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Florence, Italy

Destination Guide

Florence

Italy

Best things to do in Florence

38 curated attractions in Florence, Italy. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

April - June, September - October

Average temp

14°C/57°F

Budget

Expensive

Safety

Very safe

About Florence

Florence, the heart of the Renaissance, is a city built around art and architecture in a compact medieval layout. The iconic dome of the Florence Cathedral dominates the skyline, while the Uffizi Gallery and the Bargello Museum hold some of the finest collections of Italian masterpieces, attracting millions each year. Narrow streets lead to the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge lined with shops, and the lively Mercato Centrale offers local culinary delights. The city's rich history is palpable in its churches and museums, reflecting centuries of creativity and cultural achievement. While the crowds can be overwhelming, the draw remains clear: people come to experience the unparalleled artistic heritage and the street life that makes Florence tick.

Who it's for

Art lovers, history buffs, and anyone with an interest in Renaissance culture will find themselves right at home. However, those who prefer quiet, off-the-beaten-path explorations may be disappointed, as the city is often swarming with tourists. Prepare for a lack of personal space and a challenge finding a good spot for that perfect photo.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • The historic center is easily walkable, with most attractions within a twenty-minute stroll from each other
  • The local buses are reliable, but you'll likely find walking the best way to soak up the atmosphere
  • Florence's train station connects to other Italian cities, but remember that many services are slower than expected
  • Expect to navigate a fair number of cobblestone streets
Piazzale Michelangelo

Piazzale Michelangelo

Scenic viewpoints
Piazza del Duomo

Piazza del Duomo

Squares & plazas
Piazza della Signoria

Piazza della Signoria

Squares & plazas
Officina Profumo - Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella

Officina Profumo - Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella

Shopping
Giardino delle Rose

Giardino delle Rose

Nature
Piazza Santo Spirito

Piazza Santo Spirito

Squares & plazas
Orsanmichele

Orsanmichele

Churches & cathedrals
Piazza della Repubblica

Piazza della Repubblica

Squares & plazas
San Lorenzo Market

San Lorenzo Market

Local & craft markets
Florence Cathedral

Florence Cathedral

Churches & cathedrals
Duomo complex

Duomo complex

Churches & cathedrals
Loggia dei Lanzi

Loggia dei Lanzi

Cultural & Heritage Sites
Brunelleschi's dome

Brunelleschi's dome

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
Giotto's Bell Tower

Giotto's Bell Tower

Fountains, statues & public art
Basilica of Santa Croce

Basilica of Santa Croce

Churches & cathedrals
Basilica of San Miniato al Monte

Basilica of San Miniato al Monte

Churches & cathedrals
Accademia Gallery (home of David statue)

Accademia Gallery (home of David statue)

Art museums & galleries
Basilica of Santa Maria Novella

Basilica of Santa Maria Novella

Churches & cathedrals
Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio

Bridges
Uffizi Gallery

Uffizi Gallery

Art museums & galleries
Palazzo Vecchio

Palazzo Vecchio

Castles & palaces
Bargello Museum

Bargello Museum

Art museums & galleries
Basilica of San Lorenzo

Basilica of San Lorenzo

Churches & cathedrals
Santa Felicita

Santa Felicita

Religious Sites
Baptistery of St. John

Baptistery of St. John

Churches & cathedrals
Palazzo Strozzi

Palazzo Strozzi

Castles & palaces
Palazzo Pitti

Palazzo Pitti

Castles & palaces
Santa Trinita

Santa Trinita

Cultural & Heritage Sites
Oblate Library

Oblate Library

Cultural & Heritage Sites
Galleria dell’Accademia

Galleria dell’Accademia

Arts and Entertainment Venues
Palazzo Medici Riccardi

Palazzo Medici Riccardi

Historic houses & mansions
Palazzo dell'Opera

Palazzo dell'Opera

Theatres & opera houses
Museo Galileo

Museo Galileo

Science & natural history museums
Mercato Centrale

Mercato Centrale

Food markets & food halls
Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens

Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens

Castles & palaces
Forte di Belvedere

Forte di Belvedere

Forts & citadels
FotoAutomatica

FotoAutomatica

Arts and Entertainment Venues
Vasari Corridor

Vasari Corridor

Streets & neighbourhoods

Where to eat in Florence

The places worth planning a meal around.

All'Antico Vinaio

All'Antico Vinaio

Italian · $10–$20

★ 4.5 · 47,723 reviews

Trattoria ZaZa

Trattoria ZaZa

Italian

★ 4.5 · 34,482 reviews

La Menagere

La Menagere

Italian

★ 4.2 · 7,524 reviews

Il Latini

Il Latini

Tuscan

★ 4.3 · 5,061 reviews

Osteria Pastella

Osteria Pastella

Italian

★ 4.3 · 4,106 reviews

Ristorante Natalino

Ristorante Natalino

Italian

★ 4.6 · 2,441 reviews

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