The Complete Florence Travel Guide

Imagine this scenario: you’re enjoying a relaxing walk along the Arno River in the evening, savoring a delectable scoop of gelato while taking in the breathtaking historical sites of Italy. As you continue your stroll, you come across a charming restaurant where you indulge in a fantastic meal accompanied by a glass of Chianti. Does this sound like your ideal evening? If so, then you must add Florence, Italy’s prized jewel, to your list of bucket-list destinations. This Florence travel guide is the perfect starting point for planning your dream getaway.

Florence is the capital city in the Tuscany region of Italy. It’s the birthplace of Renaissance art and home to countless iconic sites, cathedrals, art galleries, and restaurants. It was also my home during the summer between my junior and senior years of college. I had the pleasure of exploring Florence again with my husband, Bill, as one of our stops on our honeymoon in Europe. I’ll admit it took me a while to finally write this Florence travel guide, mainly because this city is very special to me. But now I’m excited to share this blog post since it captures the best this vibrant city has to offer.

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Know Before You Go

I’ve compiled some helpful tips in this Florence travel guide to make your trip planning a breeze:

While you can certainly explore the city’s highlights within 1 to 2 days, I recommend spending 3 or 4 full days in Florence. That way, you have time to fully immerse yourself in the city and book a few activities and excursions.

The currency in Italy is the Euro, and cash and credit cards are accepted throughout the city. While credit cards are widely used, it’s always wise to have cash if you want to purchase something from a small business or a street market vendor or if you want to leave a tip for excellent service. ATMs are commonly found around the city, so no need to carry a ton of cash on you at all times.

The official language spoken in Florence is Italian. While it’s helpful to know some key phrases like hello (ciao), please (per favore), thank you (grazie), and goodnight (buona notte), basic English is spoken around the city. However, don’t expect everyone you will encounter to be fluent in English by any stretch.

Florence is home to many beautiful churches scattered throughout the city. You will need to be dressed appropriately if you enter a church. This means having your shoulders covered and avoiding wearing short shorts. I recommend packing or buying a scarf from a local vendor in Florence to cover your shoulders in the churches.

Speaking of packing, the items you will always find in my suitcase on a trip to Italy include sundresses, linen tank tops, t-shirts, denim shorts, a small, fashionable backpack, white sneakers, comfortable sandals, and a scarf. Don’t forget the sunscreen!

Peak tourism season is from mid-May through September, with the exception of August, when most Italians flee the city for their annual holiday. The summer is also the most hot and humid time to visit. More information on when to visit Florence can be found in the section below.

If you plan on visiting the major museums in Florence, booking your tickets at least a month ahead of time is best to secure a reservation. This is especially important if you’re visiting during peak tourism season. Be sure to book your tickets through the official museum website to avoid being scammed.

Florence is a relatively safe destination for travelers. However, it’s best to watch out for pickpockets or petty crimes like bag snatching, especially in crowded and more touristy areas or near the train stations and outside the airport.

Florence travel guide Duomo — Duomo di Firenze (Florence Cathedral)

When To Go

Ready to book your flight to the capital of Tuscany? In this Florence travel guide, you’ll find what to expect during each season of the year to ensure you plan accordingly:

Summer

Summer is the most popular time to visit Florence and Italy in general. You can expect larger crowds, higher prices, and longer wait times to see the historical sites. June is the most comfortable month during the summer since the temperatures are warm and the humidity is at bay. July and August are the hottest months of the year and should be avoided if you don’t enjoy 80°F to 90°F (26°C to 32°C) weather. The locals escape the heat and go on their annual holidays in August. I wouldn’t recommend visiting during this month since you’ll find some family-run restaurants, hotels, and stores will be closed, which could put a damper on your trip. The summer months are the driest months with the most sunshine, which gives you the best chance of being able to wander around without an umbrella.

Florence Travel Guide Tip: Air conditioning isn’t commonly found in Florence, so be prepared to embrace the heat. I also recommend verifying that your accommodation has air conditioning before you book.

