Florence, Italy is a treasure trove for lovers of history, art, and culture. Renowned as the birthplace of the Renaissance, the city's streets feel like an open-air museum, filled with stunning architecture, ornate churches, and the creative legacy of masters like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli. Its picturesque riverbanks and charming piazzas invite visitors to wander and soak in the timeless atmosphere that makes Florence truly unforgettable.
Some of Italy's most iconic sites await in Florence, from the majestic Duomo with its terracotta-tiled dome to the world-class Uffizi Gallery housing countless masterpieces. Take time to cross the Ponte Vecchio, Florence's famous medieval bridge, lined with artisan jewelry shops, or climb to Piazzale Michelangelo for sweeping views of the city skyline. Beyond the classic highlights, Florence features vibrant neighborhoods, lively outdoor markets, and hidden courtyards you'll stumble upon when exploring on foot.
Visiting Florence is a multisensory experience: the aroma of fresh espresso drifts from cafès, local trattorias serve up rustic Tuscan specialties, and late afternoons bring locals and travelers alike to bustling squares for an aperitivo. The city pulses with youthful energy thanks to its student population, yet retains a quiet elegance and deeply rooted traditions, whether you're in a grand palazzo or a tiny artisan workshop.
Florence is walkable, with most major sights clustered in the historical center, but buses and taxis are available for farther excursions. Accommodation ranges from boutique hotels in centuries-old buildings to contemporary B&Bs and budget hostels. To truly enjoy local cuisine, seek out trattorias on quieter side streets and try regional dishes like ribollita or bistecca alla fiorentina accompanied by a glass of Chianti.
Florence attracts crowds year-round, with spring and early autumn offering the most pleasant weather and fewer tourists than summer. Booking popular museums in advance is highly recommended to avoid long waits, and stepping out early in the morning or after sundown lets you experience the city's magic in a more tranquil setting.
Some of Italy's most iconic sites await in Florence, from the majestic Duomo with its terracotta-tiled dome to the world-class Uffizi Gallery housing countless masterpieces. Take time to cross the Ponte Vecchio, Florence's famous medieval bridge, lined with artisan jewelry shops, or climb to Piazzale Michelangelo for sweeping views of the city skyline. Beyond the classic highlights, Florence features vibrant neighborhoods, lively outdoor markets, and hidden courtyards you'll stumble upon when exploring on foot.
Visiting Florence is a multisensory experience: the aroma of fresh espresso drifts from cafès, local trattorias serve up rustic Tuscan specialties, and late afternoons bring locals and travelers alike to bustling squares for an aperitivo. The city pulses with youthful energy thanks to its student population, yet retains a quiet elegance and deeply rooted traditions, whether you're in a grand palazzo or a tiny artisan workshop.
Florence is walkable, with most major sights clustered in the historical center, but buses and taxis are available for farther excursions. Accommodation ranges from boutique hotels in centuries-old buildings to contemporary B&Bs and budget hostels. To truly enjoy local cuisine, seek out trattorias on quieter side streets and try regional dishes like ribollita or bistecca alla fiorentina accompanied by a glass of Chianti.
Florence attracts crowds year-round, with spring and early autumn offering the most pleasant weather and fewer tourists than summer. Booking popular museums in advance is highly recommended to avoid long waits, and stepping out early in the morning or after sundown lets you experience the city's magic in a more tranquil setting.
Expected Weekly Budget
$1000–$1600 USD (per person, excluding flights)
Known For
Things to Do
- Explore Renaissance masterpieces at the Uffizi Gallery
- Climb the dome of the Florence Cathedral (Duomo)
- Walk across the Ponte Vecchio and browse artisan shops
- Relax in the Boboli Gardens
- Visit Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery
- Sample gelato at local gelaterias
- Enjoy an aperitivo in Piazza della Signoria
- Browse the San Lorenzo Market for leather goods and crafts
Notable Sites
- Florence Cathedral (Duomo)
- Uffizi Gallery
- Ponte Vecchio
- Piazzale Michelangelo
- Basilica of Santa Croce
- Palazzo Vecchio
- Accademia Gallery
- Boboli Gardens
General Advice
Florence is best explored on foot, as most attractions are within walking distance in the compact city center. Be sure to reserve timed tickets for popular museums ahead of your trip, especially during peak seasons. The city is lively but can get crowded, so plan activities during off-peak hours whenever possible. Try exploring less-touristy neighborhoods like Oltrarno for a more local vibe, and venture outside the city for a day to enjoy the Tuscan countryside. Currency is the euro, but cards are widely accepted, and English is spoken in most tourist areas.
