers, as well as frescoes by Giotto.

Boboli and Bardini Gardens

Address: Costa S. Giorgio, 2, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 294 883, +39 055 2006 6233. Website | Website

One ticket gets you into both Florence's superstar gardens. Behind Palazzo Pitti, the Giardini di Boboli are an Instagram heaven, their grottos and fountains planned by the Medici, but the garden at Villa Bardini has the best views of the city, plus wisteria-wreathed pergolas and a seemingly never-ending staircase cleaving through the hill.

Accademia Gallery

Address: Via Ricasoli, 58/60, 50129 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 098 7100 Website

Come for the "David" – Michelangelo's colossal icon, carved from a single slab of marble – but stay for his unfinished male nudes ("The Prisoners") and Giambologna's mesmerizing "Rape of the Sabine Women".

Cappelle Medicee

Address: Piazza di Madonna degli Aldobrandini, 6, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 064 9430 Website

Michelangelo's most mournful works are these intimate tombs of the Medici family, topped with colossal figures of Night, Day, Dusk and Dawn, with a Madonna and Child between them. They're in the Sagrestia Nuova; on the way, don't miss the high-domed, marble-clad Cappella dei Principi, or Chapel of the Princes – one fancy wedding cake of a building.

Palazzo Strozzi

Address: Piazza degli Strozzi, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 264 5155 Website

When you've had your fill of the Renaissance, amble over to this immense palazzo which hosts some of Europe's best temporary exhibitions, many of them modern. Afterwards, grab coffee in the 'Courtyard of Wonders,' home to rotating contemporary art installations.

Officina Creativa at Il Vecchio Conventino

Address: Via Giano della Bella, 50124 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 570 627 Website

This one-stop shop for Tuscan artisans brings together 25 workshops in an atmospheric former convent-turned cultural center in San Frediano. There's something for everyone here, from ceramics to weaving, and jewelry to shoes.

Simone Taddei

Address: Via Santa Margherita, 11/R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 239 8960 Website

Simone is an extraordinary artisan, practising a craft that goes back centuries. He creates handmade leather boxes, from tiny cufflink and jewelry holders to the kind of grand creations you'd see in a stately home. The most special souvenir you could take from Florence.

Cecilia Falciai

Address: Via dei Macci, 25/r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 347 258 0357 Website

Cecilia is a master of mosaics and scagliola – the Florentine technique of inlaid stone that resembles marble. She takes commissions, but pop into her workshop for an array of ready-to-go works, from framed modern pictures of iconic Florence buildings, etched on slate and hand-filled with pigment-rich plaster, to color-popping jewelry.

Manufatto Fiorentino

Address: Via Giano della Bella, 20, 50100 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: NA Website

Florence has been known for its leather workers for centuries, and Barbara Dall'Acqua, an artisan at Il Vecchio Conventino, keeps the tradition going, with handmade bags in contemporary styles (think bold prints and clashing linings), using a mix of Tuscan leather and textiles.

Velona Antichità

Address: Via dei Fossi, 31, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 287 069 Website:N/A

Florence's antique traders are among the best in the world. This family business (relatives of Veronica from Velona's Jungle B&B) has everything you might want, from 18th-century furniture to paintings, lamps, and coffee pots.

Giulio Giannini

Address: Piazza de' Pitti, 37R, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 212 621 Website

Maria Giannini is the sixth generation of her family to make marbled paper, hand-bound leather notebooks, and signet rings. But she's modernized the business, too, offering marbled water bottles, cellphone cases, and face masks.

M'adame

Address: Via Ser Lapo Mazzei, 16, 50126 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 342 377 9676 Website

Sofia Ricceri's retro handmade hats and hairbands whisk you back to a pre-tourism time when Florence was the epitome of chic. Contact her for a made-to-measure look, or find her pret-a-porter collection amongst other artisans at Florence's Rinascente department store, or at Boutique Nadine.

Boutique Nadine

Address: Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli, 22/red, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: N/A Website

Classic Florence is the muse at this lovely womenswear shop on the banks of the Arno. Vintage silks, cashmere, and lingerie alongside modern designers add a little romantic oomph.

Riccardo Luci

Address: Via del Parione, 35 A/R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 799 6188 Website

Florentines have been marbling paper for the insides of book covers since the 16th century, and Riccardo has inherited his father's trade. Want to learn? He does paper-marbling workshops. He also makes personalized books, stamped in gold leaf with tools used by no fewer than three generations of his family.

Paolo Penko

Address: Via Ferdinando Zannetti, 14/red, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 205 2577 Website

Paolo is a master goldsmith producing intricate, outré jewels studded with precious stones, and wedding rings inspired by real Renaissance museum pieces. His signature piece? Gold (and bronze and silver florins), gifted on important occasions since the 15th century.

Address: Via Porta Rossa, 42r, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 311 974 Website

Bold prints are on the rails at this cute womenswear shop by local designers. Whether it's a maxidress in a Gucci-esque stamp, a skirt with bright green apples, or tigers prancing all over a shirt, they're full of outré pieces. They discount heavily come sales time.

Brandimarte

Address: Via del Moro, 92r, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 349 422 0269 Website

The Guscelli family have been master silversmiths since 1955. Today, they make everything from wine decanters and tasting glasses to picture frames and even Bluetooth loudspeakers. Plus, of course, classic jewelry – the hammered silver collection is especially striking.

Address: Via Romana 151rosso, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 229 288 Website

Make room in your suitcase for something – even a coathook – from this Oltrarno workshop making lighting and furnishings from bronze and brass. From super chic chandeliers to sleek stools, umbrella stands, and door handles, everything is worked with care by their artisans.

Address: Via de' Guicciardini, 16/R, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 282 895 Website

Master shoemaker Calogero Mannina opened his workshop near the Ponte Vecchio in 1953. Today, his son Antonio has joined the business, hand-stitching exquisite made-to-measure shoes for men and women.

Address: Via di Santa Lucia, 24R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 293 291 Website

High-end, hand-made men's shoes from this German cobbler who's refined her art in Florence. Everything's in the detail, here – like the half leather, half suede ankle boots studded with mother of pearl buttons.

Centro Storico/District 1 : Florence's city center, also known as District 1, is remarkably compact. Running roughly from the Ponte Santa Trinità to the Ponte alle Grazie bridges, the area north of the Arno contains most of the tourist sites. There are two focal points: Piazza del Duomo, where the gargantuan cathedral swaggers over the city, and Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of the city, where you'll find museums such as the Uffizi and Palazzo Vecchio gathered around one of Italy's most spectacular squares. The Uffizi ends at the River Arno.

Santo Spirito : Oltrarno — the name means "across the Arno" — covers the city on the other side of the river, but in visitor terms Oltrarno usually refers to the area around Santo Spirito. It's a neighborhood of artisans, small cafes, and grand historic monuments including the Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens.

