If you’re dreaming of Renaissance art, wine-drenched hills, and medieval magic, Florence, Tuscany, should be at the top of your travel list. This charming city offers a perfect mix of culture, cuisine, and countryside adventure. Whether you love museums, food, or slow travel, this guide covers everything you need for an unforgettable trip.
Reasons to Visit Florence
Florence continues to captivate travelers from around the world with its unparalleled blend of history, art, and everyday beauty. The city is investing in a better experience for all with new regulations aimed at making travel smoother and more sustainable.
Add to that a packed cultural calendar with music festivals, art exhibitions, and open-air performances, and you’ve got more than enough reasons to visit.
Florence is more than just a stop on a tourist trail—it’s a living museum that invites you to slow down, look closer, and savor every moment. Walking through its cobbled lanes is like stepping into a painting. The architecture, street life, and café culture create an atmosphere that’s hard to leave behind.
Top Things to Do in Florence
Explore Florence’s many attractions grouped by theme to make the most of your time:
Art and Architecture
1. Admire the Duomo di Firenze
No visit to Florence is complete without seeing its iconic cathedral. Climb to the dome for panoramic city views, or simply marvel at the intricate facade from the piazza below.
2. Explore the Uffizi Gallery
Home to Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and countless Renaissance masterpieces, the Uffizi Gallery is one of the world’s most important art museums. Booking Uffizi Gallery tickets in advance is highly recommended to avoid long queues.
3. See Michelangelo’s David
Head to the Galleria dell’Accademia to see David, one of the most iconic sculptures ever created. Get skip-the-line access to avoid long waits.
4. Cross the Ponte Vecchio
This medieval bridge is lined with goldsmith shops and offers a romantic setting, especially at sunset.
5. Visit the Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens
Explore grand rooms filled with artwork, and relax in the landscaped Boboli Gardens right behind the palace.
6. Discover Santa Croce
Visit the Basilica of Santa Croce, where nearly 300 tombs and memorials honor notable Italians including Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. Its peaceful cloisters and impressive artworks offer a quiet break from the bustling city center.
7. Browse Mercato Centrale
This vibrant market is a paradise for culinary enthusiasts. Sample Tuscan cheeses, fresh pasta, olive oils, and street food from the upper floor’s modern food court.
8. Walk through Piazza della Signoria
This historic square is an open-air gallery featuring sculptures like Perseus with the Head of Medusa and The Rape of the Sabine Women. Sit at a café and watch the world go by.
9. Visit the Rose Garden and Piazzale Michelangelo
For breathtaking views of Florence, head up to Piazzale Michelangelo. On the way, stop at the nearby Rose Garden, especially fragrant in spring.
Must-See Florence Museums
Beyond the Uffizi and Accademia, Florence is full of smaller museums worth exploring:
Museo dell’Opera del Duomo – Delve into the history of the cathedral’s construction.
Palazzo Strozzi – Check out rotating exhibitions featuring international artists.
Bargello Museum – Discover Renaissance sculptures in a former prison.
Leonardo da Vinci Museum – Interact with life-sized reconstructions of Da Vinci’s inventions.
Galileo Museum – Fascinating for science and history fans alike.
Salvatore Ferragamo Museum – A stylish museum located in the medieval Palazzo Spini Feroni on Piazza Santa Trinita, ideal for fashion enthusiasts with rotating exhibitions.
Taste of Tuscany: What to Eat and Drink
Tuscany’s cuisine is rustic, seasonal, and soul-satisfying. Whether dining in a traditional trattoria or exploring a food market, every bite tells a story of local tradition.
Tuscan Food You Have to Try
Bistecca alla Fiorentina – A juicy T-bone steak grilled to perfection.
Ribollita – Hearty bread and vegetable soup.
Lampredotto – Traditional Florentine street food made from tripe.
Cantucci with Vin Santo – Almond cookies dipped in sweet wine.
Pappa al Pomodoro – A thick tomato and bread soup.
Cinghiale – Wild boar served in rich sauces, especially in countryside trattorias.
Chianti Wine Tasting
Florence is your gateway to the Chianti region. Take a half-day Chianti wine tasting tour to visit historic vineyards and sample reds paired with local cheeses.
Join a Tuscany Wine Tour
Book a Tuscany wine tour for a full-day escape into rolling hills, complete with cellar visits, olive oil tastings, and cooking classes.
