Florence Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Florence
Florence
Florence
Florence
Florence

The works of great artistic masters combine with nature’s beauty in a Tuscan city that’s overflowing with grand architecture, famous museums and irresistible charm.

Visit Florence and step into the worlds of Michelangelo and Donatello. From artistic masterpieces to frescoed chapels and cobblestone piazzas, the Renaissance city features a photo moment around every corner. Stroll along the Arno River and admire formal gardens dotted with sculptures between gallery hopping and choosing your next gelato flavour.

Time your trip with the Easter celebration of the Scoppio del Carro. Visit in June for Calcio Storico, a combination of rugby, soccer and wrestling played in historical costumes. Summer buzzes with alfresco dining while winter festivals deliver Christmas cheer among market stalls and twinkling lights. In spring, wildflowers blanket Tuscan landscapes for magical day trips.

Things to do in Florence

With its magnificent Renaissance dome, Florence Cathedral dominates the skyline. Known locally as The Duomo, it’s one of the world’s largest churches with a dazzling facade of white, pink and green marble. Climb to the top of the dome for panoramic views and keep your camera out for more from Giotto’s Bell Tower, also located on Piazza del Duomo.

Just steps away is the octagon-shaped Florence Baptistery of St. John, featuring the jewel-like interior created by 13th century mosaics. Walk to Piazza della Repubblica and choose a restaurant in view of street performers. You’ll need plenty of time for shopping along nearby Via de’ Tornabuoni, with Italian fashion houses tempting you to splurge on a new outfit.

Set aside an hour or two to wander through the Boboli Gardens, established by the Medici family and set behind Palazzo Pitti. See the Amphitheatre with a giant Egyptian obelisk, ancient Renaissance statues and gushing fountains amid lush gardens. After you’ve seen nature’s gems behold the dazzling wares in the jewellery stores on the Ponte Vecchio bridge, a symbol of Florence dating to 1345.

Art and culture in Florence

The political centre of the city since the Middle Ages, Piazza della Signoria impresses with grand statues and renowned buildings. See a copy of Michelangelo’s David in front of Palazzo Vecchio and works from the great masters inside. Uffizi Gallery is among the world’s most famous for its astounding collection of Italian Renaissance art. Admire Botticelli’s Birth of Venus among works by Leonardo, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Raphael and many more.

Gaze at the elegant buildings lining Piazza San Marco and discover San Marco Museum inside the Dominican convent of San Marco. See monks’ cells and the works of Dominican friar Fra Angelico. The Santa Croce museum complex features the basilica, chapels and a monastery filled with masterpieces by Cimabue and Giotto, among others.

It’s the Accademia Gallery that, arguably, draws the most museum visitors for its star attraction, Michelangelo’s David. Discover various collections across the wings of the building, including the Museum of Musical Instruments. For contemporary art, enjoy the revolving exhibitions at Palazzo Strozzi.

Dining and nightlife in Florence

You’re never far from restaurants serving bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak) or tagliatelle with Tuscan truffles and porcini mushrooms in Florence. Pastries, fresh fruit and wine are some of the delicious offerings at Mercato Centrale, located in the San Lorenzo neighbourhood. Wander the charming streets to find pizza, pasta and panini restaurants.

The Duomo district has restaurants and bars tucked away in streets surrounding the iconic landmarks. Head to the Santa Croce neighbourhood for aperitivo hour and choose from some of the trendiest restaurants and bars in the city. Book tickets for a music concert at Tuscany Hall or a show at historical Teatro Verdi.

Getting around Florence

Florence Airport (Amerigo Vespucci Airport) is located approximately 20 minutes from the city centre. Take the tram service for a quick and easy ride, otherwise taxis and rental cars are available. With many pedestrian areas, Florence is a walker’s paradise. Most attractions are within leisurely strolls of each other and hotels.

Trams, buses and taxis are readily available to get around the city, along with bike and car share services. The primary train station is Santa Maria Novella, with services to popular day trip destinations such as Siena and Pisa.

Where to stay in Florence

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Historic Centre of Florence

Known for its fascinating museums, stunning cathedral and stunning river views, there's plenty to explore in Historic Centre of Florence. Top attractions like Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Uffizi Gallery are major draws. Catch the metro at Unità Tram Stop or Valfonda - Stazione Santa Maria Novella Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Historic Centre of Florence
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Duomo

4.5/5(418 area reviews)

Visitors to Duomo rave about its fascinating museums, stunning cathedral and popular shops. You might also want to make some time to see Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore or Uffizi Gallery while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Duomo
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Santa Maria Novella

4/5(254 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Santa Maria Novella. The New Florence Opera House is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Porta al Prato - Leopolda Tram Stop or Fratelli Rosselli Tram Stop to see more of Porta al Prato.

Santa Maria Novella
Uffizi Gallery which includes street scenes as well as a large group of people

San Giovanni

If you're spending some time in San Giovanni, Uffizi Gallery and Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore are top sights worth seeing.

San Giovanni
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Santa Croce

4.5/5(55 area reviews)

Santa Croce is known for its interesting museums, and you can plan a trip to Basilica of Santa Croce and Piazza Santa Croce while you're in town.

Santa Croce
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Oltrarno

4.5/5(165 area reviews)

Oltrarno is a destination visitors seek out for its fascinating museums, picturesque gardens and beautiful river views. You might also want to check out attractions like Pitti Palace or Pitti Vintage while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Oltrarno
The Social Hub Florence Lavagnini

The Social Hub Florence Lavagnini

4 out of 5
Viale Spartaco Lavagnini 70 72, Florence, FI
The price is £104 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
£104
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Florence. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,155 reviews)
"Ive added review. Please stop asking me."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

The Social Hub Florence Lavagnini
Grand Hotel Baglioni

Grand Hotel Baglioni

4 out of 5
Piazza Unita Italiana 6, Florence, FI
The price is £132 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
£132
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Florence. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"I love this hotel but for the food unfortunately the breakfast not very good."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Grand Hotel Baglioni
c-hotels Ambasciatori

c-hotels Ambasciatori

4 out of 5
Via Luigi Alamanni 3, Florence, FI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £103 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
£103
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Florence. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Very good location. Ideal for the train station and walking into Florence. Very nice dinning area and breakfast selection. Can get a little crowded outside the hotel with people waiting for trams/buses. But that’s no fault of the hotel."

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025

c-hotels Ambasciatori
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hu Firenze Camping In Town

Hu Firenze Camping In Town

Via Generale Dalla Chiesa, 1-3, Florence, FI
Stay at this family-friendly campsite in Florence. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool and 3 poolside bars. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,509 reviews)
"I llike campaign, it is a spectacular place for campaign and cultural trip to Florence."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Hu Firenze Camping In Town
Rivalta Hotel

Rivalta Hotel

4 out of 5
Lungarno Corsini 2, Florence, FI
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Florence. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (373 reviews)
"I was given upgrade for free. Very clean, very nice staff, center of all the action . Has the best view of the sunset and Arno river. Love the jacuzzi, best bed and pillows. I’m a serious traveler and had been to a lot of 5 star hotels , and this one felt like I’m in 1! I will surely cone back!"

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Rivalta Hotel
Palazzo Alfieri Residenza d’epoca – Alfieri Collezione

Palazzo Alfieri Residenza d’epoca – Alfieri Collezione

Lungarno Corsini 2, Florence, FI
Stay at this residence in Florence. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (669 reviews)
"A great location in Florence, on the river with great views. Even got a free upgrade for being an Expedia member"

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Palazzo Alfieri Residenza d’epoca – Alfieri Collezione
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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