Fall

Fall is my favorite season to travel to Florence. The temperatures in September and most of October are enjoyable, and the rain doesn’t pick up until the end of October or early November. October is the fall’s sweet spot since the weather averages around 70°F (21°C), and the crowds and prices are much more manageable as a bonus. November is the rainiest month of the year, so you’ll want to have your raincoat and umbrella handy.

Spring

Spring is a lovely season to visit Florence. The temperatures in March are a tad cooler, ranging between 42°F to 60°F (5.5°C – 15°C), but the weather gradually gets warmer in April and May. April is one of the months that gets the most rain, so come prepared with layers and a rain jacket. May is easily one of the best months to travel to Florence; The crowds are manageable, the temperatures are comfortable for exploring, and the precipitation declines, so you can ditch the raincoat.

Winter

Florence has a relatively mild winter compared to other parts of the world. It rarely snows, and the temperatures are manageable if you wear the appropriate clothing. December would be a fantastic time to visit Florence if you like the holiday season. The city comes alive with holiday decorations, Christmas markets, and festivities. The colder temperatures deter international visitors from traveling to Florence during this time of year. This results in minimal crowds and a relatively peaceful time to wander the city.

If you need a comprehensive packing list for all your travel needs, I’ve got you covered! I created the ultimate packing list for your upcoming adventures, including carry-on essentials, toiletries, clothing, and location-specific items.

How To Get Around

There are a few options to get around the city that I’ll highlight in this Florence travel guide. Florence is an incredibly walkable city, and walking is the easiest way to get around. You can get across town on foot in 30 minutes, making sightseeing a breeze.

I would not recommend renting a car for your time in Florence since you likely won’t use it. Plus, the streets are very narrow, and parking is limited. Save your money and use it towards a delicious meal or fun excursion out of the city!

There are a few great public transit options including their easy-to-use bus system and taxis. Uber and Lyft are not available in Florence, but you likely won’t need them unless you’re grabbing a taxi to and from the airport.

Where To Stay

There are countless accommodation options in Florence and around the city. I recommend staying within the central city limits so you can take advantage of how walkable Florence is for travelers. Below, you’ll find my top Florence travel guide accommodation recommendations:

Hotels

The St. Regis Florence – Luxury 5-star, $$$
Hotel Lungarno – 5-star, $$$
Hotel Calimala – Boutique 4-star, $$
FH55 Hotel Calzaiuoli – 4-star, $$
Palazzo Roselli Cecconi – Boutique 3-star, $$
Hotel David – 3-star, $$
Hotel Pendini – 3-star, $$

B&Bs

Hostels

Florence travel guide Piazzale Michelangelo — Piazzale Michelangelo

Main Sights

Duomo di Firenze (Florence Cathedral): The famous Gothic cathedral in the heart of the city is one of the most iconic churches in the world. It’s one of the most popular attractions in Florence, so it’s worth visiting early in the morning to get the square all to yourself for some gorgeous photos. If you want to learn more about its history, I highly recommend booking a tour well in advance so you can skip the lines and climb to the top of Brunelleschi’s Dome.

Basilica Santa Croce: This church was once located outside the city center in the marshland, but it’s now one of the largest and most well-known churches in Florence. Aside from a church, it’s also the burial ground for some famous Italians, including Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. You will find frescoes by Giotto and beautiful stained glass in the church above the expansive altar. You can book a guided tour or a skip-the-line ticket and explore the church on your own.

Piazzale Michelangelo: This extraordinary square has panoramic views of Florence and is the spot to catch a sunset over the Duomo. It’s well worth the hike up a hill to take in these gorgeous views. Stop by early in the morning if you want to beat the sunset crowds and enjoy the square in peace. Piazzale Michelangelo is a can’t-miss site from this Florence travel guide.

Ponte Vecchio: This stone closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge has become another symbol for Florence. It’s the only bridge in the city that wasn’t destroyed during World War II and is now home to many beautiful jewelry vendors. It also makes a fantastic backdrop for photos.

Basilica Santa Maria Novella: Florence is full of unique Gothic-Renaissance-style churches worth exploring during your time in the city. Basilica Santa Maria Novella is one of the oldest in the city, and it contains many artist treasures that are near and dear to the city’s history. The crowning jewel that the church is known for is Masaccio’s exquisite fresco Trinità (Holy Trinity). You can book a private guided tour or a skip-the-line ticket and explore the church on your own.

