As the capital of Tuscany and birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Florence is packed full art, beauty and cultural riches. Unfortunately you won’t be the only person visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site in Italy that attracts millions of visitors a year.
So, it’s good to know where to start and what to see if you’re a first time visitor. I’m sharing my tips on the best things to do in Florence. You won’t spend your precious holiday time in endless queues for tickets, by booking ahead or taking one of the many excellent tours available.
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1. Visit the Duomo, Cathedral of Florence
The Duomo in Florence sits at the heart of the medieval city. It’s a religious complex that includes the cathedral itself with its crypt and famous Brunelleschi Dome, the Baptistery, Bell Tower and separate museum.
When you arrive in Florence be sure to buy the combined ticket that admits you to the different parts of the complex and is valid for 72 hours. You may want to secure a timed ticket to climb the dome.
If you are in Florence for a few days, I’d recommend visiting different parts of the complex on separate day. Or, pick out the most interesting elements, since to visit it all on one day is quite overwhelming.
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Let’s start with the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, commonly known as the Duomo, meaning the House of God. Built on the site of an earlier cathedral, work was started at the end of the 13th century and continued for 150 years.
A gap was left where the dome was to be, since the architectural solution to support it had not yet been worked out. The west facade of the cathedral is covered with intricate pastel coloured marble which looks old. In fact, it is a 19th century restoration in typical Florentine style.
Once the rest of the cathedral had been completed, a competition was held in 1418 to design the dome. The winner was Filippo Brunelleschi who studied the Roman Pantheon to come up with the double layer egg shaped design. By building two domes, one inside the other, the weight could be more evenly distributed, to support the huge size and weight of the dome.
The interior of the dome was painted in golden tiers with scenes of the Last Judgement. Artist Giorgio Vasari was commissioned in 1572 by Grand Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici.
You can climb the dome only with a timed ticket which you need to book when you buy the combined ticket for the Duomo complex. Bear in mind that the access is via a narrow workman’s staircase of 463 steps, so may not be one for the claustrophobic!
At the back of the cathedral is the separate museum, which contains sculptures and other masterpieces from the greatest artists at the time of the cathedral’s construction. It includes the original golden doors of the Baptistery by Ghiberti.
Read more: How to spend a perfect weekend in Florence
Visitor information for the Duomo
A visit to the Duomo Cathedral is free and opening hours are 10.15am – 3.45pm. Visits on Sundays are limited unless you are attending a service.
You may find there’s a long queue to enter the cathedral, especially in summer. As this is a place of worship, you should be modestly dressed to visit the cathedral with clothing covering knees and shoulders.
To visit other parts of the Duomo complex, such as the Baptistery, Bell tower, Cathedral dome, Museum or Crypt, you will need a joint ticket. This covers one visit to each of the attractions and lasts 30 days from date of purchase. So, once you have visited one of the monuments, you need to visit the rest within 72 hours.
Duomo opening hours for each of the attractions in the complex vary, opening from 8.15 am and closing up to 7.30pm. More details on opening times are on the Museums of Florence website.
Where to buy tickets for the Duomo in Florence
Duomo tickets can be purchased from the ticket office opposite the Baptistery on the northern side of the square. Both ticket machines and manned ticket windows are available. Tickets may also be purchased online from the Museums of Florence website.
If you wish to climb the Brunelleschi Dome, you need to book a time slot for this at the same time that you purchase the joint ticket. Book online or in person at the ticket office.
In summer these timed slots are in high demand, so you may need to book a few days ahead. It’s best to reserve a timed slot as soon as you arrive in Florence. Or, instead climb the bell tower which I think is an excellent alternative, since you can then take amazing photos of the dome from the tower!
There’s lots more useful information about visiting the Duomo Florence with guided tours available from Ciao Florence.
2. The Baptistry in Florence
Well worth a visit as part of your joint ticket is the octagonal Baptistery of St John, sitting like a jewel box in front of the cathedral. The Florence Baptistery is the oldest part of the Duomo complex.
