Florence, Italy

Florence Cathedral (Il Duomo di Firenze): The city’s iconic cathedral with its magnificent dome designed by Brunelleschi. Don’t miss climbing to the top for panoramic views of the city. The nearby Giotto’s Campanile and Baptistery are also must-visits.

Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi): One of the world’s most renowned art museums, it houses a vast collection of Renaissance art, including works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Caravaggio.

Ponte Vecchio: The oldest bridge in Florence, known for its shops, primarily jewelers, built along it. It’s a picturesque and historic crossing over the Arno River.

Palazzo Vecchio: Florence’s town hall is a fortress-palace that overlooks Piazza della Signoria, a square filled with famous sculptures, including a replica of Michelangelo’s David.

Basilica of Santa Croce: Known as the Temple of the Italian Glories, this church is the final resting place for many prominent Italians like Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. The basilica itself is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

Boboli Gardens (Giardino di Boboli): Located behind the Pitti Palace, these expansive gardens are adorned with sculptures, fountains, and offer a green escape with splendid views of the city.

Galleria dell’Accademia: Home to Michelangelo’s original David, this gallery also houses a collection of Renaissance paintings and sculptures.

Centro Storico – Duomo / Uffizi / Ponte Vecchio – best for first time visitors. Easily walk to major sights of the city and enjoy the atmosphere of the Renaissance city. Can be very expensive and crowded especially during peak season
Oltrano and Santo Spirito – central neighborhood close to the Arno river with lovely piazza surrounded by cafes and wine bars
Santa Croce – neighborhood next to the historic center with a lively local market and large piazza in front of the iconic church
San Niccolò / Piazzale Michelangelo – charming neighborhood close to the historic center known for artisan workshops, a thriving restaurant scene and magnificent views of the city
Santa Maria Novella (Station area) – well known area for budget accommodation that is convenient but lacks charm unless you choose your accommodation wisely
Fiesole – pretty hillside town just 10-15 minutes out of the city with views over Florence.

Santo Spirito & San Frediano: Located in the Oltrarno district, these areas are brimming with local trattorias, artisanal workshops, and bohemian vibes. Here, you can find both traditional Florentine dishes and contemporary takes on classics.

Mercato Centrale: This historic market in San Lorenzo offers a plethora of culinary delights. The ground floor is a traditional market with local produce, meats, and cheeses, while the upper level is a modern food hall featuring various stalls serving Tuscan and Italian specialties.

Santa Croce: This area, centered around the iconic basilica, boasts numerous eateries ranging from historic coffee houses to modern restaurants. It’s a delightful spot to savor Tuscan dishes amidst the rich history of Florence.

Via de’ Tornabuoni: This upscale shopping street is also home to some of Florence’s chicest cafes and restaurants. While you indulge in luxury shopping, take a break with some fine dining or a lavish Italian coffee.

Piazza della Repubblica: One of the main squares of Florence, it’s surrounded by historic cafes and contemporary eateries. The literary cafes here, like Café Gilli and Paszkowski, have been frequented by famous writers and artists over the centuries.

Piazza della Signoria: Right in the heart of Florence, this square offers a mix of tourist-friendly restaurants and some hidden gems. Enjoying a meal here with the view of the Palazzo Vecchio and the Loggia dei Lanzi is truly an experience.

Santa Maria Novella: Near the train station and the stunning basilica, this area is packed with eateries catering to both locals and travelers. From quick bites to leisurely Tuscan meals, there’s a lot to explore.

Walking: The historical center of Florence is compact, making it perfect for exploring on foot. Most major attractions are within walking distance of each other.

Buses: Florence’s public bus system, managed by ATAF, can take you to places further away from the center or to the city’s outskirts. Tickets can be purchased at tabacchi shops (tobacco shops) or ATAF ticket kiosks.

Bicycles: Florence is becoming increasingly bike-friendly, with several bike rental services available. It’s an eco-friendly way to see the city and cover more ground than walking.

Driving: It’s generally not recommended to drive in the city center due to its ZTL (limited traffic zone) areas, where only authorized vehicles can enter. If you’re staying outside the center or planning day trips to Tuscany, a car might be useful. Otherwise, it’s best to rely on other means of transportation.