Ultimate Travel Guide: Florence, Italy
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Florence, or Firenze to locals, is the capital of the Italian region of Tuscany and famous for being the birthplace of Renaissance art and culture. Or if you are like Josh you might recognise Florence from Assassins Creed. Either way, Florence is perfect for a European city break, whether you’re an art lover, a history buff or simply in love with the Italian lifestyle, I know I am.
Keep reading for everything you need to know before visiting Florence, Italy.
When to Visit Florence, Italy
Florence much like most Western European cities has 4 distinctive seasons; Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn. You’ll get warmer temperatures (high 20s) from May, with the summer hotting up to the high 30s before cooler weather hits late September/early October. As for rainfall October and November see the most downpours.
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
March to May can be an ideal time to visit Florence due to its blossoming flora, longer sunshine-filled days and easter festivities. Expect increased prices and bigger crowds during the spring/summer months. Alternatively, if you don’t mind wrapping up to save some pennies, you’ll find some of the city’s popular attractions and many accommodation options are discounted in Jan/Feb.
How to Get to Florence, Italy
By Plane
Amerigo Vespucci Airport is only 4km from the city centre of Florence and you’ll find flights from major European cities. Tram Line T2 connects Florence airport with the city centre in 20 minutes, or pay the pre-established fee of 22 euros for a taxi to the central area.
If you are flying from outside of Europe it’s common to fly to either Pisa or Rome (Fiumicino) airport and then utilise Italy’s high-speed train service to reach Florence.
Did You Know?
Florence was the first city in Europe to pave its streets in 1339.
By Train
Italy has a great train system connecting major Italian cities for affordable prices when booked in advance. Florence’s main train station is Santa Maria Novella from where you can reach Rome in just 1 hour 30, Pisa in an hour, Milan in 2 hours as well as other European countries, with a change or two.
I booked all my trains in Italy through Trainline which helped me manage the planning and find the cheapest seats, check out the best offers here.
Things to Do in Florence, Italy
- Piazza Michaelangelo
Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo)
Without a doubt, the Cathedral of Santa Maris del Fiore is the most recognisable landmark in Florence. From viewpoints, the duomo rises from the city skyline and whilst wandering the maze that is the Florentine streets it becomes a handy navigational tool.
There are different parts to the Duomo, the first being the Cathedral which is completely free to enter, although do expect to queue. The second is the Baptistery, the circular building across from the front of the Cathedral. Connected to the main Cathedral are the Bell Tower and the Dome, both with staggering views inside and outside. Then you’ll also find Santa Reparata, Florence’s original Cathedral, remains below the Cathedral floor.
Everything but entry to the main Cathedral requires tickets, find the different ticket packages here.
Did You Know?
The Dome was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi and this magnificent structure is still the largest brick dome in the world today.
Witness a Sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo
The sunsets in Florence are something to marvel at and one of the most popular places to watch the sun go down is across the River Arno and above the city at Piazzale Michelangelo. It can get busy here, so be sure to arrive an hour or two before, there are many street performances to keep you entertained. Walking from the central area is fairly simple, cross the River Arno and follow the crowds up. You can opt for a bus if you don’t fancy the steps.
If the crowds are a little too much for you, once you get to Piazzale Michelangelo walk straight through and up towards the Basilica di San Miniato, or come at a different time of day.
Cross the Arno River on the Ponte Vecchio
The Arno River splits the city of Florence into 2, the historic centre and the Oltrarno, which translates as the other side of the Arno. Many bridges connect these two districts, but none are as historic as the Ponte Vecchio. It was the only bridge in Florence that survived the World War, supposedly because it was too beautiful to destroy. Nowadays this unique bridge is lined with jewellery stores and tourists wandering from one side of the city to the other.
Wander around the Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is one of Italy’s most visited museums, thanks to its large collection of ancient sculptures and paintings. You can take guided tours around the halls of the Uffizi to learn more about what you see but it’s advised to book these in advance. If you’re happy to wander around solo you can buy tickets on the day and have the option to pick up an audio guide. You can find the gallery just to the right of Piazza della Signoria in the centre.
- Arno River
- Boboli Gardens
- Santo Sprinto Neighbourhood
Stop by Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens
The Palazzo Pitti was once home to the famous Medici family, nowadays it attracts visitors wanting to see the Renaissance architecture and learn more about that time in history. Then you have the Boboli Gardens behind the palace. With statues, fountains and windy paths, this labyrinth of outdoor architecture is the place to spend a sunny afternoon in Florence.
Tickets to visit the Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens can be combined with Uffizi Gallery tickets, learn more here.
Visit Piazza della Signoria
Home to the Palazzo Vecchio (a town hall/museum) the Piazza della Signoria is considered the centre for political life in Florence. You’ll also see an exact copy of Michelangelo’s famous David statue on this square along with many other sculptures.
Shop and Eat at San Lorenzo Market
With two parts to this market, you have the outside stalls and the indoor market hall. Outside you will find many sellers selling pottery, clothing and leather souvenirs every Tuesday through Sunday. Inside the market hall, it’s all about food. With butchers, fishmongers, fruit/veg stalls and other food vendors on the first floor. Then on the second floor, you’ll find a collection of food stands and wine bars. Opening times for the indoor market are Monday through Friday from 7 am to 2 pm and Saturday from 7 am to 5 pm (except not from mid-June through September).
Did You Know?
Mercato Central was designed by Giuseppe Mengoni, the man behind the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan.
People Watch at Piazza Santa Croce
This piazza takes its name from the Basilica of Santa Croce which overlooks the square and is the burial place of Michelangelo and Galileo Galilei. Only a short walk from the hustle and bustle of Piazza della Signoria this square you’ll find is a little calmer and is an ideal spot for a little people watching, obviously with a gelato in hand.
Visit Florence’s Oldest Pharmacy
The Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella founded in 1221 is one of the oldest pharmacies in the world. This historical and enchanting building is still a working store with a selection of luxurious scents, soaps and other herbal remedies. Close to the Santa Maria Novella train station it’s centrally located and free to wander around.
Take a Pasta Making Class
When in Italy, why not learn how to make fresh pasta? You can learn the Italian secrets of homemade pasta and then get to enjoy your creations alongside some delicious Tuscan wine. I did a class called Pastamania with the company Experience in Florence and I highly recommend it.
Relax at Piazza Santissima Annunziata
Much like the majority of piazzas in Italy, the name comes from the church overlooking it. This piazza is at its best in the afternoon sun when the rays shine down on the buildings giving the square a golden glow. Coming here to relax on the surrounding steps whilst basking in the beauty of Florence’s architecture, is lovely after a busy day.
Venture on a Day Trip to Pisa
The Santa Maria Novella train station in central Florence connects you with Pisa in under an hour, with trains running regularly. So if you have a spare day in Florence hop on the train and visit the famous attractions of Pisa.
Discover how to spend the perfect day in Pisa here ->
Bonus Activity
A mere few steps from the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is a record store called Move On. Not only do they have a gigantic collection of records, old and new, they also have a bar. And if you are lucky enough you can grab one of their balcony tables which has an incredible view of the Cathedral and the square below.
Where to Eat and Drink in Florence, Italy
- Mercato Centrale
- View from Piazza Michelangelo
Travel Tips to Know Before Visting Florence, Italy
Did You Know?
The city of Florence was founded by Julius Caesar back in 59 BC.
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