– This post was written by Kristy Brandt –
Nestled in the heart of Tuscany is the beautiful city of Florence, where history meets art on every corner. Whether you’re strolling with a loved one or traveling with family, Florence offers an unforgettable journey filled with culture, history, and endless charm. From the stunning Florence Cathedral to the Oltrarno district’s quaint lanes, each spot reveals the city’s rich art, culture, and traditions. Whether you love art, history, or food, Florence’s diverse attractions will enchant you and leave you with a deep appreciation for this Italian cultural hub.
An art lovers haven, often called the “Cradle of the Renaissance,” there are many famous masterpieces to be found. Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and Michelangelo’s David statue are just two of the iconic masterpieces that can be seen up close and personal when visiting Florence.
Tasting the local delicacies is another must-do when in Florence as mouthwatering food easily be found on every corner of the city. When it comes to Florence city tours, you can’t go past some of the incredible food tours on offer, as well as traditional cooking classes.
In this Florence travel guide, you’ll find all the best activities for different types of travelers. Included are must-see landmarks and plenty of helpful Florence travel tips. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a romantic getaway or embark on a family adventure, you will adore exploring Florence!
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Best landmarks to visit in Florence
Florence is renowned for its iconic landmarks showcasing the city’s rich history. Each of these structures is a testament to the city’s status as a center of Renaissance art and culture. While there are many architectural marvels to admire, here are three that you really shouldn’t miss.
1. Florence Cathedral
The Florence Cathedral, known as the Duomo or Santa Maria del Fiore, was completed in 1436 and is easily one of the most iconic landmarks to visit in Florence. Filippo Brunelleschi designed the imposing dome on top and even today remains the largest brick dome ever constructed and is a marvel of Renaissance engineering. Not to be overlooked is the cathedral’s facade, decorated with polychrome marble and stunning sculptures.
Inside, visitors can admire magnificent frescoes and artistic treasures, including Vasari’s Last Judgment. As well as being splendid to look at, the Florence Cathedral stands as a symbol of Florence’s rich cultural heritage. The cathedral complex also includes the bell tower called Giotto’s Campanile and the Florence Baptistery. Together these three buildings make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Please note that not all Florence Cathedral tickets include access to Brunelleschi’s Dome, and not all Brunelleschi’s Dome tickets include access to the cathedral. If you want to ensure you see both parts of the cathedral, book this ticket!
2. Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery, housed in a beautiful and historic Renaissance palace, contains one of the most famous (and stunning) collections of Renaissance art in the world. Visitors to this landmark can admire works by famous artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, and Raphael.
The Uffizi Gallery also provides stunning views of the Ponte Vecchio, another of Florence’s famous landmarks. This closed-stone bridge was the only one in Florence to survive destruction during WWII. Today it contains a variety of shops, all within the enclosed structure, that provide a fun place for some retail therapy and cultural exploration.
For more world-class art in Florence, you can purchase a combined ticket to the Uffizi Gallery and Galleria Academia – which is where Michelangelo’s statue of David is located. These are the top two most-visited art galleries in the whole of Italy! There’s truly no better city than Florence for art aficionados.
Insider tip: If you’re looking for sustenance while admiring all this art, these are the best restaurants near the Uffizi Gallery.
3. Palazzo Vecchio
The Palazzo Vecchio is one of the best landmarks to visit in Florence due to its historical significance and architectural beauty. Dating back to the 13th century, this iconic Renaissance palace served as the seat of Florentine government for centuries. Looking like a fortress with a clock tower it is particularly impressive when lit up at night.
Meaning “Old Palace”, this elegant building now serves as the town hall of Florence. Visitors to the Palazzo Vecchio can admire its impressive facade adorned with intricate sculptures. The palace interior boasts magnificent chambers adorned with frescoes by renowned artists such as Giorgio Vasari. This is also where you can see Leonardo da Vinci’s unfinished masterpiece, The Battle of Anghiari.
Palazzo Vecchio also offers panoramic views of Florence from its towering Arnolfo Tower. Head up here if you want to see breathtaking vistas of the city’s skyline. The Palazzo Vecchio overlooks the Piazza della Signoria, which is also worth wandering around to see some stunning statues, including a reproduction of David, in the Loggia dei Lanzi.
Best Florence activities for Couples
Florence is a very romantic city and is a perfect destination for couples. Strolling hand in hand along the Arno River or admiring Renaissance masterpieces in world-class museums are two activities for couples to enjoy. It would be easy to have for have a Florence travel guide focused entirely on romance in Florence but, for now, here are just a few to get you started on your next romantic getaway with these travel tips!
1. Wander through romantic gardens and palaces
Couples seeking a fairytale romance in Florence will love exploring the many beautiful gardens and palaces around the city. One of these places is the gorgeous Palazzo Pitti, known for its Renaissance architecture. The only royal palace in Florence is surrounded by the stunning Boboli Gardens where couples can wander amongst the lush greenery and hidden pathways whilst enjoying stunning views of Florence.
