A Complete Guide to the Birthplace of the Renaissance
If you’re coming to Italy, then Florence, a city seeped in history, art, and culinary delights, is undoubtedly on your itinerary. Whether this is your first visit or you’ve been more times than you can count, there is always something new to explore or something exciting to explore again. Keep reading this Florence Travel Guide for our tips on what to see if it’s your first trip, and what to do if you have more time or have already been to Florence. You’ll also find recommendations on what to eat and where to eat it, because let’s be honest, food really is the best part of travel!
Ponte Santa Trinita over the Arno River in Florence, Italy
Skip to Section: Florence Travel Guide
- Best time of year to visit Florence
- Know before you go
- Getting to Florence
- Where to stay
- Must see if it’s your first time in Florence
- Been there, done that? Consider these options instead
- Mix things up with some modern art
- Explore Florence through site and sound
- Fuel for your foodie soul
- Short journeys and big experiences near Florence
Best time of year to visit Florence
The first thing to discuss in this Florence Travel Guide is what time of year to visit this magical city. NOT in the summer; it’s hot, humid, and packed to the gills with people. You are better off enjoying Florence in late September – March, or April. By the time the Easter holiday rolls around, the crowds start to grow. Even though October through March is considered the off-season, you will find that attractions and most restaurants/cafés are open year-round. Check out our guide that is all about Tuscany in the spring, if you decide to go in the spring.
If you travel with your family and have kids in school, then peak season might be your only option. If this is the case, the earlier the better- May or June if you can. Florence is experiencing a real problem with overtourism. Truthfully, if you choose to visit outside of the peak travel season, you avoid contributing to this problem. This causes intense crowding and housing problems for locals, and waters down the authentic feel of the city. If you simply can’t avoid peak season, consider a hotel, leaving homes for the residents.
Know before you go
- Getting around the city. There is no ride share in Florence, no Uber, no Lyft, none of that. Your feet are the best way to get around the city. If your destination is just too far for a walk though, try taking the bus. We recommend downloading the atBus app before you leave for your trip and setting up your profile. Use the app to plan your route. If all travelers have their own debit or credit card, they can ‘tap-to-pay’ on the bus (and again when they get off to end the trip). Alternatively, bus tickets can also be purchased at the tabacchi shops throughout Florence.
If you would prefer to take a taxi, you can not hail a taxi from the side of the road. It can be difficult to get a taxi in Florence; if you’re near the main train station, head to the queue at the station, where you will always find a taxi. Another option is to ask the restaurant or cafe to call a taxi for you. Apps like appTaxi and itTaxi aren’t always reliable, but you can certainly try (they just tend to be a little hit or miss). There are also taxi stands around the city, but there isn’t always a taxi there, and there is no guarantee of when one will come. The chances of finding one are even lower on days of events. Florence is a very walkable city, and we walk almost everywhere we go when we are in Florence – it’s also a great way to see the city.
- Pre-booking and skip-the-line tickets are a must. Understandably, you may not want to plan every detail in advance, but pre-booking some sites can save you some disappointment! Pre-booking the sites you want to see will ensure that you get to experience them. You do not want to spend your vacation waiting in line because you didn’t plan ahead. If skip-the-line tickets are an option, it’s offered for a reason and is worth the price, trust us. Don’t lose precious time, select skip-the-line tickets when they’re available.
- Dress codes! The most important dress code will be at the Duomo. The Duomo is not just a place to see, it is sacred and a place of worship that should be respected. Be prepared for dress codes if you are entering any religious site in Italy. This means your shoulders and knees should be covered, and you shouldn’t wear anything revealing. This includes low necklines, mid-drifts, and backless tops. You shouldn’t wear flip-flops or shirts with anything profane or obscene on them, and put your sunglasses away before you enter.
Getting to Florence
If you’re flying directly to Florence, you will take the T2 tram into the city center. From there, walk to your accommodations, take a taxi, or a bus from the main train station. Remember, it may not be as easy to get a taxi back to the train station when you are leaving town. Consider walking or taking a bus if you aren’t able to get a taxi when it’s time to leave.
If you’re flying to Pisa, you will take the Pisamover (located in front of the airport, follow the signs). You’ll get off at the 2nd stop, which is at the Pisa train station (Pisa Centrale). You’ll arrive on the far side of the train platforms, where you can easily catch your train to Florence. The Pisamover is €6.50 one way (at the time of writing this).
If you are taking a train, you will most likely get off at the main train station, Santa Maria Novella. Again, from here you can get a cab, take a bus, or walk to your accommodation.