San Frediano : Part of Oltrarno but slightly further west than Santo Spirito, away from the center, laidback San Frediano includes gems such as the Brancacci Chapel, plus traditional restaurants and trattorie with olive-slicked hills rising at the back.

In a basin surrounded by mountains and hills, Florence is humid. Spring is warm — temperatures are in the mid 50s to 60s, feeling hotter when the sun is out — but summer can be sweltering, with an average temperature of 77°F feeling hotter thanks to the humidity. Fall tends to be sunny, with temperatures averaging low-to-mid 60°F in October. Winters are ostensibly mild, with temperatures in the mid 40s, though the humidity gives them an extra bite.

January : 36°F to 52°F February : 36°F to 55°F March: 41°F to 61°F April: 45°F to 66°F May: 54°F to 75°F June: 59°F to 82°F July: 64°F to 88°F August: 64°F to 90°F September: 57°F to 81°F October: 50°F to 70°F November: 41°F to 59°F December: 37°F to 52°F

+Firenze : Live updates from the city council. iOs | Android

Firenze the Walking City : Best hiking routes around the sites and hills. iPhone only. iOs

itTaxi : Taxi ride-hailing service. iOs | Android

Firenze Card App : maps and opening hours of museums taking part in the tourist card scheme. iOs | Android

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Visiting the Duomo Florence (Florence Cathedral): The Ultimate Guide

Posted on Published: December 20, 2021  - Last updated: November 23, 2022

Categories Blog , Cultural Travel , Europe , History , Italy , Religious Sites

If you travel to Tuscany, one of the top tourist attractions is the Duomo Florence. It’s the main church in Florence, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore . Located in the heart of Florence at Piazza del Duomo, it’s one of the most visited places in Europe. That’s for an excellent reason: these are architectural and artistic wonders.

I highly recommend visiting the Duomo when you travel to Florence. It’s featured in my 3 day Florence itinerary as a must see spot. There are several structures in Piazza del Duomo: Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery of St. John, Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, and others, including the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral.

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The Cathedral is the largest building in medieval Europe and the fourth largest in all of Europe in the present day. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as part of the Historic Center of Florence . Visiting the Florence Cathedral is one of the best things to do in Florence. Trust me, it’s worth climbing up hundreds of stairs to the top of the Duomo. You’ll enjoy one of the best views of Florence from up there.

Table of Contents

Admiring the Exterior of the Duomo Florence: Piazza del Duomo

You should absolutely walk around Piazza del Duomo and appreciate the cathedral from the outside. It’s a massive building that you have to see in person. It’s hard to gauge the sheer size of the Duomo Florence from photographs alone. This is one of the most famous places in Italy and you’ll quickly see why: the Duomo is magnificent.

There are so many intricate carvings, statues, and mosaic tiles in shades of white, pink, and green. Walking around Florence is like living in a museum. You need to see everything right up close. Walking around the outside of the Florence Duomo Complex is totally free and it’s right in the middle of the city, so you can do this as many times as you like when you travel here.

Places to Visit at the Duomo Complex in Florence, Italy

Once you’ve thoroughly explored the exterior of the cathedral from all sides, it’s time to go inside the church. When you travel to Florence, you must climb to the top of the Duomo’s cupola, admiring the interior of the cathedral on your way.

I’ll also show you some other places to go within the Duomo complex as well. If you only have a short amount of time in Florence, I suggest checking out the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the observation deck at the top of the Duomo.

All hours of operation are listed on the official website. You can also find the ticket prices there as well.

Visiting Inside the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (It’s Free!)

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is the third longest church in the world at 153 metres long, designed by Arnolfo di Cambio. The first longest church is St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, and the second longest is St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. When it first opened in the 15th century, it was the largest church in Europe.

This is the third cathedral of Florence, built over top of the second cathedral. It’s dedicated to Santa Maria del Fiore, the Virgin of the Flower, which references the lily (the symbol of Florence). Construction on this church lasted many years. The first stone was laid on September 8th, 1296, and the drum of the dome wasn’t completed until 1421.

Visiting Santa Maria del Fiore is completely free. Make sure you respect the rules of attire as this is a place of worship. You must cover your shoulders, knees, and refrain from wearing sandals, hats, and sunglasses. 

As it’s a free attraction, there can be long lines that grow throughout the day. The lines do move rather quickly, but we recommend arriving early. Allow yourself about 30 minutes to fully experience the interior of the Florence Cathedral.

Brunelleschi’s Dome: The Duomo Florence

You must book your entry time for the Duomo ahead of time. There are only a limited amount of spaces for each time slot every day, and they do sell out. Plan in advance to book the best time slot for your schedule. Give yourself about one hour to see the Duomo. This includes seeing the interior, climbing the stairs, and admiring the view at the top.

Even with a limited amount of people allowed at one time, we found that the wait times were still lengthy inside the Duomo. Try to book your visit as early in the day as possible for shorter wait times.

The Duomo’s cupola was added in the 15th century by Filippo Brunelleschi. The dome is egg-shaped and built without using any scaffolding. It was revolutionary at the time and it’s still an architectural feat. The cathedral took about 140 years to complete, with some finishing touches extending beyond that time.

The dome was constructed as a support-free dome with a double shell. When you climb the stairs, you’re hiking in the air space between these two domes. The inner dome supports the structure, made out of light bricks. The outer dome serves as a protective barrier from the elements.

On your way to the top, you have the opportunity to stop on two different levels to gaze up at the painted inner shell of the dome. These famous ceiling frescoes, painted by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari from 1572 to 1579, depict the Last Judgment.

Climbing to the Top of the Cupola, Brunelleschi’s Dome

It takes 463 steps to get to the top of the cupola, but it’s well worth the trek. Unfortunately, there is no elevator and you will be required to climb the stairs.

You’ll get a little bit of a workout, which will help you burn off all the pizza and pasta I’m sure you’ve been eating in Italy. On the way up the stairs, you’ll be able to catch little glimpses of what’s to come.

Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views of the city. With a 360 degree panoramic view, you can see everything from up there. From the tops of the rust roof buildings to the rolling Tuscan hillside off in the distance, this scenery will leave you in awe.

While admiring the interior of the Florence Cathedral was worth the price of admission, the panoramic scenery from up top was the highlight of our visit. Next, I’ll detail another great place within the Duomo Florence building complex where you can see amazing views, too.

Giotto’s Bell Tower

Giotto’s Bell Tower (Giotto’s Campanile) stands next to the Duomo. It was designed by Giotto in 1334, but was not finished until after his death. It is one of four main monuments in the Piazza del Duomo. Giotto’s Campanile is one of the finest examples of 14th century Gothic architecture and likely built more for decorative purposes than functional ones.

