The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence boasts architectural masterpieces and extraordinary art at every turn. Set along the banks of the Arno River in northeastern Tuscan, it’s changed little since the Renaissance era with its cobbled streets of cinematic feast of elegant, centuries-old palazzos, fresco-filled churches, medieval chapels and marble basilica. The many world-class museums are jam-packed with works by the likes of Michelangelo and Botticelli, while gastronomic delights are practically endless with everything from the enduring trattorias to Michelin-star fine dining. The incredible food scene is evident in the lively markets too and there are plenty of wine bars and chic venues for sipping artisan cocktails. High quality produce sourced seasonally and locally is considered the “holy trinity” here. Some of the best shopping in the world can be found, with Italy’s fashion industry started by homegrown designers Salvatore Ferragamo and Guccio Gucci who opened their haute-couture boutiques in the 1920s.
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The beautiful city of Florence offers a wide range of accommodation options from guesthouses, self-catering apartments and B&Bs to boutique hotels and luxurious 5-star properties. Whether you’re looking for something historic, romantic, family-friendly, affordable or the ultimate in luxury, you’ll find it here. The historic center offers some of the highest end hotels in the city and it will put you just steps away from all the major attractions along with all sorts of shopping and dining options. As such, it tends to be loud and busy, but those seeking a more tranquil setting will find quieter, more residential neighborhoods that are still within walking distance of the top sights. There are trendy neighborhoods jam-packed with authentic eateries and lively markets that are ideal for foodies as well as options for those who want to take part in hopping nightlife. The possibilities are practically endless, with someone for every type of traveler here.
Check out our full guide on where to stay in Florence.
The cobbled streets of Florence are enjoyable to wander, but you’ll find a long list of options when it comes to things to do in this city.
You can’t miss a visit to the city’s iconic symbol, the Duomo, or Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore. It was built over 140 years, completed in 1436 and topped by the largest brick dome in the world, created by Brunelleschi. By climbing to the top, you’ll enjoy one of the most awe-inspiring views over the city and a closer look at the interior and frescoes too.
One of the world’s most famous art museums, and one of the oldest, Uffizi Gallery (officially Galleria degli Uffizi), opened in 1541. It includes works by renowned artists like da Vinci, Michelangelo and Giotto, with an entire room dedicated to Botticelli, including the Birth of Venus. The pieces range from ancient Greeks to the 18th century, with most falling between the 12th and 17th centuries. One of the most outstanding collections dates from the Renaissance period, including remarkable busts and ancient statues from the Medici family.
Located in the San Lorenzo neighborhood, the two-story Mercato Centrale, or San Lorenzo Market, is open daily from 8 a.m. to midnight. This is a food enthusiast’s absolute must, with the ground floor a perfect place to pick up ingredients like fresh produce, spices, cheeses and meats, while the epicurean food court upstairs offers everything from Neapolitan pizza to Florentine gelato. There are many different stalls that surround the building for picking up items like clothing, gifts and leather goods.
This institution is where you’ll find David, one of the most famous works created by Michelangelo. While viewing it is the main goal for most visitors, there are plenty of other impressive works, including pieces by Botticelli, Uccello and Ghirlandaio. Botticelli’s Trebbio Altarpiece painting is displayed here along with Assumption of the Virgin by Perugino, and St. Stephen, St. James and St. Peter by Domenico Ghirlanddaio. The Colossus, with Giambologna’s Rape of the Sabines is the crown jewel, featuring a significant historical scene from antiquity.
The only bridge to survive the German occupation during World War II, Ponte Vecchio dates to 1345, the first segmental arch bridge built in the West. It’s one of the most famous landmarks in Florence. While it was once a place for tanners, butchers and farmers to hawk their wares, today you’ll find jewelers, souvenir sellers and art dealers, providing a unique place to pick up some cool items. Vehicles are banned, but many pedestrians cross it, with the bridge connecting popular tourist spots along the two banks of the river.
While there’s plenty to do right in Florence, it’s worth making time for at least one day trip. You’ll have many options by car or public transport. The hilltop village of San Gimignano is particularly appealing with its 13th-century walls and 14 medieval towers creating a spectacular skyline. Just 25 miles southeast is Siena with its famous Piazza del Camp that hosts the biannual Palio di Siena horse race, while 60 miles west, Pisa boasts the Leaning Tower, the bell tower behind Pisa Cathedral which can be climbed for a beautiful view.
Florence can be visited in every season, but most travelers come between the months of May and September when the weather is warm and there isn’t much rain. This is also high season, with mid-June through mid-September the peak. You’ll encounter the biggest crowds then and you’ll have to be prepared to pay the highest hotel rates and airfare. As it’s hot and humid, expect to rub shoulders with lots of sweaty tourists too. If you can visit at the beginning or end of that period, it’s likely to be more pleasant. Even better are the shoulder seasons, generally mid-March through April, other than Easter week, or in October through early November. The crowds will be thinner and the weather still pleasant. For those who don’t mind bundling up and enduring some rain, late fall and winter (outside of the Christmas holidays) can be a good time to visit Florence for discounts and thinner crowds.
Check out our full guide of when to visit Florence.
Florence offers a wealth of unique and luxurious experiences that can be included in a vacation itinerary. Here are three ideas:
Florence is known for its exceptional dining scene, with several Michelin-starred restaurants offering gourmet experiences. Here are some of the top Michelin-starred restaurants in Florence:
These restaurants offer gourmet experiences, but it’s important to note that they can be quite expensive and reservations are often required well in advance.
The length of time you need to see all the major sights in Florence depends on your travel style, interests, and pace. However, a general guideline is that you should plan to spend at least 3-4 days in Florence to see the city’s major attractions, enjoy its culture and cuisine, and get a feel for the city.
Some of the major sights that you may want to see include the Uffizi Gallery, the Accademia Gallery, the Florence Cathedral (Il Duomo), the Ponte Vecchio, the Pitti Palace, the Boboli Gardens, and the Basilica of Santa Croce.
If you want to explore the city’s museums and art galleries in depth, you may want to spend more time in Florence. If you’re interested in shopping and culinary experiences, you may want to allocate more time for these activities as well.
Overall, Florence is a compact city, and it’s easy to explore its major sights on foot. With a few days to spare, you’ll have ample time to take in the city’s highlights and immerse yourself in its rich history and culture.
Florence is known for its luxurious shopping scene, with a wide range of high-end boutiques, designer shops, and luxury fashion brands. Here are three must-visit luxury boutiques and shopping districts in Florence:
There are many other luxury boutiques and shopping districts in Florence to explore, including the San Lorenzo Market, which offers a wide range of leather goods, jewelry, and souvenirs. No matter what your shopping preferences are, Florence is sure to offer something to suit your taste and budget.
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