Updated: September 2026
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 sight and sound
- Fuel for your foodie soul
- 7 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 are taking a train, you will most likely get off at the main train station, Santa Maria Novella. From here you can get a cab, take a bus, or walk to your accommodation.
If you’re arriving by plane at the Amerigo Vespucci Airport (Peretola), you have a few options to get to the city center. You can take a taxi, pre-arrange a private driver, or take the T2 into the center. The T2 is located right outside of the airport (turn left when you exit the building). On the T2, you can use your card to “tap” to pay (note that you need to hold your card in front of the reader until the scan is complete). Remember to tap again before you get off. Ride the tram to the end of the line, and you’ll be in the center; you can also stop at the train station, which is the stop before the end of the line (the 2 stops are pretty close to each other).
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).
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
Florence is a very walkable city, and if you stay in the city center you won’t be far from any single attraction. If you stay on the fringes of the historic center, you will get a more local feel. Try staying on the edge of the historic center or just outside of it; you’ll get more steps in, it’s a little quieter, and you’ll see more of local daily Florentine life. We like the Oltrarno area and the Santa Croce neighborhood.
Read more about the most desirable neighborhoods in Florence in our guide: Where To Stay In Florence, Italy: A Neighborhood Guide. Once you’ve decided which neighborhood you want to stay in, see our recommended best hotels in Florence, by neighborhood.
Map outlining the most desirable neighborhoods in Florence, Italy
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. For more details on each of these, visit our post on the best things to do in Florence and how to do them.
1: 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. Climb the inside of the dome and/or bell tower, and you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable view of this Renaissance-period town.
The Duomo of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Giotto’s Bell Tower. Florence Italy
2: Palazzo Vecchio – Open late at night in the summer, enjoy stunning views of Florence, see Dante’s death mask, and gaze up at the Hall of 300. If you’re a Dan Brown fan, you will be familiar with the palazzo from his book Inferno.
Torre del Mangia at Palazzo Vecchio, Florence, Italy
3: 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, which is displayed at the end of a corridor of several sculptures by Michelangelo. Additionally, you can find many other artworks from the Renaissance.
Michelangelo’s statue of David
4: Uffizi Gallery – Savor artworks by Botticelli, Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and more. 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 and Arno River, as well as the Palazzo Vecchio and Duomo.
5: Ponte Vecchio – Take your time to window shop and admire the beautiful gold jewelry on one of only 4 bridges in the world that have shopping on the bridge. We always enjoy strolling through here at night; even with the shops closed, you can see the old-world charm of the many original stalls. Did you know that the Medici had a secret passage above, which connects Pitti Palace with the Uffizi (and thus Palazzo Vecchio)?
Ponte Vecchio at night, view from Ponte Santa Trinita
6: Pitti Palace – Once home to the Medici family and later Napoleon, the palace is Florence’s largest museum complex. 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.
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
For more details about visiting these sites, click the links below or visit our post on the best things to do in Florence and how to do them.
- Basilica di Santa Croce to 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, and if you’re there before Christmas you’ll find it full of Christmas market stalls.
Basilica di Santa Croce, Florence, Italy
- Church of San Lorenzo – this is the church that the Medici family worshiped at, and beneath the church you can see Cosimo’s tomb along with a few other surprises.
- Palazzo Riccardi 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 owned 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; he even painted the ceiling in one of the rooms!
- Chiesa di Santa Maria Novella – a beautiful church you’ll see when you exit the Santa Maria Novella train station. Inside, there are works by Giotto, Brunelleschi, Ghirlandaio, and Botticelli. We think the church is underrated and worth your time.
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 Donatello’s bronze David.
History and art are great, but you might start to crave something modern; these spots should mix things up for you
For more details about these museums/galleries and information about how to visit them, see our post on the best things to do in Florence and how to do them.
- See the current exhibit at Palazzo Strozzi – this is something we do almost every time we are in Florence. The palazzo is the perfect backdrop for art exhibits. The exhibits remain on display for several months.
Inner courtyard at Palazzo Strozzi with art exhibit on display, Florence, Italy
- Gucci Museum – this is a fun one for fashion lovers, and when you’re done exploring the museum, you can treat yourself to a beverage and a snack at their posh cafè in Piazza della Signoria.
- Salvatore Ferragamo Museum – another great choice for fashion lovers, especially shoe lovers! You’ll see Ferragamo’s shoe designs over the decades and get a sense of what women used to wear and what we’re wearing now.
- Museo Novecento – here you will find modern and contemporary art exhibits across the Piazza della Santa Maria Novella from the Santa Maria Novella church.
Explore Florence through sight and sound
For more details about exploring Florence through sight and sound, see our post on the best things to do in Florence and how to do them.
- Piazzale di Michelangelo, Rose Gardens, and Giardino dell’Iris, all located in the ‘Oltrarno’ area across the river from the historic center, will dazzle you with views of the city from a new perspective. The Piazzale is a great place to get a photo of you with the city behind you. The Rose Gardens are located just below this grand Piazzale; 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.
Giardino dell’Iris, Florence, Italy
- Boboli Gardens – the quintessential Italian gardens located behind the Pitti Palace and through the same entrance. You’ll find fountains, sculptures, tree-covered walkways, and stunning views of the Duomo.
Foliage-covered walkway at Boboli Gardens, Florence, Italy
- Giardino Bardini – in our opinion, this garden offers THE best view of Florence. The garden 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.