It was built in the 13th century on the site of an earlier baptistery that dated back to the 3rd or 4th century. Within the early Christian tradition, large numbers of adults would be baptised at one time through immersion in a large bath. Therefore, a separate building was required for this important ceremony of rebirth.
The dark green and white marble patterns of the Baptistery exterior give way to a rich and ornate patterns of pink marble in the interior walls and floor. This culminates in the dome decorated with glowing golden mosaics that depict scenes from the Last Judgement.
One of the best known masterpieces of the Baptistery is the East door, known as the “Gates of Paradise’. These were designed by Ghiberti showing scenes from the Old Testament in intricate relief. The bronze doors on display are copies of the gold covered originals which can be seen in the cathedral museum.
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3. Climb the Bell Tower in Florence
One of the top things to do in Florence is to climb up for a view over the red tiled rooftops of the Medieval city. One option is to climb the Brunelleschi dome of the cathedral, but you’ll need a timed ticket for this and they are often allocated days ahead.
Another possibility is to climb Giotto’s bell tower or Campanile beside the cathedral which has the advantage of wonderful views of the dome itself. This does not require a timed ticket, although if you are able to reserve one you can skip the line.
Need a hotel in Florence? I can recommend Hotel Balestri where I stayed on my visit to Florence. This four star hotel is perfectly located for a city break, just a 5 minute stroll from the Ponte Vecchio. If this hotel’s not right for you check out other hotels in Florence.
Since tickets for the dome had already sold out on the day of my visit, I decided to climb the 415 steps of the bell tower. Luckily I secured a timed ticket to skip the line, since the numbers entering are limited.
Beautifully patterned marble
The bell tower is beautifully faced in patterns of white, red and green marble and was designed by Giotto in the 14th century. Work started on the tower in 1334, but when Giotto died in 1337 only the first part of the bell tower had been completed.
Andrea Pisano continued the building to Giotto’s design, including the niches with statues of the saints on the second level. After a break for a couple of years due to plague, the campanile was finally completed in 1359 by Francesco Talenti. It’s finished with airy double windows and a panoramic roof terrace at the top.
Tickets for the bell tower in Florence are included with your joint ticket for the whole Duomo complex, so once you have bought this, you’re good to go.
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On the way up there are three stages where you can take a much needed break and stop for photos. I wouldn’t recommend the tower for the claustrophobic. The stone stairs are narrow and it’s often a bit of a stop-start negotiation to let other people pass. It was definitely worth the climb though, to get those views of the beautiful Brunelleschi dome.
4. The Uffizi Gallery in Florence
Another of the top things to see in Florence is the Uffizi. This art gallery of Florence houses the masterpieces of the Renaissance and is a must for art lovers.
Because the lines for the Uffizi are often long, it’s a good idea to take a tour. Or, book a timed ticket online to enable you to skip the line.
The building of the Uffizi in Florence was originally the offices of state (Uffizi means offices) for Cosimo I de’ Medici. It offers views over the River Arno at one end and the Medici residence of Palazzo Vecchio at the other. Later it became the gallery to house the Medici art collections and was one of the first art museums to open to the public in 1765.
The “secret” Vasari corridor
Behind one of the unmarked doors in the Uffizi, there’s a secret passage known as the Vasari corridor. The passage leads across the Ponte Vecchio to the Pitti Palace on the other side of the river. This enabled the Medici to travel around the city without risking their lives in the streets of Florence.
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There are so many masterpieces here that you’d probably need a whole day to do justice to the gallery. But, a couple of hours on a guided tour or visiting independently is enough to see some of the most famous highlights.
You’ll want to gaze at the lovely goddesses in Botticelli’s Venus and Primavera. Also, visit Filippo Lippi’s enchanting Madonna with two angels, a portrait of the nun who became his lover and their children.
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Then there’s the violent depiction of Judith slaying Holofernes by female artist Artemisia Gentileschi. It’s one of a series on this theme that perhaps were her revenge on the man who raped her as a girl.
