The birthplace of the Renaissance era, Florence is oozing with art, culture and stunning architecture to explore. Throw in delicious Italian cuisine sampled during balmy summer afternoons and you have the ultimate European holiday!
And while this Tuscan city may be home to galleries galore, the streets of Florence are just as enviably designed, lined by shuttered windows on homes in gorgeous oranges and rich yellows. Allowing you to feel like you're in a quaint village as opposed to a hotspot tourist destination, you'll feel time turn back and slow down as you wander.
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Whether you love art, food or culture the most, your heart will be full with a visit to Florence. Brimming with Italian charm, it's the sort of place you can easily arrive at without an itinerary, and still feel accomplished by the day's end.
Throughout your trip, you'll have to chance to uncover its hidden history in museums, quiet corners and on tours; sample local delicacies in family-owned eateries or from bustling market stalls; and feel inspired as you gaze at masterpieces that date back hundreds of years.
With our luxury Florence apartments and villas, you'll be at the heart of it all. But if you're hoping to explore more of Italy, we've got family-friendly villas across the country, covering more of Tuscany, Sicily and the Italian Lakes.
Every trip to Florence starts with Duomo di Firenze, its world-famous cathedral. A sprawling sight that should be appreciated from all sides, this architectural wonder truly lives up to the hype.
Art fans should be sure to visit the Uffizi Palace and Gallery. While this renowned museum is home to countless Renaissance artworks, including Da Vinci's The Baptism of Christ, the inner courtyard is a work of art all of its own. However, your Florence visit simply won't be complete without also wandering the Galleria dell'Academia - home to Michelangelo's renowned statue of David.
Love your history? Don't miss Pitti Palace. First purchased by the Medici family in 1550, today it houses four museums, including one of costume and fashion. Once you've got your fill, head outside and explore the Boboli Gardens - a wonderful example of Italian landscaping.
Aside from the key cultural icons, Florence is also home to many piazzas that are perfect for people-watching, and sometimes the best little eateries can only be found when you take wrong turns down unsuspecting alleys. Be sure to enjoy a stroll across the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge, spanning the river Arno. Just try to resist parting with any cash for costly souvenirs - they'll be much cheaper elsewhere.
It's likely you've already tried (and fallen in love with) Italian cuisine back home, but what you've probably had is a watered-down version of the real thing. Florence gives you a true taste of Tuscan cuisine, with the city's most notable dish undoubtedly being bistecca alla fiorentina. This large t-bone steak is fire-grilled over roasted chestnuts, and always left pink on the inside - no exceptions.
Meat lovers are certainly in luck here, because another popular staple is lampredotto - a sandwich made with a cow's fourth stomach. Rabbit, veal brains and wild boar also make regular appearances on menus.
Vegetarians aren't entirely out of luck though, with panini shops typically offering at least one sandwich that's crammed with fresh produce. Come dinnertime, traditional tagliatelle funghi porcini is made using fresh pasta, truffle and porcini mushrooms. Crostini, or bruschetta, is another mainstay, though be sure to order yours with meat-free toppings.
And for something sweet, you can't pass up schiacciata alla fiorentina - a traditional Italian orange and vanilla cake that's deliciously light and only subtly sweet. If you prefer a more sugary dessert, you can't go wrong with a couple scoops of creamy, handmade gelato.
Great for kids: After a day spent wandering the walkable city, take them to see Venchi's chocolate waterfall before treating them to a scoop.
Great for teens: There are various rooftops with incredible city views - sure to get older kids excited as they snap away on their smartphones.
Great for couples: walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo and admire the cityscape at sunset – there’s no better place to be with your beau.
Great for large groups: whizz around the city on a Vespa tour! It’s a great way to get immersed in the Italian way of life and checks off a ton of awesome sights along the way.
Opening hours: Many shops will close between 1pm-4pm for a siesta, so plan your browsing and buying accordingly.
Florence is ideal for al fresco dining, taking in a morning coffee, afternoon gelato or evening meal as you look out across one of its many piazzas.
Not content with spending your whole Italian trip in Florence? You won't be alone: this city is notoriously a brilliant base for exploring northern and central Italy, with many towns and villages accessible by train. Travelling this way also allows you to take in gorgeous Tuscan countryside landscapes en route - the journey truly rivals the destination.
Want to extend your trip further? We've got holiday homes to rent across Tuscany, in Rome, Umbria, and along the Amalfi Coast.
