Home of the Renaissance, Florence is one of the most famous and beautiful cities in Italy. Enjoy strolling the ancient streets, sitting down for authentic Italian dinners, tasting the wines of Tuscany, and visiting some of the finest art galleries.
How to Get ARound Florence
Florence is a larger city, but many of the main attractions are in close proximity from each other. For our trip, we used a taxi service to and from our hotel because of all our luggage. For our stay in Florence, we were able to walk everywhere without needing to use a bus or taxi.
Walk Around the City
The center of the city is pedestrian-friendly, and you can walk to the popular sights in the area. Unless you are staying far out of the city center, you should be able to walk to most places.
Rent a Bike or Scooter
Florence is a great city to rent a bike or scooter. Many locals travel around this way. You can rent bikes at Florence by Bike or Alinari. Florence Station Rental is another great company for renting an authentic Italian Vespa.
Take the Bus
Florence uses the ATAF and LINEA buses. If you want to use public transportation, make sure you buy your tickets before you get on the bus. Unlike other cities where you have to use one ticket per ride, you can use your ticket multiple times in a 90 minute time-frame. One 90 minute ticket is 1.50€ (It is more expensive if bought on the bus).
Use a Taxi
Taxis are the most expensive option, but convenient if you are first getting to Florence and have luggage. Another option is Uber, which is a little cheaper than using Florence’s taxis.
Ride the Train
The Florence train station is in the Santa Maria Novella station. Trains are one of the best forms of transport for traveling from city to city. Check, Italiarail, Trenitalia, and RailEurope for tickets and timetables.
Things to Do in Florence
The Duomo
Construction began on the Duomo in 1296 and did not end until 1887. The dome on top of the cathedral was one of the greatest architectural challenges at that time. The Duomo has remained the masterpiece of Florence and the heart of the city. The entrance to the Cathedral is free for all visitors. If you would like to see some of the other monuments of Piazza del Duomo, you will need to book a ticket.
I highly recommend buying tickets for Brunelleschi’s Dome. It is a tight 463 step climb to the top, but you will be rewarded with the best views of Florence.
Tour the Duomo: The Duomo offers several guided and self-guided tours to choose from.
Bargello
The building was first constructed for the Capitano del Popolo (Captain of the people) during the Middle Ages. It was eventually used as a prison before being converted into the museum it is today.
It is most known for its collection of sculptures from the Renaissance period and works from famous artists such as Donatello and Michelangelo. Visit the Bargello Museum’s website for tickets and opening hours.
The Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most famous museums in the world and home to works from the Renaissance period. The gallery housed the Medici family’s art collection in the 1500s.
They opened the collection up to the public in 1591, making the Uffizi one of Europe’s first museums. The Uffizi is home to some famous works of art such as Madonna and Child with Two Angels and The Birth of Venus. You can also see art from Michelangelo, da Vinci, Raphael, and Botticelli.
Tour the Uffizi: This top-rated tour includes skipping the long lines and an expert guide that takes you around to the most famous artworks. After the tour, you are free to explore the museum on your own. For additional tours visit Viator’s website.
The Ponte Vecchio
The beautifully constructed bridge was built in 1345. The Ponte Vecchio is unique as it holds shops on either side of it. When it was first created, the shops consisted mostly of grocers, blacksmiths, and other merchants.
Now, you can find a large amount of jewelry and novelty shops. On top of the shops is the Vasari Corridor. It was created by the Medici family as a secret passage to cross the bridge without being seen.
The Ponte Vecchio is the most famous bridge in Florence. It is so spectacular that Hitler and the Germans even spared it during WWII.
The Accademia Gallery
The Accademia Gallery is most known for being the home of Michelangelo’s David. This museum has some other amazing works of art to see, many of which were originally owned by the Medici family. You can visit the Museum on your own or join a tour.
Tour the Accademia Gallery: Like many other attractions in Florence, the main tour group the museum works with is Viator. Visit their website for a variety of museum tours.
Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens
The palace was built for the Pitti family in 1460 and eventually became home to the Medici in 1549. The palace is now home to a collection of museums: the Palatine Gallery with Royal Apartments, the Costume Gallery, and the Museum of Modern Art.
Attached to the Palazzo Pitti are the beautiful Boboli Gardens. The gardens were created by the Medici family.
They include walking paths, statues, fountains, and flowers to enjoy. For more information on visiting the palace and gardens, visit their official website.
Piazzale Michelangelo
The Piazza was built in 1869 by the well-known architect Giuseppe Poggi. The piazza is home to one of the David replicas. You can also explore the Basilica di San Miniato al Monte, and the beautiful Rose and Iris Gardens.
There are several ways to reach the Piazzale Michelangelo. Many people visit closer to the end of the day for the best sunset views. The easiest way is by taking bus 12 or 13 from the city.
You can also get there on foot by climbing the Piazza Poggi located at the base of the hill. If you do have a car, there is a small paid parking lot near the Iris Garden.