The bell tower is 84 metres tall and 15 metres wide, and it is thought to be the most beautiful bell tower in Italy. The marble reliefs are copies of the ones by Andrea Pisano, and the original ones are located in the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo. Pisano completed the bell tower after Giotto died in 1337, and he only made some small changes to the design (gave the bell tower a flat roof rather than a spire).

You can climb to the top of Giotto’s Campanile for more stunning panoramic views of Florence. If you have the time to visit both the bell tower and the Duomo, definitely do it. If you find yourself with a shorter period of time in Florence, I suggest only visiting the Duomo and participating in some other activities with your remaining time in Florence.

The Duomo Terraces

The Duomo Terraces weren’t open when we visited Italy, but it’s another way to experience the amazing Duomo Florence. The Cathedral Terraces are a continuous balcony at the base of the dome that offer a close-up view of the architecture and marble carvings.

The main function of the Duomo Terraces were for workers who maintained the cathedral. While it’s still used for that purpose today, tourists can also explore this balcony for an alternative view of the Duomo and Florence.

The Baptistery of San Giovanni

The Florence Baptistery (Baptistery of Saint John or Battistero di San Giovanni) is the oldest building in Florence and it sits opposite of the Duomo. It was already completely built before they began building the Duomo. Built in the Florentine Romanesque style, its construction likely started in the 4th or 5th century.

The Baptistery is most famous for its three sets of bronze doors with relief sculptures. Many notable Italian figures were baptized here, and the Baptistery contains the monumental tomb of Antipope John XXIII, by Donatello.

To visit the Battistero di San Giovanni, you must book a combined ticket with the Opera del Duomo Museum. You can visit the Baptistery on its own without a ticket to the museum, but these tickets are only available on the first Tuesday of each month.

Opera del Duomo Museum

Unfortunately, we didn’t have the chance to visit the Opera Museum when we were in Florence as it reopened in late 2015. Hopefully we’ll get the chance to visit when we return to Florence someday. In 1891, the museum was founded to conserve the works of art that have been removed from the Duomo and Baptistery.

There are more than 750 works of art across three levels at the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo. The main floor houses a sculpture gallery, including the main altar by Girolamo Ticciati and sculptures from Di Cambio’s workshop.

The second floor features artwork from the Bell Tower, the Cupola, and the works of Baccio Bandinelli. And the third level showcases models and proposals for the new facade, as well as an outdoor terrace facing the Cupola.

Your ticket to the Opera Museum also comes with a ticket to the Baptistery. Please note that you must visit the museum first before the Baptistery with this combined ticket.

Plan Your Visit to the Duomo Florence

I don’t recommend simply showing up at many tourist attractions in Florence. As Florence is such a popular city to visit, many of the top attractions have timed tickets. By purchasing timed tickets, you’ll save yourself a lot of hassle (you won’t need to wait in huge lines to buy tickets) and you’ll have guaranteed entry to these locations. These places do sell out in advance, so you need to plan ahead to avoid disappointment.

How to Book Tickets and Tours to the Duomo Florence

It is easy to purchase tickets to any of the above attractions from the official Duomo website . You can buy tickets in person from the official Ticket Office in Piazza del Duomo no. 14/A, but it is subject to availability and there are no guarantees. I don’t recommend waiting to buy them.

You can also purchase tickets to Brunelleschi’s Dome in advance from this popular booking website . It ensures that you have a set time and you can skip the line. For only a little bit of an extra cost, you can book a guided tour and receive some explanation behind what you’re observing.

Another site that I didn’t mention that you can also visit is the Crypt of Santa Reparata, at the Santa Reparata church. It doesn’t look like you need any tickets to visit.

How to Dress While Visiting the Florence Cathedral

It’s important to dress appropriately. Bring something to cover your shoulders and knees, or wear pants/long shorts and a top with sleeves. Don’t have bare shoulders. Wear comfortable footwear as you’ll be climbing a lot of stairs.

You won’t be able to bring any large bags or backpacks when you visit the Duomo in Florence. Small bags and purses are allowed, but you’ll need to leave the larger backpacks behind at your accommodation (or luggage storage facility).

When to Arrive and Which Sites to Visit

Don’t rush your visit. And please be patient. It will take some time to get to the top of the cupola. You want to have enough time to admire the artwork, the architecture, and the view. I don’t suggest trying to book all of these attractions in the same day. It will all become a blur at some point!

Don’t arrive any more than 5 minutes before your scheduled appointment as there won’t be any line-up (but you won’t be allowed in early). And you aren’t able to show up late. Any longer than 5 minutes later than your scheduled appointment and you could forfeit your ticket.

When we visited, we only checked out the Duomo. If you plan to visit the Bell Tower, don’t visit on the same day as the Duomo. That will be way too much climbing in one day and you’ll see two similar attractions. I suggest visiting the Cathedral on one day, and choosing the other attractions for another day.

Other Important Tips You Need to Know

There are lots of great restaurants near the Duomo in Florence. Here are my favourite vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Florence (many are within walking distance of the Duomo) and here are the best gelato establishments in Florence .

For short term stays in Florence, we loved staying at La Farina Apartments , about a 20 minute walk from the Duomo. In case you want to explore other parts of Florence and decide to stay longer in the city, there is a wide selection of accommodation options available in Florence .

Wondering how to get to Florence? We love traveling by train in Europe, and it’s really easy to reach Florence by train from many major cities around the continent. We reached Florence by train from Venice, and it was a very comfortable journey.

More Florence Blog Posts

Justin and I absolutely loved traveling to Florence, so we have lots of great Florence travel blog articles. Here are even more blog posts in addition to the ones that I’ve already mentioned that you may find useful:

• From Florence to Pisa: Take a Half Day Trip to Pisa
• Michaelangelo’s David at Accademia Gallery in Florence
• 5 e Cinque Vegetarian Restaurant in Florence
• Libreria Brac Restaurant in Florence
• Kunnubio Restaurant in Florence
• Discover Tuscany With Florencetown (Siena, San Gimignano, Chianti)
• 25 Best Movies About Italy You Need to Watch

Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. She started Justin Plus Lauren in 2013 and has travelled to 50+ countries around the world. Lauren is an expert on vegan travel as one of the very first vegan travel bloggers. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns.

Wednesday 23rd of November 2022

You may want to check the meaning of the word duomo. The Duomo in Florence is the cathedral, not the dome.

Thanks for reading my article, Carole. I hope that it helps you plan your trip to Florence! I put a lot of time into the research of this article and loved visiting myself. I hope you have the opportunity to go there, too.

The Travel 2

Friday 24th of August 2018

First thing I thought when I read the blog's title was 'Duh... It's FLORENCE's cathedral. You just have to visit!'... then I saw the photos and everything made even more sense. Cool blog post guys! :)

Tuesday 28th of August 2018

Yes! There might be the temptation to gaze at it from the outside but not to actually buy tickets and enter the building. It isn't something that should be skipped as it's fabulous inside and out!

