Florence: The Complete Guide
Florence, one of Italy’s most renowned cities, is a must-visit destination on the tourist circuit. Its breath-taking Renaissance architecture, charming streets, and picturesque buildings make it a captivating spot for travellers. Art lovers will find themselves in paradise with an abundance of galleries to explore, offering a diverse range of masterpieces. The city’s magnificent Renaissance churches also provide a fascinating glimpse into history and art. For those who enjoy leisurely strolls, the Boboli Gardens offer a delightful escape, where one can wander through well-kept pathways and revel in the beauty of the surroundings.
Florence’s appeal extends beyond its cultural and artistic riches. It serves as an excellent starting point for wine and food tours in the scenic Tuscan countryside. Additionally, the city’s vibrant nightlife, influenced by its popularity as a study abroad destination, provides a lively and exciting atmosphere for visitors. Overall, Florence offers a harmonious blend of history, art, culture, and entertainment, making it an unforgettable destination for travellers from all walks of life.
TIP: If you are visiting Florence for just a day and want to make the most of your visit, you may want to consider taking a walking tour with a local guide. This is one of the most complete and best-rated city tours that covers the main, must-see attractions in about 1.5 hours. If you prefer exploring at your own pace read our Self Guided Walking Tour of Florence (With Maps!).
What to See & Do
Must-See Attractions: Florence Cathedral (Duomo): Don’t miss this iconic site and consider booking in advance to climb the dome for a spectacular view. Uffizi Gallery: A treasure trove of Renaissance art. Ponte Vecchio: The famous medieval stone bridge noted for its shops. Palazzo Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria: Explore the historic town square and the impressive town hall. Michelangelo’s David: Located at the Galleria dell’Accademia, it’s advisable to book your tickets early. Piazzale Michelangelo: Offers breathtaking views over Florence, particularly enchanting at sunset.
Worth Visiting:
Basilica of Santa Croce: A stunning basilica that is the final resting place of many notable Italians. Palazzo Pitti: This grand palace houses several important museums. San Lorenzo Market: Perfect for a taste of local life and some souvenir shopping. Piazza Santo Spirito: Known for its lively atmosphere and authentic Florentine character. Rooftop Bars: Enjoy unique vistas of Florence from above.
Visiting Florence for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Florence on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!
This website uses affiliate links which earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
31 Best places to See in Florence
This complete guide to Florence not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.
This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Florence and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!
Ponte Vecchio
Location: Ponte Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 0.10km
Visiting Ponte Vecchio
Uffizi Gallery
Location: Uffizi Gallery, Piazzale degli Uffizi, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy | Website | Skip-the-Line Uffizi Small Group Tour Available! | Distance: 0.20km
Visiting Uffizi Gallery
Palazzo Davanzati
Location: Palazzo Davanzati, Via Porta Rossa, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy | Hours: 08.15-13.50 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 13.15-18.50 Friday, Saturday, Sunday (2nd and 4th of the month) | Price: €7.00 or Cumulative ticket for Bargello, Medici Chapels, Davanzati, Orsanmichele and Casa Martelli: € 22.00 | Website | Distance: 0.20km
Visiting Palazzo Davanzati
Loggia della Signoria or Loggia dei Lanzi
Location: Loggia dei Lanzi, Piazza della Signoria, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy | Distance: 0.30km
Visiting Loggia della Signoria or Loggia dei Lanzi
The Museo Galileo (Galileo Museum), Florence
Location: Museo Galileo, Piazza dei Giudici, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy | Hours: Daily 09:30 - 18:00 | Price: Adults: €13.00 | Website | Buy Museo Galileo Entry Tickets Here! | Distance: 0.30km
Visiting The Museo Galileo (Galileo Museum), Florence
Palazzo Vecchio, Florence
