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Florence City Guide

Florence is often praised as being one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Being home to Michelangelo, Donatello and dozens more respected European artists, the capital of Tuscany has come to be known as “The Cradle of the Renaissance”. Stroll the cobblestone streets through the maze of alleys and boutiques, historical cafés and renowned museums and galleries.

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

Top Hotel Deals

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Maxim Axial €61
Reviewed on 21 Dec 2019
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Maxim Axial

Maxim Axial

Via Dei Calzaiuoli 11, Florence, FI
     
    4.2 of 5
    3.0 out of 5.0 Stars

    Excellent location with a very clean room and wonderful and qelcoming staff. Only down sise was the limited breakfast options

    c-hotels Ambasciatori €72
    Reviewed on 11 Nov 2019
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    c-hotels Ambasciatori

    c-hotels Ambasciatori

    Via Luigi Alamanni 3, Florence, FI
       
      4.1 of 5
      4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

      Very room and facilities are very clean and comfortable. The check-in/ out process was a breeze.

      Grand Hotel Cavour €98
      Reviewed on 25 Dec 2019
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      Grand Hotel Cavour

      Grand Hotel Cavour

      Via Del Proconsolo 3, Florence, FI
         
        4.3 of 5
        4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

        The room was excellent and a separate living room. Very comfortable and close to nearby restaurants and cafes. Close to Duomo.

        Grand Hotel Minerva €156
        Reviewed on 23 Dec 2019
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        Grand Hotel Minerva

        Grand Hotel Minerva

        Piazza Santa Maria Novella 16, Florence, FI
           
          4.7 of 5
          4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

          Great 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

          Orto De Medici Hotel €85
          Reviewed on 18 Dec 2019
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          Orto De Medici Hotel

          Orto De Medici Hotel

          Via San Gallo 30, Florence, FI
             
            4.7 of 5
            4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

            The 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.

            Hotel Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio €95
            Reviewed on 23 Dec 2019
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            Hotel Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio

            Hotel Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio

            Borgo S.Jacopo, 3/r, Florence, FI
               
              4.4 of 5
              4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

              I 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.

              Hotel Laurus al Duomo €103
              Reviewed on 30 Nov 2019
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              Hotel Laurus al Duomo

              Hotel Laurus al Duomo

              Via Cerretani, 54r, Florence, FI
                 
                4.5 of 5
                4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

                Great location! Near to the Duomo, Uffizzi and Accademia galleries. San Lorenzo basilica and Medici chapels, and great places to eat and shop.

                Aurum Firenze €50
                Reviewed on 16 Dec 2019
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                Aurum Firenze

                Aurum Firenze

                Via Nazionale 8/a, Florence
                   
                  3.9 of 5
                  4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

                  Comfortable room great location within 20 minutes walk of all the major sights. Friendly staff and wonderful breakfast!

                  Top things to do in Florence

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