Tuesday 19th of September 2017

Duomo offers a great history there a lot to learn. Florence is a brilliantly sentimental Renaissance city, with hundreds of years of wonderful engineering every step of the way, never neglecting to motivate. One thing you can’t miss is the complex of structures in the Piazza del Duomo, including the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore with its wonderful arch offering far reaching perspectives of the city, the Campanile Bell Tower, and the Baptistry of St John with its broadly luxurious cut bronze entryways. Obviously there are numerous historical centers and exhibitions. You can’t leave without seeing Michelangelo’s David in the Galleria dell’Academia. The San Lorenzo and Little Piggy markets are incredible for shopping and you can unwind in one of Florence’s many parks. Tuscany appreciates an exceptionally hot atmosphere, so for a break from city touring why not go to the shoreline at Viareggio, which is open in less than one and a half hours via auto or prepare. The Crocodile Water Park in Arezzo offers heaps of fun with slides and whirlpools.

Tuesday 4th of April 2017

We have put together a page that talks in detail about the duomo of Florence, it's history and architecture and also a video about how it was made.

I hope your readers find this helpful http://www.fibnb.com/insights/florence/the-duomo-of-florence/

Monday 20th of March 2017

Ah didnt know there were this beautiful church! Sadly I skipped Florence on my way in Italy. Will come back again for this. Thanks for sharing!

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How To Climb the Florence Duomo

Sean Finelli Last Updated: April 15, 2024

If you’re heading to Florence, Italy, you cannot miss the city’s most iconic architectural wonder and popular attraction—the Florence Duomo. In this guide, you’ll learn the history behind Florence’s big red dome as well as how to see this beautiful Florence cathedral.

Pro Tip: Planning what to do on your trip to Florence? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you need it. Check out our guide to Florence for more planning resources, our best Florence tours , and how to visit the Florence “Il Duomo” Cathedral .

How To See the Duomo of Florence

The Florence Duomo, officially known as the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, is a symbolic and artistic landmark of the city. As one of the largest churches in the 15th century, the Duomo’s historic display of wealth and prominence overshadowed cathedrals in surrounding cities. However, the story of its construction exceeds the lifetime of its creators.

Today, the Florence Duomo is one of the most popular attractions in Florence. In this guide, you’ll learn the history behind Florence’s big red dome as well as how to see the Florence Duomo.

The History of the Construction of the Duomo

Until 1412, Florence’s main cathedral was the Santa Reparata. It had provided the city with centuries of religious practice and historical support. The replacement, however, would emphasise the expansion of Florence’s prominence throughout Italy. Arnolfo di Cambio, the Duomo’s designer, began construction on September 8, 1296, when he laid the first panel of white marble with accents of green and red. Remains from the Santa Reparata are visible in the crypt of the Duomo.

At the time, Cambio was well-known in Siena for his contribution to the marble pulpit in their cathedral. He trained with Nicola Pisano to master architectural techniques until he began his own work. Other famous landmarks of his include monuments in Rome, Perugia, and, most importantly, Florence.

Although Cambio began construction in 1296, the completion of the Duomo wouldn’t be seen for over 140 years. The concept of enclosing the rooftop of the Duomo was too advanced for the late 13th century because Florentines lacked the technology to construct a dome of that diameter. Despite this major flaw in Cambio’s design, the Duomo’s construction proceeded.

You must imagine…nothing like this had ever been attempted before. Francesca, Florence Guide

The Competition

Eighty years into building the Duomo, they still hadn’t uncovered the technology for the cupola. So, the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore ran a competition in Florence to welcome the designs of engineering and architectural geniuses. One architect, Filippo Brunelleschi, won the competition for his keen knowledge of physics, geometry, and structural design.

He presented a plan that provided inner and outer shells with spaces in between to keep the space intact. Although this structural foundation is an indispensable facet of modern buildings, his unprecedented design was originally frowned upon by scholars and architects alike.

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  Florence Guide for more info.

Brunelleschi and the Egg

It wasn’t until Brunelleschi presented an egg that the judges accepted his idea. Because his idea was new, he had no physical evidence to prove that the building would stand on its own, especially at such a massive size. Determined to prove himself and his work to the judges, he met with them and brought one tool: an egg.

He made all the judges attempt to stand an egg upright on the table. If you think it’s impossible to do, you’ll understand the judges’ frustration at the time. After all the judges tried, Brunelleschi grabbed the egg and smashed it on the table, which allowed it to stand perfectly upright.

At first, the judges laughed. They claimed they could’ve replicated his childish antics if they had known they could break the egg. However, Brunelleschi insisted that not one of them came up with the idea. After this thought, the judges approved his designs.

The Ceiling of the Duomo

The Duomo’s ceiling conveys intricate details and years of artistry paralleling that of the outside. The Grand Duke, Cosimo I de’ Medici, commissioned two artists by the names of Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari to paint the ceiling of the octagonal dome.

Taking inspiration from Dante’s “Divine Comedy” and mirroring the mosaics in Florence’s Baptistery, the artists portrayed the Last Judgment . Eight groups of figures were depicted in the scene within six circular rows of the dome to ensure that the cycle of religious events could easily be portrayed. These mosaics remain one of the most prominent features of the Duomo itself, and many gather to learn the story for themselves.

How To Visit the Florence Duomo

Explore the Interior

Looking to get a glimpse inside Florence’s top attraction? As you enter the Duomo, you will immediately notice its beautiful Gothic architecture. With its vertical emphasis and ribbed vault, the Duomo’s size will surely shock you.

Climb To the Top

Climbing the 10 stories to the top of the Duomo is an experience of a lifetime. As one of the largest masonry cathedrals in Europe, the breathtaking view overlooks the entire city of Florence and beyond. There’s no view like it from any structure in the city. With no elevator, the 463-step climb gives you an up-close look at the Duomo ceiling and the surrounding marble, sandstone, and brick. The trek is worth its weight in gold.

It’s quite a climb to the top, but you must get the view if you can. Francesca, Florence Guide

Not ready to book a tour? Explore our article on the best Florence tours to take and why .

About Sean Finelli

Sean is a co-founder and owner of The Tour Guy and its subsidiary The Roman Guy. He studied finance and statistics, but that is his "Dr. Jekyll" side! His "Mr. Hyde" is in love with travel, art, history, and culture. Sean has read libraries of historical text and believes that all internet content should come from books. A practice he follows!

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HI! I’M Georgette

Welcome to my personal blog by a curious American girl who has found herself permanently in Europe for over 15+ years after studying abroad here in 2005. I was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas and somehow the city of Renaissance beckoned me to stay for over 15 years. 

This blog is primarily about my life in Florence, Italy and a personal journey through life, loss, motherhood, work, learning new languages, good food, travel and the difficulties of assimilating to a new culture again..and again. 

