The Very Best Florence, Italy Travel Guide
Florence is a captivating city located in the heart of Italy, in the Tuscany Region. Known for its fascinating history, alluring streets, culinary delights, plethora of hidden gems, and jaw dropping landscapes, Florence is a city every traveler should visit. Read on to discover your Florence Italy Travel Guide.
This historic city is responsible for the world we know today, as Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance. So you can image how much there is to do and see in the city of lilies. From the House of the Medici to its Roman Origins, my fellow history lovers will not get bored in Florence.
Florence is the capital and gateway to the incredible region of Tuscany. Tuscany is home to rolling hills, olive trees, stunning small villages, and some of the best food in the world. While in Florence you will have the opportunity to travel outside of the chaotic city and into the countryside of Tuscany.
In this Florence, Italy travel guide we will go over the very best things to do, places to dine, how to get around, the best day trips to take, and where to stay in Florence.
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Map Of Florence
Where To Stay In Florence, Italy
Luxury Hotel In Florence
🛎️Dimora Palanca Boutique & SPA - Dimora Palanca is a charming boutique hotel located in the Santa Maria Novella Neighborhood. The closed door hotel is beautifully appointed with each room thoughtfully designed. Some things that stood out to me during my stay was the mosaic floors in the lobby, private spa, original ceiling frescoes, neoclassical architectural design, and the amazing breakfast served daily. If you are looking for luxury in Florence, Dimora Palanca is a lovely option!
Middle Range Hotel In Florence
🛎️Art Hotel Villa Agape - The Art Hotel Villa Agape is an incredible hotel located in Arcetri Neighborhood. Villa Agape is a short drive from downtown Florence, but you feel like you are in the Tuscan countryside and the hotel sits on acres of olive groves, fruit trees, wistrea, and beautifully manicured gardens. The hotel was once owned by Duchess of Aosta and has been well preserved so you feel like you have stepped back into a period film at Villa Agape. Art Hotel Villa Agape is perfect for people who want to be near the city, but not in the city - it is like a little oasis. Read our hotel review here.
Budget Hotel In Florence
🛎️Hotel Orto de' Medici - Hotel Orto de' Medici is a lovely boutique hotel located in the heart of the historic quarter in Florence. This hotel is perfect for first time visitors in Florence, as it is near all the main attractions. During my stay at Hotel de' Medici some things that stuck out to me were the views from the room (I could see the Duomo), the high ceilings, the reading rooms, the delectable breakfast, and the captivating hall in the lobby.
What To Do In Florence
Explore Piazza della Signoria
Piazza della Signoria is a square located in the heart of the Florence historic quarter. This gorgeous square is a great place to start a day of sightseeing.
Taking shape in the 13th century, Piazza della Signoria was once a place of politics as it served as a place where Florentine citizens to participate in the government and observe crucial events. There were also executions that took place in this square.
Piazza della Signoria is more than just its history. In the square you will find original statues along with copies of some of the most famous works in Florence, such as the Statue of David.
In Piazza della Signoria you will find one of the best museums in Florence, Palazzo Vecchio, the once town hall of the city. Be sure to book your ticket beforehand as Palazzo Vecchio will book out for days (especially in the summer months).
🎟️Skip the line Palazzo Vecchio Ticket Entrance
Explore The Gucci Garden
Here is a little hidden gem for you. Did you know that the famous fashion brand Gucci was created in Florence? If you are a fashion lover, you must checkout the museum in Piazza della Signoria.
At Gucci Garden you can learn all about how Gucci came to be while also going back in time with the brand and peruse outfits from past collections.
Florence and Italy in general is truly a fashion hub. If you are interested is the glitz and glamor of Italy's best fashion brands we recommend doing this tour so you can learn all about it!
👠Florentine Fashion Private Tour
Visit The Stunning Basilica di San Lorenzo & Medici Chapel
The Basilica di San Lorenzo & Medici Chapel were some of my favorite sights in Florence. Located in the center of the city (right next to the main markets), the basilica and chapel date back to the 1400s and serve as the final resting places of the prominent Medici Family.
While the crypts are interesting, the real eye catcher is the Medici Chapel. The Medici Chapel stands at an astonishing 190 feet (58 meters) and is coated in gold, mosaic, stained windows, and marble. The chapel was designed by famous architect Michelangelo.
If you are visiting Florence in the summer months be sure to book your ticket to the The Basilica di San Lorenzo & Medici Chapel in advance.
⚜️Medici Chapels Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket
Marvel At The Duomo
The Duomo is easily the most iconic sight to see in Florence. This marvelous cathedral sits in the heart of the city (just a few steps from Piazza della Signoria).
