Florence Travel Guide

The best time to travel to Florence

The most favorable time for your visit is from April to June and September to October. These months boast their pleasant weather conditions and conveniences of the high season. This is the time of famous art and music festivals, such as Maggio Musicale Fiorentino and Sesto d'Estate.

July and August are the hottest months with crowds of tourists and sky-rocketing hotel rates. While making a decision to book your holiday at this time, consider that the majority of local shops may be closed. Many Italians go on vacation for several weeks in August.

Interactive Map of Florence

Top tourist attractions in Florence

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

Why it is worth a visit

An opportunity to see the fourth largest church in the world and enjoy a breathtaking view from its terrace of the Dome firsthand.

This magnificent cathedral is a symbol of Florence and one of the most spectacular attractions in Italy. The frescoes of the Last Judgment, which garnishes the interior of its huge dome, is an impressive work designed by Giorgio Vasari.

Tip: Annually, the viewing terrace of Santa Maria del Fiore is free to visit on September 8. This day the city celebrates the laying of its foundation stone.

Price

Admission to the church is free. But, if you want to visit other parts of the complex (Bell Tower, Crypt, Museum, or Baptistery), you have to purchase a ticket.

The cost of a 48h combi-ticket for all attractions:

• Adults: 18,00 €
• Children: 3,00 € (under 12)
• Children: FREE (under 6)

Galleria degli Uffizi

Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

Why it is worth a visit

This prominent gallery houses the world-famous artworks of Sandro Botticelli (The Birth of Venus), Michelangelo (The Holy Family), Leonardo da Vinci (The Annunciation).

The building was designed by Giorgio Vasari in the 16th century to hold a vast art collection of the Medici family. You can also visit more than 1 km long Vasari Corridor, connecting Uffizi and Palazzo Vecchio with the Pitti Palace, located on the other side of the river Arno.

Basilica di Santa Croce

Piazza di Santa Croce, 16, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

Why it is worth a visit

This is the largest Franciscan church in the world, famous for being a burial place for eminent personalities of Italy.

Basilica di Santa Croce also contains works of Donatello, Giotto, Giovanni da Milano. The grandeur of the architecture and masterpieces of great artists will leave unforgettable memories about your trip.

Tip: If you are going to visit Basilica, don’t miss the opportunity to see the tombs and the crypt!

Mercato Centrale

Piazza del Mercato Centrale, Via dell'Ariento, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy

Why it is worth a visit

It is a perfect place for those, who like shopping. Here you can find various leather goods, local wines and specialties.

If you adore Italian cuisine and like cooking, here vendors will sell you a wide range of main ingredients of Tuscan dishes.

Tip: If you want to grab a bite from the stalls with local foods, remember that lines are significantly longer during the lunch hours.

Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy

 Why it is worth a visit

This is a unique bridge with a rich history, which features numerous shops of jewelers, art dealers, and souvenir sellers.

Tip: To admire the romantic atmosphere of this place, we recommend to visit it in the evening, when the bridge is illuminated and musicians are playing in the middle of it.

Florence City Pass

The official Florence City Pass is a great time and money saver. It offers such perks as fast entry to Uffizi and Academia museums, transfer, and Hop on Hop off bus, which will take you to the top attractions of the city.

Here is the full list of services that are included:

● Fast track entrance tickets to the Uffizi Gallery;
● Fast track entrance tickets to Academia or Dome of Cathedral (optional) either Dome or Cathedral;
● Shuttle Bus Transfer or Taxi from Pisa Airport to the city center (both ways);
● Ticket for the Hop on Hop off the bus (for 24 hours);
● A 20% discount for tickets to numerous tourist attractions, such as Bargello Museum, Palatine & Modern & Art, Medici Chapel, etc.;
● Absence of the 24h or 48h limit.

Prices

Florence City Pass for 1 Day: Children 19,90 €; Teenagers 39,90 €; Adults 59,90 €

Florence City Pass for 2 Days: Children 24,90 €; Teenagers 44,90 €; Adults 69,90 €

Florence City Pass for 3 Days: Children 29,90 €; Teenagers 49,90 €; Adults 79,90 €

Please, note that the ticket for the Hop on Hop off bus is valid only for 24h (1 day) and it is not possible to extend it for 2 or 3 days.
The Pass does not include public transport as well, but that is not an issue. All popular tourist attractions are located conveniently located within walking distance.

Tip: We advise you to purchase Florence City Pass online, so you don’t have to pick the card up on site.

Local cuisine

Italian food is famous worldwide, but it is much more than pizza and pasta. If you want to discover authentic Florentine cuisine, you should first know its origins. Tuscany region has a reach medieval history, which has influenced the staples of local recipes.

Here is a brief list of must-try Florentine specialties

Trippa & Lampredotto

This dish is easy to find in any restaurant or street food point. The meal with medieval roots, it continues the tradition of using every possible piece of meat.

All’in zimino

The main ingredients are meat, fish, or beans seasoned with a mix of wild herbs.

Tip: Try a Florentine dish named “Seppie in zimino” – this is an unusual dish made from octopus and served with spinach, herbs, onions, and tomato sauce.

Peposo alla fiorentina

A Florentine meal, which originated within the poor working class. It consists of the toughest pieces of meat, sauteed in red wine with garlic and peppercorn.

Schiacciata Fiorentina

Schiacciata is a sweet cake, that Florentine inhabitants typically eat during the Carnival holidays. However, due to its popularity, it is possible to find it at any time of the year. This dessert is usually served covered in powdered sugar and with a print of the Florentine lily on top.

Cantuccini with Vin Santo

A delicious dessert, which consists of almond cookies and Vin Santo served altogether. The unusual part is that you have to dip cantuccini in the wine and then taste it when it will be soaked up with wine.

Accommodation and hotels

Florence offers various types of accommodation options, including self-catering, hostels, bed and breakfast. But the ideal variant is to book a hotel room near the city center, where you can get on foot to the main sights. Luckily, there is plenty of choice for solo travelers, groups of friends, or families with kids.

Whether you prefer shopping sprees, sightseeing, or wandering around uncharted neighborhoods, you will always find a suitable option. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle, but still be in the city, try to look for accommodation in more serene residential areas. We recommend you to consider such areas as San Frediano or Campo di Marte.

Looking for a luxury 5-star hotel with top-notch amenities or a family-friendly budget option in the heart of Florence? Let HotelFriend help you with your search. We have special deals and offers for clients with any requirements, you should definitely check them out!