Different rooms of the Uffizi are devoted to artists such as Caravaggio, known for his dramatic paintings that play on light and dark. Also Leonardo da Vinci who was not only a painter but a sculptor, architect and inventor. And, Raphael whose painting of Pope Leo X with two cardinals is one of the gallery’s highlights.
More information: Galleria degli Uffizi website | Buy your timed Uffizi tickets online here | Take a small group guided tour of the Uffizi with Ciao Florence | Uffizi Gallery opening hours 8.15 am – 6.30 pm Closed Monday | Tickets €26 + online booking fee
5. Palazzo Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria in Florence
Another of the places to visit in Florence that’s close to the Duomo complex is the Piazza della Signoria. This is where you’ll find the Palazzo Vecchio, residence of the Medici family. The square is something of an outdoor sculpture gallery.
There’s the statue on horseback of Cosimo I, the Grand Duke of Tuscany and the statue of Neptune in the fountain that also has his likeness. At the door of the Palazzo stands a copy of the David by Michelangelo. This stood here until 1873, when it was moved to the Galleria dell’Accademia and now lives under its glass dome.
Need a hotel in Florence? I can recommend Hotel Balestri where I stayed on my visit to Florence. This four star hotel is perfectly located for a city break, just a 5 minute stroll from the Ponte Vecchio. If this hotel’s not right for you check out other hotels in Florence.
To one side of Palazzo Vecchio in Florence is the Loggia dei Lanzi which forms an outdoor sculpture gallery. It’s sheltered from the weather by the roof terrace cafe of the Uffizi.
The sculptures display scenes of struggle and violence, with the twisting Rape of the Sabines by Giambologna. The bronze Perseus by Benvenuto Cellini is triumphantly lifting up the gory severed head of Medusa.
Residence of the Medici family
The Palazzo was originally the town hall of Florence known as Palazzo della Signoria, taken over by Duke Cosimo I de Medici as his residence in 1540. This served to consolidate the power of the Medici family as rulers of Florence. Cosimo I later moved with his wife Eleonora and their eleven children to the Pitti Palace across the river, renaming it the Palazzo Vecchio or “Old Palace”.
It’s free to visit the internal courtyard of the Palazzo, to see the beautiful frescoes on the roof and walls of the loggia. If you have time you can also visit the apartments of the Palazzo that were used by the Medici family. Climb the tower and visit the excavation of a Roman Theatre under the Palazzo.
More information: Palazzo Vecchio website | Open daily except Thursday 9am – 7pm | Tickets from €17.50 | Take a tour of the Palazzo Vecchio with Ciao Florence
Top Tip: On Piazza della Signoria visit the elegant Caffe Rivoire for a coffee and one of their delicious cakes, such as the cannoli filled with whipped cream and candied orange peel. Of course you’ll pay a premium for the waiter service on their terrace but it’s a small price to pay.
You’ll enjoy a grandstand view of the crowds swirling around the Florence attractions to be found in the Piazza, which is one of the busiest spots in Florence. If you are short of time, copy the locals and order directly from the bar, eating at one of the small stand up tables inside, which is a cheaper option.
Read More: What to eat in Florence – 10 delicious things to try
Hotels in Florence
I can recommend Hotel Balestri where I stayed on my visit to Florence. This four star hotel is perfectly located for a city break, just a 5 minute stroll from the Ponte Vecchio. My window overlooked the river and despite being so central it was a quiet location, set apart from the busy tourist areas.
The decor was clean and modern with a glamorous Art Deco feel, plenty of marble and mirrors. Hotel Balestri does not have a restaurant. But, there’s a sitting area and bar for your aperitivo, with plenty of restaurants just a short walk away. If this hotel’s not right for you check out other hotels in Florence.
6. Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence and Michelangelo’s David
Next on your list of places to see in Florence, is the statue of David by Michelangelo. It’s housed under the beautifully lit dome in the Galleria dell’Accademia.
