If you’re passionate about art, history, and incredible Italian cuisine, Florence is a dream destination you won’t want to miss. I recently spent several days wandering this Renaissance jewel and can’t wait to share everything you need to know—from where to stay and how to get around, to the top sights and local secrets that make Florence unforgettable.
Where To Stay In Florence
Florence’s compact historic center makes it easy to explore on foot, so choosing accommodation nearby is ideal. The area around the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria is perfect for first-timers who want to be close to major attractions. For a quieter vibe with charming streets and artisan shops, consider staying near the Oltrarno district across the Arno River. Santa Croce is lively and rich with history, while San Lorenzo offers great markets and local eateries.
Best Florence Tours
Joining a guided tour can bring Florence’s art and history vividly to life. I recommend a skip-the-line Uffizi Gallery tour to admire works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci without waiting in long queues. A guided walk of the Duomo complex and its stunning dome is a must. For food lovers, a Tuscan cooking class or a wine tasting tour in the nearby Chianti region adds a delicious dimension to your visit. Don’t miss an evening stroll with a local guide to uncover hidden piazzas and artisan workshops.
Where Is Florence?
Florence is the capital of Tuscany in central Italy, famous worldwide as the birthplace of the Renaissance. The city’s Renaissance architecture, world-class museums, and vibrant culture make it a highlight of any Italian itinerary.
How To Get To Florence Italy
Florence is served by the Amerigo Vespucci Airport, with connections to major European cities. The city is also easily accessible by train from Rome, Milan, Venice, and other Italian cities, with the Santa Maria Novella station at the heart of the city.
Transport: How To Get Around In Florence
Florence’s historic center is compact and best explored on foot. Walking lets you soak in the Renaissance atmosphere and discover hidden gems. For longer trips, buses run frequently, but cars are not recommended inside the restricted traffic zones. Many visitors rent bikes or e-scooters for a fun alternative.
Best Things To Do In Florence Italy
The Duomo & Brunelleschi’s Dome
Florence’s cathedral, officially called Santa Maria del Fiore, is an architectural marvel that dominates the city skyline. Its striking façade blends Gothic intricacy with Renaissance grandeur, making it one of the most beautiful churches in Italy. The real highlight, however, is Brunelleschi’s Dome — a feat of engineering and artistry that revolutionized architecture in the 15th century.
Climbing the 463 steps inside the dome is a challenging but rewarding adventure. As you ascend, you’ll get a close-up view of the intricate frescoes of The Last Judgment painted by Vasari and Zuccari, enveloping the interior in vibrant color. Once you reach the top, the reward is breathtaking: a panoramic vista of Florence’s terracotta rooftops, the winding Arno River, and rolling Tuscan hills in the distance. On a clear day, the view feels like stepping into a Renaissance painting.
Insider Tip: Book your climb early to avoid crowds and bring water and comfortable shoes. The climb is narrow and steep, but the experience is unforgettable.
Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is a treasure trove of Renaissance art and one of the most visited museums in the world. Housed in a stunning 16th-century palace originally built by the Medici family, the gallery’s corridors are lined with masterpieces that chart the evolution of Western art.
Here, you’ll encounter Botticelli’s ethereal The Birth of Venus, which captures the goddess emerging from the sea with flowing golden hair—a symbol of beauty and myth. Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation showcases his mastery of light and detail, while Michelangelo’s sculptures and Raphael’s delicate Madonnas add to the richness of the collection. The Uffizi also offers sweeping views of the Ponte Vecchio and the Arno River from its upper floors.
Insider Tip: Reserve your tickets online in advance to skip the notoriously long lines. Take your time to explore lesser-known rooms too, where hidden gems await.
Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio is more than just a bridge—it’s a living piece of Florence’s history and charm. This medieval stone bridge spanning the Arno River is lined with quaint shops, predominantly jewelers and art dealers, that have been a tradition since the 16th century.
Walking along the narrow passage of the bridge, you can admire the vibrant displays of handcrafted jewelry sparkling in the windows, hear the gentle lapping of the river below, and soak in one of the most romantic spots in Florence. At sunset, the golden light reflects off the water and the colorful buildings, creating an unforgettable ambiance. Don’t forget to look up and spot the Vasari Corridor, a secret passageway built by the Medici to move between the Palazzo Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti without mingling with the public.
Insider Tip: Visit early in the morning or at dusk to enjoy a peaceful stroll without the crowds. Grab a gelato from a nearby café and savor it as you take in the views.
Palazzo Pitti & Boboli Gardens
Palazzo Pitti, once the lavish residence of the powerful Medici family, is an imposing Renaissance palace that now hosts multiple museums. Inside, you’ll find impressive collections of Renaissance and Baroque art, lavish royal apartments, and exhibits of fashion and porcelain.
Stepping outside, the Boboli Gardens behind the palace offer a stunning green escape. These formal Italian gardens are masterpieces of landscaping, dotted with sculptures, fountains, and shaded pathways. Walking through the gardens feels like wandering through a living museum, with sweeping views of Florence at every turn. The garden’s amphitheater, grottoes, and secret corners make it a perfect place to relax and soak in the Renaissance spirit.
Insider Tip: Allocate plenty of time to explore both the palace and gardens. Bring a camera and enjoy a picnic in the gardens if the weather is nice. The Boboli Gardens can be steep in parts, so wear comfortable shoes.
These four Florence highlights are essential for any traveler looking to dive deep into the city’s rich artistic heritage and stunning beauty. Each offers a unique window into the Renaissance world that shaped not only Florence but the entire Western civilization.
