Florence Travel Guide
Everything you need to plan your trip to the capital of Tuscany
Photo: the Vasari Corridor
Florence
⭐ Ranked #3 in the Italy Review Top 100 – My Most Recommended Destinations
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Latest page update: 9 June 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Standing proud at the north-eastern corner of Tuscany, the city of Florence is the official regional capital, but perhaps more importantly in cultural terms: The Cradle of the Renaissance.
The list of names that have left their stamp on the city is quite astonishing, a veritable who's who of movers and shakers from the medieval period through to the Enlightenment. The powerful banking family, the Medici, were one of the catalysts that made Florence the world capital of art, a position it has sustained during modern times with its vast collection of galleries and museums. |
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What People Ask About Florence
What is Florence known for?
Is Florence a walkable city?
What is the best time to visit Florence?
Do I need to book museums in advance in Florence?
How do I get from Florence to Pisa?
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Discover Florence
A little name-dropping here might help set the scene; among the artists to have been born or lived in Florence we can count Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Donatello and Lorenzo Ghiberti. To the list of artists you can add Giotto who was also known for his architectural prowess along with superstars of the industry such as Brunelleschi and Giorgio Vasari whose beautiful corridor leading from the Uffizi Gallery across the River Arno to the Palazzo Pitti is one of the most remarkable creations in the city.
From the literary world we can add such luminaries as the poet Dante, father of the Italian language, and Niccolò Machiavelli whose treatise The Prince has been influencing politicians for more than 500 years. To this rather extraordinary list of names we can also add Galileo Galilei, an astronomer/polymath whose work advanced a number of scientific fields sufficiently to still be revered to this day.
From the literary world we can add such luminaries as the poet Dante, father of the Italian language, and Niccolò Machiavelli whose treatise The Prince has been influencing politicians for more than 500 years. To this rather extraordinary list of names we can also add Galileo Galilei, an astronomer/polymath whose work advanced a number of scientific fields sufficiently to still be revered to this day.
Sightseeing in Florence
With the influence of the characters listed above, it's no surprise that Florence has thrived from its renaissance boom to its position in modern times as one of the most desirable tourist destinations in Europe. It has a relatively low population, under 400,000, which belies its cultural importance to Tuscany and to Italy as a whole. It's not particularly big in terms of physical size either and this is perhaps one of its greatest advantages: making it so easy to get around and see everything on foot.
With the influence of the characters listed above, it's no surprise that Florence has thrived from its renaissance boom to its position in modern times as one of the most desirable tourist destinations in Europe. It has a relatively low population, under 400,000, which belies its cultural importance to Tuscany and to Italy as a whole. It's not particularly big in terms of physical size either and this is perhaps one of its greatest advantages: making it so easy to get around and see everything on foot.
Where to start
Without a doubt, the starting point for any itinerary of the city should be the Piazza del Duomo; this is the most famous square in Florence and home to several of its most important sights. The centrepiece of the square is Florence Cathedral with its marble facade and distinctive dome created by Brunelleschi who broke all the hitherto known rules of geometry to create it. The Cathedral is flanked by Giotto's Bell Tower which you can climb for one of the best views of the city. You can also reach higher than the Bell Tower by entering the Cathedral itself and climbing up to Brunelleschi's Dome, a passage that's not for the faint-hearted with its vertigo-inducing views.
Just in front of the Cathedral lies the beautiful Florence Baptistery with its matching marble exterior, punctuated on either side by the Gates of Paradise, a pair of bronze doors for which the sculptor Ghiberti is most-famed. At the opposite end of Piazza del Duomo stands one of the city's best museums; so vast was the treasure inside the Cathedral that a separate building was required to house it and you can enjoy these incredible riches at the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.
