FLORENCE
The Most Famous
of the Art Cities of Italy
This section of Italy Whiz is a Florence Travel Guide where you’ll find information about places to visit, where to get the best views of the city, what to expect, rules and regulations, practical tips, and so on.
Dive into the cradle of the Renaissance and enjoy yourself!
“Florence is the most beautiful place on earth.”
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Firenze is an art lover's dream.
Every inch of its historic centre - every street and every piazza - is full of beautiful architecture, history, and art.
Its cathedrals, palaces and museums house some of the most famous artworks in the world – works by Raffaello, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Caravaggio, Leonardo da Vinci and many, many more.
Perseus at the Loggia dei Lanzi opposite Palazzo VecchioThe first time I went to the "City of Art", I felt like I was walking through an open air museum.
Gorgeous Tuscan Gothic buildings and renaissance statues seemed to pop up wherever I went.
On my way to the Uffizi Gallery early one morning I walked past the Cathedral into Piazza della Signoria and saw the replica of Michelangelo's David standing outside Palazzo Vecchio.
On the other side was the Loggia dei Lanzi, an outdoor museum where you'll find a sculpture gallery which includes Cellini's dramatic Perseus holding the Head of Medusa.
One thing I love about this city is the compact size of its historic centre which makes it very easy to walk around and explore, even beyond the main attractions.
If you need to go further, the local buses are efficient, and taxis are available, though they can be expensive. Biking is also a great option, especially along the Arno River.
Another thing I love about Florence is the food and also the delicious gelato and hot chocolate.
So, whether you're an art lover, a foodie, a history buff, or just someone who enjoys wandering through beautiful cities, Florence is an unmissable destination.
GETTING TO FLORENCE
If you're already in Italy, it's very easy to get to Florence by train from most towns and cities.
Florence is just 1.5 hours away from Rome by high-speed train (Frecciarossa (Trenitalia) or Italo, from Roma Termini), which makes it easy to visit even if you're not based in Florence itself.
You can even get day tours from Rome which are very popular.
The main train station in Florence is Santa Maria Novella (Firenze SMN), which is a stone's throw away from the historic centre. Just exit the station and walk straight ahead.
If you want to go immediately to the Duomo, cross the street via the underground passage in the station itself, exit into Piazza dell'Unità Italiana, and walk down Via Panzani which will lead you to the Duomo, the Baptistry and the Campanile.
If you're arriving by plane, the closest airport is Firenze Peretola (FLR) which is a small airport that serves mostly European destinations.
Most international flights, however, arrive at Pisa Airport (PSA). From there, you can take the Pisamover shuttle to Pisa Centrale Train Station and then on to Florence SMN.
WHAT YOU'LL FIND IN FLORENCE
1. World Class Art & Architecture
The Duomo - Cathedral of Santa Maria del FioreLike Rome and Venice, Florence is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks and works of Art, and attracts millions of international and domestic tourists a year.
Some of its major attractions include:
- the Duomo with its striking marble facade and Brunelleschi’s famous dome,
- Michelangelo’s David at the Galleria dell’Accademia,
- the Uffizi Gallery which houses, among many other works of art, Botticelli's famous painting The Birth of Venus,
- the iconic Ponte Vecchio,
- the Boboli Gardens, which offer stunning views over Florence’s rooftops and rolling hills beyond.
2. Treasures Away from the Crowds
Once you’ve explored Florence’s iconic landmarks, there’s a whole other side of the city ready to be discovered, often with fewer crowds.
If you’re a history enthusiast, consider visiting the Bargello Museum, with its stunning Renaissance sculptures and lesser-known masterpieces.
One of my favourites museums is Palazzo Pitti and its extensive Palatine Gallery, featuring works by Raphael and Titian, one of the quieter venues to visit.
I also love wandering through the Oltrarno district, a vibrant and authentic neighbourhood across the Arno River, known for its artisan workshops, cosy cafés, wine windows and lively piazzas away from the usual tourist crowds.
3. A Food Paradise
Florence is a true heaven for food lovers.
Most famous of all is the Bistecca alla Fiorentina – a thick, juicy T-bone steak cooked rare.
Other delicious Tuscan dishes are:
- Ribollita – A Tuscan soup made with bread, beans, and vegetables.
- Lampredotto – A traditional street food made from slow-cooked tripe, and served in a sandwich.
- Pappa al Pomodoro – A thick tomato and bread soup that’s simple but incredibly flavorful.
And, of course, Gelato.
In Florence you’ll find some of the best gelato in Italy. Just go for it and experiment with the different flavours.
Whether you prefer cozy osterias, bustling food markets like Mercato Centrale, street food stalls, or elegant Michelin-starred dining, Florence offers a delicious range of options to satisfy every palate and budget.
So, if you're a food enthusiast partial to rustic pasta, consider yourself a wine connoisseur eager to taste Chianti, or just love indulging in endless gelato flavours — one of my favourite pastimes in Florence — this city is an absolute dream.
4. Shopping
As in the rest of Italy, Florence has something for shopaholics of all styles and budgets.
For luxury lovers, the elegant boutiques along Via de’ Tornabuoni showcase the best of Italian fashion, with top designers and exclusive labels.
You can also find genuine hand-made leather goods, and other artisanal objects such as gold and jewellery, ceramics and stationery.
If you’re after more budget-friendly unique finds and bargains, you can explore the Sant’Ambrogio Market or the Mercato delle Pulci (the city’s flea market).
5. Cultural & Artistic Scene and Nightlife
Florence isn't just about the Renaissance.
The Museo Novecento, dedicated to 20th-century Italian art, and the Centro Pecci just outside the city centre, are must-visit spots for fans of contemporary art and innovative exhibitions.
Florence also boasts a lively calendar of theatrical and musical performances year-round.
If you’re passionate about opera at the historic Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, enjoy avant-garde theatre, or prefer jazz and contemporary music, Florence’s cultural scene caters to every taste and genre.
When the sun sets, the city’s lively bars, wine cellars, and cozy cafés come alive, offering everything from sophisticated cocktails to authentic Tuscan wine, making Florence a city that truly never sleeps.
The Best Time to Visit Florence
Florence is beautiful year-round, but the best times to visit are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). The weather is pleasant, and you’ll avoid the sweltering summer heat and the biggest crowds. If you visit in winter, you’ll get a quieter, more intimate experience—plus, you can enjoy Florence’s festive Christmas lights and markets.
Day Trips from Florence
San GimignanoIf you have extra time, you might want to take a day trip to explore the surrounding Tuscan countryside. Here are a few options that I’ve tried out:
- Chianti Wine Region – Just a short drive from Florence, this region is famous for its vineyards and charming hilltop villages.
- San Gimignano – Known for its towers that you can see from miles away, this medieval village is picture-perfect and offers breathtaking views as well as the best gelateria in the world (as determined by its reviews on Tripadvisor).
- Pisa – for the famous Leaning Tower, of course.
- Siena – A beautiful medieval city with a magnificent cathedral and the famous Piazza del Campo.