Pitti Palace: This stunning palace just outside the Boboli Gardens was once the Medici family’s home and was the primary residence of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. It’s now divided into five museums featuring Renaissance paintings, decorative arts, fashion, royal apartments, modern art, and so much more.

Boboli Gardens: If you’re looking for a break from churches and want to spend some time wandering through a park, check out Boboli Gardens. The gardens were originally built for the Medici family but are now open to the public to explore the beautiful grounds.

Galleria degli Uffizi: No Florence travel guide would be complete without mentioning the lovely Galleria degli Uffizi. This distinguished gallery is well-known for its collection of ancient sculptures and paintings dating back to the Middle Ages. There is an extensive collection of Renaissance paintings, including the famous The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli. Be sure to book your tickets well in advance if you’re visiting during the peak tourism season.

Galleria dell’ Accademia: Another prominent Florence icon can be found within the walls of Galleria dell’ Accademia: Michelangelo’s sculpture, David. The gallery is also home to many sculptures by Michelangelo, along with various ancient Italian paintings. Compared to the Uffizi, Accademia is much smaller, so I recommend going earlier in the day to beat the crowds.

Giardino Bardini: Not far from the Boboli Gardens is its smaller neighbor, Giardino Bardini. This quaint garden is known for its lovely wisteria pergola and unique views of the Duomo.

Leather Markets: Florence has a widely known reputation for having some of the finest leather products. The city has two main markets: San Lorenzo Market and Mercato Nuovo (aka Porcellino). Located on the outdoor portion of Mercato Centrale, San Lorenzo is larger and more popular. You can haggle with the vendors as long as you remain respectful. Most vendors now offer card readers, but cash is preferred, and you might get a better deal by paying with cash.

Activities

No trip to Florence is complete without booking an activity and/or excursion! This city is overflowing with exciting activities for visitors with varying passions and interests. I’ve compiled a list of options below in this Florence travel guide:

Walking Tour

A walking tour is an excellent activity for those looking to learn more about the history and architecture of Florence. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other travelers during your trip if you enjoy making new travel friends.

Pasta Making Class

Want to learn the secrets to making some authentic homemade pasta? Then booking a pasta-making class would be the perfect addition to your Florence travel itinerary. There are various cooking class options available, but no matter what class you select, you get a great meal at the end!

Gelato Making Class

Booking a gelato-making class is a fantastic option for those with a sweet tooth. These hands-on classes are shorter in length compared to the average cooking class. This is great for travelers who don’t have as much time during their trip to Florence but still want to book an activity.

Sunset Boat Rides on the Arno

If you’re traveling to Florence with a romantic partner, I highly recommend looking into a sunset boat tour on the Arno. Take an hour-long journey aboard your barchetto (small boat) and witness a unique point of view of this remarkable city.

Aperitivo Tour

Ready for a nightcap? This Aperitivo Tour of Florence is a fun way to learn more about Italian cocktails, wine, and bubbly while pairing each drink with Italian finger food. It’s a unique view into Italian cocktail culture, and learn from award-winning professional bartenders and mixologists.

Day Trips Out of Florence

While Florence is overflowing with things to do and see, it’s worth carving out at least one day to explore the surrounding towns. I’ve put together some of the top excursion options available in this Florence travel guide:

Tuscany’s Wine Region

Many people choose to book a wine-tasting tour in Tuscany as a day trip from Florence, and it’s easy to see why. This region is renowned for producing some of the world’s best Sangiovese-based wines, such as Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

There are a few options to choose from for your wine-tasting tour. You can do a self-drive tour at your own pace if you rent a car. I wouldn’t recommend this option since it’s more of a hassle for a simple day trip. You could also book a small group tour which is perfect if you want a guided option with pre-selected stops. Or, you could book a private driver who will take you to all the various wineries your heart desires. Below are a few small group tour options I’ve included in this Florence travel guide:

Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour to Tuscany: This excursion is perfect if you only have half a day to spare. During the 4 hour tour, you’ll visit two authentic vineyards, sample flights of wine, and local products such as cheese, olive oil, cold cuts, balsamic vinegar, and bruschetta.
Tuscany Wine & Food Tour with Guide: Journey to three wineries in Tuscany, spend time exploring Greve, and indulge in an authentic Italian lunch during this 8-hour tour.
Tuscany Day Trip from Florence: This 12-hour excursion covers everything you want to see, including wine tasting in the Tuscan countryside, stops in Siena, San Gimignano, and Pisa, and lunch at a winery.