Many travelers fly into Milan and then take a train to Florence, or they go to Milan from Florence to fly home. If this is you, we’ve written a guide on how to get the most out of a short stop in Milan.
If you’re driving, you should talk to your host or hotel to find out what the parking situation will be. Parking in Florence is rather difficult and you generally can’t drive in the city center.
Where to stay in Florence
In this Florence travel guide, we will discuss neighborhoods to stay in, rather than specific lodging. If you stay in the historic center, you won’t be far from any single attraction. Remember that Florence is very walkable, so bring comfortable shoes! If you stay on the fringes of the historic center or just outside of it, you will get a more local feel. Outside of the historic center is a little quieter, and you’ll see more of the local daily Florentine life. We like the Santa Croce neighborhood and Santo Spirito in the Oltrarno. “Oltarno” literally means across the Arno, so you’ll be across the Arno River from the main center. From Santo Spirito, you are just a short walk over a bridge to get to the center.
Neighborhoods to stay in Florence, Italy: Santa Croce (yellow), Santo Spirito (red), Train Station: Santa Maria Novella (red arrow).
Must see if it’s your first time in Florence
No Florence travel guide would be worth it if it didn’t include what places to see. There is a lot to see in Florence; depending on your pace, you may need more time than others. Decide how much time you want to spend on tours or in museums each day. There are 6 main sites listed here; some jam this into 2 days, and others spread it over 3-6 days.
To dive deeper, read our guide on The Best Things To Do In Florence, which includes information about how to do them, when to do them on your own, and the best tours to book if a tour is recommended.
- Duomo (Chiesa di Santa Maria del Fiore, home to Brunelleschi’s Dome). Book tickets in advance and make a day of it by getting passes for Giotto’s bell tower and the baptistry. You can also book tickets that include the Academia and the Uffizi gallery. The climb inside the dome and up the bell tower can be difficult for those who have trouble with tight spaces or heights. If you take the climb, you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable view of this Renaissance town. Arrive early if you aren’t sure what entrance you need to line up for. If you’re going in the dome, you do not want to be late! Typically, we don’t recommend eating in the Piazza del Duomo, as it caters to tourists; however, if you need a semi-quick bite between sites, head to Panini Toscana (behind the dome). Grab a panino and a glass of wine while you marvel at the dome from the outside. This is the charming midday al fresco dining that Italian trips are made of!
The Duomo of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Giotto’s Bell Tower. Florence Italy
- Palazzo Vecchio – Opened late at night in the summer. You will enjoy stunning views of Florence, see Dante’s death mask, and gaze up at the hall of 500. Tickets are made available on the first of each month for the next 30 days. You will want to book a ticket for the museum and a ticket for the tower (Torre di Arnolfo). If you’re a Dan Brown fan, you will be familiar with the Palazzo from his book Inferno. This old government building was once the seat of the senate, and is still an active government building, and is sometimes closed for this reason. Check the website to make sure it’s open.
Torre del Mangia at Palazzo Vecchio, Florence, Italy
- Academia dell’arte – Gaze upon the famous statue of David. Pictures can’t prepare you for the staggering size of this beautiful sculpture of the human (male) body. The sculpture is displayed at the end of a corridor that is flanked by several sculptures by Michelangelo. You can find many artworks from the Renaissance here, as well as a wing dedicated to musical instruments. Or, if you’re like us and you’ve already been, you can just spend your time staring at The David while the rest of your group wanders.
- Ponte Vecchio – Window shop and admire the beautiful gold jewelry. The Ponte Vecchio is one of only 4 bridges in the world that have shopping on the bridge. Stroll over the bridge at night, the shops will be closed, but you can see the old-world charm of the many original stalls. Did you know that the Medici decreed this bridge to only have jewelry shops? It originally housed fishmongers, but the Medici didn’t enjoy the smell of fish when they crossed the secret passage above. The secret passage, the Vasari Corridor, connects Pitti Palace with the Uffizi Gallery (and thus Palazzo Vecchio).
Ponte Vecchio at night, view from Ponte Santa Trinita
- Uffizi Gallery – Savor artworks by Botticelli, Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, etc. This gallery seems endless, there are multiple corridors and 3 levels. The building itself is worth seeing and one corridor offers lovely views of the Ponte Vecchio, the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Duomo. Grab an audio guide and select the path you want to take, depending on how much you want to see and how much time you have. As with most great galleries, there is a café that has a rooftop view of the Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio. We suggest a reservation at the cafe if you don’t want to wait in line. You’ll pay a little more for your spritz here, but how often are you spritzing on a gallery rooftop with a view of THE Duomo?
