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Guide to Florence
Florence is the capital and largest city in the region of Tuscany, on Italy’s west coast. It is home to around half a million inhabitants.
Since it was founded first century B.C., Florence has had a reputation as one of the world’s most innovative cities, making many contributions to civilisation. It is well-known as the birthplace of Renaissance art. Where Dante founded the Italian language; where legendary artists Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo rubbed shoulders, and as one of the wealthiest cities in the world, was also the origin of the banking industry.
Today, Florence remains a fascinating and beautiful city. It has been described as a walking museum, and is small enough to see on foot.
The centre of Florence is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning art and architecture in abundance. It was here that influential Renaissance architect Filippo Brunelleschi designed the city’s magnificent gothic cathedral, the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, more widely known as the Duomo. The must-see cathedral is located at Piazza del Duomo. It is a magnificent piece of architecture, and one of the country’s largest churches, with the largest brick dome in the world. Brunelleschi is honoured by a statue on site. Entrance is free, but there is often a long line to get in. Pay to climb the dome for an extraordinary view over Florence.
From here you can walk to the impressive Romanesque Palazzo Vecchio, the town hall of Florence. Don’t be fooled by the statute of David, it is a replica. Michelangelo’s original famous nude can be seen at the city’s Accademia Gallery.
If on a budget, buy a Firenze card. This 72 hour card gives users free admission to public transport and many of the city’s major museums, such as the Museo di Palazzo Vecchio and Galleria d’arte moderna.
End a day’s sightseeing by heading towards the San Niccolò area, on the left bank of the River Arno. Here you’ll find the Piazza Poggi tower (also known as the Torre di San Niccolo) which offers beautiful views over the city. If feeling brave, climb the 161 steps to the top. From here you can see up to the Piazzale Michelangelo. Afterwards, take a hard-earned refreshment and rest in the neighbourhood’s typical Florentine bars or restaurants and enjoy the excellent Tuscan food and drink.
There is always something to enjoy in Florence. It celebrates all year round with many festivals and events such as opera and theatre seasons, design week, fashion week, and even a gelato festival!
Guide to Exploring Florence
Top Hotel Deals
Hotel Albani Firenze
Via Fiume 12, FlorenceAlthough located just one block from the bustling Santa Maria Novella Station, this early 20th-century townhouse is set on a quiet street in central Florence, one kilometer from the Duomo. Hotel Albani Firenze also is near Fortezza da Basso, Palazzo dei Congressi, Centro Affari, Santa Maria Novella Church, San Lorenzo's Market, and San Lorenzo Church.
Hotel Franchi
Via Sgambati Giovanni 28, FlorenceLocated in Peretola, this hotel is within 3 mi (5 km) of Cascine Park, Fortezza da Basso, and Santa Maria Novella Basilica and Museum. Villa di Castello and Meyer Children's Hospital are also within 3 mi (5 km).
Grand Hotel Cavour
Via Del Proconsolo 3, FlorenceThis Florence hotel is 150 meters from the Bargello Museum and 250 meters from Dante’s House, the Piazza del Duomo, and the Badia Fiorentina. The Duomo Works Museum is 300 meters away.
Hotel Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio
Borgo S.Jacopo, 3/r, FlorenceHoused in a medieval tower, this hotel is amid shops and cafés at Ponte Vecchio, only 2 blocks from Pitti Palace and 4 blocks from Santo Spirito Church and the Uffizi Gallery.
Hotel Pendini
Via Strozzi 2, FlorenceLocated in Duomo, this romantic hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Piazza della Repubblica and Florence Baptistery. Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower and Ponte Vecchio are also within 10 minutes.
Diana Park Hotel
Via G Pascoli 10, FlorenceSituated in Florence, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of University of Florence, Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower, and Accademia Gallery. Fortezza da Basso and San Lorenzo Church are also within 1 mi (2 km).
Borghese Palace Art Hotel
Via Ghibellina, 174r, FlorenceTucked away on a quiet street, this Florence hotel is about 5-minute walk from the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Il Duomo), Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Vecchio, and many other famous attractions.
Top Flight + Hotel Deals
Relais La Suvera
5.0 out of 5.0Mon, 23 Oct - Sat, 28 Oct
Gatwick - Galileo Galilei
£688
per person
Borghese Palace Art Hotel
4.0 out of 5.0Tue, 31 Oct - Sat, 4 Nov
Birmingham - Galileo Galilei
£399
per person
Castello di Velona SPA Resort & Winery
4.0 out of 5.0Mon, 23 Oct - Sun, 29 Oct
Heathrow - Galileo Galilei
£1,317
per person
Hotel Galilei
4.0 out of 5.0Sat, 4 Nov - Wed, 8 Nov
Gatwick - Galileo Galilei
£212
per person
Hotel San Ranieri
4.0 out of 5.0Sat, 4 Nov - Wed, 8 Nov
Gatwick - Galileo Galilei
£196
per person
The St. Regis Florence
5.0 out of 5.0Tue, 31 Oct - Sat, 4 Nov
Birmingham - Galileo Galilei
£1,092
per person
Palazzo San Lorenzo
4.0 out of 5.0Mon, 23 Oct - Fri, 27 Oct
LON-All Airports - Galileo Galilei
£255
per person
Grand Hotel Miramare
4.0 out of 5.0Sat, 21 Oct - Sat, 28 Oct
LON-All Airports - Galileo Galilei
£616
per person
Top Deals on Flights
These prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices quoted are per person, return, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.
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