Create your free account
Sign in to your account
Search over 1,000,000 properties worldwide and 550 airlines worldwide
Search over a million flights, hotels, packages, and more
No Expedia cancellation fee to change or cancel almost any hotel reservation
Florence City Guide
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo), with its dome designed by Brunelleschi, decorates and dominates the skyline. Even from close up, the cathedral is no less impressive. The colourful marble facade is a landmark in the cultural and physical heart of the city, the Piazza del Duomo. The central location is the ideal starting point from which to see the main sights of the city.
Whatever direction you look, everywhere you encounter Florentine gems. To the south lies the Uffizi (Uffizi Gallery), one of the largest and most renowned art galleries in the world. You can easily spend an entire day among the masterpieces of the greatest artists of the Renaissance, such as Botticelli, da Vinci and Raphael.
Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, the famous pedestrian bridge over the Arno River, and visit the art palace, Palazzo Pitti. This grand building was once the residence of the powerful Medici family, and now houses several museums where works can be found by old masters, such as Raphael and Caravaggio. Admire an early example of Italian garden design in the nearby Boboli Gardens (Giardino di Boboli) from where you’ll also have a beautiful view over the city. In the north you will find fine examples of the harmonious, rational design that is so characteristic of Renaissance art. The Basilica of San Lorenzo (Basilica di San Lorenzo) contains works of Brunelleschi and Michelangelo.
The countless cafés between the galleries and shops serve delicious Tuscan specialties such as prosciutto ham, tomato soup and Florentine steak. Fuel up in the morning with the incredible and classic dish of Eggs Florentine.
Florence is characterized by a warm Mediterranean climate. It’s only in the depths of winter that the weather can be anything less than lush. The city attracts around 8 million visitors each year, so even in the quiet season you will not be alone. It is wise to get your tickets for the museums in advance, particularly the Uffizi, to avoid disappointment.
The city’s main attractions are all only about 15 minutes' walk from each other, so most of it can be explored on foot. Public transport around Florence is efficient and the most important museums can be reached by electric buses.
Guide to Exploring Florence
Top Flight + Hotel Deals in Florence
Sat, 14 Mar - Wed, 18 Mar
Dublin - Peretola
€1,065
The price now is €994 per personFlight + Hotel
Sat, 14 Mar - Wed, 18 Mar
Dublin - Peretola
€922
The price now is €879 per personFlight + Hotel
Sat, 14 Mar - Wed, 18 Mar
Dublin - Peretola
€783
The price now is €767 per personFlight + Hotel
Top Hotel Deals
Per night/room
10 Jan-11 Jan
Maxim Axial
Via Dei Calzaiuoli 11, Florence, FIExcellent location with a very clean room and wonderful and qelcoming staff. Only down sise was the limited breakfast options
Per night/room
19 Jan-20 Jan
c-hotels Ambasciatori
Via Luigi Alamanni 3, Florence, FIVery room and facilities are very clean and comfortable. The check-in/ out process was a breeze.
Per night/room
14 Jan-15 Jan
Grand Hotel Cavour
Via Del Proconsolo 3, Florence, FIThe room was excellent and a separate living room. Very comfortable and close to nearby restaurants and cafes. Close to Duomo.
Per night/room
10 Jan-11 Jan
Grand Hotel Minerva
Piazza Santa Maria Novella 16, Florence, FIGreat breakfast, convenient location within walking distance to most city attractions and ~ 5 to 10 minutes walk to train station. Hotel rennovated within the last few years and feels new and modern. Only less satisfactory aspect is that room is relatively small. L
Per night/room
5 Jan-6 Jan
Orto De Medici Hotel
Via San Gallo 30, Florence, FIThe hotel was in a great location. Very clean. If there is one thing i would change would be adding room service since that is not an option at the moment. The breakfast options were great!. I will for sure be back.
Per night/room
19 Jan-20 Jan
Hotel Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio
Borgo S.Jacopo, 3/r, Florence, FII loved it, even the room smeel at the beginning was kind of weird, I think they should change the type of incense they put on the table. But overall I really liked the place.
Per night/room
19 Jan-20 Jan
Hotel Laurus al Duomo
Via Cerretani, 54r, Florence, FIGreat location! Near to the Duomo, Uffizzi and Accademia galleries. San Lorenzo basilica and Medici chapels, and great places to eat and shop.
Per night/room
19 Jan-20 Jan
Aurum Firenze
Via Nazionale 8/a, FlorenceComfortable room great location within 20 minutes walk of all the major sights. Friendly staff and wonderful breakfast!
Top things to do in Florence
#1Private Pisa Discovery Walking Tour with Leaning Tower
Explore the fascinating city of Pisa on a 2-hour tour of its cultural and historical highlights. With your expert local guide, take a personalised walk throu...
recommend100% of travellers recommend
Free cancellation Free cancellation
#2Historic Guided Walking Tour
One of the best ways to explore the beautiful city of Siena is on foot. Delve into the fascinating history and wonderful Tuscan culture of this UNESCO World ...
recommend76% of travellers recommend
Free cancellation Free cancellation
#3Highlights of Tuscany: Siena, San Gimignano & Pisa with Lunch
Enjoy a day trip through Tuscany as you explore Italy's most famous wine-growing region and the historic towns of Siena, San Gimignano, and Pisa. Along the w...
recommend86% of travellers recommend
Free cancellation Free cancellation
#4Cinque Terre Full-Day Tour from Florence
Explore the breath-taking Ligurian coast on a tour of Cinque Terre, a small corner of paradise divided into five villages suspended on steep cliffs overlooki...
recommend80% of travellers recommend
Free cancellation Free cancellation
Book your Florence Vacation