- Pitti Palace – Once home to the Medici family and later Napoleon, the palace is Florence’s largest museum complex. In 1919, the palace and everything inside were donated to the people of Italy. The palace houses several galleries, including the Palatine Gallery with 28 rooms/halls, a carriage museum, and a costume gallery that should not be overlooked. At the costume museum, you’ll see themed rooms like swans, spiders, butterflies, snakes, coral, or lace. You may even see some famous costumes like a Lady Gaga Costume or two.
Swan Room in the Costume Gallery at Pitti Palace
Been there, done that? If you’re returning to Florence or have more time, then consider these other historical sites
- Basilica di Santa Croce – see the tombs of some of the greats like Machiavelli, Michelangelo, Leopold, Galileo, and the cenotaph of Dante. The piazza in front is one of our favorites in Florence. If you’re there before Christmas, you’ll find it full of Christmas market stalls.
Basilica di Sante Croce, Florence, Italy
- Church of San Lorenzo – This is the church that the Medici family worshiped at. Beneath the church, you can see Cosimo’s tomb along with a few other surprises!
- Palazzo Ricardi e Medici – if you enjoy seeing how aristocrats lived in different times, make sure to stop in here, you’ve got to see the private chapel.
- Casa Buonarroti – Michelangelo had a home in Florence where some of his artwork is displayed. You’ll find a model of the facade of the Church of San Lorenzo, sculptures, a drawing of Cleopatra, and paintings. Michelangelo even painted the ceiling in one of the rooms! At the time of writing this, tickets are €8 per person. Online research suggests that you would spend about an hour to an hour and a half here. Time spent will depend on how much time you want to appreciate each work of art.
- Chiesa di Santa Maria Novella – a Beautiful church you’ll see when you exit the Santa Maria Novella train station. The entrance to the church is on the opposite side of the church from the train station. You will find the entrance in Piazza della Santa Maria Novella, across the street from the Museo Novecento art museum. When you enter the church, you’ll be greeted first by a lovely garden as you walk to the ticket booth.
Basilica di Santa Maria Novella, Florence, Italy
- Museo Nazionale del Bargello – a 13th-century palace, the building alone is worth your time. It is filled with Renaissance sculptures, including the bronze David.
History and art are great, but you might start to crave something modern… These spots should mix things up for you
- See the current exhibit at Palazzo Strozzi – this is something we do every time we are in Florence. The palazzo is the perfect backdrop for art exhibits. The exhibits remain on display for several months. Since we live just a short train ride away from Florence, we’re trying to catch every exhibit they have. It’s close to the Piazza della Repubblica, so grab an espresso or shakerato at the oldest café in Florence. Founded in 1733, Caffé Gilli is the perfect stop for an afternoon espresso, or maybe a glass of wine before you go to the Palazzo… Art is always fun with a little wine.
Inner courtyard at Palazzo Strozzi with art exhibit on display, Florence, Italy
- Gucci Museum – this is a fun one for fashion lovers. When you’re done exploring the museum, you can enjoy a beverage and snack at their posh café in Piazza della Signoria.
- Salvatore Ferragamo Museum
- Museo Novecento – here you will find modern and contemporary art exhibits. The museum is located across the Piazza della Santa Maria Novella from the Santa Maria Novella church.
Explore Florence through sight and sound
- Piazzale di Michelangelo, Rose Gardens, and Giardino dell’Iris will dazzle you with views of the city from a new perspective. You can take a bus to get up to the Piazzale, but we recommend walking to see more of the city. Once you get to the top, you will find sweeping views of Florence and the surrounding Tuscan hillsides. The Piazzale also hosts a bronze replica of the Statue of David and souvenir, beverage, and snack vendors.
Piazzale Michelangelo is a great place to get a photo of yourself with the city behind you. The Rose Gardens are located just below this grand Piazzale. Stroll through the variety of roses, take a bottle of wine, and snack with you to bask in the Tuscan sun on the lawn of the Rose Gardens. The Giardino dell’Iris is on the opposite side of the Piazzale from the rose garden. This beautiful garden showcases the symbol of the city, the iris, in colors and varieties you’ve never dreamed of! The garden is only open 25 days out of the year, opening day is April 25th.
Giardino del’Iris, Florence, Italy
- See a performance of opera music – It’s said that Opera was born in Florence. The first Opera was performed in 1600 at the wedding of Frances Henry IV to Marie de Medici at Pitti Palace. You can opt to see an Opera or a performance of Opera music, there is a plethora of options. You can check Opera Tickets Italy and Opera Guide for all of the upcoming performances, dates, and bookings. You can also find options on tour booking websites that might include dinner before the show.