Take a Cooking Class in Florence
Get hands-on in a Tuscan kitchen by joining a local cooking class. Learn to make pasta, sauces, and desserts like tiramisu with expert chefs in authentic settings.
Where to Stay: Florence Accommodation Tips
From boutique hotels to vacation rentals, Florence offers something for every budget. Book early to get the best value.
Florence Historic Centre
Centro Storico – Steps from major attractions.
Santa Croce – Great nightlife and authentic trattorias.
San Lorenzo – Near the market and central train station.
Around Florence
Oltrarno – Quieter, artsy, and full of local flavor.
Gavinana or Campo di Marte – Ideal for longer stays and residential charm, offering quieter surroundings just outside the center.
10 Best Stays in Florence Historic Centre
1. 🔍BSJ15 – Borgo San Jacopo Room (Guest-house, 9.5)
Steps from Ponte Vecchio. Cozy designer rooms with helpful hosts and light continental breakfast.
2. 🔍Terra Artis Guest House (B&B, 9.5)
Located on a quiet street, 12 minutes from the Duomo. Airy, art-filled rooms with rooftop terrace and great service.
3. 🔍Palazzo Ridolfi – Residenza d’Epoca (Boutique Hotel, 9.4)
Historic 16th-century palazzo near Pitti Palace. Features frescoed ceilings, marble bathrooms, and elegant breakfast room.
4. 🔍Hotel Spadai (4-Star Hotel, 9.5)
Just around the corner from the cathedral. Modern, soundproofed rooms, free minibar, and rich breakfast buffet.
5. 🔍Palazzo Niccolini al Duomo – Residenza d’Epoca (Historic Residence, 9.5)
Next door to the Duomo. Lavish period-style suites, some with Jacuzzis, and attentive family-run service.
6. 🔍Relais Piazza Signoria (Serviced Apartments, 9.0)
Studios and penthouses overlooking Piazza della Signoria. Includes kitchenettes and balconies with city views.
7. 🔍Canto degli Scali (Condo-Hotel, 9.5)
Restored medieval building near Via Tornabuoni and Ponte Vecchio. Family-sized suites and highly rated hospitality.
8. 🔍Il Valentino Luxury Houses (Apartments, 9.2)
Stylish apartments with full kitchens, private courtyard, and wine fridge. Great for groups and longer stays.
9. 🔍Hotel Davanzati (Family-Run Hotel, 9.2)
Located on Via Porta Rossa. Friendly staff, free evening happy hour, and excellent central location.
10. 🔍B&B Le Stanze del Duomo (Rooms & Apartments, 8.6)
One-minute walk to the Duomo. Includes hydromassage showers and some rooms with cathedral views. Great value.
10 Best Stays in Around Florence
1. Velona’s Jungle Luxury Suites – 9.6
Guest-house with bold “safari-chic” rooms, organic breakfast, and lovely hosts. Close to Santa Maria Novella station.
2. Four Seasons Hotel Firenze – 9.4
5-star resort in a Renaissance palazzo with vast private gardens, pool, spa, and exceptional service.
3. Portrait Firenze – Lungarno Collection – 9.6
Luxury suites by the Arno River with Ferragamo styling, Ponte Vecchio views, and high-end concierge service.
4. Palazzo Vecchietti – Residenza d’Epoca – 9.5
Elegant 16th-century residence with large designer suites and refined service near Via Strozzi.
5. The Place Firenze – 9.4
Chic boutique hotel on Piazza Santa Maria Novella offering rooftop views, à-la-carte breakfast, and warm hospitality.
6. 🔍Casa Botticelli – 9.3
Art-filled B&B within the Pitti Palace featuring frescoed rooms, a peaceful atmosphere, and gourmet breakfast.
7. 🔍Hotel David – 9.6
Beloved family-run hotel just outside the centre. Free parking, happy hour, veranda breakfasts, and fantastic staff.
8. 🔍Villa Cora – 9.4
Opulent 19th-century villa with gardens, heated pool, spa, and complimentary shuttle to the historic centre.
9. 🔍Ottantotto Firenze – 9.1
Small boutique B&B in the Oltrarno area, offering a tranquil garden, stylish rooms, and homemade breakfasts.