Without a doubt, the starting point for any itinerary of the city should be the Piazza del Duomo; this is the most famous square in Florence and home to several of its most important sights. The centrepiece of the square is Florence Cathedral with its marble facade and distinctive dome created by Brunelleschi who broke all the hitherto known rules of geometry to create it. The Cathedral is flanked by Giotto's Bell Tower which you can climb for one of the best views of the city. You can also reach higher than the Bell Tower by entering the Cathedral itself and climbing up to Brunelleschi's Dome, a passage that's not for the faint-hearted with its vertigo-inducing views.
Just in front of the Cathedral lies the beautiful Florence Baptistery with its matching marble exterior, punctuated on either side by the Gates of Paradise, a pair of bronze doors for which the sculptor Ghiberti is most-famed. At the opposite end of Piazza del Duomo stands one of the city's best museums; so vast was the treasure inside the Cathedral that a separate building was required to house it and you can enjoy these incredible riches at the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.
Beyond Piazza del Duomo
A walk south of Piazza del Duomo will see you walking any of a series of beautiful streets which these days are occupied by high-end shops, boutiques and hotels. Many of those streets lead to the second most important square in Florence: Piazza della Signoria. This expansive square is one of the best places to eat or drink in Florence with its dozens of restaurants and their outdoor seating areas where you can watch the world go by. The most famous building on the square is the Palazzo Vecchio, Florence's town hall from which protrudes the striking medieval tower known as Arnolfo's Tower to some or Palazzo Vecchio Tower to others. Just outside the Palazzo Vecchio there are two important sculptures: the Fontana del Nettuno, and "a" Statue of David, a copy of its more famous counterpart by Michelangelo which is on display north of the city centre at the Galleria dell'Accademia.
The next building south of the Palazzo Vecchio is the Uffizi Gallery. This is one of the most famous museum galleries in the world and you really need to make a day of it for an effective visit. The enormous gallery building stretches to the banks of the River Arno which can be crossed by Vasari's incredible internal corridor. That corridor forms part of one of the world's most famous bridges: the Ponte Vecchio, built in 1345. A quite unique bridge both at the time of its construction and certainly in modern times, it is almost a little district in itself with its multi-floor layout concealing a number of jewellery shops. The covered section above those shops is the continuation of the Vasari Corridor, built so that the most important people in the city wouldn't be bothered by the hoi-polloi and were able to make their way across the river in peace.
A walk south of Piazza del Duomo will see you walking any of a series of beautiful streets which these days are occupied by high-end shops, boutiques and hotels. Many of those streets lead to the second most important square in Florence: Piazza della Signoria. This expansive square is one of the best places to eat or drink in Florence with its dozens of restaurants and their outdoor seating areas where you can watch the world go by. The most famous building on the square is the Palazzo Vecchio, Florence's town hall from which protrudes the striking medieval tower known as Arnolfo's Tower to some or Palazzo Vecchio Tower to others. Just outside the Palazzo Vecchio there are two important sculptures: the Fontana del Nettuno, and "a" Statue of David, a copy of its more famous counterpart by Michelangelo which is on display north of the city centre at the Galleria dell'Accademia.
The next building south of the Palazzo Vecchio is the Uffizi Gallery. This is one of the most famous museum galleries in the world and you really need to make a day of it for an effective visit. The enormous gallery building stretches to the banks of the River Arno which can be crossed by Vasari's incredible internal corridor. That corridor forms part of one of the world's most famous bridges: the Ponte Vecchio, built in 1345. A quite unique bridge both at the time of its construction and certainly in modern times, it is almost a little district in itself with its multi-floor layout concealing a number of jewellery shops. The covered section above those shops is the continuation of the Vasari Corridor, built so that the most important people in the city wouldn't be bothered by the hoi-polloi and were able to make their way across the river in peace.