- Boboli Gardens – the quintessential Italian gardens located behind the Pitti Palace, and through the same entrance. You’ll spend a couple of hours here if you want to walk every path and see everything there is to see. You’ll find fountains, sculptures, tree-covered walkways, and stunning views of the Duomo. Traverse the paths as you imagine the gossip that was shared when the Medici, aristocrats, and royalty slipped into the garden for more private conversations.
Foliage-covered walkway at Boboli Gardens, Florence, Italy
- Giardino Bardini – in our opinion, this garden offers THE best view of Florence. There are two entrances; the main entrance is at Villa Bardini, a 17th-century villa that showcases art exhibits. You can reach Villa Bardini after an uphill walk on Costa Scarpuccia and Costa S. Giorgio. The second entrance is a little easier to reach on Via Dei Bardi; however, this is quickly followed by many steps to climb to the garden.
Giardino Bardini isn’t as big as Boboli Gardens, making it easier to see it all. If you’re booking a ticket to see the Boboli Gardens, check your ticket because it probably includes entrance to Giardini Bardini. If you go to Boboli Gardens, Giardini Bardini, or Palazzo Pitti, we recommend a stop at Le Volpi e l’Uva. Our favorite wine bar in Florence is a short walk from the gardens and the palace. Le Volpi e l’Uva is a tiny but spectacular wine bar where you can get wine recommendations and savor the best crostone you will ever eat.
Wisteria At Giardini Bardini In Late April
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Fuel For Your Foodie Soul
A Florence travel guide would not be complete without mentioning the food in detail. Eating is one of the most enjoyable parts of travel, and what a delicious opportunity to better understand the culture by eating what the locals do. First, a quick note on local dining habits:
- Breakfast is usually espresso and a sweet pastry like a cornetto (similar to a croissant but not a croissant). Big and busy cafés will want you to order at the register and then take your ticket to the counter to ask for your beverage and pastries. Other cafés will want you to come to the counter, get what you would like, and then pay when you are finished. Take a moment to see what others are doing if it isn’t immediately obvious.
At a café in Italy, “caffè” is a shot of espresso, not coffee. If you want something like American coffee, your best bet is to ask for a “caffè lungo” (‘loon-goh’) or a “caffè americano” (roll that ‘R’ if you can)!
Florence Travel Guide Pro Tip – if you only say “americano,” you may receive an alcoholic drink (typically bitters and a red vermouth), not a warm morning beverage made from espresso beans.
Final tip on breakfast, if you are a traveler who likes to be with the locals or feel like a local, we recommend selecting a café and going to it every morning instead of just once.
- Lunch tends to be carb-heavy (pasta or gnocchi), followed by a secondi. This is to keep your appetite curbed until the much later dinner, or aperitivo.
- Aperitivo should be a drink with snacks and good company.
- Dinner time is closer to 8 pm, or later. This is not to say that in more touristy areas you won’t find restaurants that do open earlier, and it doesn’t mean that those places aren’t good. This means that the most authentic places will not open early (like Il Guscio, more about them in our recommendations below).
- Location, location, location – If the bar, café, or gelateria is near a main square (like Piazza della Signoria or Piazza del Duomo), you will probably pay more for spritz, gelato, espresso, and pastries than you will just a block further. These are often referred to as ‘tourist traps’, and we try not to use this term. While prices may be higher because of their location, there is something intoxicating about sitting there while you sip on a beverage and take in the surroundings. Ultimately, we don’t consider it a trap if you’ve been forewarned. It’s your vacation, splurge a little!
- Take your time, eating is an event in Italy. Once the food comes, your server isn’t ignoring you; they want to give you time and space to enjoy your meal without feeling rushed. If you need something, just politely flag them down.
- Pay at the register – this isn’t the case at every restaurant, but often you will pay at the register. If your server seems busy and you haven’t been able to flag them down for the bill, then you can go to the register and take care of it there.
- Tipping – it’s not compulsory. In most restaurants, you may see a ‘coperto’ or ‘cover’ charge listed on the menu and/or bill. This is usually €1-€3 per person. If the meal and service are exceptional, you can tip, but this should just be a few coins to show your appreciation. Maybe enough to buy them an espresso and cornetto at the most, anything more is seen as throwing your money around. Servers in Italy are paid a living wage and do not expect large tips.
