Florence travel guide

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Introduction to Florence

Go on an enriching journey to Florence, the enchanting capital of Italy’s Tuscany region. Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is a city where art, history, and culture meet. Situated along the Arno River, its beauty and rich history draw travelers from all over.

Florence is home to some truly remarkable landmarks and attractions. Check out the Florence Cathedral with its jaw-dropping dome by Brunelleschi. Visit the Uffizi Gallery to see masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci. Don’t miss the Ponte Vecchio, a historic bridge lined with jewelry shops offering great views of the Arno River.

But it’s not just the landmarks that will blow you away – Florence’s food scene is equally amazing. The city is full of life with bustling markets, cozy cafes, and delicious trattorias. Explore the Mercato Centrale for local treats like pecorino cheese and fresh pastries. Enjoy Tuscan dishes like ribollita and bistecca alla Fiorentina, and don't forget to try the gelato!

Florence also boasts a lively cultural scene with events like the Florence Biennale and Pitti Immagine fashion shows. The city is home to numerous theaters, galleries, and music venues showcasing traditional and contemporary arts. Its calendar is packed with festivals, art exhibitions, and concerts all year round. For more details on attractions and events, visit Florence’s official website.

Florence effortlessly mixes its rich history, artistic wonders, and lively atmosphere. Every corner of the city bursts with unique charm and excitement, making it a place full of unforgettable experiences.

History of Florence

Florence, nestled in the heart of Italy's Tuscany region, is a city with a rich and storied history. Known as the 'Cradle of the Renaissance', Florence was the epicenter of a cultural and artistic explosion in the 14th century.

The city was founded by the Romans in 59 BC and prospered under the rule of the powerful Medici family in the 15th century. During this time, Florence saw significant advancements in art, architecture, politics, and science, with notable figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo leaving their mark here.

The city's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to iconic landmarks like the Duomo and Uffizi Gallery, that represent the city's rich past. Despite suffering during World War II, Florence's historical structures have been well-preserved, allowing visitors to step back in time and immerse themselves in its unique history.

Top services in Florence

On this page, you'll find all the top travel services in Florence, Italy. Enjoy the convenience of planning and booking every detail of your trip to Florence, including flights, accommodations, activities, and more, in one place.

Discover the cheapest and most popular flights offered by a variety of airlines that fly to Italy. Check out the best things to do in Florence by browsing over 2385 top-rated tours available to you in the city. Compare the rates and services of the stays and 14 car rental companies offering CDW insurance coverage.

Experience the best of Florence with an expertly curated and fully customizable itinerary. Get answers to questions about the routes and services offered in Florence from our free 24/7 customer support. We make it easy for you to find and book every detail of your trip to Florence with this travel guide.

Continue reading this Florence travel guide to learn how you can enjoy a stress-free and memorable vacation in the city of Florence!

Best time to visit Florence

The best time to explore Florence is during the late spring, from April to June, and early autumn, from September to October. During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm, with temperatures ranging from 18-24°C, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Florence's signature event, the Scoppio del Carro, is held in April, offering a unique cultural experience. However, these seasons also draw significant crowds, so booking accommodations and attractions in advance is advisable. For travelers who prefer a quieter visit, November to March presents an alternative. Though colder (around 8-15°C), these months are less crowded. The winter season is also adorned with festive lights and Christmas markets, providing a different charm to the city. Regardless of the time of year, Florence always has something unique to offer. The best time to visit Florence thus depends largely on your personal preferences and the kind of experience you seek.

Weather in Florence

Florence, Italy enjoys a humid subtropical climate, experiencing hot summers and cool, damp winters. Summer temperatures, from June to August, usually range from 26°C to 35°C. The city can become quite hot and humid, especially in July and August. Autumn, in contrast, is typically mild and wet, while winters, from December to February, are cool with temperatures often dropping to around 1°C at night. Snow is rare but possible. Spring, from March to May, is arguably the best time to visit Florence weather-wise, with a pleasant average temperature ranging from 12°C to 24°C.

