Florence Travel Guide
Florence Travel Guide
I’m convinced that there is no city in the world like Florence. It is small and walkable with endless opportunities for things to do. It’s filled with history, art, stunning landscapes, food, culture, endless bottles of Chianti Classico, and offers a great home base for seeing a bunch of other areas of Italy.
I’ve spent about 8 months collectively in Florence and I’m still always eager to go back. My desire to see and experience as many new places as possible is pitted against my absolute love for this city. If I could move all my friends and family with me, I’d be living there! See below for my recommendations on where to stay, what to do, where to eat, & some of the best day trips from Florence!
Jump To:
- *Backpacks & Bubbly – Top Picks for Drinks With A View*
- Where to Stay in Florence
- Best things to do in Florence
- Best Restaurants in Florence
- Best Day Trips from Florence
- Best Bars in Florence
- How Many Days to Spend in Florence
- Safety for Solo Female Travelers in Florence
- Top Florence Blog Posts
Disclaimer: This article contains some links where I earn commission through booking. There is no extra cost to you, and I only recommend things I’ve used and love or places I’ve stayed and enjoyed!
*Backpacks & Bubbly – Top Picks for Drinks With A View*
Piazzale Michelangelo at Sunset
Piazzale Michelangelo is an absolutely can’t miss Florence spot! It’s a large piazza overlooking the entire city and offers the best sunset spot in Florence. Sit back on the stairs with a bottle of wine (you can buy them at the top) and enjoy the stunning views. It’s free to visit.
Be warned there are a lot of stairs, but it’s totally worth the climb! If you’re not up to it you can take a taxi or car to the top as well.
Runner Up: View on Art Rooftop Cocktail Bar
For up close Duomo views (and views over Palazzo Vecchio) head to View on Art Cocktail bar. It’s right in the heart of the city and has insane views. The patio is fairly big, so you shouldn’t have to wait too long for a table!
Runner up: Rooftop Bar at the Westin
The rooftop bar at the Westin offers 360 views of the Florence skyline. The tables on one side offer aerial views of the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio & Palazzo Vecchio, while the other side offers epic sunset views over the Arno and out into the mountains. The drinks are pricy, but it’s worth stopping by for the view even if you only stay for one drink!
Where to Stay in Florence
Florence is a a fairly small city, so no matter which area you choose to stay in you’ll be less than a 20 minute walk from almost any other area of the city. There are a ton of hotel options in addition to hundreds of rental properties, so finding your ideal location and price point should be possible.
I’ve stayed in Florence mostly on longer term trips so I’ve opted for VRBO’s most of the time, but I’ve also stayed at a few hotels and have included recommendations in each area.
Piazza del Duomo:
The Duomo is the center of Florence, towering over the city. You can catch glimpses of the massive dome from many different streets and areas of the city. If you want to be right in the heart of the action, staying in Piazza del Duomo is a great option.
A few hotels I’d recommend: Granduomo for the views, Hotel Cerretani for a more modern hotel, Palazzo Niccolini al Duomo for a charming Renaissance vibe or Guest House Bel Duomo if you’re looking for a lower price with an unbeatable location! VRBO also has tons of options near the Duomo!
Piazza della Signoria (Palazzo Vecchio):
Palazzo Vecchio (or the old Palace) is only about a 5 minute walk from the Duomo, but is another great option for where to stay when visiting Florence. The square is always lively and has tons of restaurants and bars overlooking Palazzo Vecchio that are great for an aperitif!
I stayed in this area for about 3 weeks during my last trip to Florence and loved the location! My stay at this VRBO was incredible and I would recommend it to anyone interested in being in this area. here are also some great hotel options, like, San Firenze Suites & Spa for the views, or for a more cost friendly option, Hotel Renaissance.
Oltrarno:
Now that I’ve spent a significant amount of time in Florence, the Oltrarno (literally meaning “other side of the river”) is my favorite neighborhood. It right across the Ponte Vecchio, and is still close to the Duomo & train station, but I find that it has a bit more of an authentic feel. And some of my favorite restaurants, and spots in Florence are in the Oltrarno area of Florence.
My top recommendations would be Hotel Pitti Palace Al Ponte Vecchio (that terrace view alone is enough of a selling point) Hotel La Scaletta is also a nice option and a bit cheaper. If you’re looking to splurge 10/10 recommend would recommend Hotel Lungarno. There are fewer hotels on this side of the river, but there are plenty of VRBO options
Ponte Vecchio:
The Ponte Vecchio is my favorite thing in Florence. I never knew I’d be so enchanted by a bridge! But it is absolutely stunning at all times of day. It’s a great place to stay to be right by the Arno and easily cross the river, but also still really close to the Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio!