Try These Dishes As You Dine Your Way Through Florence
- Bisteca Fiorentina – You may have heard of this one before; it’s a truly divine cut of beef intended for sharing. The cut comes from an ancient Tuscan breed, the Chianina, dating back to ancient Roman times. It’s suggested to have the dish rare, but if you really can’t handle that, then we recommend no more than medium (or a different cut to avoid offending the chef).
- Crostone – Crostone, not to be confused with bruschetta (pronounced bruh·skeh·tuh), literally means little crusts. Crostone are typically day-old bread that is toasted to support the weight of its toppings. Toppings will vary from restaurant to restaurant and season to season. You will also see Crostini, which are basically the same, but most likely a smaller piece of bread. A popular crostini for locals to order is Crostoni Toscani, which has a chicken liver pâté. Keep reading to find out about our favorite wine bar that serves some of the best crostone!
- Pappardelle Cinghiale – not native to Florence or Tuscany, but you will find this delicious broad, flat pasta with a wild boar ragù on many Florentine menus.
Papperdelle Cinghiale at La Buchetta in Florence, Italy
- Pecorino cheese – One of the best and favorite cheeses from Italy. “Pecora” is Italian for sheep, and Pecorino is a cheese made from sheep’s milk. While many regions produce pecorino, make sure you have some Tuscan pecorino while you are in Tuscany. This is easy to do as most cheese dishes will include a pecorino or two.
- Finocchiona and Salami Toscana – Finocchiona salami is a favorite of ours; what makes it unique is the fennel seed. This Tuscan salami is soaked in red wine. Finocchiona might be hard to find outside of Tuscany, but you should have no problem finding it in Florence. Finocchiona will be on meat and cheese dishes, panini, and crostone in Florence. Salami Toscana, another Tuscan salami, also has a bit of red wine in it and a natural casing. Salami Toscana is great on a panini or a tagliere misto (meat and cheese board).
- Vegetable Flan/Soufflé or Sformilata/Sformatino/Sformate– this is nothing like the popular Mexican flan sweet treat you may be familiar with. You will find flan on many Florentine menus listed as a starter/appetizer. Flan will be made with a seasonal vegetable and cheese (usually pecorino cheese), and the consistency of the cheese will be similar to a fondue. Ever since we tried these, we can’t not order them when they are on the menu. You probably don’t want to share this with more than one person, if at all.
Asparagus flan on the appetizer trio at Il Guscio, Florence, Italy
- Cantucci/cantuccini e vin santo – a popular sweet dish for after dinner that you will find throughout Tuscany. You most likely know cantucci as “biscotti.” In Italy, ‘biscotti’ only means cookies, and the twice-baked cookie that can be dipped in coffee is called cantucci (cantuccini if they are little). The almond cantucci are served with a small glass of vin santo to dip the cantucci into before enjoying them. Vin Santo has a debated history and is a sweet but not too sweet dessert wine. Even if you don’t typically like dessert wine, this one is worth a try. You don’t need cantucci to have Vin Santo; the complexities of Vin Santo can be enjoyed all on its own.
Some Of Our Favorite Restaurants To Go To While We Are In Florence
Of course, this Florence Travel Guide would feel empty without some restaurant recommendations; these are a few places that we like to return to, and we will update this list as more make the cut!
- Panini Toscani – with a view of the Duomo, you can enjoy a panino with some Tuscan favorites like finocchiona, salami Toscana, and pecorino cheese. Complete your meal with a glass of wine, prosecco, or a spritz.
Panino at Panini Toscani in Florence, Italy
Seriously, get a glass of wine at Panini Toscani. Sip and admire the Duomo, Florence, Italy
- Le Vespe Cafè – If you’re looking for more than a cappuccino and pastry for breakfast, you’ll find something closer to what you may be used to at this cafè (eggs, pancakes, French toast, avocado toast, sausage, and bacon are all on the menu). Le Vespe Cafe is near the Basilica di Santa Croce. The café is small, and we recommend arriving a little before they open to be sure you get a table! At the time of writing this, the posted opening time is 10 am Wed.-Sun. Le Vespe Cafè offers lunch too and doesn’t close until 3 pm.
- Finisterrae – You will find great pizza all over Florence; this is our favorite place to go. Finisterrae also has great pasta and main dishes. If the weather is right, enjoy a table outside (fuori) but don’t just take a seat, ask to be seated, or you risk annoying the servers and host. Treat yourself to a caffè and pastry here in the morning. In the morning, go to the register past the bar to order and then take your ticket to the counter. At the counter, you can quickly enjoy your order or take it to a table to enjoy. Let the person at the register know if you will have it “al bar” or “al tavolo.”