San Gimignano & Siena

San Gimignano and Siena are two medieval towns just outside of Florence that are perfect for a day trip. San Gimignano is home to the world’s best gelato that’s served at the famous Gelateria Dondoli. A can’t-miss stop during your day trip! Below are a few small group tour options I’ve included in this Florence travel guide:

Siena, San Gimignano & Chianti Day Trip with Lunch: This 9-hour tour from Florence is the perfect opportunity to explore San Gimignano and Siena while indulging in some delicious Tuscan wines in the Chianti region.
Siena, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, and Chianti Wine Tasting Tour: This full-day tour combines the best of Tuscany: wine, medieval towns, and UNESCO-listed monuments. Enjoy a wine tasting in the Chianti wine region with the option to add on lunch.

Cinque Terre

On the rugged Italian Riviera, there are five towns that form the vibrant Cinque Terre. These coastal settlements are packed with charm, top-notch seafood restaurants, hiking trails, and some of the world’s finest pesto. The picturesque view of the colorful buildings along the coastline is truly magnificent. Below are a few small group tour options I’ve included in this Florence travel guide:

Cinque Terre Day Trip with Optional Hike: Explore all five towns with an optional guided hike during this full-day tour from Florence. You’ll get free time in each town to explore at your own pace.
Semi-Private Cinque Terre and Pisa Leaning Tower Tour: Looking for a semi-private excursion? This full-day tour is a great choice if you prefer an even smaller group and the chance to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Where To Eat

Florence has a booming restaurant scene with a ton of options around every corner. Let me preface this Florence travel guide section by sharing a crucial tip. Reservations during peak hours are necessary unless you want to eat later in the evening after 10:00 pm. Some places book up weeks out, so it’s important to do a little planning on the must-try restaurants you want to dine at while in Florence.

Coffee & Breakfast

Caffè Gilli: Enjoy a fantastic cup of coffee and a pastry at Florence’s oldest cafe.

Antico Forno Giglio: This mom-and-pop run bakery is a lesser-known spot in the city. It serves up some amazing pastries, schiacciata, and square tomato pizzas.

Le Vespe Cafè: Looking for a more traditional American-style breakfast? Then be sure to enjoy a meal at Le Vespe Cafè. They have an extensive menu of breakfast favorites, including avocado toast, pancakes, and various egg dishes.

La Ménagère: This dreamy bistro is the perfect spot to start your day with a tasty breakfast dish and end your day with a glass of wine or a cocktail.

Ditta Artigianale Neri: If you’re in the mood for a truly unique and delicious cup of coffee, this specialty coffee shop imports beans from all over the world. And if you’re feeling hungry, they also offer a weekend brunch menu alongside their caffeinated beverages.

Florence Travel Guide Tip: Don’t leave Florence without trying a tasty iced cappuccino or more commonly known as a caffè shakerato.

Lunch

All’Antico Vinaio: This sandwich shop is renowned worldwide for serving some of the best sandwiches in Florence and beyond, which explains why it draws a huge crowd. Initially, they only had one shop, but they have since expanded to four locations across Florence to cater to the appetites of their many guests. Their growth shows no sign of slowing down, as they have even opened new locations in New York and LA.

Mercato Centrale: The local market that features local artisans is a great spot to grab a light lunch during the day. The vendors serve baked goods, charcuterie, fresh pasta, and gelato, to name a few.

Antico Noe: If you’re looking for a great place to grab lunch, Antico Noe is another popular sandwich spot. They offer delicious paninis, salads, artisan pasta, and desserts that are sure to make your mouth water.

