Tuscany · 20 Places · Best April-May and September-October
Florence travel guide — where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Florence, Tuscany, Italy.
Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance, a compact riverside city where Brunelleschi's dome, Michelangelo's David, and the Uffizi's masterpieces sit alongside leather workshops, wine bars, and terracotta rooftops. Most of the historic center is walkable in a day, but its density of art, architecture, and food makes it one of the most rewarding — and most visited — cities in Italy.
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
The 20 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
One of the world's most important art museums, housing an unparalleled collection of Renaissance masterpieces including Botticelli's Birth of Venus, Leonardo da Vinci's Annunciation, and works by Michelangelo and Raphael. The gallery occupies the former Medici administrative offices designed by Giorgio Vasari in 1560.
Florence's magnificent Gothic cathedral is crowned by Brunelleschi's revolutionary dome, still the largest brick dome ever constructed. The cathedral complex includes the dome, Giotto's campanile, and the Baptistery of San Giovanni with its famous bronze 'Gates of Paradise' by Ghiberti. Climbing the 463 steps to the dome top rewards with panoramic city views.
Florence's oldest and most iconic bridge spans the Arno River and is lined with goldsmiths, jewelers, and art dealers. Dating from 1345, it is the only Florentine bridge to survive World War II intact. The Vasari Corridor runs along the top of the shops, connecting the Uffizi with the Pitti Palace.
Florence's fortress-like town hall has been the seat of civic government since 1299 and now houses a magnificent museum with frescoed halls, Renaissance sculptures, and the famous Hall of the Five Hundred. The Torre d'Arnolfo tower offers spectacular views over the city and the Arno River.
The Galleria dell'Accademia houses Michelangelo's original David statue, carved from a single block of Carrara marble between 1501 and 1504. Standing 5.17 meters tall, the David is widely considered the greatest sculpture ever created. The museum also contains Michelangelo's Prisoners and a collection of Florentine paintings.
The Chianti Classico zone between Florence and Siena is Tuscany's most famous wine country, producing the renowned Gallo Nero (Black Rooster) wines. The landscape of vine-covered hills, olive groves, cypress avenues, and stone farmhouses is quintessential Tuscany. Key villages include Greve in Chianti, Radda in Chianti, Gaiole in Chianti, and Castelnuovo Berardenga.
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Set in a stunning 15th-century Renaissance palazzo with a 4.5-acre private garden, the Four Seasons Florence is one of Italy's most prestigious hotels. Rooms are opulently decorated with period furniture and silk fabrics, and the hotel's spa and Michelin-starred restaurant Il Palagio make it a complete destination.
Check rates on Booking.comPerched on the hillside at Fiesole above Florence, this breathtaking 15th-century former monastery designed in part by Michelangelo offers stunning views over the Arno Valley and Florence's rooftops. Each room is individually decorated with antiques, and the heated pool and Michelin-starred restaurant complete the experience.
Check rates on Booking.comA grande dame hotel superbly located on the Piazza della Repubblica in the heart of Florence, combining Edwardian elegance with contemporary design. The rooftop terrace offers panoramic views over the Florentine skyline, and the Irene restaurant is one of the city's finest.
Check rates on Booking.comAn elegant 4-star hotel housed in a 16th-century palazzo on the Lungarno Acciaiuoli, with views of the Arno River and Ponte Vecchio. The rooftop terrace bar is one of Florence's most romantic spots, and the position is ideal for exploring the city's historic center on foot.
Check rates on Booking.comCafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Florence's oldest restaurant, operating since 1880 in the atmospheric vaulted wine cellars beneath Palazzo Antinori. Famous for its enormous bistecca fiorentina grilled over charcoal, the walls are plastered with vintage travel posters. A true Florentine institution.
One of Italy's most celebrated restaurants with three Michelin stars, housed in a 15th-century palazzo in Florence with one of Italy's finest wine cellars (over 130,000 bottles). Chef Annie Feolde has created an extraordinary temple of Italian haute cuisine combining Tuscan tradition with French technique.
An iconic and beloved Florence trattoria operating since 1953 near the Mercato Centrale. Communal tables, paper tablecloths, no reservations, and a short menu of daily specials including ribollita, lampredotto, and bistecca make this the quintessential Florentine lunch experience beloved by locals and savvy travelers alike.
Florence's oldest restaurant dating to 1886, situated in a medieval cellar near Piazza della Repubblica. The original wooden beamed ceilings, candlelit tables, and traditional menu of Florentine classics have made this a favorite for generations of visitors seeking an authentic Florence dining experience.
A boisterous, beloved Florence institution where long communal tables, rushing waiters, and bottles of house Chianti create an unforgettable atmosphere. The fixed-price menu offers exceptional value with multiple courses of classic Florentine cooking, and queues form outside even on weekday evenings.
One of Florence's most lively and characterful restaurants serving Florentine classics in a traditional ambiente with hanging prosciutti and communal tables. The house Chianti flows freely and the portions are enormous, making this excellent value for a typical Florentine evening.
Transportation options in Florence include local buses, taxis, and rental cars. Check local conditions before planning your travel.
Daily spend by tier in EUR, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €25 (~$27) | €80 (~$87) | €250 (~$272) |
| Food (per day) | €15 (~$16) | €40 (~$44) | €100 (~$109) |
| Transportation | €10 (~$11) | €15 (~$16) | €30 (~$33) |
| Activities | €10 (~$11) | €15 (~$16) | €20 (~$22) |
| Daily total | €60 (~$65) | €150 (~$163) | €400+ (~$435+) |
Florence has a Mediterranean climate with hot, humid summers (highs of 32-34°C/90-93°F in July-August) and mild, wet winters. Spring and early autumn offer the best balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowds; peak summer brings long lines at the Uffizi and Accademia and higher hotel prices.
Keep valuables in the hotel safe and use a cross-body anti-theft bag in crowded areas
Be cautious of pickpockets near the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio and on the ATAF bus network
Validate train tickets before boarding to avoid fines
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes — Florence's historic center is entirely cobblestone
Avoid unofficial 'gladiators' or costumed street performers who demand payment for photos near major sights
Entry requirements follow Italy/Schengen rules. EU citizens need only a national ID card; non-EU visitors from many countries may stay visa-free for up to 90 days; others require a Schengen visa. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with the nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
Florence uses the Euro (EUR). ATMs are widely available in the city center and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but it helps to carry small amounts of cash for markets and smaller establishments.
The main language spoken in Florence is Italian. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic Italian phrases is appreciated by locals.
The top attractions in Florence include the Uffizi Gallery, the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo), Michelangelo's David at the Galleria dell'Accademia, Ponte Vecchio, and Palazzo Pitti with the Boboli Gardens. Each offers a unique experience, from Renaissance art to panoramic city views.