Pizza at Finisterrae in Florence, Italy
- Yellow – a local favorite with an English name. That’s correct, this is not a translatio,n and they used the English word for the color yellow instead of the Italian word (giallo). Yellow has something for everyone and offers reasonable prices. You can find the Florentine favorite crostini Toscani here, a classic pizza, traditional pasta, or something different like gnocchi with pear.
- La Buchetta – “La Buchetta” is what the little wine windows are called. A fun novelty, but you go to La Buchetta for the food. Here you can get the popular Bistecca Fiorentina and choose from a selection of pastas that are sure to keep you satisfied. Some of their pasta offerings include pappardelle cinghiale and their incredible gnocchi angeli e demoni.
Gnocchi angeli e demoni at La Buchetta in Florence, Italy
- Loggia Roof Bar – this one is an indulgence; the view and exquisite quality of food and drinks are certainly reflected in the price. If you have something to celebrate or just want to be a little bougie, get a reservation here. Their craft cocktails are, well, crafty… Our sister said they have one of the best negroni she’s ever had. You can also find proper gin and tonics, espresso martinis, and a Pimms cup.
- Volpi e l’Uva – Our favorite little wine bar in Florence that also serves some of the best crostone you will ever have. Try the Burrata and finocchiona or asiago cheese with speck and honey. If you like spicy food, try the asiago cheese and ‘nduja. Get a wine recommendation to pair with your food; they know their wine and won’t steer you wrong. It’s best to get a reservation; you can call them or stop by when they open to try and get a reservation for later the same day.
Burrata and finocchiona crostone at Volpi e l’Uva in Florence, Italy
- Il Guscio – this one is a bit further from the center and well worth the trek. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the food is anything but. This could, in fact, be one of the best meals you ever have! The restaurant is small, and you should make a reservation. Get the flan, try the risotto with pear and gorgonzola, and the veal cheek in red wine with mashed potatoes.
- Caffè Gilli – This chic café is known for their caffè, chocolates, pastries, and sweets. Caffè Gilli deserves a mention because it is the oldest historic café in Florence and is absolutely beautiful. Situated in Piazza della Repubblica, this café is worth splurging on even if it is just once. You can save a little by having your beverage and a sweet treat at the bar instead of having table service. Make sure your phone is charged so you can get a photo of your beverage and sweet treat!
Fancy shakerato at Caffè Gilli in Florence, Italy
Short Journeys, and Big Experiences Near Florence
A Florence travel guide has to have cities that aren’t Florence. Many travelers prefer to have a home base location and to take day trips to nearby cities. These are some of the popular areas worth adding to your itinerary.
- Hike the Cinque Terre – You won’t believe your eyes when you see the blue of the Mediterranean Sea as you hike the coast. We only recommend this in the shoulder months; otherwise, you are looking at a very hot hike that is packed with other travelers like you. You can journey there on your own by train or car and find an entrance to the hiking trails. There is a train station and an entrance to a trail in all 5 cities in the Cinque Terre, now that the Via dell’Amore is open! You can also find a tour that will drive you there by bus and take you on a hike, like this one (at the time of writing this, they were offering 20% if you book by July 30, 2025).
Driving to the Cinque Terre is NOT ideal. You won’t be able to park inside any of the villages. You would need to park in a lot just outside/near the village and walk in. Additionally, the roads are steep and narrow to get there. Once you arrive in Cinque Terre, there are many ways to enjoy it, a popular favorite is hiking. We have hiked from Manarola to Vernazza and Vernazza to Monterosso al Mare. We also recently walked the newly reopened Via dell’Amore, which connects Riomaggiore to Manarola. Grab some seafood, gelato, or white wine in the cities you pass along the way.
Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Italy. Day trip from Florence.
There are over 120 km of trails in the Cinque Terre, and the Via dell’Amore is less than 1 km! The Cinque Terre offers a total of 48 trails; you only need a trekking card for 2 of them (and the Via dell’Amore pass if you want access to the Via dell’Amore). The rest of the trails are free! You can get the trekking card on the Parco Nazionale website or in person at one of the welcome centers. You can also purchase tickets on the Via dell’Amore website.
Via dell’amore walkway from Riomaggiore in the Cinque Terre, Italy. Day trip here from Florence!
There are 4 ticket options for the Cinque Terre card: 2 are for trekking and 2 are for trains; you can get the basic or the plus (the plus adds the Via Dell’Amore access to your ticket). Finally, you can select a card that gives you access for 1, 2, or 3 days. We do not recommend getting your ticket in person if you want to make sure you reserve a certain time slot for the Via dell’Amore. You will want to book in advance online to ensure that you can enter when you want to.