Dinner

Enoteca Pitti Gola E Cantina: During my honeymoon, I had one of the best meals of my life at Enoteca Pitti Gola E Cantina, which we enjoyed so much that we visited them twice. Considering the numerous great restaurants available in Florence, our decision to return speaks for itself. I have suggested this restaurant to several of my friends who also visited Florence, and they, too, agreed that it was one of their favorite meals. Apart from their delicious food, they run an amazing wine club that ships bottles globally. The service is exceptional, and the cozy dining space creates an intimate dining experience. If you are limited to visiting only one restaurant recommended in this Florence travel guide, then this is the one you should choose.

La Giostra: This dreamy restaurant is a perfect date night spot if you travel to Florence with a romantic partner. The ceiling is covered with string lights giving the space an enchanting vibe. The equally amazing menu offers a wide variety of classic Florentine dishes, including a Fiorentina t-bone steak for two people and pappardelle in a wild boar sauce. This might be why La Giostra is featured in many Florence travel guides.

Osteria dell’Enoteca: The same team that runs Enoteca Pitti Gola E Cantina opened up a new Osteria down the street from its original restaurant. The owner’s vision was to create a place they would enjoy visiting on their days off. The restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine and boasts an excellent collection of wines in a refined and comfortable setting.

Osteria del Filetto d’Oro: This charming eatery is conveniently located near the Uffizi Gallery. You’ll leave with fond memories of the savory steak you savored and the exceptional service you experienced during your meal.

L’Osteria di Giovanni: If you’re looking for an authentic Italian meal, you’ve come to the right place. The warm environment and the vintage furniture immediately welcomes you into the space. The meal is divine from start to finish, so ordering an appetizer and dessert is a must. They also have a wine cellar on site, offering a fantastic selection of vino.

Vini E Vecchi Sapori: A laid-back but equally amazing meal awaits you at Vini E Vecchi Sapori. The authentic menu is handwritten on a whiteboard and varies each night. If you can, order the pappardelle and one of the local wines.

Gelato

If you’re in Florence, visiting a local gelateria is a must-do. Gelato is an excellent accompaniment for a leisurely stroll along the Arno or a delicious way to end your day. You’ll notice that there are numerous gelateria options on street corners throughout the city. However, be cautious of stores displaying their gelato in unnaturally bright colors (such as bright green pistachio) or in the storefront windows, as they may target tourists. Don’t worry, I’ve included a few of my favorite gelaterias in the Florence travel guide below.

Where To Drink

It’s common to have a glass (or two) of wine during dinner, but don’t forget to indulge in an after-dinner drink. As a part of this Florence travel guide, here are some drink recommendations to complete your experience.

Enoteca Pitti Gola E Cantina: It’s so good, I had to mention it twice. Even if you don’t eat a meal here, they have a phenomenal wine selection, so it’s a great spot to end your evening near the Bobili Gardens.

Rasputin: In the mood for a cocktail? Rasputin is a genuine speakeasy with some of the best cocktails in Florence. Yes, it’s a pain to find, but well worth it once you stumble across the correct door. Inside is a dimly lit, cozy cocktail bar with a fantastic selection of spirits. Make a reservation if possible to you can secure a table.

Enoteca de’Giusti: The newest wine bar from the same team that brought you Enoteca Pitti Gola E Cantina. The space is elegant and warm, and you know the wine selection will be top-notch.

Le Volpi e l’Uva: This small wine bar near the Ponte Vecchio has a lovely selection of wine and charcuterie boards to sample.

Manifattura: This cocktail lounge with a ’50s vibe is a great place to enjoy a drink that isn’t Italian wine. All their beverages are crafted in Italy, using authentic ingredients like bitters and vermouth. Their menu features traditional Italian cocktails that are sure to impress and leave a lasting memory.

Il Santino: Another quaint wine bar previously home to an old wine cellar. As expected, they offer an impressive selection of wines and snacks. There are only a few tables and chairs, so be prepared to stand at the bar or outside on a busy evening!

Final Thoughts

Florence is a vibrant city that holds a special place in my heart. Though it may be smaller, there are plenty of amazing things to do, see, eat, and drink. I hope that after reading this, you’ll be excited about your own adventures in the capital city of Tuscany. My goal is for this Florence travel guide to help you create an unforgettable trip to one of my favorite places in the world.

Have you traveled to Italy? Tell me about your favorite Italian city in the comments!