Location: Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy | Hours: MUSEUM Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Friday / Saturday /Sunday - 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday: 9 a.m - 2 p.m.TOWER Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Friday - 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Please arrive 15' before your visit | Price: Adults: €12.50 | Website | Palazzo Vecchio Guided Tour Available! | Distance: 0.30km
Visiting Palazzo Vecchio, Florence
Piazza della Signoria
Location: Piazza della Signoria, Piazza della Signoria, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy | Distance: 0.30km
Visiting Piazza della Signoria
Palazzo Pitti
Location: Palazzo Pitti, Piazza de' Pitti, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy | Hours: From Tuesday to Sunday from 8.15am to 6.30pm | Price: Full €11 (Pitti + Boboli: €15) | Website | Skip the Line Tickets Available! | Distance: 0.40km
Visiting Palazzo Pitti
Piazza Santo Spirito
Location: Piazza Santo Spirito, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy | Distance: 0.40km
Visiting Piazza Santo Spirito
Palazzo Strozzi
Location: Palazzo Strozzi, Piazza degli Strozzi, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy | Hours: Every day 10.00-20.00 Thursday until 23.00 | Price: €15 | Website | Distance: 0.40km
Visiting Palazzo Strozzi
Piazza della Repubblica, Florence
Location: Piazza della Repubblica, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy | Distance: 0.40km
Visiting Piazza della Repubblica, Florence
Bargello Museum in Florence
Location: Museo Nazionale del Bargello, Via del Proconsolo, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy | Hours: 9 April to 30 September 2023 08.15-18.50 Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 08.15-13.50 Wednesday, Thursday1 to 30 October 2023 08.15-18.50 Saturday and Sunday 08.15-13.50 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday | Price: Adults: €11.00 | Website | Reserved Entry Ticket to Bargello Museum | Distance: 0.50km
Visiting Bargello Museum in Florence
Complesso di San Firenze
Location: Complesso di San Firenze, Piazza di San Firenze, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy | Website | Distance: 0.50km
Visiting Complesso di San Firenze
Badia Fiorentina
Location: Badia Fiorentina - Monastero, Via del Proconsolo, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 0.50km
Visiting Badia Fiorentina
Museo Casa di Dante Alighieri
Location: Museo Casa di Dante, Museo Casa di Dante, Via Santa Margherita, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy | Hours: November - March: Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m; Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.;Closed on Mondays April - October: Open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m | Price: € 8,00 | Website | Distance: 0.50km
Visiting Museo Casa di Dante Alighieri
Battistero di San Giovanni (Baptistery of St. John)
Location: The Baptistery of St. John, Piazza San Giovanni, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy | Hours: Sundays 8:15 am to 1:30 pm, Tuesday-Friday 8:15 to 10:15 am, 11:15 am to 7:30 pm, Saturdays 8:15 am to 7:30 pm. | Price: A cumulative ticket to the entire Duomo complex costs €18 and is valid for 72 hours after the first entry. | Website | Baptistry Small-Group Tour (Includes Dome Climb, Museum)! | Distance: 0.60km
Visiting Battistero di San Giovanni (Baptistery of St. John)
Campanile di Giotto (Giotto's Bell Tower)
Location: Campanile di Giotto, Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, Piazza del Duomo, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy | Skip the Line Duomo Complex Tour with Giotto Tower Ticket Available! | Distance: 0.60km
Visiting Campanile di Giotto (Giotto's Bell Tower)
Bardini Villa and Garden
Location: Giardino Bardini, Via de' Bardi, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy | Website | Distance: 0.60km
Visiting Bardini Villa and Garden
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore & Piazza Duomo
Location: Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Piazza del Duomo, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy | Hours: Generally open from 10.45am - 4.30pm Sundays and religious holidays: closedDuring Holy week - Holy Thursday: 12:30 - 4:30pm Good Friday: 10:30am - 4:30pm Holy Saturday: 11am - 4:45pm | Website | Guided Tour (includes Cathedral, Duomo Museum, and Baptistery) | Distance: 0.60km
