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Florence City Breaks & Holidays
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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
Aurum Firenze
Via Nazionale 8/a, FlorenceLocated in Santa Maria Novella, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Via Faenza and Santa Maria Novella Basilica and Museum. Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower and San Lorenzo Church are also within 10 minutes. Florence Santa Maria Novella Station is only a 5-minute walk and Stazione Porta al Prado, Florence, Italy is 16 minutes.
Hotel Bonciani Palazzo Pitti Broccardi
Via Panzani 17, FlorenceLocated in Duomo, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Via Faenza, Santa Maria Novella Basilica and Museum and Florence Baptistery. Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower and San Lorenzo Church are also within 10 minutes. Florence Santa Maria Novella Station is only a 4-minute walk and Stazione Porta al Prado, Florence, Italy is 16 minutes.
Grand Hotel Cavour
Via Del Proconsolo 3, FlorenceLocated in Duomo, this family-friendly Florence hotel is steps away from Badia Fiorentina and Bargello. Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower and Piazza della Signoria are also within 5 minutes. Florence Santa Maria Novella Station is 14 minutes by foot and Florence Campo Di Marte Station is 24 minutes.
Hotel Spagna
Via Panzani, 5, FlorenceLocated in Duomo, this hotel is steps away from Medici Chapels and Santa Maria Novella Basilica and Museum. Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower and Florence Baptistery are also within 10 minutes. Florence Santa Maria Novella Station is only a 5-minute walk and Stazione Porta al Prado, Florence, Italy is 16 minutes.
Hotel Albani Firenze
Via Fiume 12, FlorenceLocated in Santa Maria Novella, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Via Faenza, Santa Maria Novella Basilica and Museum and Fortezza da Basso. San Lorenzo Church and Florence Baptistery are also within 10 minutes. Florence Santa Maria Novella Station is 5 minutes by foot and Stazione Porta al Prado, Florence, Italy is 17 minutes.
Hotel Pendini
Via Strozzi 2, FlorenceLocated in Duomo, this romantic hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Piazza della Repubblica, Florence Baptistery, and Piazza della Signoria. Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower and Ponte Vecchio are also within 10 minutes. Florence Santa Maria Novella Station is 9 minutes by foot and Stazione Porta al Prado, Florence, Italy is 19 minutes.
Grand Hotel Minerva
Piazza Santa Maria Novella 16, FlorenceThis family-friendly Florence hotel is located in the historical district, just steps away from Piazza di Santa Maria Novella and Santa Maria Novella Basilica and Museum. Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower and Florence Baptistery are also within 10 minutes. Florence Santa Maria Novella Station is only a 5-minute walk and Stazione Porta al Prado, Florence, Italy is 15 minutes.
TSH Florence Lavagnini
Viale Spartaco Lavagnini 70 72, FlorenceLocated in San Lorenzo, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Accademia Gallery, Florence Baptistery and Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower. Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio are also within 1 mi (2 km). Florence Statuto Station is 10 minutes by foot and Florence Santa Maria Novella Station is 13 minutes.
Top Flight + Hotel Deals
NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa
5.0 out of 5.0Thu, 27 Dec - Mon, 31 Dec
LON-All Airports - Peretola
£896
£760 per person
Villa Tolomei Hotel & Resort
5.0 out of 5.0Sat, 5 Jan - Wed, 9 Jan
LON-All Airports - Peretola
£453
£384 per person
Grand Hotel Baglioni
4.0 out of 5.0Sat, 5 Jan - Wed, 9 Jan
LON-All Airports - Peretola
£494
£422 per person
Cellai Boutique Hotel
4.0 out of 5.0Sat, 5 Jan - Wed, 9 Jan
LON-All Airports - Peretola
£507
£435 per person
Hotel Balestri
4.0 out of 5.0Sat, 5 Jan - Wed, 9 Jan
LON-All Airports - Peretola
£488
£420 per person
LHP Hotel River & SPA
5.0 out of 5.0Fri, 4 Jan - Tue, 8 Jan
LON-All Airports - Peretola
£565
£488 per personTop 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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