The Definitive Travel Guide to Florence Italy

Located just 6 miles north of Florence, this hotel offers stunning views and historical richness, with its façade attributed to Michelangelo. Guests can enjoy unique experiences like exploring the Leonardo Woodland and dining in the exquisite La Loggia restaurant. A free shuttle service to the city center ensures the best of both worlds.

This small, authentic hotel offers a glimpse into the true essence of Florence. Located in a residential area, it provides a tranquil escape, yet is conveniently close to attractions like the Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio. Complimentary perks such as parking, an evening cocktail reception, and a breakfast buffet add to its appeal.

Nestled in a historical building, Hotel Spadai is a stone's throw away from the Florence Cathedral. It combines antique charm with contemporary style, offering a unique urban retreat. The hotel's attentive staff and spa service ensure a memorable Florence experience.

Built in 2009, NilHotel is a modern option equipped with all necessary facilities, including meeting rooms, a restaurant, and high-speed internet access. Its blend of comfort and functionality makes it an excellent choice for various travelers.

Situated in the heart of Florence, Hotel Raffaello offers a convenient location for exploring the city. It features amenities like a restaurant, cafeteria, and high-speed internet access, ensuring a comfortable and accessible stay.

Duomo complex forms are among the world’s most magnificent works of art, making it an experience that you can’t miss and by far the most visited tourist attraction in Florence.

At the end of the 13th century, the city began to build a cathedral that would reflect the importance of Florence, the work progressed under several great architects, so by 1420, Filippo Brunelleschi was able to crown it with the dome – a sensational architectural feat that still astonishes architects today.

After seeing the Duomo from all sides and visiting the inside of the cathedral, you must climb to the top of the cupola!

The only way to see the inside of the dome up close and enjoy the extraordinary view of Florence is to climb its 463 steps. Remember, they will not be adding an elevator any time soon. After taking the steps you’ll be rewarded with the perfect view to admire Giorgio Vasari's frescoes of the Last Judgment (1572-9).

TIP: You need to make a reservation to climb the Duomo, without a time slot you won’t be able to do it. As soon as you know your dates, make a reservation and select your time slot as they tend to sell fast.

The Uffizi Gallery welcomes over a million visitors each year and, as the second most visited museum in Italy (only behind the Vatican Museums in Rome), is definitely a must-see destination for anyone visiting Florence.

The Gallery hosts works of art by great Italian artists such as Botticelli, Giotto, Cimabue, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Raffaello. Its large collection has works from all centuries, back to the periods between the 12th and 17th centuries. Botticelli's The Birth of Venus and Primavera, as well as Caravaggio's Medusa, are among the highlights of the amazing artwork collection available for visit in Uffizi's.

TIP: If you want to skip the lines or your time in Florence is limited, it’s recommended to book the museum tickets ahead of time.

Boboli Gardens are one of the greatest open-air museums in Florence. The park hosts centuries-old oak trees, sculptures, fountains and offers peaceful shelter from the warm Florentine sun in summer. The Boboli Gardens are a spectacular example of "green architecture" decorated with sculptures that inspired many European Royal gardens, in particular, Versailles.

There is a large outdoor amphitheater adjoined to the palace by hedges and evergreen meadows with statues based on Roman myths. The cherry on top is the Obelisk standing in the center, brought from the Egyptian city of Luxor and placed in this precise location in 1789, above the amphitheater, as you climb up the hill, you will find the beautiful Neptune’s fountain.

Florence's San Lorenzo Market is comprised of two separate markets, one indoor and one outdoor.

The indoor market known as Mercato Centrale is home to all things food, so you are able to enjoy a delicious meal there or maybe take high-quality ingredients back to your Airbnb so you can try your best to be as a chef!

The Galleria dell’Accademia is known to have sculptures by the great Renaissance artist, Michelangelo. Special sculptures from the artist's legacy such as Prisoners (or Slaves), St. Matthew and the magnificent statue of David are among the reasons why the museum welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

The Accademia also offers works by great artists such as Sandro Botticelli, Domenico Ghirlandaio, Pontormo, Andrea del Sarto, Allessando Allori and Orcagna, to name just a few of the painters. Many of the works of art that were commissioned by and were part of the collection of the powerful and wealthy Medici family, who carved their name in history through their extensive patronage of the Arts during the renaissance period. 

