The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence, Italy, is filled with inspiring art, architecture, and history. It’s one of my favorite places in Italy and I love sharing can’t-miss spots and travel tips for this beautiful city. Read on for everything you need to know to plan your trip to Florence, Italy.
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Quick History of Florence, Italy
The story of Florence was largely shaped by the powerful Medici family. Renowned patrons of the arts and influential political figures, the Medicis played a pivotal role in the Renaissance, fostering an ideal environment for artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli. Their patronage extended to architecture, science, and literature, elevating Florence to a cultural epicenter of Europe. However, the Medici legacy also carries political complexities, marked by power struggles, alliances, and controversies. Despite their eventual decline, the Medici impact endures throughout the city and beyond.
How Long Should I Spend in Florence?
Three nights in Florence is an ideal timeframe. This would allow you enough time to see the highlights AND potentially take a day trip to the Tuscan countryside, if that’s of interest to you. I realize three nights may not be feasible if you’re trying to pack a lot into your trip to Italy and are short on time. If that’s the case, don’t despair: the historic city center is compact and walkable. On my first trip to Florence, we were only there for one night and we packed in a ton of sightseeing! At a bare minimum, I’d try to see/do the following:
• See Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and climb to the top if you’re feeling athletic
• Visit the Uffizi Gallery to see works by Botticelli, Raphael, and others
• Stroll the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge
• Visit the Piazza della Signoria, the main city square in Florence
Read on for detailed information about each, as well as other things to see and do in Florence, Italy.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
If you have the luxury of visiting anytime, consider April-June or September-October. The weather is generally beautiful and you can avoid the heat and crowds of July and August. August is also especially busy as many Europeans have extended time off in August; it’s a busy travel month throughout Europe.
Outside of those timeframes, I’ve visited in late November and while it was rainy, the city was bright and festive with Christmas decorations starting to go up throughout the city. November is also a little more budget-friendly!
How to Get to Florence, Italy
If you’re traveling from the United States, be aware there aren’t any direct flights to Florence. Instead, consider flying into Rome and taking a one hour, 30 minute high-speed train to Florence. As an added bonus, the train will travel through some of the prettiest parts of Tuscany.
Of course, if you’re traveling from Europe, a number of European cities offer flights to Florence Airport (Peretola) or Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei), 80 kilometers away.
If you’re visiting Florence along with other Italian cities, Florence is well-connected by train. You can take high-speed trains such as Eurostar to and from major Italian cities like Rome, Milan, Venice, and Bologna.
Things to Do in Florence, Italy
There’s A LOT to see in Florence, and thankfully it’s all located within a walkable, compact area. Keep in mind some points of interest require tickets/timed entries. Here’s a full list – including what does and doesn’t need tickets:
See Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is the heart and soul of Florence. (Note: The cathedral is often called “Florence Cathedral” or simply “the duomo.” Duomo is Italian for church or cathedral.) Construction began in 1296 but faced challenges due to its ambitious design, particularly regarding the structure’s octagonal dome. Because of this, Santa Maria del Fiore wasn’t completed until 1436. Today, the cathedral draws millions of visitors every year.
Thankfully, it’s FREE to marvel at the outside, pictured above, or to visit the interior of the cathedral. For more information, visit the cathedral’s official website.
Climb to the Top of the Cathedral’s Dome
Now, if you’re feeling particularly ambitious, consider climbing to the top of the cathedral’s famous dome for amazing views of Florence. The climb is 463 steps through steep and winding staircases, so it may not be for everyone, especially those with impaired mobility or heart conditions. You will definitely, definitely want to wear comfortable shoes and some portions of the climb are “no stopping” – yikes! (Thankfully, I didn’t know any of this when my husband booked our tickets. I may have backed out had I known!) But the view is 100% worth it and I’d love to do it again someday.
You DO need tickets for this activity, along with a timed entry, which you can book here. Please note the dome will be closed for several days in February 2024 for maintenance; check the website for details.
On the way down, you’ll have a front-row view of the fresco, “The Last Judgment” by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari, painted on the vast ceiling of the cathedral’s octagonal dome. This incredible work of art was commissioned by Grand Duke Cosimo I de Medici (1519 – 1574) in 1568 and completed in 1579.
Visit the Uffizi and Accademia Galleries
The Uffizi Gallery is a large, multi-level art gallery established in 1581. You’ll want to give yourself several hours, or book a tour to see the highlights, including pieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci. You’ll need tickets and a timed entrance which you can select here.
The Accademia Gallery is smaller and can be seen in an hour or so. The most famous work of art at the Accademia is Michaelangelo’s statue of David, but don’t miss lesser-known pieces such as Michaelangelo’s unfinished statues and a beautiful collection of 13th through 15th century paintings. Timed entry tickets can be purchased here.