The other side of the River Arno
Across the River Arno, the destination of those VIPs of the day was the Palazzo Pitti. The huge palace is nowadays home to a series of galleries and museums, while its gardens are among the most celebrated of their kind in the world. Boboli Gardens stretches from Palazzo Pitti all the way up to the imposing Forte di Belvedere, known among other things for its wonderful views. However, the very best views of Florence can be enjoyed from Piazzale Michelangelo which sits on a hill south-west of the city centre. From here you can see almost all of the city's famous sights from the River Arno with its bridges and the dozens of churches and palaces on either side.
Looking diagonally across the city from Piazzale Michelangelo you can just about make out Piazza Santa Maria Novella. The square is named after the religious complex of the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella, one of the most important churches in the city. It lies just a short walk from Florence's main train station, also called Santa Maria Novella which provides one of the most important arteries for travel in and out of the city. Just outside Santa Maria Novella there's also a tram system in operation which allows easy access for some of the sights on the city's periphery or indeed for its residential areas.
It's impossible to capture everything that's good about Florence on a single page; in most other cities, the Bargello National Museum or the Basilica di Santa Croce would have been at the very top of the list but this just illustrates the depth of sights Florence can offer.
Across the River Arno, the destination of those VIPs of the day was the Palazzo Pitti. The huge palace is nowadays home to a series of galleries and museums, while its gardens are among the most celebrated of their kind in the world. Boboli Gardens stretches from Palazzo Pitti all the way up to the imposing Forte di Belvedere, known among other things for its wonderful views. However, the very best views of Florence can be enjoyed from Piazzale Michelangelo which sits on a hill south-west of the city centre. From here you can see almost all of the city's famous sights from the River Arno with its bridges and the dozens of churches and palaces on either side.
Looking diagonally across the city from Piazzale Michelangelo you can just about make out Piazza Santa Maria Novella. The square is named after the religious complex of the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella, one of the most important churches in the city. It lies just a short walk from Florence's main train station, also called Santa Maria Novella which provides one of the most important arteries for travel in and out of the city. Just outside Santa Maria Novella there's also a tram system in operation which allows easy access for some of the sights on the city's periphery or indeed for its residential areas.
It's impossible to capture everything that's good about Florence on a single page; in most other cities, the Bargello National Museum or the Basilica di Santa Croce would have been at the very top of the list but this just illustrates the depth of sights Florence can offer.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Florence
- Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo di Firenze) dominates the city skyline with its terracotta dome designed by Brunelleschi. Visitors can climb to the top for views over Florence, while the adjacent Baptistery and Giotto’s Campanile form part of the same monumental complex.
- Uffizi Gallery is one of the most important art museums in Italy, housing masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, Caravaggio and Leonardo da Vinci. The gallery is located in a 16th-century palace along the Arno River and includes over 40 rooms of Renaissance and medieval art.
- Palazzo Vecchio stands on Piazza della Signoria and has served as Florence’s town hall since the 14th century. The building includes lavish rooms decorated with frescoes and statues, including works by Vasari. Guided tours lead through its courtyards, halls and secret passages.
- Walking routes across the Ponte Vecchio and Oltrarno district offer artisan shops, local cafés and less crowded streets. The area is known for traditional crafts, small galleries and access to gardens such as the Boboli. Routes provide views of the river and central landmarks.
- Day trips to Fiesole or Chianti wine country can be made in under an hour. Fiesole sits on a hillside above the city with Roman ruins and panoramic views, while the Chianti region offers vineyard tours and wine tastings. Public transport and organised tours are both available.