10. 🔍Eden Rock Resort – 9.5
Hilltop aparthotel with kitchen-equipped suites, panoramic pool, and sweeping views over Florence and Tuscany.
Day Trips from Florence: Explore the Tuscan Countryside
1. Siena Day Trip
Just over an hour by train or bus, Siena is known for its fan-shaped piazza and stunning Gothic architecture. Don’t miss the Siena Cathedral.
2. San Gimignano
Nicknamed the “Medieval Manhattan,” this hilltop town is famous for its towers and saffron gelato.
3. Val d’Orcia Road Trip
Rent a car and drive through postcard-perfect landscapes dotted with cypress trees, sunflower fields, and vineyard estates.
4. Pisa
Snap your iconic photo at the Leaning Tower and explore the historic center, just 1 hour from Florence by train.
5. Assisi and Cortona
Less visited but equally captivating, Assisi offers a rich spiritual heritage, breathtaking basilicas, and scenic views over the Umbrian countryside—perfect for a reflective and cultural day trip.
6. Montepulciano and Montalcino
Ideal for wine lovers. Tour the cellars, taste the world-famous Vino Nobile and Brunello, and enjoy panoramic views.
7. Lucca
Famous for its intact Renaissance-era walls, Lucca offers cycling paths, charming piazzas, and peaceful vibes.
Getting Around: Transportation in Florence
Florence Airport Tram
The T2 tram connects Florence’s Peretola Airport to the city center in approximately 20 to 35 minutes. It runs daily from early morning to past midnight, with extended hours on weekends—a stress-free way to begin your trip.
Florence Train Tickets
Italy’s fast train network makes it easy to reach Florence from Rome, Milan, or Venice. Book Florence train tickets online for the best deals.
Getting Around Locally
Most of Florence’s attractions are walkable. Driving is limited by local traffic zones, so opt for trams, buses, or electric bikes.
Renting a Bike or Vespa
For a more adventurous experience, rent a bicycle or Vespa. It’s a fun way to explore beyond the historic center.
When to Visit Florence
Spring: Cultural festivals, warm weather, fewer crowds.
Summer: Lively but hot—temperatures can get intense.
Fall: Perfect for wine tours and countryside drives.
Winter: Quieter, with festive decorations and museum visits.
Avoid peak summer unless you love the heat and crowds. For the best mix of weather and events, plan your trip in spring or early fall.
Travel Tips for Florence
Book early: Especially museum tickets and accommodation.
Check local regulations: Including traffic zones and visitor rules.
Travel light: Historic streets are cobbled and best explored on foot.
Stay hydrated: Free drinking fountains are scattered throughout the city.
Use Firenze Card: Great for museum access and skipping lines.
Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll walk more than expected.
Plan downtime: Include time to relax in piazzas or parks.
Responsible Travel in Florence
Florence has introduced new rules to combat overtourism. Here’s how you can help:
Avoid peak hours at major attractions.
Support local artisans instead of chain stores.
Respect signage and quiet zones in churches and museums.
Don’t use loudspeakers or travel in large, disruptive groups.
Use public transport or eco-friendly options.
Reduce plastic waste by carrying a reusable bottle.
FAQs: Florence
Is Florence crowded in summer? Yes, summer is peak tourist season. Expect lines at attractions and higher prices.
How long should I stay in Florence? At least 3 days in Florence plus 1–2 days for Tuscany day trips.
Can I visit wineries without a car? Yes, guided tours and shuttles are available from Florence.
Is the Florence airport tram reliable? Yes, the T2 tram is fast, affordable, and runs daily with extended hours on weekends.
Are museum tickets cheaper online? Yes, online tickets often come with discounts and let you skip the queue.
Do I need to speak Italian? No, but basic phrases help. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Is Florence family-friendly? Yes, with parks, gelato shops, hands-on museums, and family cooking classes.
Is Florence walkable? Absolutely. Most major attractions are within a 15-minute walk of each other.
Why Florence Should Be Your Next Trip
With its timeless beauty and modern upgrades, Florence, Tuscany, is an ideal destination. Whether you’re soaking in Renaissance masterpieces, exploring charming countryside towns, or sipping Chianti in the hills, every corner of this region offers something unforgettable.
Ready to explore Florence? Start planning today—and discover why this Tuscan treasure is always in season.
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