Of course, like many of Florence’s highlights, you’ll be vying with other visitors to get the best view of the naked shepherd boy who killed the giant Goliath in the Old Testament story. Try to visit early in the day and pre-book a timed ticket to avoid the lines.
The Michelangelo David statue was one of a number of Old Testament sculptures that were commissioned to sit on the roofline of the cathedral. This explains why the head may seem disproportionately large, since it was designed to be seen from below.
An abandoned block of marble
The block of marble had been lying for some years behind the cathedral. It had been worked on but then abandoned by other sculptors, before Michelangelo aged only 26 took it on. Once completed, the piece weighed six tons and was clearly too heavy to hoist up to the roof.
Instead it was installed outside the Palazzo Vecchio. The Florentines take the David as a symbol of city pride.Tto protect it from the weather it was moved in 1873 to a new location in Galleria dell’Accademia. It was replaced with the current copy that now stands in Piazza della Signoria.
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One you’ve admired the David, it’s also worth taking a look at the Hall of Prisoners that leads down to the sculpture. Unfinished works by Michelangelo are on display here.
They were intended for the tomb of Pope Julius II and seem to be struggling to be released from their blocks of marble. I also enjoyed looking at the plaster nymphs and maidens in the ground floor gallery, with rows of pretty girls in ringlets striking demure poses.
More information: Galleria dell’Accademia website | Open daily 8.15 am- 6.30pm | Tickets €13 | Ciao Florence offer several tours of the Galleria dell’Accademia including a small group, skip the line tour.
7. Have lunch in the Mercato Centrale in Florence
Having spent a few hours visiting some of these must see sights in Florence, you’ll probably be ready for lunch. I can recommend the Mercato di San Lorenzo, also known as the Mercato Centrale where there’s plenty of choice of delicious food.
If you’re a fan of food markets like me, arrive in the morning to look around. On the ground floor of the market there are plenty of stalls with luscious fruit and veg. You’ll see fresh fish and meat including a stall or two that’s just for tripe, a specialty of Florentine home cooking.
There are deli stalls that can make up a fine picnic of cheese and prosciutto. Check out the piles of cantucci, a twice baked almond biscuit that’s perfect to dunk in your coffee. Pick up a bottle of limoncello to take home as a souvenir.
Top Tip: If you’re there around lunchtime you may want to taste the famous tripe or trippa alla fiorentina. Look out for the da Nerbone stall downstairs where they serve a hearty tripe lampredotto or boiled beef sandwich in a crusty bun.
While we might feel a little squeamish at eating tripe, in Florence it’s considered a local specialty. You’ll find it on the menu of many traditional Trattorias, cooked with a rich tomato or wine sauce.
Upstairs food court
Once you’ve admired all the beautiful fresh produce, take the escalators upstairs to the Mercato Centrale food court. This covers the entire first floor of the market with a huge choice of restaurant stands and a lively, café atmosphere.
The food stands are set around the edge of this open, industrial style space. Tables are available in the middle where you can sit and eat your order.
Read More: What to eat in Florence – 10 delicious things to try
The system works efficiently, where you order and pay for your food at the individual stall. Then, give your drinks order to bar waiters who come around to each table. This is one of the best places to visit in Florence if you have a group of friends who all want to try different styles of food, or you just want to try a few different options yourself.
I admired the oozing balls of mozzarella, deliberated over the wood-fired pizza ovens. Eyed the crusty sandwiches filled with soft cheese and sun dried tomatoes. Fresh seafood was laid out on ice, while another stand displayed well matured beef, marbled with creamy fat. This would soon be cooked as the famous Bistecca alla Fiorentina.
Finally I stopped at the stall selling truffles for a plate of their antipasti covered with a generous layer of truffle shavings. Some of the top chefs and artisan food producers in Florence have their stalls here. The standards are as high as the prices are reasonable.
More information: Mercato Centrale in Florence website | Open daily 9am to midnight
8. Stroke the nose of Il Porcellino in Florence
In the old straw market, you’ll find the famous fountain of Il Porcellino in Florence, where tourists pass by to make a wish. Il Porcellino means Piglet in Italian. The bronze wild boar statue at Fontana del Porcellino is a copy by Pietro Tacca of an earlier Roman marble sculpture that was in the collection of the Medicis.