Florence has a considerable amount of rainfall throughout the year, even in the driest month. The wettest period tends to be in November. Extreme weather conditions are relatively rare, but heatwaves can occur in the summer months. It is advisable for travelers to carry lightweight clothing for the summer, a sturdy umbrella for the rainy months, and warm clothing for the winter.

Local tip for visiting Florence

One insider tip when visiting Florence is to explore the city during its early morning hours. The city, known for its rich history and vibrant culture, can get quite crowded with tourists during the day. However, the morning hours, especially around sunrise, provide a peaceful, lesser-known perspective of Florence's picturesque landmarks. Start your day by visiting the Piazza della Signoria or the Piazza del Duomo before the crowds arrive, soaking in the quiet beauty and historical ambiance. Or, take an early morning stroll along the Arno River, relishing the stunning views of the Ponte Vecchio in the tranquil dawn light. Not only will you enjoy these iconic sights sans the hustle, but you'll also get to experience Florence just like a local - serene and splendid. Remember, the early bird catches the best view in Florence.

Learn more about Italy

With destinations such as Florence, a trip to Italy needs no further explanation. Spanning over 302,068 square kilometers, Italy is an expansive playground of discovery, offering a wealth of diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and captivating experiences awaiting exploration. From bustling metropolises to historic towns and modern urban hubs, Italy has something to enchant every traveler.

In Florence alone, travelers are spoiled for choice with an array of experiences and world-famous attractions such as Ponte Vecchio, Piazzale Michelangelo, and Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Thus, a trip to Italy becomes essential. Whether you're drawn to historical sites, natural wonders, or vibrant cultural experiences, Italy offers an abundance of treasures waiting to be discovered.

There's so much to explore and uncover in Italy. Click or tap the link below to discover more about Italy and its offers.

What to see in Florence

Photo of Florence Aerial View of Ponte Vecchio Bridge during Beautiful Sunny Day, Italy.

Expect an exhilarating journey through Florence, a haven brimming with attractions to suit every traveler’s taste. From historical landmarks to natural wonders, and delectable cuisine, Florence offers an abundance of experiences waiting to be discovered. Dive into this ultimate Florence travel guide to uncover must-visit spots and get the scoop on what makes the city so special.

Top attractions in Florence

With its blend of traditional and modern culture, Florence is more than just a wonderful city in Italy. It's a hub for diverse experiences, boasting top attractions that range from historical landmarks to modern marvels, offering a glimpse into Italy's rich heritage and innovative spirit.

One popular place to visit in Florence is the unforgettable Ponte Vecchio. Considered one of the most well-known attractions in the city, a visit to this spectacular travel destination is something you shouldn't miss on your trip to Florence.

For more information about what you can expect during a vacation in Florence, check out our list of top attractions below. Discover the best places to visit in Florence, including the fascinating Ponte Vecchio, Piazzale Michelangelo, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Piazza della Signoria, and Uffizi Gallery.

Map of attractions

Take a closer look at the city map below for the exact locations of all the top attractions in Florence.

Things to do in Florence

Photo of Woman enjoys beautiful view on famous Duomo cathedral in Florence, standing on empty cathedral square during morning time.

You've explored Florence's top attractions and marked them on your map. So now, it's time to delve deeper and discover the top things to do in Florence. These activities not only offer excitement and adventure but also provide unique insights into the city's culture and heritage. Take your experience to the next level by checking out the best sights with a knowledgeable guide, embarking on fun adventures unique to Florence, or learning more about the city's rich history and traditions.

Discover the most popular tours and experiences in the city below.

Most popular experiences in Florence

A visit to Florence gets more exciting with memorable experiences. And the city is just perfect for that, with plenty of fun activities. Walking Tours, Historical Tours, Wine Tasting Experiences, and more are just some of the options you could explore to fully immerse yourself and make the most of your time.

