florence travel guide
Florence is a city that changed the world. Birthplace of the Renaissance and home to some of history’s greatest artists, it’s a place where beauty and everyday life share the same streets. You can stand beneath Brunelleschi’s dome, walk through galleries that reshaped art forever, then cross the river Arno to find artisans crafting leather and gold using centuries-old techniques.
Unforgettable Florence
Yet beyond the grandeur, Florence feels surprisingly human. Markets buzz in the mornings, students fill caffès with chatter, and the bells of Santa Croce still mark time as they have for centuries. It’s a city to notice in detail – in the texture of worn stone steps, the glint of afternoon light on the Arno, or the simple joy of a glass of Chianti
This guide brings together all the things we’ve learned from years of exploring Florence – what to visit, how to plan your trip, and where to find those moments that make your time in this city truly special.
Why Visit Florence
Florence isn’t only the capital of Tuscany – it’s one of Europe’s most important cultural centers. Its compact historic core, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, holds treasures that defined Western art and architecture. Within a few blocks you can stand before Michelangelo’s David, gaze up at Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, and cross the Ponte Vecchio, still lined with goldsmiths as it has been since the 14th century.
The ruling Medici family’s legacy is everywhere and a reminder of its Renaissance past. For over 300 years they commissioned palaces, chapels, and masterpieces that still shape the city’s character. But what makes Florence special today isn’t only its past – it’s how that creative spirit continues. Art students sketch in courtyards, local chefs reinterpret Tuscan classics, and small workshops keep traditional crafts like leather and paperie alive.
Florence is a city best explored slowly, on foot, with time to look, listen and soak in the atmosphere.
What to See in Florence
Florence’s landmarks are close together, so you can easily cover the main sights on foot and in a few days. The challenge isn’t distance, but deciding what to linger on.
The Duomo Complex
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, crowned by Brunelleschi’s dome, is the city’s beating heart. Climb the dome or Giotto’s Bell Tower for panoramic views of terracotta rooftops and Tuscan hills. Inside, Vasari’s fresco of The Last Judgment fills the ceiling in vivid color.
The Uffizi Gallery
Home to the greatest collection of Renaissance art on earth, the Uffizi is where you’ll meet Botticelli, Leonardo, Raphael, and Michelangelo. Each room tells a story of Florence’s rise from medieval republic to artistic powerhouse. Book timed tickets well in advance and take your time – even the corridors frame the Arno like a painting.
Related guide: How to Buy Tickets for the Uffizi Gallery
The Accademia Gallery
Smaller but just as moving, the Accademia houses Michelangelo’s David. Seeing it in person is unforgettable — larger, brighter, and more powerful than any photo. His unfinished Prisoners line the hallway leading to it, a glimpse into genius in progress.
Related guide: Explore Florence's museums and galleries
Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio
Once the seat of Florentine power, this square remains the city’s open-air gallery. The Loggia dei Lanzi holds statues of Perseus, Hercules, and other symbols of civic pride, while Palazzo Vecchio’s tower overlooks the piazza as it has since 1314.
Ponte Vecchio and the Arno
The most famous bridge in Italy, the Ponte Vecchio is a survivor of floods and wars. Its jewelry shops sparkle by day, but the real beauty comes at sunset — when light reflects across the river and the city feels timeless.
Churches and Gardens
Step inside Santa Croce to find the tombs of Galileo, Machiavelli, and Michelangelo. Visit Santa Maria Novella for Giotto’s frescoes and tranquil cloisters. For fresh air, wander the Boboli Gardens behind the Pitti Palace or climb to Piazzale Michelangelo for panoramic views across Florence.
Untold Florence: Beyond the Classics
Once the icons are behind you, another Florence emerges – one of crafts, stories, and daily life.
Stop into the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, a 13th-century pharmacy where monks once blended herbal remedies and created perfumes for royalty that you can buy to this day. Across the river, Oltrarno remains the city’s creative heart. Here you’ll find goldsmiths, bookbinders, and woodcarvers working in the same studios their families have used for generations.
Seek out the wine windows (buchette del vino), tiny openings once used to serve wine directly from noble families to the public. A few have reopened, serving glasses to passersby once again.
For a quieter moment, visit San Miniato al Monte, a Romanesque church above Piazzale Michelangelo, or step into lesser-known sanctuaries like Ognissanti or Santo Spirito. It’s here you feel the rhythm of Florentine life without the crowds.
Read next: Hidden Secrets of Florence
Where to Stay in Florence
Florence may be small, but each neighborhood offers a distinct atmosphere. Choosing where to stay in Florence shapes your experience more than in most Italian cities.
- Centro Storico (Historic Center) – Stay here if it’s your first visit. You’ll be steps from the Duomo, Uffizi, and Ponte Vecchio. Streets are lively day and night, with everything within walking distance.
- Oltrarno – Across the Arno, this area feels more local. Expect artisan studios, caffès, and small piazzas. Evenings are relaxed, and boutique hotels offer quiet charm.
- Santa Maria Novella – Close to the train station, this area works well for short stays or early departures. It offers mid-range hotels and good transport links.
- San Niccolò and Piazzale Michelangelo – Hillside views, peaceful gardens, and a slower pace — ideal if you prefer space and morning walks above the city.
- Luxury Stays – For timeless style, look near the Arno or Piazza della Repubblica. Many grand hotels here occupy historic palazzi with exceptional service and views.
Discover more: Where to Stay in Florence | Luxury Hotels in Florence | Boutique Hotels in Florence | Family-Friendly Hotels in Florence | Florence hotels with pools
Eating and Drinking in Florence
Food in Florence is rooted in Tuscan tradition – simple ingredients, bold flavors, and respect for the land.