From me, you’re guaranteed to get honest and thoughtful articles as I love deep discussions and wading through the fluff we often see online about Italy. 

Together with my husband Nico, our toddler Annabelle and Ginger the beagle, we recently returned to Florence in September 2023 after three years in Switzerland and it has been quite an adventure reacclimating as a family to the city where we first met. 

Thanks for the support and enjoy the blog! 

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The Florence travel guide for first-time visitors

Things to do in Florence Florence Travel Guide

Attracting more than 10 million tourists every year from around the globe, the city of Florence is easily one of the most visited places in Italy owing to its abundant historic, artistic, social and economic past.

It is also, undoubtedly, one of the most beautiful and elegant cities in Italy. The medieval gem captures the essence of time-tested traditions and history with a blend of modern culture. As you walk through the alleys of Florence, it will feel like experiencing a historical account of a place existing centuries before.

Historical museums, palaces and churches are one of the many reasons to visit Florence. The extraordinary paintings are known worldwide for their exotic composition and style, bringing a change in the world of art, and the religious landmarks mark the two central parts of the rich past of this city. As you take a tour of the city in a well-planned way, you will soon discover that the soul of Tuscany has so much more to offer. A planned tour to Florence is a better option because managing time as well as choosing places can be a big trouble as there are uncountable places in the city. This travel guide includes all the notable places in the city that you should definitely visit on your trip to Italy.

Why Florence?

Deemed as the cradle of the Renaissance Age, as it was one of the foremost locations from where the movement of revival began, the historical city of Florence is rich in its memorable occurrences to which the architectural wonders still stand as a testimony.

The city is an ideal illustration of the Italian Renaissance, being one of the first early cities to be established as an academic center, and the birthplace of cultural and humanist revolution that shattered the shackles of the Dark Ages in Europe.

Home to famous personalities like Michelangelo, Niccolo Machiavelli and Leonardo Da Vinci, Florence has been treated as an ancient manifestation integrated with modern-day Europe. The widespread past of the capital of Tuscany spans across several centuries.

Apart from this, Florence is also one of the fashion realms in Europe. Home to luxury brands like Gucci, which still has its headquarters in Florence, and Salvatore Ferragamo, it is also one of the most popular cities when it comes to expensive and world-class vogue.

Heaven for history and architecture enthusiasts, the age-old streets are also famous for the wide variety of Tuscany cuisine, like the famous gelato made specially in Florence, they offer to make the experience all the more exciting for foodies.

Top 10 Things To Do in Florence

Florence Essentials

Language Italian

Time zone GMT +2

Country Code +39

Socket Types C & F

Currency Euro (€ )

Florence Trip Planner

All you need from the Florence travel guide before you book your tickets and zip your bag!

When to visit

Weather in florence.

Florence experiences a subtropical Mediterranean climate with mild winters and generally hotter summer months. During the entire year, the temperature generally fluctuates from 35°F to 90°F and is hardly below 25°F or above 97°F.

Spring is the most crowded month with the weather being neither too hot nor too cold. Winter is usually the least crowded. The best months suitable for tourists are between May and September as Florence has a seasonal climate although travelers might have to encounter rainy days.

The most crowded months are between April and October. As the number of tourists increase, the accommodations and other expenses also rise. You might want to choose less crowded months if you want a budget-friendly tour.

Florence in Spring

Florence experiences mild Spring that sets in during late March and summer season commences in June when the temperature begins to rise. Accordingly, spring is a good time to visit Florence with weather conditions suitable for sightseeing. The days are generally long allowing you to have leisure time at palaces and museums. The streets of Florence are usually brimming with springtime markets and fairs allowing visitors to enjoy the Spring holidays Florentine style.

Florence in Summer

Summer usually lasts for 2.8 months beginning from June 15 to September 19. July is the hottest month with an average high temperature of 88°F and low temperature being 65°F. Summers are usually short but hot. Due to its location, Florence is surrounded by hills that hinder the wind movement. As a result, there is no breeze that makes the summers unbearable for some tourists. June and September are relatively nice with the weather being warm.

Florence in Autumn

Fall in Florence typically starts in September and lasts till November. November is the rainiest month and the weather fluctuations are more common in autumn. However, Florence has a lesser number of tourists compared to Spring and Summer. Bike trips, wine-tasting and a trip to a museum are best suited activities. This is also the time when there are the best deals available on accommodations. If you are looking for a budget-friendly trip, Autumn is the month you need to go for!

Florence in Winter

Winter in Florence begins in December and typically lasts till February. This is the least packed season but brimming with decorations with New Year just around the corner. Days are usually cold with shorter opening hours of tourist attractions. Some of the businesses might be closed due to the holidays so you might miss out on some things. Nevertheless, the winter sales and Christmas decorations are worth seeing and you will get to experience Christmas the Italian way.

April, May, June, September, and October are typically the best time to visit Florence considering the weather conditions. However, these are peak seasons for tourism and hence, the most expensive as well. We advise that the best time to visit Florence is from May to September. This is also the time when the city has many festivals and events lined up.

Budgeting in Florence

Florence can be expensive if not budgeted rightly, but with some research, you can make it a value for money trip! Read on to find out more about budgeting in Florence and how you can save money. If you make top-end choices for your visit, it could cost more than €250.

Italy comes under the Eurozone, and hence requires the Schengen visa for tourists. If you’re travelling to other Eurozone countries, one Schengen visa will allow you to travel in Italy as well. Residents of the US are allowed to enter Italy for up to 90 days without a visa.

While there is no blanket rule for the need of a travel insurance when going to Italy, it is however highly recommended. Bear in mind that the purpose of your visit can also affect your requirement for a travel insurance.

Learn more about Florence through the Year!

What to eat in florence.

Florentine and Tuscan cuisine is greatly influenced by their medieval past. Italian cuisine is famous around the globe and Florence is one such perfect example of the unique dishes the country has to offer. This Florence travel guide is your one-stop shop to ensure you don't miss out!

Bistecca Fiorentina

This Florentine steak is prepared from the meat of a cow that has not birthed a calf yet. Like chief Italian dishes, Bistecca Fiorentina is free from lofty marination to bring out the taste. The flavor solely relies on the high-quality chopping of the meat and is enhanced by salt.

Places to Try Out: Coco Lezzone, Buca Lapi, Buca Mario

Lampredotto & Trippa

Made from the fourth stomach of a cow, this street food was initially an invention of farmers who were unable to afford food for their families. Lampredotto is usually served as a sandwich and is one of the local favorites.

Places to Try Out: L’antico Trippaio - Piazza de' Cimatori, Da' Vinattieri, Trippaio del Porcellino, Da Nerbone - Mercato Centrale

Cervello Fritto

This dish is just the brain of a veal calf fried and eaten. Originally, the purpose was to utilize as much of the meat as possible to get proteins. The dish is prepared easily by soaking the brain in lemon and frying it.