Stroll the Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio is the oldest stone bridge in Europe, and there have been shops on the bridge since the 13th century. Originally, it was home to butcher shops and fish mongers, but Ferdinando I de’ Medici (1549 – 1609) replaced them with more aesthetically pleasing alternatives: jewelers and goldsmiths. Today, there are 48 tiny storefronts along the Ponte Vecchio, still selling jewelry and gold.
Explore a Medici Palace
The Palazzo Medici Riccardi was initially built in the 15th century for Cosimo de Medici (1389 – 1464) and his family. The grounds feature an inner courtyard and a walled garden, pictured above, in addition to the palace interior. I bought my ticket same-day at the palace; you can also purchase them online here.
Chapel of the Magi
Perhaps the most famous part of the palace is the Chapel of the Magi, the Medici family’s personal chapel. The walls of the chapel are covered in a series of colorful frescoes by Italian Renaissance artist, Benozzo Gozzoli. (The leopard’s expression, pictured above, always makes me laugh!)
Enjoy Piazza della Signoria, Florence’s Central Square
If Santa Maria del Fiore is the religious heart of the city, Piazza della Signoria is the civic and cultural center of Florence. At the heart of the square is the 13th century Palazzo Vecchio with its tall clock tower. Today, the building serves as the city’s town hall. Other historic buildings can be found in the square, including the Uffizi Gallery; Loggia dei Lanzi, an open-air sculpture gallery; Palazzo Uguccioni, a Renaissance palace; and others.
Find Gifts & Souvenirs at the “Oldest Pharmacy in the World”
Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, is one of my favorite hidden gems in Florence. Santa Maria Novella’s roots date back to 1221; today the flagship store is an incredible place to experience Florentine history while shopping for perfume and more. You can find my full guide to visiting here, with everything you need to know to plan your visit.
(This can be confusing, but Santa Maria Novella is also the name of a 13th-century church in Florence! The central train station in Florence is ALSO called Santa Maria Novella. With so many Santa Maria Novellas, it’s always a good idea to double check your directions to make sure you’re heading to your intended spot.)
Best Restaurants in Florence, Italy
If you don’t go anywhere else, there are two restaurants you HAVE to try: the first is La Giostra, one of the most famous restaurants in Florence. Serving imaginative Tuscan dishes, the restaurant is cozy and eclectic – perfect for dinner. The star of the show is their famous pear and Pecorino ravioli, one of the best meals of my life. Reservations recommended.
La Giostra
Borgo Pinti, 10/18R, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy
Visit their website
Now, on the complete opposite end of the dining spectrum is I Fratellini, a historic, counter-service only wine bar and sandwich shop, since 1875. Here, you can get a quick and authentic Tuscan sandwich, also known as a panini. My favorite is the spicy salami and cream cheese.
I Fratellini
Via dei Cimatori, 38/r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Where to Stay in Florence
Accommodations in Florence can be as simple or extravagant as you’re willing to pay for. I’ve stayed at Hotel David twice now, and was impressed each time with their friendly service, incredibly clean rooms, and overall value. It’s a 30-minute walk to the city center, but I’ve found the hotel is always so helpful in calling a taxi if there’s not one available at the taxi stand just down the street. A great hotel; I’d love to stay there again.
Hotel David
Viale Michelangiolo, 1, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Visit their website
If you’d like to stay in the heart of Florence, Palazzo Guicciardini is a 20-room boutique hotel that’s steps from the Ponte Vecchio and the Pitti Palace, and a 10-minute walk to the Uffizi Gallery. The hotel was originally a 15th-century mansion.
Palazzo Guicciardini
Via Santo Spirito, 14, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Visit their website
Another gorgeous option is Villa San Michele, a luxury hotel in a former 16th-century monastery. You’ll literally feel like you’re stepping into the Renaissance at this Tuscan, hilltop property overlooking Florence. Please note Villa San Michele is closed for the season and will reopen in late March 2024.
Villa San Michele
Via Doccia, 4, 50014 Fiesole FI, Italy
Visit their website
Day Trips to Tuscany from Florence, Italy
If you’re like me, you’ll want to take a day trip to other parts of Tuscany while you’re in Florence. Consider visiting Siena, about an hour away by car, followed by wine tasting at a winery then San Gimignano, a small but famous Tuscan hilltop town. You’ll want to rent a car, hire a private driver, or join a tour group for this day trip.
If you’d like to stay closer to Florence, but still want to experience the Tuscan countryside and nearby Chianti Classico wine region, Antinori nel Chianti Classico is a stunning winery about 30 minutes outside Florence. This design-forward winery was awarded World’s Best Winery in 2022. You can find more information by visiting their website.
Other Resources
If you’re planning to visit other parts of Italy, I’ve also written detailed travel guides on my other favorite destinations in Italy:
• Amalfi Coast: Amalfi, Capri and Positano
• Northern Italy: Lake Como
• Central Italy: Rome
• Tuscany: Castelmuzio, Montepulciano, Pienza and Montalcino