Florence Tours and Activities
Comune di Firenze
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Province: Metropolitan City of Florence
Region: capital of Tuscany Population: 363,837 (in 2024 - source) Size: 102 km² Elevation: 50 metres Top sights: Florence Cathedral, Uffizi Gallery, Giotto's Bell Tower Close by: Fiesole, Mugello, Scarperia, Lake Bilancino, Certaldo |
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Fly to: Florence Airport (8 km), 23 minutes by tram, 30 mins by car
By train: Rome - 1 hr 25, Milan - 1 hr 48, Venice - 2 hrs 6 mins Main train station: Santa Maria Novella |
Connected to the Italian High Speed Train Network
Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Florence
- Hotel L'Orologio Located in the heart of Florence, this elegant hotel offers stylish rooms with views of the Piazza Santa Maria Novella, a wellness centre, and a bar. Guests appreciate the central location, excellent service, and proximity to Florence’s main attractions, including the Florence Cathedral and the Uffizi Gallery. €€ (mid-range)
- B&B Santa Croce Set just outside the town centre, this cozy bed and breakfast features modern rooms with rustic touches, a relaxing garden, and a homemade breakfast served each morning. Visitors enjoy the personal touch of the hosts, the peaceful setting, and the easy access to Florence’s historical sites, including the Basilica di Santa Croce and the Piazza della Signoria. €€ (mid-range)
- Hotel Spadai Situated near the historic centre, this well-regarded hotel offers comfortable rooms with scenic views of the city, a wellness centre, and a restaurant serving local dishes. Guests enjoy the friendly service, good value for money, and the short walk to Florence’s cultural sites, including the Duomo and the Palazzo Vecchio. €€ (mid-range)
- Agriturismo Fattoria di Maiano Located a short drive from Florence, this agriturismo offers spacious rooms with scenic views of the Tuscan hills, a large garden, and a restaurant serving locally sourced produce. Guests appreciate the peaceful rural setting, the authentic Tuscan experience, and the short drive to Florence’s attractions and nearby vineyards. €€ (mid-range)
- The St. Regis Florence Set in a historic building near the Arno River, this luxury hotel offers elegant rooms with panoramic views, a wellness centre, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant serving high-quality Tuscan cuisine. Guests enjoy the luxurious amenities, exceptional service, and proximity to Florence’s cultural landmarks, including the Pitti Palace and the Ponte Vecchio. €€€ (high-end)
Where to Eat
Where to Eat in Florence
- Osteria All'Antico Vinaio: A beloved spot for both locals and tourists, Osteria All'Antico Vinaio is famous for its delicious and generous panini filled with high-quality cured meats, cheeses, and fresh ingredients. Located near Piazza della Signoria, it’s perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal. The casual atmosphere and traditional Tuscan flavours make it a must-visit for anyone exploring the city. Price Guide: €€ (Affordable)
- Trattoria Sostanza: Also known as “Il Troia,” Trattoria Sostanza is a historic eatery famous for its classic Florentine dishes, including butter chicken and the iconic bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak). The rustic charm of the interior, combined with impeccable service and authentic cuisine, makes it a top choice for an unforgettable traditional meal. Price Guide: €€€ (Mid-range)
- Enoteca Pinchiorri: A Michelin three-star restaurant located in the heart of Florence, Enoteca Pinchiorri offers a fine dining experience with a focus on innovative Italian cuisine and exceptional wine pairings. The menu features refined dishes, including truffle pasta and exquisite seafood options, all served in a luxurious, intimate setting. Price Guide: €€€€ (High-end)
- Cibrèo: Renowned for its contemporary take on traditional Tuscan cuisine, Cibrèo offers a wide range of innovative dishes made with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Located in the Sant'Ambrogio district, the restaurant is known for its attention to detail, from the homemade pasta to the expertly crafted desserts. The elegant setting and exceptional service make it perfect for a memorable dining experience. Price Guide: €€€ (Mid-range)
- La Giostra: A favourite among locals and visitors alike, La Giostra is a charming restaurant offering classic Tuscan dishes such as ribollita, pappa al pomodoro, and a variety of fresh pastas. Located near Piazza Santa Croce, it provides a warm, rustic atmosphere with exceptional service, making it a great spot for a casual but delicious meal. Price Guide: €€€ (Mid-range)
Photo Gallery
Florence Photo Gallery
Places Close to [Place Name]
Places Close to Florence
- Fiesole (approx. 8 km northeast of Florence): A charming hilltop town offering stunning views of Florence and the surrounding countryside. Fiesole is home to several historical landmarks, including the Roman Theatre and the Monastery of San Francesco. The town’s peaceful atmosphere and picturesque streets make it a perfect spot for a relaxing day trip from the city.