Sunset and City Views
Many people flock to the Ponte Vecchio and the Piazzale Michelangelo to see the sunset over the river Arno. Both offer terrific views, but can also be crowded. I recommend walking a little further out to one of the other bridges over the river. You will get the same views of the sunset as you would being on the Ponte Vecchio, but with fewer people.
There are also some rooftops where you can look over the city while enjoying a meal and a drink. My personal favorite is the La Terrazza rooftop bar on top of the Hotel Continentale. Other stunning rooftops include SE·STO on Arno Florence, Three Sixty bar at the Grand Hotel Minerva, and Terrazza Brunelleschi.
Do Some Shopping
Florence has a variety of unique shops, but they are most known for their leather. If you are looking to buy some authentic leather, try the following shops: Casini, Casini, Bemporad, and Benheart. You can also find great leather products at the San Lorenzo Market and the Mercato Nuovo (New Market). Florence also has some delightful bookstores for you to explore. Try the Paperback Exchange, Black Spring Independent Bookstore, and Nardini Bookstore.
Explore the Tuscan Countryside
Travel Tip: If you plan on visiting the museums, the Firenze Card allows access to over 50 Florence museums for only €85. You can also purchase the Firenze Card+ to use on public transportation. The passes are available to purchase online or at multiple ticket booths around the city center.
Day Trips from Florence
There are many different tours you can choose from that will take you around the city of Florence. Here are some of the most popular tours. If you would like more options, visit Viator or GetYourGuide.
These are two of the best touring companies. Also, Viator has partnered with many of Florence’s museums and offers guided tours within the city as well.
Tuscan Wine Tasting Experience
Day Trip to Cinque Terre
Tuscan Sightseeing Tour
This tour focuses on several cities around Florence. Your first stop will be the historic city of Siena, where you have the option to join a guided tour or explore on your own. From there, you will be taken to a vineyard in the Chianti region for lunch and wine tasting while surrounded by views of the Tuscan countryside.
After lunch, the tour will take you to the medieval city of San Gimignano, where you will learn about the city while you wander the ancient cobbled streets. The last stop of your tour is to visit the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa and other monuments around it.
Florence Vespa Tour
Take a Vespa tour through the streets of Florence to the Church of San Miniato al Monte on the outskirts of town. Enjoy the panoramic views of the city before touring the church and learning about some of the artwork on display. Next, you will travel through the Tuscan hills before venturing back to the city where you will enjoy lunch on a private terrace.
Where to Stay in Florence
Florence has a wide range of accommodations to meet every traveler’s needs. I have put together a list of highly rated hotels to help plan your visit to Florence. Keep in mind, the prices change depending on the time of year. Hotel prices tend to go up between May and August, since this is the busiest time of the year.
LUXURY HOTELS ($250+)
MID-RANGE HOTELS ($120-$250)
BUDGET HOTELS (Under $120)
AirBnb or Vacation Rentals
A lot of people like staying in Airbnbs during their visit to Florence. Airbnbs give you a very authentic experience and are also a lot more cost-effective. Since Florence is a large city, there is an infinite amount of Airbnb’s to choose from.
Where to Eat in Florence
Local Markets
Market Centrale and Sant’Ambrogio Market are two popular indoor food markets in Florence. Both offer local vendors that sell an assortment of food from meat, fish, pasta, bread, sweets, fruits, wine, and vegetables. All produce is fresh and from the local areas.
Both markets also have a variety of restaurants to choose from. I highly recommend taking a trip to either one of these for an authentic Florentine experience.
Duomo Neighborhood
- RISTORANTE FRESCOBALDI – This wine bar is owned by the Frescobaldi family, a prestigious winemaking family for over 700 years. As of today, the family owns wineries and sells their products to over 60 countries. With that being said, you are in good hands! Enjoy a variety of 150 wines to choose from or ask about their tasting flights. I recommend ordering a meal with your tasting. Ristorante Frescobaldi’s food menu is just as impressive as their wine.
- COQUINARIUS – Coquinarius is a popular wine bar that offers a delicious food menu. It has won several awards and has been mentioned in articles such as the New York Times, the Guardian, Lonely Planet, Rick Steves, and Frommer’s to name a few. Enjoy some delicious Mediterranian and Tuscan cuisine accompanied by a well-picked variety of wines.
- RISTORANTE BRANDOLINO – This beautiful restaurant offers some of the best Italian food. Ristorante Brandolino is nicely decorated with vaulted ceilings, old brick walls, and crystal chandeliers, providing a cozy setting for visitors to enjoy their meals. They get booked up pretty quickly, so make sure to make a reservation.
- OSTERIA ANTICA CASA TORRE – Enjoy their popular homemade pasta dishes and assortment of steaks, desserts, and traditional Italian dishes.
Santo Spirito Neighborhood
- GELATERIA LA CARRAIA – The best gelato around! No matter what time of day you stop by, there is always a line of people. The line moves very quickly though, and their gelato is worth the wait. If you want some traditional flavors, you can’t go wrong with lemon or stracciatella.