The Duomos' construction began in the 1200s and ended in the 1400s and was designed by Emilio De Fabris, Francesco Talenti, Arnolfo di Cambio, and Filippo Brunelleschi. In a nutshell, the Duomo was built to replace the old church (San Reparata) to accommodate the growing city and to show that Florence is home to amazing architectural works.
It is often said that going inside of the Duomo is not worth it - due to the crowds to get in and lack of beauty inside. However, if are like me and traveled all the way to Italy from the USA, going inside was non negotiable. I thought it was amazing, but maybe that is because I am from the states where architectural wonders are not so common. Anyways, I recommend going inside - just buy a skip the line ticket so you don't spend your day waiting in line.
Walk Over Ponte Vecchio Bridge
Ponte Vecchio Bridge is one of the many bridges that connects the historic center of Florence to the Oltrarno Neighborhood on the other side of the Arno river. What makes Ponte Vecchio so special is its history and shopping.
In short, Ponte Vecchio was once a meat market. The Medici use to have to walk over Ponte Vecchio (in their own area of course) and they did not like the smell. So they made a law that meat was not allowed to be sold on the bridge, only jewelry. Today, jewelry is still the only thing sold on Ponte Vecchio.
While the history of this bridge is amazing, it is more than just that. The views, colorful shops, and chaos of the bridge are so exciting!
👟Florence in a Day (features stop at Ponte Vecchio)
Explore The Oltrarno Neighborhood
The Oltrarno Neighborhood was one of my favorites in Florence. Located on the other side of the historic center, the Oltrarno Neighborhood is a creative area known for its local galleries, mom & pop shops, local eateries, and lighter crowds.
You can also find the incredible Pitti Palace in the Oltrarno Neighborhood which was once home to the Medici family.
🏰Pitti Palace and Boboli Garden Entrance Tickets
Piazza della Repubblica
Piazza della Repubblica is a grand square that dates back to the Roman times and marks the center of Florence.
In Piazza della Repubblica you will find a carosel, a marvelous archway, and plenty of shops & cafes. A great place to sit and people watch is Cafe Gilli (one of the oldest cafes in Italy). Cafe Gilli serves delectable desserts, lunch, dinner, coffees, teas, and more!
Explore The Markets
Florence is home to some amazing markets! Markets are a lovely way to experience any cities culture and food. I visited two amazing markets in Florence - Mercato Centrale & Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio.
My favorite market was Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio because it had more of a local feel and was a bit less crowded. Be sure to try the meatballs on the first booth when you walk inside - they are incredible!
A lovely way to experience the markets is by doing a food tour with a local - not only do you get to try some of the best food in the city, but you also get to have a walking tour when you walk from market to market.
🍝Tasty Florence Street Food with Guided Walking of the City
Watch The Sunset From Piazzale Michelangelo
Piazzale Michelangelo is one of the best places to see panoramic views of Florence. The iconic lookout is best visited at sunset, but keep in mind sunset is the most busy time of day to go. So if you want to avoid the crowd visit during the day (it is harder to see the views at night).
The cheapest and easiest way to get to Piazzale Michelangelo is by take the 12 or 13 bus, which stops right at the lookout. If you are staying at the lovely Villa Agape, take their free shuttle to Piazzale Michelangelo.
Have a Photoshoot at Fotoautomatica
Fotoautomatica is another little hidden gem I came across in Florence. Located all over Florence, Fotoautomatica is a photo booth that sits in the medieval walls of the city. I visited the one in the Oltrarno neighborhood (see map above).
I thought it was so interesting because it was kind of like the old meets the new. Not to mention, it is a super fun place to stop by with friends!
The Fotoautomatica only takes euro coins, so if you want to do the photo booth make sure you have some.
🍦Quick Tip - If you visit the Fotoautomatica in the Oltrarno Neighborhood be sure to try Sbrino, a gelato shop just nextdoor.
Visit The World-Renowned Museums
It is no secret that Florence is home to some of the best museums in the world. I mean, it was the birthplace of the Renaissance and home to some of the best artists the world has ever known.
There is a plethora of museums that you must visit in Florence - but I'm sure you don't need me to tell you that. Here are the ones I went to and absolutely adored - Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery (houses the Statue of David), Pitti Palace, The Church and Museum of Orsanmichele and the Medici Riccardi Palace.
Eat Gelato
This Florence Italy travel guide would not be complete without a mention of gelato. Did you know that Gelato originates from Florence? So, it's obviously, imperative that you eat all that you can while in the city. There is a plethora of amazing Gelato shops in Florence, there are also some that locals don't approve of, but I thought all of them were amazing.