The Via dell’Amore is one of five accessible trails in the Cinque Terre that can be enjoyed by all persons. If you use a wheelchair, there is an elevator on each end of the Via dell’Amore so that you can get up to the entrance and down from the exit. The other accessible trails are all from Colle del Telegrafo to Campiglia, Monte Croce, the Sanctuary of Madonna di Montenero, and to Volastra.
If you’re planning a visit to the Cinque Terre, see our tips on what you need to know about Cinque Terre.
- Wine tasting with Gabrielle – Escape the bustle of the city for a bit and spend a day up in the Chianti. Enjoy local wines and learn about how Italian wine, especially Chianti, is made. Finish it off with lunch prepared in the countryside. While there are many tours to be found online for wine tasting in the Chianti area, we adored the personal touch on the tour we took with Gabrielle. If you want to know more about that tour, contact us directly, as you won’t find him on social media.
- Pisa – One of the most common questions we get about Pisa has to be, “Can you really see the lean in person as much as you do in pictures?” Yes! But you’ve got to just go and see it for yourself. If you aren’t into climbing tall towers in narrow spaces, you can still admire it from outside. The complex of the Field of Miracles offers tickets to see everything (the baptistry, cathedral, and Camposanto- the most elegant cemetery we’ve seen). You can select if you want tickets that include climbing the tower. If you aren’t interested in the Leaning Tower or the Field of Miracles, then we recommend seeing the Botanical Gardens. You can get to Pisa in an hour to an hour and 20 minutes by train from Florence.
At the Botanical Gardens in Pisa, Italy
- Lucca – Also about an hour and 20 minutes by train from Florence. You can day trip to Lucca; however, we recommend spending at least a few nights in Lucca. You may have heard that this city still has a complete city wall surrounding the historic center. The walls’ construction dates back to the Renaissance period, and did you know it’s a park too? Rent a bike from one of the many bike rental shops and ride around on top of the famous wall. Bike rental shops are both inside and outside the walls. It takes about 30-minute to ride the full circle of the wall. You will also want to see the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, maybe do some shopping, and try the popular dish tordelli. If you’re in town, let us know ahead of time, maybe we can meet up for an apericena! If you have more time to spend in Lucca, check out our Lucca Travel Guide to learn about soaking up the Tuscan charm in Lucca.
Side street in Lucca, Italy
- Bologna – The capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, is often referred to as the culinary center of Italy, and while this may be debatable, it is certainly a great place to eat. Being a university town, there is a young and energetic vibrance in the medieval streets of this old city. While in Bologna, you can visit the largest Eataly, see the Duomo, Neptune’s fountain, and their two towers, Garisenda and Asinelli. At the time of writing this, the Asinelli Tower is closed for maintenance. Check to see if it is possible to climb the 498 steps to the top while you are there for a view of Bologna that you won’t forget. If the tower is closed, you can get a panoramic view by climbing the clock tower in Piazza Maggiore.
View of Torre Garisenda from Torre Asinelli, Bologna, Italy
- Siena – Visit the 13th-century Gothic cathedral, a Sienese masterpiece, Duomo di Siena. The cathedral is famous for its Gate of Heaven (Porto del Cielo), the marble black and white stripes (both inside and outside the cathedral), and its facade. Climb the Torre del Mangia, at the Palazzo Publico (town hall), and take in those quintessential views of the Tuscan countryside. After your visit to Palazzo Publico, enjoy lunch in the Piazza del Campo. The Piazza del Campo is home to a 17th-century tradition in Siena, the Palio di Siena.
Palazzo Publico from the far side of Piazza del Campo in Siena, Italy
Il Palio is a horse race that takes place twice a year, and the race involves 10 horses (each representing a ward or neighborhood of Siena), and the horses are ridden bareback. There are 17 wards in Siena, and only 10 are represented in the race; this is certainly a source of rivalry and camaraderie amongst the locals. Catch a glimpse of this rivalry on Sundays between the last Sunday in April and the first Sunday in September. On Sundays, you may witness the Contrada’s Awakening (Il Risveglio Delle Contrade). During the awakening, each contrada (neighborhood) does a “giro,” or turn. The giro is a procession (sometimes performed twice a day). The Contrada winds their way through the medieval city center, complete with costumes, flags, and drums, and during the procession, they stop to sing at the oratories of the other Contrada. The song they sing at the oratories is a song dedicated to the Virgin called “Te Deum.”
