Few destinations capture the imagination quite like Florence, Italy. Narrow cobblestone streets, intimate cafes and the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside lend an air of romance while grand palaces and beautiful churches inspire awe. Galileo, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo have all called Florence home and these renaissance masters’ cultural legacy can be seen throughout the city. Florence has a timeless appeal and with so much to see and to planning a trip can be a little overwhelming. Armed with these tips you can find all of the best things to do in Florence and make your trip one to remember.
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How to Travel to Florence
By Air
Florence is served by Vespucci Airport (FLR) with flights to/from many cities in Europe. There are currently no direct flights to Florence from the United States.
Check for flights to Florence, Italy
By Train
Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station (SMN) is well connected to many cities throughout Italy via the Italiarail and TrenItalia. Florence is 1.5 hours by train from Rome and just over 2 hours from Venice.
When to Visit Florence
Florence’s sites are beautiful any time of year but the weather and crowds can vary depending on when you visit. April-June and September-October are generally mild and sunny (daytime highs range between 65- 80F/18-27C) however these months also have the highest number of visitors. Summers are hot and in August many businesses shut down for several weeks and local shopkeepers take their own vacations. November-March can be cool and rainy (daytime highs between 50-58F/10-15C), you can still have a great trip just dress in layers and bring an umbrella.
Getting Around Florence
Florence is compact and easily walkable and the best way to get around is by foot. Florence’s cobblestone streets, while charming, can be unforgiving; make sure you wear a comfortable pair of shoes as nothing ruins a trip faster than sore feet.
With narrow streets that are often one-way and pedestrian only zones (marked ZTL or Zona a Traffico Limitato) through large parts of the city driving is not recommended.
Hotels in Florence
Historic Center
Oltrarno
Things to Do in Florence
Duomo
The Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, more commonly known as the Duomo, is easily the most recognizable site in a city of superlatives. Dominating Florence’s skyline, construction on the Duomo began in 1296 and wasn’t completed until 1436. The green, pink and white marble of the exterior is visually stunning though the interior can be underwhelming in comparison.
For amazing views over Florence you can climb the 463 steps of the Duomo (reservations required) or you can opt to climb the Bell Tower (Giotto’s Campanile) right next to the Duomo for great views with fewer crowds.
L’Accedemia (The David)
Michelangelo’s David is the best known sculpture from the Renaissance and there is nothing like seeing this 17 foot tall masterpiece in person. Housed in the Accademia Galleries along with other Renaissance works from the 13th to 16th centuries, it’s recommended that you book tickets in advance or use the Firenze Card to save time.
Uffizi Galleries
Home to arguably the most important collection of Renaissance art with works by Leonardo DaVinci, Michelangelo and Botticelli. The Uffizi Galleries are one of the most popular (and most crowded) sites in Florence and it’s not not uncommon to see lines up to 2 hours long in high season. In order to avoid the lines make sure to make a reservation ahead of time or get skip the line access with the Firenze Card.
Ponte Vecchio
Dating back to 966 the Ponte Vecchio is the oldest bridge in Florence and one of the most iconic sites in the city. Shops have lined the bridge since the 13th century and today is home to jewelry and gold shops. The bridge gets packed with tourists so be sure to get there early. The best views of the Ponte Vecchio and be had from the nearby Ponte Santa Trinita.
Santa Croce
The largest Franciscan church in Italy, Santa Croce holds the tombs of notable Florentines such as Galileo and Michelangelo. The beautiful Carrara marble facade of Santa Croce houses stunning stained glass works and frescoes by Renaissance master Giotto.
Mercato Central
This grand European food market near San Lorenzo features the best the Tuscan countryside has to offer from fresh produce and meat to artisinal cheese, salumi and olive oil. The top floor is an open food hall that is perfect for locals and tourists looking for a quick bite. This is also a great place to pick up some souvenirs from Italy or grab a hugo spritz.
Pitti Palace
Once home to the powerful Medici family the massive Pitti Palace is the largest palace in Florence. Within the palace you can explore the Royal Quarters of the Medicis as well as galleries including the Palatine Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art. Be aware that the Pitti Palace is closed on Mondays.