In this travel guide, we've included some of the best things to do in Florence, adding a special touch to your journey in this vibrant city. Explore bustling markets, embark on scenic hikes, sample local delicacies, or immerse yourself in the rich history and heritage of Florence. Browse this diverse array of unforgettable experiences Florence offers and let your adventures begin!

Top tours & tickets starting in Florence

In Florence, travelers are spoiled for choice with a dazzling array of 25 categories of top-rated tours and tickets. But among this sea of options, one category reigns supreme: Trips & Excursions.

Trips & Excursions offer an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart and soul of Florence. For example, the fantastic Private WALKING TOUR in Florence.

Florence also offers plenty of budget-friendly tours and activities that promise travelers a unique experience. Florence Data eSIM 0.5GB daily to 50GB 30 Days, for example, is the cheapest Full-day Tour option in the city. This experience costs around 3 EUR.

Elevate your upcoming Florence adventure with unforgettable experiences by booking top-rated tours in the city. Uncover the finest tours, activities, and tickets awaiting you in Florence right below.

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All Experiences in Florence

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Search for things to do in Florence

Discover the best things to do in Florence. Choose from 2385 fantastic tours and activities available in the city.

Select your dates and number of travelers in the search bar below to receive the best recommendations for your vacation in Florence. Click the green button to view your options and discover a variety of exciting things to do in Florence.

What to eat in Florence

Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, is equally renowned for its culinary prowess. The city's gastronomic scene is a blend of traditional Tuscan fare and innovative Italian cuisine. For the best places to eat in Florence, explore the bustling Mercato Centrale, a food lover's paradise brimming with street food stalls offering Florentine staples like the 'lampredotto' sandwich. Further afield, the chic Oltrarno district is home to a plethora of trendy eateries and artisanal gelaterias. Here, you can sample 'bistecca alla Fiorentina', a mouth-watering Tuscan-style T-bone steak, and 'ribollita', a hearty peasant soup. For a more refined dining experience, head towards the Piazza della Signoria. This area is dotted with high-end restaurants like Enoteca Pinchiorri, a three-Michelin-starred establishment known for its exquisite wine selection and innovative Italian dishes. When dining in Florence, remember that Italians usually eat late, with dinner starting from 8 pm. Whether you're indulging in street food or splurging on a Michelin-starred meal, Florence promises a culinary experience unlike any other.

Nightlife in Florence

Florence, a city renowned for its Renaissance art and architecture, transforms into a vibrant nightlife hub when the sun sets. The city's unique night culture is a blend of classic Italian charm and modern entertainment. The best area for bars in Florence is Santo Spirito, a neighborhood famous for its lively atmosphere and variety of bars and clubs. Head to Volume for an eclectic mix of music and artisan cocktails, or enjoy a glass of local wine at Enoteca Sant'Ambrogio, a must-visit for wine lovers.

Moving north, you'll find the Piazza della Signoria, another lively district brimming with open-air cafes and bars. Here, you can unwind at Cafe Rivoire, a historic coffee house turned cocktail bar. For a memorable night out in Florence, don't miss a visit to the rooftop bar at the Westin Excelsior, where you can sip a cocktail while enjoying panoramic views of the city. Florence's nightlife scene is vibrant yet relaxed, offering a range of experiences from casual drinks to late-night dancing.

Best Shopping in Florence

Florence, Italy's fashion and craftsmanship capital, offers a vibrant shopping scene. For luxury aficionados, Via de' Tornabuoni is the best place to go shopping in Florence. It hosts high-end brands like Gucci and Ferragamo, both born in this city. For a more local experience, visit the San Lorenzo Market. Here, you'll find the city's finest leather goods, a must-buy souvenir. Florence is also known for its goldsmiths; Ponte Vecchio, the medieval stone bridge lined with jewelry shops, is the perfect place to buy exquisite gold jewelry.