Inside Palazzo Pitti are grand rooms where you can try and imagine what life was like for the Grand Dukes of Tuscany who once lived there. The palace was originally home to the Medici family, so anyone with an interest in family dynasties will want to visit! The palace is now divided into five different museums, which include the Gallery of Modern Art and the Museum of Costume and Fashion.
For a truly romantic adventure, purchase a combined ticket for Palazzo Pitti, Boboli Gardens, and the Bardini Gardens. Bardini Gardens offers a more secluded and intimate atmosphere than the Boboli Gardens. If you time your visit perfectly you will be able to enjoy the stunning wisteria pergola in bloom, but these gardens are gorgeous at any time of year. Also being a more recent attraction to open in Florence you might be lucky enough to avoid the crowds that so many other Tuscan landmarks attract.
2. Wine and dine in the Chianti region
Is there anything more romantic than wining and dining in a beautiful vineyard? Couples visiting Florence can easily join a tour of the Chianti Region for the perfect ‘blend’ of romance, indulgence, and picturesque scenery.
This part of Tuscany is known for the red wine called Chianti, made principally from the Sangiovese grape that flourishes in the mountainous region. Exploring the rolling hills and vineyards of Chianti provides a tranquil escape from the city for couples. It’s ideal if you want to enjoy some wine and admire the stunning landscapes of Tuscany in a more serene setting.
A wine-tasting tour allows couples to savor the region’s renowned wines together and learn about local winemaking traditions. Ending the day with a candlelit dinner in a rustic Italian vineyard offers a romantic setting to unwind and toast to love amidst the beauty of the Tuscan countryside.
Best Florence activities for families
Florence is also an ideal destination for families due to its wealth of cultural attractions and history. Children will find learning about history is much more fun when you can see it around you! Florence provides some very unique attractions for families to visit that provide not only great educational opportunities but also entertainment.
1. Get hands-on at the Leonardo da Vinci Interactive Museum®
At the Leonardo da Vinci Interactive Museum®, families can immerse themselves in the life and work of one of history’s most extraordinary individuals. This museum offers a comprehensive insight into da Vinci’s diverse talents with interactive displays of his artistic masterpieces, scientific innovations, and groundbreaking inventions.
Through the fun hands-on activities, kids will gain a deeper understanding of da Vinci’s genius. Many of the machines he designed have been recreated here, so kids can have a go at making them work for themselves. There are also laboratories where they can take part in building bridges and domes.
Learning through doing is especially fun for children, and families are sure to enjoy this experience together. You’ll discover how many of da Vinci’s incredible inventions are still in use today – from helicopters to water skis! It’s a unique opportunity to explore the mind of a true Renaissance genius and be inspired by his legacy.
2. Join some fun Florence city tours
There’s a variety of Florence city tours to choose from, which are sure to delight kids and adults alike! If your young ones need to burn some energy outside, you could join a bike tour that includes gelato tasting as you see the city’s sights. For more than just gelato, there are also Florence food tours that will take you to some of the most delicious places the city has to offer!
Older kids may also enjoy the thrill of an Eco-Car tour where you can drive around the major sites in an electric golf buggy. This 60-minute tour is great for getting an overview of Florence, with a professional driver to take you there. It comes with an audio guide to the places you visit as well, so nobody will get bored.
You can even hire classic Vespas to have fun while zipping through the streets of Florence and stopping for iconic photo opportunities. Of course, this particular experience will need an adult to drive the Vespa but children can ride behind and are sure to love it! Let them choose their favorite color and you can set out to explore whichever parts of the city to decide.
Insider tips: If you’ll be exploring other cities on your trip, make sure you also check out all these fun things to do in Italy with kids!
How to get around Florence
The best way to get around Florence is by walking. You can walk from one end of the city to the other in about 30 minutes, passing many iconic sites along the way! Walking is also an ideal way to discover all the hidden gems tucked away in the city’s narrow alleys.
However, if lots of walking isn’t you’re idea of a holiday then Florence’s Hop-On Hop-Off Bus is the most convenient way to see all the sights with minimum fuss. With 44 different locations included on the route, you won’t miss out on anything! The tickets also include an audioguide and a Sightseeing Experience app, so you can learn more about Florence as you go.
Florence also has a good public transportation network, consisting of buses and trams, operated by ATAF. You can purchase tickets at tobacco shops, newsstands, or vending machines and use them to access buses and trams throughout the city. There are also bike-sharing services and rental shops, making it easy to explore the city by bike.
Insider tips: If you’re specifically trying to figure out how to get to the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, check out this complete guide!
Best time to visit Florence
The best times to visit Florence are during the shoulder seasons of Spring (April to June) and Fall (September to October). During these months, the weather is typically pleasant, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer season.
Spring in Florence is especially nice, with temperatures gradually rising and days getting longer. It’s ideal for exploring the city’s outdoor attractions and gardens. During Fall, the weather remains pleasant, and the city is adorned with autumnal colors. Visitors can also enjoy cultural events, food festivals, and wine harvest celebrations during this season, making it a perfect time to visit Florence.
Insider tips: If you can, avoiding the peak summer months of July and August is a good idea. Florence experiences high temperatures and large crowds of tourists during this time and accommodation is also more expensive.
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