Boboli Gardens
Behind the Pitti Palace you’ll find the Boboli Gardens, considered one of the grandest gardens in all of Europe and even inspired the gardens at Versailles. Blooms of every color frame rows of stately oaks and sloping paths are dotted with Renaissance sculptures. Throughout the gardens you’ll be treated to sweeping views across Florence.
Oltrarno District
Located across the Arno River from Florence’s historic center the Oltrarno District is less touristy and offers a more authentic Florentine experience. Home to both the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens the streets of the Oltrarno are lined with shops, artisans and cafes perfect for sipping an apertivo like a limoncello spritz.
Where to Eat Gelato in Florence
If you visit Florence and not get gelato did you really even go? Eating gelato is an integral part of any trip to Italy and I was more than happy to scout out the best places to get gelato in Florence.
Gelateria La Carraia
Located just across the Arno near Ponte La Carraia this bright gelato shop is popular with locals and tourists. I judge a gelato shop by it’s pistachio and La Carraia’s is intensely nutty but it was their decadent dark chocolate orange that made La Carraia my favorite shop.
La Strega Nocciola
Just across the Ponte Vecchio in the Oltrarno District is a free-spirited shop that has fun with its gelato. Flavors like lavendar and blood orange are intrigueing but the white chocolate/cinnamon combination of the Azteca is addictive.
Il Procopio
This family owned shop is the place to go for creative flavors you won’t find anywhere else. Black Forest cake, Sacher Torte and bread pudding are the gelato version of your favorite desserts while La Follia mixes toasted almond, fig, orange peel, and pistachio paste .
Gelateria de Neri
Located near the Ufizzi Gallery there’s usually a line but the gelato at Gelateria de Neri is worth the wait. You can’t go wrong with classics like chocolate and salted caramel, but their more creative flavors like ricotta and fig, matcha and pistachio ricotta cremino have made Gelateria de Neri a foodie favorite.
Discover more great places to eat in Florence
Day Trips From Florence
Chianti
Florence are undeniably two of the world’s greatest cities but Italy’s heart lies in Tuscany. Wine tasting in Tuscany tops many bucket lists and the
rolling hills hills of Chianti are one of the best places to do it. The best was to experience Chianti is on a private wine tour with Tuscany Organic Tours who will take you to small family-run organic wineries.
Siena
Once Florence’s historic arch-rival the medieval city of Siena in now one of the most popular day trips you can take from Florence. The black-and-white striped cathedral is one of the most beautiful in Italy and the expansive Piazza del Campo plays host to a famous Palio ( horse race) twice per year. Climb to the top of the Torre del Mangia for amazing views.
San Gimignano
Fourteen stone towers rising above the countryside have earned San Gimignano the nickname of Medieval Manhattan. Widely regarded as one of the most picturesque of Tuscany’s hill towns San Gimignano is a popular stop for visitors to Tuscany. Take in stunning Tuscan views, sample Vernaccia (a white wine grown in the area’s surrounding vineyards) and taste dishes made with cinghiale (wild boar).
Sue Davies says
Florence is so beautiful. Only spent 1 day there, and saw the Duomo, Academia but will have to go back and spend time more leisurely.
Smita says
Florence was a delight. Your article gets everything right! I specially like the where to eat Gelato section 🙂 The most useful!!
Lesley says
I missed Florence on my last trip to Italy, and I really wish I had gone now! It looks like such a beautiful city with so much to see and do. It will definitely be near the top of my list for my next trip to Italy.
Linnea says
I’m going to Florence in September, and I loved this guide! Definitely saving for my trip. Your gelato recommendations were awesome, and I liked the tip for the Firenze card!
Gary Francis says
Our favourite city in Italy, and we have fallen in love with the part of Tuscany to Florence’s south – Chianti in particular and down to the Val d’Orcia. Great food and wine, very pretty towns.
Annelise says
Florence is awesome with its Renaissance art and architecture, great palaces and museums. It is a very beautiful city and you have shot an awesome photo of Ponte Vecchio!
Solo Traveler says
I have been to Florence many times and love the city but I also feels it’s becoming overrun in the summer, particularly by students. Do you have any other suggestions for cities like Florence?