- OSTERIA DELL’ ENOTECA – Enjoy an assortment of Tuscan dishes with a modern twist. Dine in the Osteria dell’ Enoteca’s cozy brick dining room.
- ANTICO FATTORE – This historic restaurant has been handing down authentic Florentine recipes since the 1860s. They put a lot of work into making homemade pasta and dishes from local produce. Enjoy some delicious traditional meals while dining in Antics Fattore’s inviting dining room.
- TRATTORIA L’ORIUOLO – Enjoy some simple and authentic Tuscan meals. Everything on the menu is delicious, but they are mostly known for their incredible steaks.
- BORGO SAN JACOPO – This Michelin-starred restaurant offers dinner with a beautiful view of the Ponte Vecchio. For a creative menu, extensive wine list, and romantic views, Borgo San Jacopo is a wonderful restaurant to try.
- TRATTORIA PANDEMONIO DI CASA BROGI – This lovely restaurant first opened in 1992 and has made quite a name for itself. It is popular with both locals and tourists. The overall atmosphere, friendly staff, and menu make this a must-try restaurant during your travels. The menu itself is not huge, but it offers a variety of traditional dishes and includes an assortment of Tuscan wines.
Uffizi Neighborhood
- GUSTAVINO PIAZZA SIGNORIA – This restaurant has a great variety of meat and steak options. If you are looking for something other than steak, they also offer salads, soups, fish, and pasta.
- DEGUSTERIA ITALIANA UFFIZI – This beautiful restaurant is located right near the Uffizi and Ponte Vecchio. Enjoy your meal in an elegant dining room with frescos, chandeliers, and classic furniture.
- RISTORANTE OLIVIERO 1962 – Open since 1962, this lovely restaurant has a wonderfully authentic menu that includes some delicious desserts. For friendly service and authentic cuisine, Ristorante Oliviero is a great place to dine.
Santa Maria Novella Neighborhood
- OSTERIA PASTELLA – This lovely restaurant offers a little bit of everything. Customers can choose from a variety of meats, pasta, fish, and vegetarian options. Not only is the food delicious, by the service is quick and the servers are friendly.
- L’OSTERIA DI GIOVANNI – This family-owned restaurant is known for creating traditional Tuscan dishes with a twist. They offer a well thought out food and wine menu that changes slightly throughout the seasons.
- BRACERIA BISTECCHERIA RISTORANTE – Try a more modern take on traditional Italian recipes. The chef uses only the freshest ingredients in every dish.
- RISTORANTE ALLA GRIGLIA – This restaurant is in a historic building near the Piazza Santa Maria Novella. Choose from an assortment of meat, fish, pasta, pizzas, soups, and desserts.
Santa Croce Neighborhood
- ALL’ANTICO VINIAO – Offers some of the best sandwiches in Florence. The sandwiches here are some of the best I have ever had, and all with fresh ingredients for only about 5€. If you are looking for a quick bite, this is the perfect place.
- BISTECCHERIA SANTA CROCE – Enjoy some top quality modern Italian dishes. Bisteccheria Santa Croce has an extensive menu to choose from and a romantic setting.
- DA QUE’ GANZI TRATTORIA OSTERIA – Enjoy a selection of fresh fish, steaks, and homemade desserts. The restaurant offers a vast wine and food menu for guests to select from.
- OSTERIA DEL PROCONSOLO – Popular to both locals and tourists, this restaurant has a delicious selection of homemade pizzas, meats, fish, and pasta. Enjoy a glass of wine from their while curated menu to go with your meal.
Florence Travel Tips
- Florence restaurants and attractions all have odd hours and may be closed on certain days. Check the hours closely when you are planning your itinerary.
- Lines for the museums can get pretty long. It saves a lot of time purchasing skip-the-line tickets.
- The easiest way to get around the city is on foot.
- Tipping is not expected at restaurants, but for excellent service, you can always add a small tip.
- Many restaurants charge extra for bread and will automatically want to give you bottled water. If you want water, ask for tap water. Florence’s water is very clean and just as good as the bottled water, sometimes even better.
- Try to avoid tourist traps. Restaurants around the Piazza del Duomo and Ponte Vecchio are more expensive due to their proximity to the attractions. For moderate-priced meals, try venturing a little further out.
Travel Planning Resources
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT
Skyscanner is one of the top search engines for finding and booking flights. They price check over 1,200 travel sites to help you find the best prices.
BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION
Booking.com is one of the best sites to book hotels and vacation rentals. They offer some of the cheapest rates and different payment options.
BOOK TRANSPORTATION
RentalCars.com is my go-to site when booking rentals. They work with 900 companies worldwide to help you find the best car for your needs and budget.
SCHEDULE YOUR TOURS
Get Your Guide is one of the top sites for tours, excursions, and activities. Viator is another terrific website for all types of experiences.
GET YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
World Nomads is one of the top travel insurance companies. It will cover you if you must cancel your trip or if something unexpected happens.
Check out the resource page for additional travel planning resources.
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