Places to Try Out: Trattoria da Marione, Trattoria Mario, Osteria del Nacchero

Coniglio Arrosto Morto

A variety of dishes you can easily get in Italy but rarely in other European countries will be made from rabbit meat. This one is prepared with few ingredients but has an amazing taste.

Places to Try Out: Osteria dei Centopoveri, L’Osteria di Giovanni

A frozen dessert that is indigenous to Italy, Gelato is a must-try if you are in Florence. You need to look out for vendors selling artificial colors with extreme garnishes. Another trick is to recognize the color of pistachio gelato, if it is brighter than a faint greenish-brown, you have to try it somewhere else!

Places to Try Out: Gelateria Perchè No, Gelateria dei Neri, Gelateria Pasticceria Badiani

How to Save Money in Florence

Known for its art and culture around the globe, Florence is one of the most popular cities in Italy. As such, the prices are also high but with a few tips and tricks you can save a lot of money on your trip!

• Schedule your visit: Plan your trip between October and March as the crowds are usually less during this month. The flight rates and accommodations will be economical during this time. You will also pay less for your trip to places like Uffizi Gallery where the tickets decrease from £20 to £12 during the off-season.
• Book your Accommodations Beforehand: Although some seasons are less crowded than others, Florence is not a seasonal destination and tourists visit throughout the year. To be on the safe side, book your accommodations early to get the best deals. You may want to pay extra for free cancellation in case your plans change later.
• Add Free Things to your List: While most of the tourist spots in Florence require an entry charge to be paid, there are many free things you can enjoy. Search and make a list of all the spots you can enjoy free of cost!
• Take Advice from Local Citizens: While the internet can provide you extensive information, nothing beats the real-life advice which Florence citizens can give you. Hence, ask locals about their recommendations. Many times good places do not have an online presence and you can miss out on a lot of good food and places by taking tips only from the internet
• Don't Fly Directly to Florence: Another way you can save money on your trip is by landing in Rome or Milan. You can spend some time in these cities. Take a train ride to Florence, it costs less than £40. It will be cheaper than directly flying to Florence. Flying to the city costs more even if you are in crucial hubs like London and Barcelona.

Day Trips from Florence

An exciting day trip that you shouldn't miss out on is from Florence to Pisa to tour the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. The tower, memorable for its leaning structure resulting from an unstable foundation, stands as an example of architectural wonder.

Another thrilling trip is from Florence to Chianti. The landscapes of this region are so strikingly beautiful that they often become a part of postcards and are praised by tourists from across the globe.

Perhaps you can take a trip from Florence to Siena. Siena is probably the most charming medieval city in Italy and if you are in the country, a day trip to Siena is a must to appreciate the wide variety of destinations Italy has to offer you.

Public Transportation In Florence

Although Florence can be scoured on foot and strolling through the streets seems to be a good idea, the public transport services are just as good. If you are looking to save some energy for sightseeing, you won't have any problem traveling by services like Taxi or Train.

• Taxis: Compared to other options, Taxis are generally costlier in Florence. The ride will not be cheaper than £7-£8, no matter how short your trip is. There are also tariffs that are charged according to the time and day. Minimum Charges are €3.30 from 6 am to 9 pm. On Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays, €5.30.
• Metros: Metro trains are currently unavailable in Florence as the city is small and easy to travel.
• Train: The trains in Athens connect the port of Piraeus with Athens International Airport. It also forms a link between Athens to Evia's Halkida and the Peloponnese's Kiato and Corinth. The suburban railway runs every day from 4:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Buses/ TrolleyBuses: Approximately 100 buses are connected throughout Florence making the bus service extremely efficient. The city also offers night bus services called Nottetempo. This service is not available throughout the night. The timings are usually from 10 pm to 2 am. You can purchase tickets from the stops or inside the bus where they are available at the front as well as the back of the bus. The timings of day buses are from 6 am to 10 pm.
• Airport: Located 4 kilometers away from the heart of Florence, Florence Airport, Peretola, can easily be reached in 15 minutes by taxi and 20 minutes by bus.
• The Tram: The Tram services are generally useless for tourists as none of the tram lines connect to any historical locations. However, you can avoid traffic jams which are inevitable in taxis and buses. Currently, there are 3 lines operating from 5:30 am to midnight.

Florence Sightseeing Tours

A Guided Tour is a better option for travelers visiting the country for the first time, for many reasons.

• It may be difficult to buy tickets during peak season. You do not have to be worried about tickets and other charges in a guided tour.
• Tour guides will be accompanying you to keep you informed about the tourist attractions. As Florence is an ancient city, learning about its rich past is an advantage.
• You do not have to worry about taking a taxi or catching a bus on your own. Guided Tours covers all these facilities.

1. Florence Hop-on and Hop-off Walking Tour : This tour includes one guided and eight self-guided routes with Vox City App to explore various attractions from the Renaissance era. Commentaries are available in languages like English, Chinese, Spanish, etc. However, you have to manage facilities like transportation and tickets.

2. Florence Duomo Express Guided Tour : This trip comprises a tour of the city's crown jewel, Duomo with experts to provide you with an account of how it was built. Headphones will be given to larger groups and English and Spanish-speaking guides are also available.

3. Accademia Gallery Guided Tour : This tour includes skip-the-line tickets and a tour guide to help you delve into the history of the rich artistic and cultural center of Ancient Florence. Once the guided tour is over, you can even enjoy the Gallery at your own pace.

4. Uffizi Gallery Guided Tour : Enjoy the rich artworks inside Uffizi Gallery from this two-hour-long guided tour. Learn about the history and significance of masterpieces inside the Museum in a small group of not more than fourteen tourists.

5. Leaning Tower and Piazza Dei Miracoli Guided Tour : Tour the main attraction of Pisa, Piazza Dei Miracoli, which includes the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Cathedral and Baptistery led by a professional tour guide. This half-day tour will be an enriching experience to learn about the history of Pisa.

If you want to explore more of what Tuscany has to offer, take a look at the Day Trips from Florence we have curated are for you!

Hotels in Florence

Florence secures millions of visitors every year. The historical city is a famous tourist destination and as such, there are numerous hotels, some of them being antique palaces and villas. The average cost of accommodation for one person is €69.

Luxury Hotels

• Four Seasons Hotel Firenze : Although located a few miles away from the city center, this 5-star hotel has 116 rooms with each one of them designed differently. The antiquated hotel is rampant with statues and oil paintings. Covered in rich velvet and silk, the plush rooms are detached from the world outside. It is also just a few minutes away from the Duomo.
• The St. Regis Florence : The most important advantage of this modish and luxurious hotel is its prime location in Florence. Located near all the main tourist spots, it was renovated in 2011 giving it a contemporary touch; however, facets of it still convey the essence of Florentine.
• Villa Cora Florence : Villa Cora hotel was originally a possession of Emperor Napoleon III’s widow Eugenié due to which the interiors echo the historical decor and architecture with gilded mirrors and jingling chandeliers. Situated on the road driving to the Porta Romana town gate, it is a short distance away from Ponte Vecchio. However, the hotel lacks a city view from the rooms as the terrace is the only spot from where you can relish Florence.