- Prato (approx. 20 km northwest of Florence): Known for its textile industry and rich history, Prato is home to the Castello dell'Imperatore, a medieval castle that dominates the town’s skyline. The Museo di Palazzo Pretorio offers an impressive collection of art, while the town itself is full of historic buildings, churches, and local eateries.
- Greve in Chianti (approx. 30 km south of Florence): Located in the heart of the Chianti wine region, Greve in Chianti is famous for its vineyards and scenic landscapes. The town’s central square, Piazza Matteotti, is lined with cafes and local shops, and visitors can explore nearby wineries, taste the region’s renowned wines, or enjoy hikes in the surrounding hills.
- San Gimignano (approx. 50 km southwest of Florence): Known for its medieval towers, San Gimignano is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a glimpse into medieval life. The town is home to the Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta, which boasts impressive frescoes, and the Torre Grossa, the tallest tower in the town, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Tuscan countryside.
Tuscany Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Tuscany
1. Florence
2. Siena
3. Val d'Orcia
4. Pisa
5. Lucca
6. San Gimignano
7. Giglio
8. Volterra
9. Pienza
10. Elba
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Tuscany
1. Florence
2. Siena
3. Val d'Orcia
4. Pisa
5. Lucca
6. San Gimignano
7. Giglio
8. Volterra
9. Pienza
10. Elba
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Tuscany
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Florence
By Rail: Florence is a major railway hub in central Italy, with its main station, Firenze Santa Maria Novella, located in the heart of the city. It is served by high-speed Frecciarossa, Italo, and regional Trenitalia trains. Frequent services connect Florence to Rome in about 1 hour and 30 minutes, Milan in just under 2 hours, Venice in around 2 hours, and Bologna in 40 minutes. Additional stations in the city, such as Firenze Campo di Marte and Firenze Rifredi, serve regional routes. The main station is a short walk from the historic centre and well connected by public transport.
By Road: Florence lies in northern Tuscany and is easily accessible by car via the A1 motorway, which runs between Milan and Rome. It is approximately 100 kilometres south of Bologna and 270 kilometres north of Rome. The drive from Bologna takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, while from Rome it takes about 3 hours. As the city centre is a restricted traffic zone (ZTL), visitors arriving by car must park in designated areas outside the centre, such as at Piazzale Michelangelo, Parcheggio Fortezza Fiera, or Santa Maria Novella car park, and then walk or use local buses or trams.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Florence lies in northern Tuscany and is easily accessible by car via the A1 motorway, which runs between Milan and Rome. It is approximately 100 kilometres south of Bologna and 270 kilometres north of Rome. The drive from Bologna takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, while from Rome it takes about 3 hours. As the city centre is a restricted traffic zone (ZTL), visitors arriving by car must park in designated areas outside the centre, such as at Piazzale Michelangelo, Parcheggio Fortezza Fiera, or Santa Maria Novella car park, and then walk or use local buses or trams.
Nearest International Airports:
- Florence Airport (Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola): Located just 6 kilometres north-west of the city centre, the drive takes about 20 minutes. The airport is connected to Santa Maria Novella station by tram line T2, with a journey time of approximately 20 minutes.
- Pisa Airport (Aeroporto di Pisa Galileo Galilei): Situated around 85 kilometres west of Florence, the drive takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Regular trains run from Pisa Centrale to Florence, taking around 1 hour.
- Bologna Airport (Aeroporto di Bologna Guglielmo Marconi): Approximately 105 kilometres north of Florence, the drive takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. High-speed trains from Bologna Centrale to Florence take around 40 minutes.