Take a bus or a train to get to Siena, we recommend a bus. The train will take 1.5 hours to an hour and 45 minutes, but that only gets you to the train station that is outside of the historic center; you still have to walk, take a bus, or a taxi to get to the city center. Take a bus and you’ll be in the historical center in an hour and 15 minutes (catch the 131 from the Florence bus station, by the train station, and get off at Via Tozzi in Siena).
- Arezzo – Visit the hilltop town that was once home to Giorgio Vasari, and where Roberto Benigni’s movie “La Vita e Bella” was filmed. If you aren’t familiar, Giorgio Vasari designed and built the Uffizi complex and the Vasari corridor in Florence, as well as the Palazzo della Carovana in Pisa. Vasari was a famous architect and artist. Giorgio Vasari designed and started to paint the largest fresco in the world; Vasari died while he was painting “The Last Judgement,” inside the dome of the Duomo in Florence. The fresco was completed by Federico Zuccari.
Street in Arezzo, Italy.
Street at the top of the hill in Arezzo, Italy, near the Cathedral.
When you are in Arezzo, you can visit Vasari’s house. See the frescoes and paintings there, and make sure to take a few minutes to admire the garden. While you are in the neighborhood, stop into Pasticceria F.lli Bruschi for an espresso and a sweet treat or breakfast pastry.
“Maria! La Chiave?!” A scene from “La Vita e Bella,” when a man shouts up “Maria! La Chiave?!” and a key to the building falls from the ‘sky,’ takes place just outside the town’s main piazza, Piazza Grande. In the movie, it becomes a bit of a joke and is repeated. Throughout Arezzo, you can spot signs depicting scenes from “La Vita e Bella,” in the same spot that the scene was filmed. This is just a fun town to walk through, up and down the hilly streets. Pass through Piazza Grande on your way up to the hilltop Arezzo Cathedral before making your way over to Parco il Prato (Prato Park). At Prato Park, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Tuscan countryside. Beyond Prato Park is the Medici Fortress and Prato (lawn).
Tuscan countryside, taken from Parco il Prato in Arezzo, Italy.
You will find plenty of fantastic food in Arezzo. We particularly enjoyed the lunch we had at a small restaurant called Taste (get the peposo, roasted potatoes, and some red wine, of course). If you’re looking for an exceptional dinner, we relished ours at Osteria dei Mercanti, where the octopus was great.
If you visit Arezzo in mid-November through January 6, you will be delighted by all of the Christmas decorations. Arezzo is a Christmas town; this means they go all out with the festive decorations and host Christmas markets. There is a Tyrolean-village Christmas market in Piazza Grande. Prato Park becomes “Arezzo Città del Natale,” complete with a Ferris wheel and other rides. The space between the park and the Medici Fortress is decorated with thousands of Christmas lights. Medici Fortress also becomes a part of the fun (Natale in Fortezza or Christmas at the Fortress) with light displays, opportunities to meet Santa, and more. The “Fine Tuscany” website gives a great overview of the 2024 markets, which will give you an idea of what to expect.
Arezzo Christmas at the Fortress Pro Tip: Make sure to bring cash if you go, there isn’t a strong enough wifi signal for them to charge a card.
Christmas Market in Piazza Grande, Arezzo, Italy.
Tyrolean Village Christmas Market at night in Piazza Grande, Arezzo, Italy.
Christmas lights in Prato Park, Arezzo, Italy.
We hope this Florence Travel Guide gets you excited about your trip to Florence. Still aren’t sure where to go from Florence? We’ve got some travel inspiration photos to help you with that! If you have any questions, please send us an email and we’re happy to share any insight we might have.
Did we leave out one of your favorite activities to do in Florence? Please comment below to tell us and our readers about it!
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A few of our top resources:
Viator – We found Viator over a decade ago, and it’s still one of the sites that we always check for tours. We’ve done everything from kayaking and hiking to guided museum tours, river cruises, wine experiences, and airport transfers on this site.
Get Your Guide – A marketplace for tours that is growing every day. Compare tours and reviews to find the best one for you. We typically find tours for larger historical sites and museums here.
Rail Europe – Rail Europe is a good place to start for a Eurail pass (travel in 1 European country or multiple countries).
DiscoverCars – These car rentals are not only competitively priced, but they are in just about every destination you might be headed to. A bonus: they have a high customer satisfaction rate, and we love that.
Visit our Travel Resources page for more of our favorite websites, apps, and products we frequently use to plan and enjoy a trip.
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