Among the activities in Florence, you can't pass over a meal at one of the many eating places withinside the town.

The options that we're going to show you aren’t the cheapest. However, we always recommend our readers to go to at least one really good restaurant to celebrate the trip. Plus, there is nothing worse than paying and not receiving what you expected… and believe us, these terrible experiences are not in short supply.

These are some of our suggestions:

If you love meat, this is your place. Regina Bistecca showcases one of Florence’s best-known signature dishes, the bistecca alla Fiorentina - a vast T-bone priced by weight. Here you can choose the breed of your steak, from a generic European Selection to the highly prized (and highly-priced) Tuscan Chianina.

The cooking, serving, and eating of a bistecca are all very special: from being brought to the table raw for the client’s approval to the flourishing presentation of a bone-handled knife with which to cut it.

Regina Bistecca’s main dining space is very elegant with lofty vaulted ceilings, dark gray walls hung with paintings, prints in gilded frames and a gallery running around the top.

Cantinetta breathes aristocratic Old Florence, it's located on the ground floor of Palazzo Antinori, one of the finest examples of Florentine architecture from the mid 1400’s in the historic city center. The atmosphere is upscale and slightly hushed; tables are laid with crisp white cloths and crystal glasses gleam: the restaurant certainly appeals to an older crowd of well-heeled tourists looking for a quiet meal with top-notch service.

Menus are based on Tuscan classics with some seasonal variations. Start with a fettunta (bruschetta, in Tuscany) topped with cavolo nero (black cabbage) before moving on to pappa al pomodoro (a thick, bread-based tomato soup), pasta with artichokes, ossobuco and tagliata (sliced steak) topped with pecorino cheese.

Part of the Ferragamo-owned Hotel Lungarno, Borgo San Jacopo sits right on the south bank of the Arno. Here's a tip you should know: try to book a table on the tiny terrace, which has lovely views of the Ponte Vecchio.

With experience in many Michelin-starred kitchens, the chef, Claudio Mengoni is a native of Florence but worked for five years in Capri before taking the helm at BSJ in 2018, his dishes reflect the sunny flavors and traditions of southern Italy alongside Tuscany’s more earthy cuisine.

The restaurant has made a name for itself among smart Florentine gourmets who come for the inventive cooking and enjoy the sophisticated yet relaxed surroundings.

There are many fascinating old streets full of history, lined with magnificent ancient palaces. And the best part is that it is all accessible on foot, as a matter of fact, Florence is regarded as the “most walkable” city in the world.

Beyond the amazing museums, you could easily spend all day just wandering around the heart of the city, equally as rich in culture. Our tip here is that you don't limit yourself to the main streets.

Along the south bank of the Arno River, Lungarno Torrigiani is more than just a street; it's a window to the past. With views of the Uffizi and Ponte Vecchio, it's a reminder of the Torrigiani family's legacy and the resilient history of Florence, surviving even the unexpected – like the 2016 street collapse due to ancient infrastructure.

As you wander through Via Maggio in the Oltrarno neighborhood, you're treading a path lined with the palaces of Florence's historical elite. It's a street that intertwines the grandeur of Palazzo Spini Feroni with the charm of artisan workshops and antique stores, a living tapestry of the city's aristocratic and artistic heritage.

Crossing this bridge is like stepping into a storybook. The oldest bridge in Florence, Ponte Vecchio survived World War II and continues to enchant with its unique upper level and bustling jewelry shops. It's a testament to Florence's enduring spirit.

When night falls, Florence's lively spirit shines through its bars and clubs. For those seeking a memorable night out, here are a few standout options:

A Florence nightlife legend, Red Garter stands out for its vibrant atmosphere and live music. Popular among both locals and tourists, it's the perfect spot for those looking to experience a lively and authentic Florentine night out.

As one of Florence's largest nightclubs, Space Club is the epitome of a high-energy night. It's famous for attracting a young and dynamic crowd, making it an ideal destination for dancing and partying until the early hours.

Offering a chic and upscale nightclub experience, Yab is known for its stylish interior and exclusive vibe. It's a hotspot for those looking for a sophisticated place to dance and socialize.

There are plenty of exceptional things to do in Florence, Italy. We hope that this article has helped you decide which ones will be best for you and your loved ones!

If you like this content, you can check more articles here. We have plenty of travel tips and itineraries to help you get the most of your next travels.

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