More Things To Do In Florence Italy
- Accademia Gallery
Home to Michelangelo’s David, the Accademia also displays other Renaissance artworks and sculptures. It’s a must-visit for art enthusiasts. - Piazza della Signoria
This lively square is an open-air museum with statues like a replica of David, the Fountain of Neptune, and the Palazzo Vecchio, Florence’s town hall. - Santa Croce Church
Known as the “Temple of the Italian Glories,” this church is the burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. Its frescoes and leather school nearby are highlights. - Mercato Centrale
A bustling food market offering fresh produce, cheeses, meats, and street food stalls. It’s perfect for tasting Tuscan specialties and grabbing a casual bite.
Best Florence Neighborhoods To Explore
- Historic Center: Close to all major sights and perfect for first-time visitors.
- Oltrarno: Artisan workshops, quiet streets, and lively piazzas.
- Santa Croce: Artistic, with great food markets and historic churches.
- San Lorenzo: Famous for its markets and traditional trattorias.
Best Sunrise / Sunset Spots In Florence Italy
- Piazzale Michelangelo: The best panoramic viewpoint for sunrise and sunset with a sweeping vista of Florence’s skyline.
- Boboli Gardens: Serene and beautiful for a sunset stroll.
- Arno River Bridges: Watch the sunset glow off the river and historic buildings.
- San Miniato al Monte: A peaceful basilica on a hill with breathtaking views.
Other Florence Tips
- Book major museum tickets in advance to skip long lines.
- Try Tuscan specialties like ribollita (vegetable soup), bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak), and gelato from local artisan shops.
- Wear comfortable shoes—the streets are mostly cobblestone.
- Explore early in the morning or late evening to avoid peak crowds.
Is Florence Safe?
Florence is generally very safe for tourists. Normal precautions against pickpockets in crowded areas are advised.
Florence On A Budget — Is It Possible?
Absolutely! Florence may be famous for its art, history, and fine dining, but exploring this Renaissance city on a budget is entirely doable without missing out on its magic. Here’s how to enjoy Florence while keeping your wallet happy:
Free and Low-Cost Attractions
Many of Florence’s most beautiful and historic sites don’t cost a euro to enter. Wander through the stunning piazzas like Piazza della Signoria and Piazza del Duomo to admire iconic landmarks such as the Cathedral, Palazzo Vecchio, and Loggia dei Lanzi from the outside. These open-air museums offer centuries of art and architecture at no cost.
Many churches, such as Santa Maria Novella, Santo Spirito, and San Lorenzo, allow free or low-cost entry, letting you soak in Renaissance frescoes and architecture without breaking the bank. Don’t miss the beautiful Rose Garden (Giardino delle Rose), a peaceful spot offering great views over the city and free entry.
If you want to visit paid museums but keep costs down, look out for free entry days (usually the first Sunday of the month) or consider the Firenze Card if you plan to visit many attractions in a short time.
Affordable Eats and Street Food
Eating well in Florence doesn’t have to mean expensive restaurants. Venture away from the main tourist streets to find local trattorias and osterias where you can enjoy hearty Tuscan dishes at reasonable prices.
The Mercato Centrale is a must-visit for budget travelers. On the ground floor, you’ll find fresh produce stalls and cheap snacks. Upstairs, a modern food court offers delicious street food from pizza and pasta to lampredotto (a traditional Florentine sandwich made from tripe) and panini. This is a great place to sample local flavors without paying restaurant prices.
For quick bites, try All’Antico Vinaio, famous for its massive, flavorful sandwiches packed with cured meats and cheeses—perfect for a budget-friendly lunch on the go.
Saving on Transportation
Florence’s compact city center is highly walkable, so save money by exploring on foot. Walking not only keeps costs down but lets you stumble upon hidden gems, artisan workshops, and quiet piazzas that bigger tours might miss.
If you need to travel farther, public buses operated by ATAF are affordable and efficient. Tickets are inexpensive and can be bought at tobacco shops or newsstands. Consider purchasing a day pass if you plan to use public transport multiple times.
Budget Accommodation Tips
Look for guesthouses, B&Bs, or hostels outside the busiest tourist areas like Santa Maria Novella or near the train station. Neighborhoods such as San Lorenzo or Campo di Marte offer cheaper lodging options with easy access to the city center via public transport.
Booking well in advance or traveling in shoulder seasons (spring or fall) can also help you secure lower prices on accommodation.
Final Budget Travel Tips for Florence
- Bring a refillable water bottle: Florence has many public drinking fountains with fresh water.
- Shop at local markets: Pick up fresh bread, cheese, and fruit for picnics in the parks.
- Skip taxis: Use your feet or public transport whenever possible.
- Plan ahead: Book museum tickets online to avoid costly last-minute purchases.
With a little planning and local know-how, Florence offers a rich and authentic experience for travelers on any budget. You don’t need to splurge to fall in love with this timeless city.
How Long To Stay In Florence Italy
I recommend 3 to 4 days to explore the city’s art, history, and neighborhoods without rushing.
Sample Itinerary For Florence
Day 1: Duomo complex, Uffizi Gallery
Day 2: Accademia Gallery, Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio
Day 3: Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens, Oltrarno neighborhood
Day 4: Santa Croce, Mercato Centrale, sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo
Best Time To Visit Florence Italy
Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) offer mild weather and fewer tourists. Summer can be hot and crowded but lively with festivals.
Florence Hotels
From luxury hotels with rooftop views near the Duomo to cozy guesthouses in Oltrarno and budget hostels near Santa Maria Novella station, Florence offers accommodations for every style and budget. Book early, especially during high season.
More Italy Travel Guides
Planning to explore further? Check out my guides on Rome, Venice, and the Amalfi Coast for more travel inspiration.