Economy Hotels

• San Lorenzo: : Located in the northern area of tourist regions, San Lorenzo is crammed with stalls and delicious Florentine food available in various restaurants. The area is generally busy as the main market of the city, Mercato Centrale, is in this area.
• San Marco : Located near the university, San Marco is a hub of local and international students. If you are young yourself, San Marco is the perfect place to stay. The place provides a chance to interact with the local students and have cheap bars and cafes in close vicinity.
• Hotel Por Santa Maria : Located in the Duomo region, the hotel is relatively cheap compared to others. Providing facilities like free Wi-Fi connection and air conditioning, it is also close to attractions like Uffizi Gallery and the Cathedral. Although there are no food services inside the hotel, you can easily find restaurants and cafes nearby.

Budget Hotels

• Hotel Alessandra : Hotel Alessandra is a Florentine-style hotel built in the 16th Century. The hotel is not only budget-friendly but just a few walks away from famous attractions like Ponte Vecchio.
• CoDe Room : Another budget hotel built in contemporary style, CoDe Room has a friendly staff that is always ready to help and assist the tourists. They can be easily called through phones. The hotel is just walking distance from the famous Uffizi Gallery.
• Hotel Bella Firenze : A few minutes away from popular destinations like Duomo Florence, Hotel Bella Firenze is also near the train station. The budget-friendly hotel can accommodate two to four people in a lodging.

Florence Insider Tips

• Always carry cash with you. Florence usually charges high fees on Visa and Mastercard. So, it is better to bring some cash with you. Exchange rates are far more affordable in your own country. So, exchange the currency before visiting.
• Tourists around the world visit Florence for its paintings and sculptures. As a result, long lines for tickets are common in galleries and museums. Book your ticket online to save your time.
• While ancient buildings are a must, do not forget to enjoy and appreciate the local artists in Florentine streets. Spend some time after a tiring trip to relish in open piazzas.
• Petty crimes like pickpocketing and snatching are common in popular tourist destinations and Florence is no exception. Watch out for thefts and take care of your belongings.
• Visit early to avoid crowds. Plan things beforehand so you can manage your time.
• Florence is not a big city. Every spot is 20 minute’s walk away. So you can have a walking tour as well.

Festivals in Florence

• Explosion of the Cart : Florence has a unique manner of celebrating Easter which falls at the end of March or in April. During the event, a cart crammed with fireworks is pulled by white oxen from Porta a Prato to the Duomo.
• Saint John's Day: To pay homage to the patron, Saint John the Baptist, Florence supervises a public festivity every 24th of June. The ceremonies begin with a short parade in the morning where people depart from Palazzo vecchio to the city to offer candies to their patron. During the night event, Piazzale Michelangelo lights up with spectacular fireworks shows.
• Maggio Musicale Fiorentino: Maggio Musicale marks the most important event in Florence. Many painters, architects and directors participated in this event which made it an international phenomenon.
• Fiesole Summer Festival: Every year during the summer months, Fiesole Theater lights up with shows celebrating the culture of Florentine. The festival has maintained a stature in the realm of dance, music and theater.

Florence Culture Tips

• Extensively rich in Renaissance heritage, Florence had been heralded as the artistic center impacting the entire world with its art, culture and architecture.
• Florentine people are well-known for their entertaining and humorous nature. They are proud of their city and won't hesitate to tell you about its history.
• Although most of the people are friendly, some locals do not like the external influence tourists have on their valuable city. However, those who are willing to interact with different cultures are more accommodating.
• Florence is extremely safe so there is no problem taking night walks in the city. Violent crimes are rarely reported.

How many days do you need in Florence?

3 days would be ideal! You can cover all the important spots at leisure!

What is the best month to visit Florence Italy?

Between May and September would be perfect due to the sunny, warm weather.

What should you not miss in Florence?

• Ponte Vecchio
• Florence Duomo
• Uffizi Gallery
• Accademia Gallery

Is Florence Italy crowded?

The months between April and October draw the most crowds in Florence throughout the year. Despite this, if you plan your trip meticulously, you'll be able to experience the best of Florence without the hassle of a crowd at any time of the year!

What is the off season in Florence Italy?

From November to March is considered to be off-season in Florence.

What is Florence best known for?

Primarily for being a central location for the Renaissance movement, as well as its architecture and museums housing iconic pieces of art.

Amulya Chintaluri

Amulya's love for travelling was a natural consequence of her moving around so much as a child. Throw in her love for writing into the mix, and there's no better way to spend her time. A person who collects hobbies like Infinity Stones, she loves reading, sketching, drawing, painting, dry pressing flowers, music, cooking, eating cake, watching TV and sleeping.

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A weekend in Florence: travel guide, attractions and things to do

Everything you need to know for a city break in the beautiful capital of italy’s tuscany region, why you should visit florence.

F lorence, or Firenze, is “always at the top of the most beautiful places in Italy list”, said Rough Guides . This city in Tuscany “has it all”, from world famous museums and glorious architecture to the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio. It’s also home to “historic” markets, “magnificent” gardens and some of the world’s top art collections. If you want to see “probably the finest collection in the entire city”, book an immersive private tour of the Uffizi Gallery. 

• SEE MORE Hotel Savoy Florence review: reignite your passion for luxury travel
• SEE MORE Relais Santa Croce by Baglioni review: a palazzo fit for a Florentine noble

The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is “nothing if not historic”, said Condé Nast Traveler . It attracts around 10 million visitors each year who visit for the city’s “frozen-in-time” palaces, “legendary” attractions, and tourist-friendly Tuscan cuisine and gelato stands. “Ever up for reinvention”, Florence is “modernising” and behind those “classic façades” you’ll find “smart design and influential spaces”. If you’re “still dreaming of your last visit there 20 years ago”, then it’s “time to go back”. There’s plenty more to see.

Top attractions and things to do

When in Florence, of course you must visit the Duomo – one of the “most impressive pieces of architecture in the world” – and Michelangelo’s statue of “David” in the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze, said Sofia Gymer on TheWeek.co.uk . You should also visit the Piazza Santa Croce, where the stunning Basilica of Santa Croce resides. With a “striking façade” of coloured marble and an interior “brimming with religious artistic masterpieces”, it’s known for housing the tombs of some of the most famous Italians – the real titans of history. Step inside its cool interior to escape the midday sun and visit the resting places of Galileo Galilei, Michelangelo and Macchiavelli, just to name a few. Do make sure you have a scarf or jacket to cover your shoulders though – this is a requirement for most churches in Florence.