Need a hotel in Florence? I can recommend Hotel Balestri where I stayed on my visit to Florence. This four star hotel is perfectly located for a city break, just a 5 minute stroll from the Ponte Vecchio. If this hotel’s not right for you check out other hotels in Florence.
Tacca’s original statue was moved to the Museum Bardini and replaced with a copy in 2008. It remains a popular charm for visitors to Florence. Put a small coin in his mouth and watch it fall through the grill below, then stroke his nose, and your dreams are sure to come true!
9. The Ponte Vecchio in Florence
Walk down Via Por Santa Maria from the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria. You’ll soon find another of the most popular Florence tourist attractions, the Ponte Vecchio.
Known as the “Old Bridge” this was built on the site of an earlier Roman bridge. It was the only crossing point of the river until 1218. As the most famous bridge in Florence and of such historic importance, it was spared destruction by the fleeing Germans in World War 2. Other bridges across the Arno were destroyed.
The buildings on the bridge were originally designed to be defensive. From the 13th century they became shops including butchers and leather tanners. This led to complaints about the stench from the waste that was being thrown into the river.
In 1593 the Medicis decided that the smell was unbearable and decreed that the shops on the Ponte Vecchio should be let to goldsmiths. This tradition has lasted until today with most of the shops being jewellers.
Unnoticed by most people runs the enclosed passageway above the shops known as the Vasari corridor. This leads from the Uffizi to the Pitti Palace, and enabled the Medicis to move from home to work unseen by the public.
From the centre of the bridge, near the statue of the 16th century goldsmith Benvenuto Cellini, is a great spot to take photos. Admire the views from the bridge in both directions up and down the river, including towards the nearby Uffizi. It’s certainly a romantic spot and one that’s popular for an evening stroll in the Italian tradition of the passeggiata.
10. The Pitti Palace in Florence
Crossing the river at the Ponte Vecchio, a short stroll through the Oltrarno district will bring you to the Pitti Palace. Named after its first owner, a Florentine banker, the Pitti Palace was later purchased by Eleonora de’Medici.
Eleonora, wife of Cosimo I, decided that she wanted a home away from the bustle of the city with a large garden for her eleven children. The palace later housed the rulers of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine who succeeded the Medicis and was a residence of the Kings of Italy in the 19th century.
The Pitti Palace in Florence now houses four different museums. There’s so much to see here that you may want to focus on one or two of the museums that interest you most.
The Treasury of the Grand Dukes – also known as the Silver Museum. This is housed in the Medici summer apartments on the ground floor, with walls covered in 17th century frescoes. You can see the Medici treasures and jewels, silverware collected by the rulers of Habsburg-Lorraine and jewellery from the 17th century to the present day.
Palatine Gallery and Imperial and Royal apartments – These take up the entire first floor of the Pitti Palace. They were used by the Medici dynasty to house artworks from their collections. View the frescoes, gilding and stucco in the Baroque style. The apartments were used by a succession of rulers over three centuries. They are sumptuously furnished with silk wall hangings and sparkling chandeliers.
Gallery of Modern Art – These second floor rooms were used by the Habsburg-Lorraine family and overlook the Boboli Gardens and city of Florence. On display are paintings and sculptures from the late 18th century to the 1930s including neoclassical and romantic artworks.
Opulent fashion on display
Museum of Costume and Fashion – This is where I spent most of my time as I love fashion and textiles. I very much enjoyed the exhibition which showcased the couture collections of notable Italian women. Wealthy of course, but also patrons of a different kind of artistic achievement just as the Medicis had been in the past.
The most startling part of the costume museum’s exhibits were the clothes of Eleonora de’Medici, her husband Cosima I and their son Don Garzia. Startling because these were the very clothes they had been buried in.