Wisteria At Giardini Bardini In Late April
Pro tip for after your garden visits: If you make it to Boboli Gardens, Giardini Bardini, or Palazzo Pitti, we recommend a stop at Le Volpi e L’uva, which is a short walk from all three. It’s a tiny but spectacular wine bar where you can get wine recommendations and savor the best crostone you will ever eat.
- See a performance of opera music – it’s said that Opera was born in Florence, and 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.
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Fuel For Your Foodie Soul
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. See our quick notes on local dining habits, tipping customs, and more here. Every region of Italy has its own cuisine, and these are the top 7 dishes that we think you should try while you are dining in Florence. Learn more about them in our post on the best restaurants in Florence, by neighborhood.
Try These Dishes As You Dine Your Way Through Florence
1: Bistecca Fiorentina – 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.
2: 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.
Pappardelle Cinghiale at La Buchetta in Florence, Italy
3: Pecorino cheese – One of the best and favorite cheeses from Italy. Pecorino is a cheese made from sheep’s milk (pecora is Italian for sheep).
4: Crostone – Crostone, not to be confused with bruschetta (pronounced broo-SKET-ah), literally means little crusts. Crostone is sliced bread that is toasted to support the weight of its toppings. Toppings will vary from restaurant to restaurant and season to season; you’ll typically see cheese and/or meats on crostone. A popular crostini for locals to order is Crostini Toscani, which has a chicken liver pâté.
5: Finocchiona and Salami Toscana – Both salamis are great on a panini or tagliere misto (sliced meat and cheese board). Finocchiona salami is a favorite of ours; what makes it unique is the fennel seed. Both of these Tuscan salamis are soaked in red wine. While Finocchiona may be hard to find outside of Tuscany, you should have no problem finding Finocchiona in Florence.
Burrata and finocchiona crostone at Volpi e l’Uva in Florence, Italy
6: 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 a sort of melted cheese (similar to a fondue and usually pecorino cheese). We order these almost every time they are on the menu.
Asparagus flan on the appetizer trio at Il Guscio, Florence, Italy
7: 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.” The almond cantucci are served with a small glass of vin santo to dip the cantucci into before enjoying them. Vin santo is a sweet but not too sweet dessert wine; even if you don’t typically like dessert wine, this one is worth a try.
Some Of Our Favorite Restaurants To Go To While We Are In Florence
Below is a list of a few of our favorite spots to dine, drink wine, or sip espresso in Florence. For more information about these restaurants and the rest of our favorite restaurants in Florence, see our post on the best restaurants in Florence, by neighborhood. The post is organized by neighborhood, and you can plan your dining based on where you think you’ll be when hunger strikes!
We visit Florence often, and we regularly update our post on the best restaurants in Florence, so check that post periodically for new additions! Without further ado, here are a few of our longtime favorites:
- Panini Toscani
- Le Vespe Cafè
- Finisterrae
- La Buchetta
- Volpi e l’Uva
- Yellow
- Loggia Roof Bar
- Il Guscio
- Caffè Gilli
Short Journeys and Big Experiences Near Florence
While you could spend all of your time in Florence, we suggest taking some day trips from Florence to see more of Italy. With Florence as your home base, there are several nearby places you could explore. These are our top 7 excellent day trips from Florence, Italy. Read more about each one in our post on day trips from Florence.
1: Hike the Cinque Terre – You won’t believe your eyes when you see the blue of the Mediterranean Sea as you hike the coast. Enjoy the colorful fishing villages and grab some seafood, gelato, or white wine in the cities you pass along the way.
Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Italy. Day trip from Florence.
2: Wine tasting in Tuscany – Escape the bustle of the city for a bit and spend a day in the Tuscan countryside enjoying local wines and learning about how Italian wine, especially Chianti, is made.
3: 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. Pisa has a lot to offer, including great food, museums, and their own medieval city wall that you can walk on top of!
At the Botanical Gardens in Pisa, Italy
4: 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 to ride around on top of the famous wall. The ride takes about 30 minutes. See the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, maybe do some shopping, and try the popular dish tordelli. Read more about Lucca in our post on the best things to do in Lucca and how to do them.
Side street in Lucca, Italy
5: 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 vibrancy in the medieval streets of this old city. While you are there, you can visit the Duomo, Neptune’s fountain, climb a clock tower, or walk the longest portico in the world!
View of Torre Garisenda from Torre Asinelli, Bologna, Italy
6: 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 Pubblico (town hall) and take in those quintessential views of the Tuscan countryside. After your visit to Palazzo Pubblico, enjoy lunch in the Piazza del Campo.
Palazzo Pubblico from the far side of Piazza del Campo in Siena, Italy
7: 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 was a famous architect and artist. Vasari designed and built the Uffizi complex and the Vasari corridor in Florence, as well as the Palazzo della Carovana in Pisa. 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.
Street in Arezzo, Italy.
Street at the top of the hill in Arezzo, Italy, near the Cathedral.
Throughout Arezzo, you can spot signs depicting scenes from “La Vita e Bella,” in the same spot where 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). Have lunch in Arezzo, maybe dinner too; you will find plenty of fantastic food in Arezzo!
Tuscan countryside, taken from Parco il Prato in Arezzo, Italy.
We hope this Florence Travel Guide gets you excited about your trip to Florence. Don’t miss our other guides for Florence that explore each topic in more detail:
Where to stay in Florence, Italy: a neighborhood guide
The best hotels in Florence, Italy by neighborhood
The best things to do in Florence, Italy and how to do them
Still aren’t sure where to go from Florence? We’ve got some travel inspiration photos and The perfect Italian itinerary to help you with that!
Did you have a question about visiting Florence, Italy? Please comment your question below, and we’ll reply so that you and other readers can see the answer.
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