The Mall, an outdoor shopping centre just outside the city, offers designer brands at discounted prices. For those seeking local crafts, the Oltrarno district is home to many artisan workshops. Traditional Florentine paper, known as 'carta Fiorentina', makes for a unique gift. Practical tip: many shops close for a midday 'riposo', usually from 1pm-3.30pm, so plan your shopping day accordingly. Whether you're after high fashion, local crafts or tasty delicacies, Florence's shopping scene has something for every taste.

Best Free Things to Do in Florence

Florence, Italy's Renaissance capital, doesn't have to cost a fortune. The best free things to do in Florence are sprinkled with history, culture, and breathtaking views. Start at the iconic Piazza della Signoria, a vibrant open-air sculpture exhibit featuring replicas of famous statues such as Michelangelo's David. Stroll along the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval stone bridge known for its unique shops and stunning views of the Arno River. Enjoy a leisurely walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo, which offers panoramic views of the city's skyline dominated by the majestic Duomo. Be sure to visit the vibrant San Lorenzo Market, where you can immerse yourself in local culture and sample delicious Italian produce for free. Additionally, on the first Sunday of the month, state museums like the Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Pitti offer free entry, allowing you to soak in masterpieces from artists like Botticelli and da Vinci. Lastly, the serene Boboli Gardens, while typically paid, are also free on the first Sunday, providing a peaceful escape filled with sculptures, fountains, and verdant landscapes.

How to get to Florence

International travelers can fly to Florence by booking flights with Air France, Volotea, Vueling, Binter Canarias, and British Airways, offering flights to Florence. From the arrival airport, travelers can choose from various public and private transfer options to Florence.

For those seeking the best flight ticket deals to Florence, knowing the cheapest travel times and which airlines offer the most affordable flights is helpful. Luckily, we provide this information to help you discover the cheapest and most popular flights to Florence. Go to this page to compare all flights to Florence.

Find cheap flights to Florence

Photo of Summer street cafe on Piazza della Repubblica in Florence, Toscana province, Italy.

Booking budget-friendly flights to Florence is a crucial part of planning your trip to the city. This section will guide you through the process, helping you find the best deals for your journey.

Booking in advance is a smart move when traveling to Florence. Airlines release their best deals months ahead of departure, so early birds catch the lower fares. Consider flexible travel dates while planning your visit to the city. Mid-week and off-peak seasons often offer more wallet-friendly options.

To help you find cheap flights to Florence, you can use the powerful booking widget below. Enter your departure city, choose between round trip or one-way, pick your fare class, select travel dates, and specify the number of travelers. Click "Search" and the widget will do the rest. You'll see a list of flights matching your criteria, making your trip to Florence even more convenient.

Fine-tune your search with filters to sort by price, airline, layovers, and more. Once you've found your ideal flight, click "Book" and you'll be redirected to the booking page to complete your reservation. Enter your payment details and receive a confirmation – it's that simple!

Remember to book ahead, stay flexible, and utilize the widget's features to make your journey to Florence both affordable and unforgettable.

Popular flights to Florence

Travelers visiting Florence can easily access the city via Florence, offering direct connection to 452 destinations worldwide. To streamline your travel planning process, explore the most popular flights to Florence below. Discover direct routes from major international hubs and convenient connections tailored to suit your travel preferences. Click to delve into the diverse array of flights available to Florence and embark on an unforgettable journey.

Car rentals in Florence

Photo of Giotto's Campanile - An aerial dusk view of Giotto's Campanile and the historical Old Town of Florence, as seen from the top of Brunelleschi's Dome of the Florence Cathedral. Florence, Tuscany, Italy.

To navigate Florence effortlessly, renting a car is an excellent choice. With your own wheels, you can explore every nook and cranny of the destination without relying on public transportation and even venture off the beaten path. On our website, you'll discover a selection of over 14 car rental companies in Florence, ready to provide you with the perfect vehicle for your travels.

