or learn which food to try and souvenirs to buy on your next trip to Europe
Florence travel guide
Guide me through Florence
The vibrant heart of Tuscany, Firenze, is a place to feast on world-class art and gourmet delights. Renaissance art and architecture paired with cobblestone streets, a vivid nightlife, and stylish fashion boutiques make this city the perfect getaway to experience the classic Italian ‚Dolce Vita‘ or simply to enjoy a spectacular romantic escape.
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Florence Top 5
Marvel at world-class art at Galleria de Uffizi, Galleria dell’Accademia or Palazzo Pitti
Take a stroll through the Boboli Gardens
Watch the Tuscany sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo
Indulge in local Tuscany delicacies
See the Duomo
Best things to do in Florence
The Highlights
Galleria de Uffizi finds itself clearly on top of the list, which holds the most important collection of Renaissance art worldwide including Botticelli’s masterpiece Birth of Venus (make sure to book your tickets in advance!)
Visit the Duomo and climb up Giotto’s Campanile for a spectacular 360-degree view over Florence.
You will find the original Michelangelo’s David in Galleria dell’Accademia, while you can admire some of Michelangelo’s other works as bronze casts at Piazzale Michelangelo together with a fantastic panorama of the city.
Marvel at the in Tuscan Renaissance-style designed landscape in the Boboli Gardens, another must-see on every traveler’s list.
To soak in some history, join a Free Walking Tour on your first day in Florence to get a perfect introduction to the city.
Make sure to pay a visit to Ponte Vecchio, Florence´s only surviving historic bridge, and the baptistery of John the Baptist, one of Florence´s oldest buildings.
To experience Firenze off the beaten path, have a coffee at the rooftop terrace of Biblioteca delle Oblate and visit the Sant´Ambrogio market for some Tuscan treats.
Best museums to visit in Florence
Museums
If there are two museums you simply cannot miss during your visit to Florence, it would be Galleria de Uffizi and Galleria dell’Accademia.
However, Florence boasts incredible museums filled with world-class art that can be admired in Palazzo Pitti, the National Museum of Bargello as well as interesting pieces in the Stibbert Museum.
Free of charge, but certainly crowded are the state museums on the first Sunday of every month including Uffizi, Accademia, Pitty, Medici Chapels, and Bargello.
Romantic things to do in Florence
It'S Romantic side
Top 5 • Highlights • Museums • Delicacies • Travel Tips • Transportation
There are cities in the world that will make you feel like diving directly into a romantic movie and Florence clearly is one of them. To enjoy amore the Tuscan way, surprise your partner with an unforgettable date everyone can afford.
One of Florence´s most romantic places for sure are the Boboli Gardens filled with fragrant flowers, Tuscan trees, marble sculptures, and spectacular views. Take your loved one on a walk and enjoy this botanic pearl with all your senses while stealing kisses against the panoramic view of the city.
At sunset, hike to Piazzale Michelangelo to watch the evening sky changing between every shade of pink and orange, bring some wine and enjoy life.
For a romantic date night, organize a picnic and have it on one of the bridges along the Arno River while feasting on that romantic city light that turns the Arno and its bridges almost into one of those Tuscan paintings you can only admire in museums.
Best food to try in Florence
Local Delicacies
No matter where in Italy, Italian food is always beyond incredible. Indulge in Italy’s classics or try the local Tuscany delicacies.
While in Florence, try Ribollita (bean, bread, and veg soup), a beautiful juicy steak from a traditional trattoria, or grab a tripe Panino freshly prepared in a food truck. Don’t leave the city without trying one of the world’s best Focaccia from the famous All’Antico Vinaio!
A cheap and brilliant way to experience Florence’s food heaven is to go for an aperitivo. Many bars include a complimentary buffet of local treats during the evening hours (usually from 7 pm to 9 pm).
But what would be incredible Tuscan food without a glass of Tuscany’s fabulous wine? Luckily, Florence is surrounded by magnificent vineyards, many of which can be visited via a day or half-day trip.
Best travel tips for Florence
Useful travel tips
As a study abroad location, Florence boasts incredible nightlife, delicious street food, and suits every budget. If you want to save some travel money and plan on doing loads of sightseeing, get the Firenze Card, which provides free entry to the city’s top museums, tours, and attractions for 3 days. Or get a Duomo Pass, if you don’t want to get a Firenze Card but still want to visit the monuments of Piazza del Duomo. There are three passes available depending on which monuments you want to see.
Transportation tips for Florence
Transportation
Top 5 • Highlights • Museums • Romantic Florence • Delicacies • Travel Tips
Florence is quite compact and therefore perfectly walkable. However, if you need public transportation, use the ATAF bus system to move around and the T2 tram route running between Florence Peretola airport and Santa Maria Novella train station for long-distance traveling.