Florence Cathedral 

The Duomo complex incorporating the Baptistery and Giotto’s Bell Tower dominates Florence’s skyline in all its pastel glory. Elaborately decorated in white, pink and green marble, the Duomo took its time to become the iconic structure it is today. Started in 1296, its striking dome – the world’s largest brick dome – was added in 1436 by celebrated architect Filippo Brunelleschi. The striking Gothic Revival façade for which the cathedral is known was only finished in the 19th century. The cathedral and its buildings occupy a large pedestrian piazza, so that visitors have room in which to walk around and admire its splendour. Inside, the décor is fairly stark, and its main appeal are a mosaic floor and the underground remains of a 7th century cathedral.

Giotto’s Bell Tower

The pastel Gothic bell tower next to the cathedral juts nearly 85m into the sky and it’s just 15 square metres at its base. Its pastel marble encrustations match those of the duomo. If your knees are up to it, you can book a ticket to climb its 414 steps. On the way up, pause to catch your breath and admire some of 16 statues situated in various niches along the way – they’re copies of the originals by Italian Renaissance masters such as Donatello and Pisano. The view from the top makes the climb worth it – you’re rewarded with one of the best views of Florence’s red roofs, narrow streets and the Tuscan hills beyond.

Uffizi Gallery

This world-class art museum on the banks of the Arno is an attraction that every visitor must carve out time for. Its collection boasts sculptures and paintings from the Middle Ages to the Modern period, but it’s best known for its Italian Renaissance works. For a close-up glimpse of Sandro Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” (1482-85) and Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Annunciation” (c. 1472–75), arrive early to avoid the throngs of art lovers. The 16th century horseshoe-shaped building is itself a work of art, with wide, airy halls perfectly designed to showcase its treasures. The place with the most wow-factor is the Tribuna, an octagonal room of scarlet whose dome is decorated with thousands of shells.

Hotel Savoy/Rocco Forte Hotels

Ponte Vecchio

The world-famous symbol of Florence is its oldest bridge, dating from 1345, which crosses the Arno at its narrowest point of 84m. The bridge was always home to shops, but the stench that arose from the butchers, fishmongers and tanneries that originally traded on the edifice prompted Duke Ferdinand de Medici to evict them in 1593 in favour of jewellers and goldsmiths. The situation remains the same today, so it’s the place to head for if you’re looking for a sparkly souvenir. Plus, its central piazza affords guests great views of the river. The bridge’s “back shops”, visible from the east, were added in the 17th century.

Boboli Gardens

Stroll in one of the finest Italianate gardens in the world in the 111-acre grounds of the Pitti Palace, home of the Medici grand dukes of Tuscany. On a peaceful walk among cypress, evergreen oak trees and box hedges you’ll come across garden sculptures that encompasses Roman antiquities as well as works by 16th and 17th century artists. Its pièce de resistance is the awe-inspiring Buontalenti Grotto, a cave-like structure of three rooms featuring fantastical statues, zodiac signs and sculptures. At the gardens’ highest point, it provides a stunning vista of Florence.

Rocco Forte Hotels

Best hotels in Florence 

There are 11 hotels which have been given 9/10 ratings by the experts in The Telegraph . Topping the list is Portrait Firenze, an “exceptional” hotel with a “centralissima” location and a “discreetly luxurious atmosphere”. The hotel’s “sleek and sophisticated” design will “appeal to style hounds”, but the space in the suites and the in-room kitchens make it “an attractive choice for families too”.

Iconic cities “attract travellers with high expectations”, said Travel + Leisure . And the best hotels in Florence “don’t disappoint”. The five best hotels in Florence, according to Travel + Leisure readers, are Portrait Firenze, Hotel Savoy, Helvetia & Bristol Firenze, Hotel Lungarno, and Four Seasons Hotel Firenze. 

Baglioni Hotels & Resorts

The Relais Santa Croce by Baglioni is “a palazzo fit for a Florentine noble”, said Sofia Gymer on TheWeek.co.uk . Located in the heart of the ancient Santa Croce district, the hotel’s 24 luxurious rooms and suites are “spacious and thoughtful”, with the “sumptuous” signature suites – Da Verrazzano and De Pepi – each adorned with “magnificent fully frescoed ceilings”. 

Hotel Savoy, part of the Rocco Forte Hotels collection, is a “haven” of Italian style that makes the “perfect base to explore the city from”, said Vicki Power on TheWeek.co.uk . Sipping a Campari on the terrace of Hotel Savoy is “a rite of passage for any Italophile”. But don’t make an aperitivo at the Savoy’s Irene Bar “your only acquaintance with this grande dame of Florence hotels”. It’s a “historic” five-star establishment “steeped in history and oozing class”. 

Enoteca Pinchiorri/Facebook

Best restaurants and bars in Florence

Eating, drinking and “embracing la dolce vita” in Florence has “honestly never been so tantalising or diverse”, said Nicola Williams on Lonely Planet . Amid the “breathtaking kaleidoscope” of street tripe carts, wine bars, historical cafes and old-school eateries, there are “spectacular” openings and a “new generation of bold women chefs” reinterpreting culinary traditions. 

Florence has 11 Michelin-starred restaurants – one three-star, one two-star and nine one-star – and nine restaurants that have been awarded a Bib Gourmand . The cuisine at three-star Enoteca Pinchiorri, located in the Baglioni Relais Santa Croce, is “striking for its opulent and grandiose style”, said the Michelin Guide , which “impresses without becoming overly fussy or excessive”. The two-star Santa Elisabetta is “one of the most interesting gourmet restaurants in Florence”, said the Guide . There are just a few tables here, so guests are “advised to book well in advance”.

Ranked at No.39, Locale Firenze is a new entry on The World’s 50 Best Bars list. Hosted in the “historical” Palazzo Concini, this bar is “like a time machine taking guests on a journey through centuries across its two floors”, each a nod to Florentine culture. And the drinks list is “as distinctive as the venue and its atmosphere”. 

Florence’s “rapidly expanding” bar and cocktail scene gives visitors the chance to enjoy happy hours, traditional Italian aperitivo or late-night drinks, said Lauren Caramico on Romeing Firenze . Atrium Bar at the Four Seasons is where “chic meets old-world charm” while Rasputin, a “secret bar located somewhere in Florence”, offers a “speakeasy-style concept, space, and attitude”.

How to get to Florence

Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola, formally known as the “Amerigo Vespucci” airport, is the main aviation gateway in Florence and located just a few miles from the city centre. This makes it “easy to arrange your own transport if needs be”, said The Getaway Lounge . And in terms of public transport, you can take a bus or a tram. There are direct flights to Florence from London Gatwick, London City and Edinburgh airports in the UK.