Start your day with a caffè and a cornetto at the counter. Lunch might be pappa al pomodoro (bread and tomato soup) or ribollita, a comforting bean and vegetable soup. In the evening, share bistecca alla fiorentina, a thick T-bone steak cooked over coals and served medium rare.
Pair your meal with a glass of Chianti Classico, or explore local wines like Vernaccia di San Gimignano. For dessert, try cantucci e vin santo, almond cookies dipped in sweet wine.
Markets like Mercato Centrale mix traditional produce stalls with modern food counters and wine bars. In neighborhoods such as Sant’Ambrogio and Santo Spirito, you’ll find young chefs updating old recipes in lively trattorias.
To skip the tourist traps, open the Untold Italy App. You’ll find our team’s favorite trattorias, wine bars, and gelaterie. All tested and loved by locals.
Further reading: Florence Food Guide | Favorite Gelato Stops
Planning Your Trip to Florence
When to Visit
Florence’s seasons each bring something different:
- Spring (March–May): The most popular time to visit, with mild temperatures, blooming gardens, and vibrant streets. Book early for Easter and May weekends.
- Summer (June–August): Hot days, busy museums, and limited locals – many head to the coast in August. Early mornings and evenings are best for exploring. Book a hotel with a pool for respite from the afternoon heat
- Autumn (September–November): A favorite time for many travelers. Harvest season fills menus with mushrooms and truffles, and the light is golden across the Arno.
- Winter (December–February): Quieter, cooler, and atmospheric. Perfect for art lovers and those seeking better prices. Expect crisp air and festive lights.
How Many Days to Stay
A trip to Florence should last two full days cover the essentials including the Duomo, Michelangelo's David and the Uffizi Gallery, but three or four allow time for side streets, markets, and a countryside escape.
Further reading: 3 Days in Florence Itinerary
Getting Around Florence
The historic center is compact and pedestrian-friendly. Local buses reach farther areas, and taxis are easy to find at official ranks. Avoid driving – ZTL (restricted zones) are strictly monitored and fines are high. Find local transit information in the Untold Italy App.
Arriving from Rome
High-speed trains connect Florence and Rome in around 90 minutes via Italo or Frecciarossa. Both arrive at Santa Maria Novella Station, minutes from the city center.
Further reading: How to Get From Rome to Florence
Travel Essentials
- Dress codes: Shoulders and knees must be covered in churches.
- Language: English is widely spoken, but basic Italian phrases are appreciated.
- Tipping: Round up bills; service is typically included – check your bill first
- Safety: Pickpocketing happens in crowded spots – stay alert.
- Connectivity: Use the Untold Italy App for hotel and restaurant suggestions, and things to do.
Florence Tours and Experiences
A local led tour can bring the stories of Florence to life in ways a guidebook never could. Choose experiences that match your interests and travel style.
Must Pre-Book Sights
Reserve timed tickets for the Uffizi, Accademia, and Duomo climb — queues can stretch for hours in peak months.
Art and Architecture Tours
Explore with an art historian to uncover details most visitors miss, or take a themed Medici tour to trace the city’s power and patronage.
Food and Wine Experiences
Join a cooking class or food and market tour, sample Tuscan wines from Chianti, or take an evening food walk through Oltrarno.
Hands-On Workshops
Florence is a city of makers – try a leathercraft, goldsmith, or fresco class to experience its creative roots firsthand.
Explore more: Best Tours in Florence | Tickets for the Uffizi Gallery
Day Trips from Florence
Florence sits in the center of Tuscany, making day trips effortless.
- Chianti: Rolling hills, wineries, and family trattorias.
- Siena: A Gothic masterpiece with a dramatic square and soaring cathedral.
- San Gimignano: Famous for its towers and award-winning gelato.
- Pisa and Lucca: The Leaning Tower and Lucca’s walkable walls pair perfectly for a single day.
- Arezzo: Art, antiques, and fewer crowds.
- Bologna: A quick train ride north for rich pasta and endless porticoes.
Read next: Best Day Trips from Florence
Beyond Florence
When you’re ready to explore more, trains make it easy to connect Florence with the rest of Italy. Rome is 90 minutes away, Venice two hours, and Milan just under two.
Within Tuscany, a car is best for exploring the Val d’Orcia and Maremma regions with vineyards, thermal spas, and villages worth lingering in.
Continue planning: How to Get From Rome to Florence | How to Travel by Train in Italy | A Traveler’s Guide to Driving in Italy
Plan Your Trip with Untold Italy
You can explore Rome and Italy confidently with the right tools and support and the Untold Italy team.
The Untold Italy App
Your personal travel companion filled with curated hotel picks, restaurant recommendations, self-guided walks, and insider tips. Plan, map, and explore without the noise of generic advice.
Florence and Italy Trip Planning Services
If you want expert help creating a seamless itinerary, our team can design one tailored to your interests and pace.
- Quick Fix Chat: 30-minute Zoom call for trip questions and itinerary tweaks.
- Trip Consultation: 1-hour session with personalized recommendations and email follow-up.
- Complete Italy Itinerary Planning: A fully structured 14-day plan with detailed routes, activities, and emergency support in Italy.
About Untold Italy
At Untold Italy, our team has spent decades exploring Italy’s regions, from the major cities to the smallest hilltowns. We’ve built a trusted network of local experts, artisans, and guides who share our values of authenticity, respect, and curiosity.
Since 2017, we’ve helped thousands of travelers plan meaningful trips through our 5-million-download travel podcast, community of 60,000+ subscribers, and hands-on travel services. Our mission is simple: to help you experience the Italy you’ve always dreamed of.
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