Your guide to Florence
Florence highlights
Must-see art
If you only see one bit of Renaissance art on your city break in Florence, make sure it’s Michelangelo’s ‘David.’ This enormous marble masterpiece is one of the world’s most famous statues. You’ll find him standing in the Accademia Gallery. It’s a popular place, so book the first or last slot of the day for smaller crowds.
Iconic architecture
Visiting the Cathedral will be the high point of your stay in Florence. Known as the ‘Duomo’, the church is a monument to Renaissance architecture. You’ll need to pay if you want to climb the dome, but the views are worth the price. If tickets are sold out, enjoy the vistas from the Palazzo Vecchio’s Arnolfo Tower instead.
Amazing sunsets
For dreamy skyline sunsets, head to Piazzale Michelangelo, a pretty square south of the river with sweeping city views. From here, you’ll see the glowing terracotta rooftops with the Tuscan mountains in the distance. The piazza is one of the most popular stops on weekends in Florence, so arrive an hour before sunset to secure a good spot.
Florence: Know before you go
| Language | Italian |
|---|---|
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) and UTC+2 (CEST) |
| High season | June - July |
| Low season | January - February |
Find the best time to go to Florence
Weather in Florence
March – May: One of the best times to visit Florence, spring brings mild daytime temperatures, bright blue skies and the start of gelato season. Evenings are still cool, so pack a jacket.
June – August: Summer days are hot and humid — but nothing beats eating pasta al fresco on a warm Florentine evening.
September – November: Come autumn, the humidity and the crowds decrease while temperatures cool down. Most days, you’ll be fine with a jumper, although November can get rainy.
December – February: Winters are the coldest time of year, but rarely does it get below freezing. Rain may put a dampener on outdoor sightseeing. This is a great time to explore the blockbuster museums.
Events in Florence
Easter Sunday (March or April): Florence’s Easter tradition is nothing short of spectacular. Fireworks launch from an elaborate two-storey cart in front of the Piazza del Duomo. The display is timed with the church chorus singing ‘Gloria’ for maximum dramatic effect.
Maggio Musicale (April to June): One of the oldest and most storied music festivals in Europe, Maggio Musicale features a series of classical concerts, ballet performances and operas.
Calcio Storico (June): Dating back to medieval times, Calcio Storico is one part football, one part rugby and Florentine through and through.See teamsfrom various neighbourhoods battle it out in matches held in the Piazza Santa Croce.
The best neighbourhoods in Florence
Historic Centre
Home to iconic attractions like the Duomo and the Uffizi Gallery, the historic heart of the city is the best neighbourhood to stay in Florence for sightseeing. Hang out with locals at wine bars and browse the jewellery shops on Ponte Vecchio. For the best photos of this famous landmark, stand on the nearby Ponte Santa Trinita bridge.
Good for: Bars, historical landmarks, restaurants
Oltrarno
The utra-cool Oltrarno district is a great area to stay if you want a more bohemian vibe. It’s just across the river from the Old Town, so you’re still close to the action. Enjoy a stroll in Boboli Gardens, shop in artisan boutiques, and eat your way through the trendy restaurants.
Good for: Artisan boutiques, gardens, restaurants
San Niccolo
It’s easy to decide where to stay in Florence if you’re after a good night’s sleep. San Niccolo is a peaceful neighbourhood in the southeast of the city with elegant riverside walks, tree-lined avenues and art galleries. There’s plenty of culture here too, with Museo Bardini and Palazzo Serristori to explore.
Good for: Art galleries, museums, restaurants
Things to do in Florence
Family friendly things to do
Kids love getting hands-on with construction at the Leonardo da Vinci Interactive Museum. For fun science without the crowds, pop into the Museum of Illusions. There are lots of food-themed things to do with family in Florence too, like workshops for making pasta and gelato. Finish the day with a bit of calm on Piazza della Repubblica’s merry-go-round.
Shopping
Florence is known for its leather, so you’ll want to leave plenty of room in your suitcase. Pick up soft gloves at San Lorenzo Market, or treat yourself to an artisan bag at the Santa Croce leather school. Head to Via Tornabuoni for high-end fashion, or stop by Porcellino Market for the best souvenir shopping in Florence.
Take in the culture
The museums in Florence are the reason many people visit the city. Admire iconic Renaissance paintings by Da Vinci and Botticelli in the Uffizi Gallery. Discover the secrets of the Medici family, and see if you can spot Dante’s death mask at Palazzo Vecchio. Head to Santa Croce Church to see the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo.
Nightlife
Nightlife in Florence is all about swanky clubs, cocktail lounges and cosy jazz cellars. Start the evening with an aperitif and free snacks in the Santo Spirito bars, then drink Tuscan wine with the locals in Sant’Ambrogio. For lively pubs and clubs, Santa Croce is the place to party into the early hours.
Places to eat
Restaurants in Florence are as tempting as the city’s architecture, with family-run ‘trattorias’ (casual restaurants) and ‘enotecas’ (wine bars) lining the streets. For gourmet riverside dining, Borgo San Jacopo offers tasting menus with Ponte Vecchio views. Or head to the San Lorenzo market for cheap eats like pizza and the famous Florentine tripe sandwiches known as ‘lampredotto’.
Free things to do
If you’re travelling on a budget, you’ll find lots of free things to do in Florence. There’s no charge to enter the Duomo or see the Last Supper fresco in the San Salvi monastery. To see free Renaissance art without the crowds, the outdoor sculpture gallery at the Loggia dei Lanzi building features statues by Michelangelo and Cellini.
Get ready for Florence
Budget
It’s not difficult to enjoy an inexpensive stay in Florence. This is especially true if you book your stay and restaurants outside the most tourist-heavy areas. Expect a meal in an inexpensive restaurant to cost around 16 euros (€). Your daily cappuccino should cost less than €2, and a short taxi ride is roughly €10.
Day trips from Florence
The historic walled towns of Lucca and Sienna are popular day trips from Florence. They both offer a chance to wander tiny, medieval streets and picturesque piazzas. For some of the best food of your trip, visit Parma (for Parmigiano Reggiano cheese) and Bologna (known as the ‘fat one’ for its famously rich cuisine). Even Rome is doable in a day, thanks to high-speed trains from Florence.
Getting around Florence
Florence’s main sights are close together, perfect for walking. For longer trips, it’s best to take the bus. Save money by buying tickets in advance at shops and cafes displaying an Autolinee Toscane sticker. Remember to validate your ticket once on board. Coming from the airport? Hop on the T2 tramline for a seamless city transfer.