The medieval town of Perugia is home to Bacio - a hazelnut-filled chocolate that's now available in the form of truffles, pralines, spreads and bars. Be sure to try some right from the source!
Not just home to the famous Leaning Tower - though who can resist taking *that* photo with this iconic structure? - Pisa also boasts the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo and Baptistery. They all come together in one UNESCO World Heritage site known as the Piazza dei Miracoli. Enjoy them all before tucking into a plate of pici pasta - a thicker take on traditional spaghetti.
The wide walls that surround the city of Lucca were built in the Renaissance era, but today they make for a wonderful walk. Conveniently located between Pisa and Florence, its other main attraction is the medieval Guinigi Tower. If you fancy the climb, you'll be rewarded with a garden to catch your breath, plus beautiful views over the rooftops.
Italy's answer to Greece's Athens, Pietrasanta has served as home for ample artists across the centuries, bringing together medieval and contemporary work. Marble processing is of particular interest, seen decorating the various churches you'll pass. However, our top recommendation is the Piazza Duomo, a lively square surrounded by some beautiful buildings.
Idyllic cafes, beautiful boutiques, ample museums and Gothic architecture - what's not to love about Siena? Inviting you to step back in time as you wander past its churches and palaces, this city is most well known for the imposing Siena Cathedral plus its Piazza del Campo square. Visit in July and August to see the bareback Palio horse races taking place there.
With its unrivalled skyline of medieval architecture, featuring 13 of the town's original 70 towers intact, San Gimignano is heaven on Earth for any history buff. However, even those who prefer to learn about a place through wandering as opposed to reading will love its twisting pathways, street musicians, and world-famous Gelateria di Piazza - the best place for a scoop or two of creamy gelato!
Once a Roman outpost, Arezzo is simply crawling with history and culture to uncover, mapping its different inhabitants through the remaining buildings and preserved treasures in museums. Various notable painters and architects have also left their mark, including Ciambue and Vesari, while street signs mark the different filming locations for La Vita e Bella.
Florence only has a very small airport, with few airlines flying there. That's why most travellers fly into Pisa International Airport - Ryanair, easyJet and British Airways all fly direct from across the UK.
From Pisa, you'll have various transport links available to Florence, including an hour-long train or bus. The tram is your cheapest option, while private taxis charge a standard fare of 22 euros during the day, 25 euros at night, and an extra euro for each piece of luggage.
The best option for getting around Florence is also the cheapest - walking! This city is perfectly suited to pedestrians, with winding paths leading out into sweeping piazzas, allowing you to hop in and out of the attractions you pass as you please.
Be sure to wear suitable shoes - some of the streets won't be as well maintained as others, and you don't want something as simple as footwear to spoil your fun.
Buses and electric minibuses offer a convenient way to get around. You can buy tickets ahead of time either at the Santa Maria Novella bus station or on the Tabnet app for 1.50 euros. If you wait until you board, it'll cost an extra euro. Each ticket is valid for 90 minutes, and you must get it validated once on board - or face a potential fine.
Taxis are metered in Florence, with taxi stands found across the city and around the main tourist hubs. You can also request one through dedicated apps. Minimum fares are in place, rising in the evenings and on Sundays.
We'd advise against hiring a car in Florence. Only residents can drive through the city centre, and parking can be hard to come by.
However, if you're set on making your own way around, consider bike or Vespa hire - the most Italian way to see a place! Just stay alert, as locals are known to pay little attention to the rules of the road.
Florence is famous for its art, architecture, food, wine, fashion, history, and music. It's known for its Renaissance masterpieces like Michelangelo's David, delicious Florentine steak, high-end fashion brands, and being the birthplace of modern political thought.
It's recommended to spend 2-3 days in Florence to see the main attractions and get a feel for the city. If you have more time, you can explore further afield and take day trips to nearby attractions.
The best time to visit Florence is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. July and August are the busiest and hottest months, but may be ideal for those interested in attending summer festivals in Tuscany.
Florence can be considered an expensive city compared to other Italian destinations, particularly during the peak tourist season. However, there are budget-friendly options available, including budget accommodations, local trattorias, and free attractions.
Florence has many beautiful areas worth exploring, including the Piazzale Michelangelo, Historic Centre, Oltrarno, Boboli Gardens, and San Lorenzo Market. Overall, Florence is a city full of beauty and charm.