Visiting Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore & Piazza Duomo
Brancacci Chapel
Location: Brancacci Chapel Apartment, Via Santa Monaca, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy | Distance: 0.60km
Visiting Brancacci Chapel
Forte Belvedere
Location: Forte Belvedere, Via di San Leonardo, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy | Distance: 0.60km
Visiting Forte Belvedere
Boboli Gardens, Florence
Location: Boboli Gardens, Piazza de' Pitti, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy | Hours: Monday to Sunday Opening 8.15 Closing 4.30 pm in January, February, November, December, 5.30 pm in March and October (with Standard Time), 6.30 pm in March (with Daylight Savings Time), April, May, September, October (with Daylight Savings Time). 7.10 pm June, July, August | Price: €11 | Website | Reserved Entry Ticket to the Boboli Gardens Available! | Distance: 0.70km
Visiting Boboli Gardens, Florence
The Medici Chapels & Basilica di San Lorenzo
Location: Cappelle Medicee, Piazza di Madonna degli Aldobrandini, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy | Reserved Entrance Ticket to the Medici Chapel | Distance: 0.80km
Visiting The Medici Chapels & Basilica di San Lorenzo
Basilica di Santa Croce
Location: Basilica di Santa Croce di Firenze, Piazza di Santa Croce, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy | Hours: From Monday to Saturday: 9.30 am – 5.30 pm. No further admission after 5.00 pm Sunday and Religious Holidays: 12.30 pm – 5.45 pm. No further admission after 5.00 pm| Price: Adults: €8.00 | Website | Distance: 0.80km
Visiting Basilica di Santa Croce
Santa Maria Novella
Location: Santa Maria Novella, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy | Hours: Monday to Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Friday: 11:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Sunday: 1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Price: Adults € 7.5 | Website | Distance: 0.80km
Visiting Santa Maria Novella
Medici Riccardi Palace
Location: Medici - Riccardi Palace, Via Camillo Cavour, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy | Hours: Monday to Sunday 9 am – 7 pm | Price: €10 / €7 | Free with Firenze Card. | Website | Part of the Medici Family History Tour | Distance: 0.90km
Visiting Medici Riccardi Palace
Galleria dell'Accademia
Location: Galleria dell'Accademia, Via Ricasoli, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy | Hours: Daily: 8.15-18.50 (last admission 18.20). | Price: Adults €13 + Booking fee: €4.00 | Website | Michelangelo's David Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket Available! | Distance: 1.10km
Visiting Galleria dell'Accademia
Piazzale Michelangelo
Location: Piazzale Michelangelo, Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 1.20km
Visiting Piazzale Michelangelo
Great Synagogue of Florence & Jewish Museum
Location: Synagogue and Jewish Museum of Florence, Via Luigi Carlo Farini, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy | Hours: 1st June to 30th September: Monday to Thursday 10.00 am – 6.30 pm | Friday 10.00 am – 5.00 pm From 1st October to 31st May: Sunday to Thursday 10.00 am – 5.30 pm | Friday 10.00 am – 3.00 pm | Price: € 6.50 | Website | Buy Synagogue and Jewish Museum Entry Ticket Here | Distance: 1.20km
Visiting Great Synagogue of Florence & Jewish Museum
San Marco Museum in Florence
Location: San Marco Museum, Piazza San Marco, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy | Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 8.15am to 1.50pm | Price: €9.00 | San Marco Museum Skip the Line Tickets | Distance: 1.30km
Visiting San Marco Museum in Florence
San Miniato al Monte
Location: San Miniato al Monte, Via delle Porte Sante, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy | Hours: Monday-Saturday 9:30-13:00; 15:00-19:00 Sunday 8:15-13:00; 15:00-19:00 | Website | Distance: 1.40km
Visiting San Miniato al Monte
Best Time to Visit Florence
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.
Average Temperatures in Florence
- January 12°C 53°F 9
- February 14°C 57°F 13
- March 17°C 63°F 9
- April 20°C 69°F 9
- May 26°C 79°F 10
- June 33°C 91°F 6
- July 35°C 96°F 4
- August 33°C 92°F 4
- September 29°C 85°F 10
- October 24°C 76°F 13
- November 16°C 60°F 18
- December 12°C 53°F 13
How to get to Florence
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.