Florence: The Complete Guide

The best place to stay is in the historic center, where hotels and guesthouses provide easy access to the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio. For a quieter, more local experience, Oltrarno offers charming boutique stays with a more relaxed ambiance.

A 3 to 4-day stay is ideal for exploring Florence’s world-famous art, architecture, and cuisine. A 5 to 6-day stay allows for day trips to Tuscany’s countryside, including Siena, Pisa, and the Chianti wine region.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Florence. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

uly and August typically bring the warmest weather, while June and September offer pleasant warmth without the scorching heat. It’s important to note that in August, many Italians seek respite from the city’s heat, leading to the closure of various businesses, including shops and restaurants, for at least two weeks or even the entire month as local proprietors take vacations. However, this tradition is evolving, and most central shops in Florence remain open in August.

On the other hand, the coolest months are December and January, with January being slightly cooler. November experiences the highest average precipitation, and there are notable rainfalls in October, December, March, and April. Therefore, it’s advisable to dress in layers to adapt to changing weather conditions.

Considering the weather, the best times to visit Florence and Tuscany, albeit the busiest and relatively expensive, are April, May, June, September, and October. During these months, you can enjoy the advantages of the peak season along with pleasant weather.

The most challenging aspect of traveling to Florence is the summer heat in July and August when temperatures soar into the high 80s and 90s. The optimal time to experience Florence is between May and September when warm weather welcomes art and music festivals, alfresco dining, and the quintessential Italian lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of. However, there are also perks to visiting during the mid or low seasons, which are worth exploring.

Florence is conveniently accessible by plane, train, or car.

Flying to Florence

The city boasts its international airport, Amerigo Vespucci Airport, situated just 5 km from the city center. Travelers can reach the city center in approximately 15 minutes via taxi. For trips to the city center and primary hotels, the flat rate is €22; €24 on weekends and national holidays, and €25 at night. For other destinations, you can inquire with the driver or refer to the price list in the taxi. Contact the taxi service at tel. 055 4242. Alternatively, you can opt for the Vola in bus shuttle service, which costs €5 for a one-way ticket or €8 for a round trip. For further details, please visit the ATAF website.

Pisa International Airport, known as Galileo Galilei Airport, is located approximately 1 km from Pisa Centrale railway station and is connected via the People Mover shuttle bus. Florence is approximately 1 hour away from Pisa by train. You can also reach Florence by taking the Terravision bus.

Getting to Florence by Train

Florence is also a key node on the Italian railway network. It has good connections with the main cities in the north, while to the south Rome is only about an hour and a half away. Work on the Bologna-Florence stretch of the high-speed railway line (TAV, Treni Alta Velocità) is at an advanced stage, and a new station is due to be built in Florence.

Getting to Florence by Car

The A1 motorway, the primary road connecting the northern and southern regions of Italy, passes through Florence and has four exits. Currently, a third lane is being constructed on the Barberino-Incisa stretch of the A1. Additionally, the A11 motorway and the Florence-Pisa-Livorno (FI-PI-LI) dual carriageway provide connections to the western coast along the Tyrrhenian Sea.