Visit Florence Italy: Best Places to See, Stay, and Eat

Europe . Italy

Visit Florence Italy: Best Places to See, Stay, and Eat

Last Modified: January 31, 2021

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. This guide will give you information on the city’s top attractions, where to stay, and the best places to go during your visit to Florence, Italy.

Florence was home to the influential Medici family for hundreds of years. The family became wealthy for their success in banking and rose to power in the mid-1400s. The House of Medici ruled over Florence during the Renaissance and is the reason why Florence is known as the home for Renaissance art. You will hear about them a lot throughout your travels.

Getting Around

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

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.

Bike and Scooters

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.

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).

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.

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

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 architecture 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 tours to choose from. Visit the Duomo’s website to book your tickets.

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.

Uffizi

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.

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 to 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.

Palazzo Pitti 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.

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

Florence sits in the scenic Tuscan countryside. If you have the time, try to venture out and see some of the historic towns and world-renown vineyards. Some popular destinations include Siena, Cinque Terre, San Gimignano, and the Chianti wine-region. If you are interested in spending some time exploring the area, The 5 Best Day Trips from Florence, Italy includes guides to visiting these top destinations.

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

Explore the Tuscan countryside while you enjoy a personal wine tasting at two different vineyards. You will visit two popular wineries in the Chianti region. On your wine tasting, you will visit the cellars and surrounding vineyards of the wineries and learn about the winemaking process. Enjoy some local cheeses, meats, and olive oils while drinking some of the most delicious Chianti wines.

Day Tour to Cinque Terre

Join the top-rated tour to the picturesque fishing villages of Cinque Terre. The tour will take you along a 3.3-mile trail with a stop in the village of Corniglia. In the middle of the day, you will have some time to enjoy the beaches and shop in the village of Vernazza. The final part of the trip will be a magical boat-ride to the village of Riomaggiore. This tour is a great way to explore the villages of Cinque Terre while learning about its history.

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

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 to the low $200s)

Budget Hotels (Under $120)

Airbnb

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

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.

Travel Tips

Opening Hours – 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.

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Hey, I’m Ally! Welcome to Cafes and Getaways. I’ll be sharing details on my latest travel destinations, as well as tips and tricks to help you plan your next adventure.

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