The art capital of Italy is guaranteed to take your breath away. Situated in the middle of the beautiful Tuscan countryside, a trip to Florence will be equally filled with rolling hills, bustling streets, world-class art, and Chianti wine.
How Long to Stay
I recommend spending at least 3 days exploring all that Florence has to offer. If you’re interested in visiting the surrounding area of Tuscany (and you should be) I’d add on an additional 1-2 days.
Where to Stay
In Florence, location is everything. I recommend staying within walking distance of the Duomo. For budget accommodation, the Emerald Palace Hostel is the best of the best. The location is prime and its private rooms are cheap and spacious. Though most hostels are catered towards young travelers, this is a place I would even consider bringing my family. If you’re looking for a luxury splurge, the best accommodation in Florence is easily the Palazzo di Camugliano. This historic 16th-century residence will make you feel like royalty.
What to Do
Michelangelo’s David
Visiting the Statue of David is a staple in every Florence trip. This massive, detailed work of art is located in the Accademia Gallery only a short walk away from the Duomo. Make sure you buy tickets over a week in advance during the peak months. If you do need a last-minute ticket, the more expensive tickets from third-party sellers are a legitimate option.
The Duomo
Duomo & Museum Visit
The Duomo is the most popular landmark in Florence. However, visiting it can be a little confusing. Many different areas make up the church’s campus: the Cathedral, the Dome (attached to the Cathedral), the Baptistry, the Bell Tower, the Crypt (located under the Cathedral), and the museum. All of these are interesting, but my favorites are climbing the Dome and visiting the museum. Buying a ticket for the Duomo includes entrance to all sites, but reserving a time while booking is necessary for climbing the Duomo. All other attractions may be visited at any time within 72 hours of your first ticket use.
Climbing the Duomo
The most adventurous Florence visitors climb to the top of the iconic Duomo. This 463 step journey traverses up a very tight stairwell to check out the incredible panoramic view of Florence at the top. If you are afraid of heights, this trek might make you a bit queasy – especially the narrow walk along the inside dome wall overlooking the interior of the church, separated only by a glass wall.
Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio is another iconic Florence Landmark. Window shop for jewelry on the bridge itself or simply take in the unique bridge architecture from afar. Take a moment and read about the Vasari Corridor – this secret passageway above the Ponte Vecchio was used by the famous Medici family!
Piazzale Michelangelo
I loved watching the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo. This busy hilltop viewpoint overlooks all of Florence. Wear good shoes for the uphill trek, and reserve a spot along the rail about 45 minutes before sunset for a prime view.
Loggia dei Lanzi
There is something so special about Loggia dei Lanzi. Situated in the corner of the Piazza della Signoria, this open-air museum is home to many breathtaking statues. It is free to explore. I recommend stopping in at night to see the statues lit up. It is usually less crowded in the evening, and the back wall lining the exhibit is a great place to sit and soak in the Italian night.
Leather Market
Florence is famous for its leather and the leather market is the best place to buy it on a budget. You can buy so many beautiful leather items, including purses, belts, jackets, and more. This bustling market can be overwhelming at times due to aggressive salespeople, but it is all in good fun. Definitely haggle on price!
Pitti Palace
In addition to leather, Florence is also known for its tie to the famous Medici family. The family used to live in the Pitti Palace, which is now a museum. I highly recommend reading up about the interesting history of the Medici family. Though I have not visited this museum, it is still a worthwhile destination!
The Boboli Gardens
The Boboli Gardens are a hidden gem in the heart of Florence. If you find yourself in need of green but don’t have time to head out to Tuscany, this is a great place to get your outdoor fix. These are located just outside of the Pitti Palace and also have Medici family roots. You have to buy a ticket to enter the gardens and make sure you wear your walking shoes!
Ufizzi Gallery
The Ufizzi Gallery is home to an incredible collection of art. Much of this art was in the Medici family collection. I have heard incredible things about this gallery, especially from art buffs. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to visit during any of my trips (even though I adore art museums!). If you do go, please email me and tell me more about your experience!
The Basilica of Santa Croce
If you have some spare time, walk over to the Basilica of Santa Croce. The front steps are a great place to relax and people watch. Also, the church itself is beautiful!
Day Trips Around Tuscany
No trip to Florence is complete without a trip (or two!) out to Tuscany. If you have a car, you can schedule intimate visits at individual wineries and explore throughout the day. I highly recommend booking a wine tasting or light lunch at Castello della Paneretta. This specific winery offers incredible countryside views and a tasting inside of a castle. If you prefer to book a bus tour, The Best of Tuscany Tour from Walkabout Florence is the best value. On this tour, you spend 12 hours in the Tuscan countryside, stopping for a wine tasting lunch and free time in Siena, San Gimignano, and Pisa! Though this is a long tour with a lot of time sitting on a bus, it is one of the quickest and cheapest ways to see Tuscany. For the more adventurous types, the Vespa Tour from Tuscany Bike Tours allows you to drive a scooter around the countryside while sampling wine and local food! Finally, if you want to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa but like to avoid organized tours, there is a 1-hour train to Pisa from Florence.
Where to Eat
Trattoria ZaZa
If I had to pick one restaurant in Florence to recommend, it would be Trattoria ZaZa. This is the place you go for incredible and authentic pasta and wine. Their bolognese was my favorite I had in all of Italy.
La Menagere
I think this is the most adorable cafe in all of Florence. They have exceptional breakfast & brunch, great coffee, and delicious pastries. This is also a cute spot to get a unique souvenir.
I Bastioni di San Niccolo
If you plan on hiking up to Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset, this location is perfect for dinner beforehand. I love their pizza!
Ditta Artigianale
This is an excellent breakfast or brunch option! Great for travelers that need more than a croissant & espresso for breakfast. Their Croque Madame was lovely.
Ristorante Trattoria Dante
The food at Trattoria Dante is lovely, but the drinks are the main reason I stopped in. If you are a student, you get unlimited free wine here! They have a great house red that I drank plenty of. Bring your student ID just in case! In terms of food, their lasagna was to die for.
Shake Cafe
Eventually, you’re going to get tired of the pasta and need some veggies in your life (…maybe). When that happens, hit up the Shake Cafe for veggie bowls, acai bowls, fresh fruit, and smoothies.
Gelateria La Carraia
One of my friends that studied abroad in Florence showed me this gem. Located in the Oltrarno district (aka the other side of the river), this adorable gelato shop offers a ton of delicious flavors for a great price. I highly recommend getting a cone with the “Cookies” flavor!
How to Get Around
Florence is truly a city of walking. Though it may seem big on a map, the city is quite compact and you can walk just about anywhere. For this reason, make sure you select a hotel in a central location and bring shoes you can walk in.
Though Florence is located in the middle of Tuscany, public transportation to the beautiful rolling hills is scarce. To see the countryside, I recommend renting a car or booking a day trip.
More of Italy
Planning on spending more time exploring Italy? Check out my Cinque Terre, Italy Travel Guide for everything you need to know about exploring this area of the gorgeous Italian coastline.
