Florence is smaller city in Italy known for its beautiful architecture, amazing museums and cultural sites, and fantastic cuisine. There is something inherently homey about Florence which makes visitors feel like they belong when they visit, but also has beautiful surprises and new discoveries each time you visit. It is such a nice place to spend a few days!
When to go:
The best time to visit Florence is late-April to June and September to November. Weather will be nice and warm, but crowds are not at their peak. Peak tourism usually is in the Summer (June-September).
Where to stay:
- Florence is relatively small and is a walk-able city when compared to Rome and other cities in Italy.
- The Duomo neighborhood is the best place to stay while in Florence. You will be centrally located to many of the top attractions, stores, and restaurants which makes it the ideal location for visitors.
Top Things to do:
Duomo Firenze:
Duomo is a must-see while in Florence. The green and white brick facade and massive dome (one of the largest in the worlds) makes it one of the most well-known and recognizable buildings in Florence. You can climb the Dome and/or Giotto’s Bell Tower or visit the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo. From the Duomo, there are a ton of other destinations such as Uffizi Gallery (8 minutes), the Ponte Vecchio (8 minutes), or the Accademia (6 minutes).
Ponte Vecchio:
Ponte Vecchio is located on the Arno River. The bridge, completed in 1350, is the final iteration in a series of 5 different bridges that were previously destroyed. This one-of-a-kind bridge seems to defy gravity as it holds up a two story building. It is a popular destination to take some beautiful photos and is known for its jewelry stores that occupy many of the storefronts on the Ponte Vecchio.
Piazza Michelangelo:
Piazza Michelangelo offers incredible and unmatched views of the Florence’s landscape. From the lookout point, you can see the entire Florence skyline, including the Duomo which prevails over the entire city. The bridge is about a 20 minute walk from the heart of Florence.
Boboli Gardens:
Boboli Gardens is the most famous park in Florence. These gardens is located right behind Pitti Palace and near the Piazzale Michelangelo
Uffizi Museum:
Uffizi is one of the most visited and popular museums in Florence.
Il Mercato Centrale Firenze:
Il Mercato Central Firenze is a huge food market in Florence. Here, there are a ton of vendors selling local produce, meat, pasta, etc, and can also choose to eat from a variety of food stalls.
Cooking Class:
A cooking class is a highlight to any trip to Italy. It is a chance to learn more about the history, culture, and cuisine of Italy.
Accademia:
Accademia is one of the most popular museum in Florence, second to the Uffizi. It houses the legendary David statue.
Day Trips:
Tuscany, known for its vineyards and incredible landscapes, is located right outside of Florence.
Cinque Terre is a UNESCO protected site known for its hiking, colorful landscapes, and beautiful coastal vistas. It is a popular day trip from Florence, but also a popular destination to spend a few days.
Florence is a highlight of any trip to Italy. For planning guidance on your trip to Florence, please feel free to contact us for more information.
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