Welcome to our travel guide dedicated to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance! With a population of around 383,000 in January 2024, Florence is a smaller city compared to others, but it punches well above its weight in terms of cultural and historical significance. There's no shortage of attractions for lovers of art, architecture, history, gastronomy, and fashion. If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to contact our experts, who will be happy to answer them!
Among the highlights of your stay in Florence are monuments such as the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, and Palazzo Vecchio. These iconic landmarks are a testament to Florence's rich artistic and architectural heritage. For each of these monuments, you'll find the best-value admission tickets.
The Florence Cathedral, known as the Duomo, is the city's most emblematic monument. Its magnificent dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, dominates the skyline.
Home to an unrivaled collection of Renaissance art, the Uffizi Gallery is a must-visit for art lovers. Here you'll find masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci.
This medieval stone bridge over the Arno River is famous for its picturesque shops built along it. A stroll here offers both history and romance.
Florence's town hall is a symbol of its past political power. Its imposing structure and richly decorated interiors are open for exploration.
Visiting Florence takes several days. Ideally, you should stay at least 4 days, but a weekend is a good start. Here are some ideas on what to do in Florence in 1, 2, 3, or 4 days. Florence is a great place for shopping, with typical Italian stores such as Gucci, Ferragamo, and Pucci, but also some very imaginative young designers. Florence's signature dish is "Bistecca alla Fiorentina," a thick-cut T-bone steak. In the section on where to eat in Florence, we give you the best addresses for traditional Tuscan cuisine, pasta dishes, and gelato. Florence is also a city of nightlife, so we'll tell you where to go out in Florence, including our favorite bars, wine cellars, rooftop terraces, and clubs like Space Club and YAB. Florence is relatively expensive, with an average meal costing around €25 and a hotel €90, with big variations - up and down - that we explain in budget. Keep up to date with the latest places we talk about in town. The latest editorial reviews:
Flo Lounge Bar
Great open-air parties with stunning views of the city.
Located in Piazzale Michelangelo, Flo Lounge Bar offers breathtaking views of Florence while enjoying great music and cocktails. It's the place to be every weekend for party-goers.
La Menagere
A unique blend of cafe and flower shop.
La Menagere is more than just a cafe; it's an experience. Located on Via de' Ginori, this establishment combines beautiful floral arrangements with a cozy cafe atmosphere.
Trattoria Mario
A traditional Florentine eatery.
Located near the central market, Trattoria Mario is a family-run restaurant famous for its authentic Tuscan dishes. It's a must-visit for anyone looking to taste genuine Florentine cuisine.
Florence's compact size makes it easy to explore on foot. However, there are other convenient options:
Our selection of the best hotels
Staying in the city center makes it easy to explore Florence's main attractions. This guide and handmade selection of city center hotels will help you book according to your budget and preferences.
The historic districts like San Lorenzo, Santa Croce, and Santo Spirito offer charming hotels that provide an authentic Florentine experience. Staying here means you'll be close to many historical sites and local eateries.
Discover the city on foot by staying at one of our carefully selected hotels near landmarks like the Duomo or Ponte Vecchio. Soak up the city's vibrant atmosphere while enjoying the ideal location of your accommodation.
To take advantage of pleasant weather and avoid tourist crowds, it's best to visit Florence in spring (April to June) or autumn (September to November). These periods offer mild temperatures, interesting cultural events, and fewer tourists.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C (°F) | 11.1 (52) | 12.6 (54.7) | 15.8 (60.4) | 18.9 (66) | 23.3 (73.9) | 27.8 (82) | 31.7 (89.1) | 31.2 (88.2) | 26.7 (80.1) | 21 (69.8) | 14.4 (57.9) | 10.9 (51.6) | 20.7 (69.3) |
| Low °C (°F) | 1 (33.8) | 2 (35.6) | 4.9 (40.8) | 8 (46.4) | 12.3 (54.1) | 16 (60.8) | 19 (66.2) | 19 (66.2) | 15.6 (60.1) | 11 (51.8) | 6 (42.8) | 2 (35.6) | 9 (48.2) |
| Precipitation mm (inches) | 62 (2.44) | 49 (1.93) | 58 (2.28) | 77 (3.03) | 70 (2.76) | 48 (1.89) | 29 (1.14) | 47 (1.85) | 76 (2.99) | 91 (3.58) | 99 (3.9) | 75 (2.95) | 781 (30.75) |
| Month | Hours |
|---|---|
| January | 122 |
| February | 128 |
| March | 162 |
| April | 192 |
| May | 241 |
| June | 255 |
| July | 299 |
| August | 269 |
| September | 204 |
| October | 170 |
| November | 121 |
| December | 118 |
| Annual | 2281 |
Florence's welcoming residents manage around 10 million tourists every year with grace and efficiency.
Profile of Tourists Coming to Florence in 2022
Among travelers arriving at Florence Airport:
Feel free to explore our extensive city guide for more insights on planning your perfect trip to Florence.