They had been removed from the bodies when their tombs had been opened. Then pieced painstakingly together and put on display. The doublet and tunic of Don Garzia was pretty much intact. Sadly, Eleonora’s dress was just a jigsaw of delicate scraps, bordered by well preserved gold lace embroidery.
Further information: Pitti Palace website | Pitti Palace open daily except Monday 8.15am – 6.50pm | Adult ticket €16
11. Boboli Gardens in Florence
The Boboli Gardens sit behind the Pitti Palace and were laid out by the Medici family. They create the Italian garden style of terraces and fountains that would set the fashion throughout Europe.
The garden is a tranquil contrast to the crowded streets of Florence on the other side of the river. Its formal parterres offer a palate of cool green with little colour.
Walking up the hill, you will pass the small lake with a fountain enclosed by trees with statues, pavilions and grottos. From the top of the garden there are beautiful views of the red tiled medieval city and the Duomo framed by olive trees.
Returning to the bottom of the garden, close to the palace, you’ll find the famous grotto by Bernardo Buontalenti commissioned by Grand Duke Francesco I de’ Medici. It’s next to the entrance of the Vasari corridor and features three decorative caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites, statues and allegorical figures.
Returning to the bottom of the garden, close to the palace, you’ll find the famous grotto next to the entrance of the Vasari corridor. Designed Bernardo Buontalenti, it was commissioned by Grand Duke Francesco I de’ Medici. It features three decorative caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites, statues and allegorical figures.
Further information: Boboli Gardens website | Open Daily except first and last Monday of the month 8.15am – variable closing time | Adult ticket €11
12. Eat Gelato in Florence
When you visit Florence, one of the pleasures in between all the sightseeing, is to stop for a cooling gelato or two. On the main tourist routes, you’re never far from a shop selling gelato piled high in brightly coloured mounds. But, if you aspire to the finer things in life then look out for shops that sell gelato artigianale.
This is gelato that’s made on the premises, using only fresh ingredients. There’s no artificial colourings that you might suspect are in those brightly coloured gelatos.
The colours may be more subdued, but the flavours are fresh and authentic. You’ll typically be served from closed metal containers, choosing your flavours from a list on the wall.
My favourite was La Strega Nocciola (Via de’ Bardi, 51) close to the Ponte Vecchio on the south side of the river. It has a stylish, modern feel, delicious flavours and room to sit inside while you contemplate what you’re eating. I also enjoyed the gelato at;
Vivoli (Via dell’Isola delle Stinche, 7) – tucked away in the backstreets near Santa Croce. It’s a small, old fashioned looking cafe and gelateria with plenty of tempting cakes too.
Neri (Via dei Neri, 9/11) – a small gelateria that has a real neighbourhood feel and was packed with families choosing their afternoon treat. It also serves waffles and iced yoghurt.
I normally find that the servings are deceptively large, so I always order the smallest size container rather than a cone. This is a bargain and still plenty of gelato to treat yourself.
13.Visit the beautiful churches in Florence
If you have any time left after seeing the major sites that I’ve mentioned, it’s well worth visiting some of the other beautiful churches in Florence. You may want to spread them out to avoid church overload.
Santa Croce was one of the churches I visited. It has a beautiful exterior and interior covered in decorative, coloured marble. There’s also small chapels decorated with frescoes by Giotto.
This Franciscan church also contains the tombs of some of Florence’s famous names, such as Machiavelli, Michelangelo, Galileo and Rossini. To one side, there’s a peaceful arcaded courtyard and chapel. This was a tranquil respite from the hot day and the crowds of Florence.
Another church that I visited was Chiesa di Orsanmichele. This was built on the site of a former kitchen garden of the monastery of St Michael. It was originally used as a grain store to create a reserve in times of hardship.
The exterior of the church is known for the sculptures housed in 14 different niches. Each were commissioned by the different guilds and trades to show their favourite patron saint.
There are many other beautiful churches in Florence such as Santa Maria Novella near the station. Many house masterpieces by the greatest Renaissance painters and sculptors.