Anyway, here are some locally approved gelato joints you must try while in Florence - Sbrino, Gelateria Beatrice, and Gelateria De 'Medici.
Take a Day Trip To The Tuscan Countryside
Tuscany is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The charming villages, rolling hills, amazing food, and laid back lifestyle make Tuscany a must visit destination. There are so many amazing places to visit in Tuscany, but I have narrowed it down to my all time favorite day trips to take from Florence.
🚗Fiesole - a hilltop village, perfect for a morning or afternoon trip as it is only about 15 minutes from Florence. (reachable by bus)
🚗Siena - A historic city located about an hour and a half south of Florence. Discover its well preserved medieval architecture. (reachable by train)
🚗San Gimignano - A well preserved medieval village located a little over an hour south of Florence. Best known for its towers and being the "Manhattan of Tuscany." Also home to the best gelato shop in the world, Gelateria Dondoli, according to multiple source. (reachable by train)
🚗Pisa - Probably the most popular day trip. Known for the leaning tower of Pisa and cathedrals. (reachable by train)
⭐Tuscany Day Trip from Florence (Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa and Lunch at a Winery)
Best Restaurants In Florence
There is a plethora of incredible restaurants in Florence. These are the ones that I went to and cannot stop thinking about.
🍴Olio Restaurant (Located in the Santa Maria Novella Neighborhood, authentic, delectable, high end, personal, cozy)
🍴Parione (Located in the historic city center, traditional food, warm environment, lots of seating, seasonal food)
🍴Tarocchi (Located in the Oltrarno Neighborhood, Pizzeria, affordable, seasonal food, great for a quick sit down dinner)
Best Coffee Shops In Florence
☕Wild Buns Bakery (Scandinavian Bakery located in Oltrarno, amazing coffee with even better pastries)
☕Coffee Mantra (grab & go cafe type, amazing coffee, located in the eastern part of Florence - right by Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio)
☕Melaleuca (australian owned cafes, great place for brunch, known for their cinnamon bun)
⭐Read Next - 7 Of The Best Coffee Shops In Florence, Italy
Best Rooftop Bars In Florence
🍸Loggia Roof Bar (located in Oltrarno, affordable, views of the Arno)
🍸B-Roof (high end, views of the Duomo, located in the historic quarter)
How To Get To/Around Florence
Getting to Florence is no easy task. The issue with getting to Florence is the airport (FLR). FLR has only a few flights that arrive and depart each day making the flights pricey. However if you do fly into FLR it is super easy to get to the city. You can take the tram, just a few steps from the exit of the airport, to the historic center.
Since there are slim pickings for flights in to the Florence airport, many travelers opt to fly into the Pisa Airport and then take a train to Florence (50 - 70 mins).
✈️Checkout The Latest Fares To Florence & Pisa here
In terms of getting around Florence - Florence is one of the most walkable cities in the world! If you don't feel like walking somewhere, the bus system is super easy to navigate too.
Best Tours To Take In Florence
⭐Tuscany Day Trip from Florence (Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa and Lunch at a Winery)
⭐Uffizi and Accademia (Small Group Walking Tour)
⭐Florence Sunset Food & Wine Tour (Try the very best food in Florence with a local)
Best Time To Visit Florence
Florence, in my opinion is a year round destination. And I also understand that most people can't be picky with when they travel. With that said, if you can be picky, I recommend visiting Florence over the shoulder seasons so you get mild weather and lighter crowds. In Florence the shoulder seasons are Fall and Spring.
Florence, Italy FAQs:
How many days in Florence is enough?
To see all of the main attractions in Florence you will need about 3 days. But if you like to take your time you could easy spend 7 days in Florence and still be entertained.
Can you wear jeans in Florence, Italy?
Yes! People are so weird with this. Even the locals wear jeans.
Are there any parts of Florence to avoid?
Overall Florence is an extremely safe city. I would just avoid alleyways at night.
What time does dinner start in Florence?
Restaurants usually re-open at around 8pm and get busy around 9pm.
The Very Best Florence, Italy Travel Guide Wrap Up
Florence is truly a captivating city with so much to do. We hope that this The Very Best Florence, Italy Travel Guide helps you plan the perfect trip to the city of liles. If you liked this post check out our Venice Travel Guide, Rome Travel Guide, our Pisa Travel Guide, our Fiesole Travel Guide, 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Studying Abroad In Florence, What To Pack For Florence, and our guide to the Best Coffee Shops In Florence. If you have been to any cool spots in Florence - please leave us a comment, we would love to check it out!
Happy Travels,
Daisy
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