Automatic cars for rent in Florence start at 21 EUR per day or 149 EUR per week. The cheapest automatic rental car is a Fiat 500 Automatic. If you prefer driving a manual car, you'll find multiple options for rent in Florence, starting at 19 EUR per day or 135 EUR per week. The cheapest manual rental car is a Peugeot 107.

Learn more about the different types of cars you can rent in Florence, Italy below.

Popular types of cars for rent in Florence

Renting a car in Florence is a popular choice among travelers who want to explore the city at their own pace. A wide variety of popular car rentals are available to choose from in Florence, ensuring you find the best car for your travel plans.

Check out all the options available and book your car rental in Florence for your upcoming adventures in Italy below. All car rentals come with CDW insurance for added protection throughout your trip.

Search for car rentals in Florence

Get ready to hit the road and explore the beautiful city of Florence. Find the best deals on a variety of popular car rentals in Florence, Italy, or any other destination in Europe by using the search tool below.

Enter your pick-up and drop-off location, driver's age, and dates. Click the green button to view your options.

Popular destinations to visit after Florence

Photo of Ponte Vecchio, old bridge over Arno River, Florence, Tuscany, Italy.

The city of Florence is just one of the many unique and scenic destinations you can visit in Italy. So if you're itching for another cultural adventure, a relaxing road trip, an action-filled city break, or a memorable weekend getaway, know that Italy has it all.

Each destination in Italy offers something unique to experience! Take the opportunity to visit other captivating places in Italy that are as magical as the city of Florence. The most popular travel destinations in Italy are listed below. Click on the name of the place you want to explore next to learn more about it.

All the best destinations in Italy

When unsure about where to go next, use the map below. This map shows the locations of all the best destinations in Italy. Use the map to plan your trip and find the best routes.

Domestic flights from Florence

Photo of The Colossus of the Apennines, majestic stone sculpture by Giambologna located in the park of Villa Demidoff in Florence, Italy.

Experience the authentic charm of Italy by expanding your travels beyond the boundaries of Florence. Explore other destinations around Italy with a domestic flight. A domestic flight is typically a short-haul flight, with the longest duration not exceeding two hours. To find the best flights from Florence to other amazing locations in Italy, add the required details below and select 'Search' to view the best domestic flights in Italy for your chosen dates. You can also jump to the last section of this travel guide to find the most popular domestic flights from Florence.

Popular domestic flights from Florence

Travelers in Italy can catch flights to domestic airports in Rome, Milan, Palermo, Bologna, and Bari. Domestic flights in Italy are operated by 5 airlines, including Air France, Volotea, Vueling, Iberia Airlines, and Aeroitalia. There are around 16 scheduled flight routes operating to Florence on a weekly basis.

From Florence, travelers can book scheduled flights to 13 domestic destinations. The most popular flights from Florence depart to many top-rated destinations in Italy and are offered by Air France, Volotea, and Vueling.

Search domestic flights from Florence

Traveling to another city or region in Italy? Use the flight search tool below to quickly find the cheapest one-way or round-trip flights from Florence to different local destinations.

Enter all the necessary information and click or tap on the Search button to see a list of the available domestic flights in Italy on the selected dates.

Transportation in Florence

Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, offers a variety of transportation options that cater to every traveler's needs.

The city's public transit system, operated by ATAF, includes buses and trams that provide comprehensive coverage of the city and its suburbs. While the historic center is easily walkable, these public transit options are ideal for reaching peripheral locations. For more personalized service, taxis are readily available throughout the city, and can be hailed from the street, picked up at taxi stands or booked in advance.

For those who prefer to drive, rental cars are available from several international and local companies. However, please be aware that Florence's city center is a restricted traffic zone (ZTL) where only authorized vehicles can enter.

For a unique local transportation experience, consider renting a Vespa, a classic Italian scooter. This mode of transportation is not only fun but also allows you to navigate the city's narrow streets with ease. Alternatively, Florence also offers bike rentals for those who prefer a more active mode of transport.

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