Security & Safety
Florence is generally safe, but watch out for pickpockets in crowded spots like train stations, busy markets, and around major attractions. Always keep your bags zipped and avoid flashing valuables. Stick to well-lit areas at night and remain aware of your surroundings, especially in quieter streets after dark. Be cautious with unofficial tour guides or street vendors and keep a copy of important documents separate from originals.
Travel Tips
- Book museum and gallery tickets in advance to skip long lines
- Wear comfortable shoes—Florence’s streets are mostly cobbled
- Try to visit popular sights early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds
- Sign up for a cooking class to learn classic Tuscan recipes
- Use local buses or taxis for attractions outside the historic center
- Don’t forget a reusable water bottle—public fountains offer fresh drinking water
- Tipping is not obligatory but rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated
- Look up and admire the ornate ceilings in churches and palaces
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Traveler Comments
Visited in May 2024
Florence blew me away with its incredible art and history. We spent half a day at the Uffizi and could have stayed even longer. The crowds around the Duomo were a bit intense, but wandering side streets in Oltrarno felt peaceful.
Traveled here in September 2023
Our family loved Florence—kids had fun spotting statues in the Boboli Gardens and eating gelato every day. Staying near Piazza Santa Croce was perfect for exploring on foot, and the food at local trattorias was a highlight.
Stayed in June 2024
There's so much to see in Florence, almost overwhelming if you're short on time. I especially enjoyed climbing up to Piazzale Michelangelo for the sunset view—well worth the hike! Be prepared for some pricey meals near major tourist spots.
Visited in March 2024
The art and architecture are out of this world. I was most impressed by the Duomo’s dome and the David statue at the Accademia. The only downside was long lines, so definitely book ahead if you can.
Traveled here in October 2023
Florence is magical at night when the crowds thin out. I loved quietly walking along the Arno River and having late dinners in the San Frediano area. The museums were fantastic, but simply wandering around was just as rewarding.
Visited in August 2023
Summer heat made sightseeing a bit tough but stopping at espresso bars helped. Appreciated the easy train connections from Florence to other Tuscany towns. Pickpockets weren’t an issue, just stay alert in busy areas.
Visited in April 2024
We took a cooking class and it was the best thing we did in Florence! Learned to make pasta from scratch and brought home some olive oil. Would love more vegetarian options in restaurants, but quality everywhere was excellent.
Traveled here in December 2023
Florence was festive during the holidays, with markets and twinkling lights everywhere. Some attractions had shorter hours in winter and it got chilly in the evenings, but the city felt cozy and less crowded.
Visited in July 2023
I came solo and felt safe walking around, even after dark. Highlights were people-watching in Piazza della Signoria and tasting Chianti wine. It rained one morning, but I ducked into a tiny art gallery and ended up chatting with the owner for hours.
Traveled here in May 2023
Florence is beautiful but very busy, especially in tourist hotspots. Prices for accommodation were higher than I expected. On the plus side, public transport was easy to use and the street performers added a fun touch to the evenings.
Stayed in November 2023
Came with friends and we had a blast exploring San Lorenzo Market. Got some great leather goods! The art in the Uffizi was overwhelming in a good way. Wish we’d booked more time for just relaxing.
Visited in January 2024
Winter in Florence was quiet and the city’s old streets took on a mysterious vibe. Some attractions were under renovation, but cozy cafes made up for it. The pasta dishes here were pure comfort food!
Traveled here in March 2024
Florence was a dream for me as an art student. I could study paintings up close at the Uffizi and sketch in the Boboli Gardens. Museums are busy, but totally worth it for inspiration.
Visited in October 2023
We had the best wine tasting experience just outside Florence. Walking back through the city at dusk, we found a street musician playing violin on the Ponte Vecchio—absolutely magical.
Traveled here in September 2023
Visited as part of a longer Italy trip. Florence’s buildings are amazing—every turn is photogenic. It gets packed with tour groups, but early mornings were peaceful. Be sure to check out lesser-known churches.
Stayed in February 2024
I loved Florence’s markets, especially for picking up handmade journals and scarves. Easy to get by with English, but locals appreciate a little Italian. The gelato really is as good as everyone says.
Visited in May 2024
Our honeymoon in Florence was unforgettable. Evenings spent in tiny wine bars, warm light spilling into the streets. The rooftop view from our hotel was the perfect romantic bonus.
Traveled here in July 2023
Florence has a lot to see, but the midday heat and tourist crowds wore us out. We enjoyed the museums and architecture, though, and loved stumbling into small pizzerias away from the main tourist zones.
Visited in March 2024
I took my mom and she’s still talking about it. We visited beautiful old churches and had amazing coffee each morning. Florence is definitely walkable, and everyone we met was friendly and helpful.
Stayed in April 2024
The Boboli Gardens were a highlight; peaceful and full of flowers in spring. Tried ribollita for the first time, delicious! I highly recommend exploring the artisan shops on the south side of the river.
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