14. Shopping in Florence for unique souvenirs
In between all the sightseeing, keep a look out for some of the authentic souvenirs of Florence that you’ll want to bring back from your travels.
Marbled paper from Florence – made into many different writing books, decorative objects and even mobile phone cases, this is a beautiful and inexpensive souvenir of Florence. One of the best known artisan shops for marbled paper is Giulio Giannini & Figlio who have a shop just opposite the Pitti Palace.
Leather bags and wallets – you’ll find stall after stall of leather bags in the markets of Florence. But an interesting place to see artisans at work is the Scuola del Cuoio or leather school behind Santa Croce where you can buy classical styles.
Gloves in Florence – you’ll see many small stores that specialise in beautifully soft leather gloves, with plenty of possibility to find something in your size and colour.
Sweet treats in Florence – feast your eyes at the windows of some of the old established chocolatiers in Florence. You can also normally stop for a coffee and cake or an early evening aperitif. Caffe Gilli facing Piazza della Repubblica is one such that has windows full of fruity jellies and marzipan, that would be something special to take home.
Foodie souvenirs of Florence – The Mercato Centrale is also a great place to buy Italian foodie souvenirs. Consider the twice baked cantuccini almond biscuits that are designed to dip in your coffee, the bottles of limoncello or fat Tuscan olives you can find at the deli counters.
Read next
What to eat in Florence – 10 delicious things to try – all the delicious Italian food, from pizza to gelato, truffles to cannoli as well as where to eat in Florence.
More articles about Florence
2 days in Florence – our perfect weekend itinerary
Where to stay in Florence
I can recommend Hotel Balestri where I stayed on my visit to Florence, a four star hotel that’s perfectly located for a city break, just a 5 minute stroll from the Ponte Vecchio. If this hotel’s not right for you check out other hotels in Florence.
Plan your trip to Florence
Need a guide book for Florence? We recommend the DK Eyewitness Florence and Tuscany Travel Guide
We can recommend these Florence Tours from Ciao Florence who offer unforgettable tours and experiences, led by expert guides in Florence and other Italian cities. If you’re planning to visit other parts of Italy, also check out the day trips from Florence that they offer.
If you need a travel guidebook for Florence, we recommend the DK Eyewitness Florence and Tuscany Travel Guide or the Rick Steves Pocket Florence guide.
Looking for a travel guidebook? We recommend the Rick Steves Pocket Florence
The nearest airport is Florence Airport (FLR) which is 4 km from the city centre and the transfer takes around 20 minutes by bus or 15 minutes by taxi. Florence is well connected by rail to other cities in Italy, so you may also find alternative flights to neighbouring cities such as Rome or Pisa.
Once you arrive in Florence, most of the historic centre is pedestrianised, and it’s easy to walk to most of the main sites. Comfortable shoes are advised due to the cobbled stone surfaces.
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Simon
Saturday 20th of June 2020
I never thought Florence could be this awesome, I want to go to the largest cathedral there, will probably bring my family with me as soon as traveling will be okay. That ice cream is a must try
Sophie
Friday 1st of May 2020
Hey Heather , thanks for sharing such a beautiful blog. When I'll plan for my next trip to Italy it would be a great help.
Stella Wilson
Monday 20th of April 2020
Hey, thanx for writing this great florence italy travel guide. On my next travel to italy, i would love to visit, the art galleries and Ponte Vecchio.
Mary Smith
Thursday 16th of April 2020
Florence is such a romantic place! Florence is my favorite and saved in my bucket list. I have heard a lot about Florence and even pictures are wonderful. I am not married yet, but it is going to be my honeymoon destination. Hahahaha
Steeven
Wednesday 15th of April 2020
Florence is such a romantic place! I am planning to go there next year with my girlfriend and for sure this list of things to do will help!
Hoping virus won't make us cancel our trip!
Nice blog BTW, Steeven
Heather Cowper
Thursday 16th of April 2020
@Steeven I hope you manage to get to visit Florence, even if you have to wait a while