The hotels in this area tend to be a bit on the pricy side, but the view and location are unbeatable! Some great options are Hotel Hermitage, Hotel Continentale & Hotel degli Orafi
Other Areas:
y top recommendations on where to stay would be one of the four areas above, but some other areas you could choose to stay in the city areSanta Croce, Santa Maria Novella, or a bit farther from the city center if you’re looking for a bit more peace and quiet.
The Four Seasons Firenze is a bit removed (but still walkable) from downtown, and is a great luxury option.
Best Things to Do in Florence
Duomo:
The Duomo consists of four parts – the cathedral, the main church the duomo sits on top of, Brunelleschi’s infamous Duomo ,the dome you can take a tour of, the Baptistery, a standalone building next to the cathedral, and Giotto’s Bell Tower. You can visit all four of these, or pick which ones you’d like to see.
The Cathedral is free and does not require a ticket – be warned the lines get long. The other three require a ticket for entry and you’ll need to select a time. Depending on what you want to do there are multiple ticket options.
Personally, I don’t think you need to climb the Dome and the Bell Tower, but that is an option. If you’re choosing between the two – I think the view from the Bell Tower is better, because you get to see the cityscape as well as the Dome up close, but if you’re interested in seeing the artwork in the dome up close you’ll want to choose that option.
There are also skip the line and guided tour options!
Ponte Vecchio:
The Ponte Vecchio (or Old Bridge) is one of the most famous landmarks in Florence. You don’t need tickets or anything, it’s simply somewhere you must see in Florence! As you walk across the bridge it is lined with jewelry shops on either side for those looking to splurge! Also, make sure you check out the views of the Ponte Vecchio from the bridges on either side.
Michelangelo’s David:
The David really is a can’t miss experience. It’s hard to explain why it’s so impressive when you see it in person, but it really is breathtaking. It’s located in the Galleria del’Academia. I’d definitely recommend you book your tickets in advance, you don’t need to, but the line is always super long for people waiting for tickets.
Tickets online through their site are 16 euro, but you get to skip the line by selecting a time. These sell out so definitely get them in advance. If they are sold out you can get tickets on Viator or book a tour to get access
Piazzale Michelangelo:
Piazzale Michelangelo is an absolutely can’t miss Florence spot! It’s a large piazza overlooking the entire city and offers the best sunset spot in Florence. Sit back on the stairs with a bottle of wine (you can buy them at the top) and enjoy the stunning views. It’s free to visit. Be warned there are a lot of stairs, but it’s totally worth the climb! If you’re not up to it you can take a taxi or car to the top as well.
To get there take a “Ponte alle Grazie” bridge (one down from the Ponte Vecchio) across the river into San Niccolo (located on the opposite side of the river from the Duomo) Follow via de San Niccolò to the left to Via S. Miniato through the Porta San Miniato (big stone gate) After you pass through the gates a little way up on your left will be the stairs that lead your to Piazzale Michelangelo. There are signs, so it’s easy to follow + you can usually just follow the crowds!
Uffizi:
The Uffizi is the biggest and most famous museum in Florence. If you’re someone who is into museums and art this is a can’t miss spot. If art is not your thing definitely take a walk around the outside of the Uffizi, it’s stunning and right on the Arno.
Similar to seeing the David, you’re going to want to buy tickets ahead of time to avoid the really long lines that pile up. If tickets are sold out through the official website or you’re interested in a guided tour, try Viator
Palazzo Pitti + Boboli Gardens:
I definitely recommend a trip to the Boboli Gardens. They are part of Palazzo Pitti (the new palace the Medici’s built across the Arno) You can tour both the Palace and the Gardens or just one or the other.
The gardens are massive and you can spend hours walking around. The gardens are also a great way to get a glimpse of those stunning Tuscan country sides if you don’t have time to venture to Tuscany on your own. You can buy tickets online or opt for a skip the line or private tour with Viator
Palazzo Vecchio:
Palazzo Vecchio (or the old Palace) towers over Piazza della Signoria and it’s definitely worth exploring from the outside, even if you don’t buy tickets for the inside. The inside has three separate areas (the tower, the wall and the museum) you can buy individual tickets for each, or a combo ticket if you’d like to do all three.
If you decide you’d like tickets beware of really long wait times during peak tourist times. Tickets can be purchases ahead of time on Viator
Mercato Centrale (Central Market):
The Central Market in Florence is a great spot if you’re looking to do a bit of shopping (and also a great lunch spot) The outdoor part of the market is where you want to go for souvenirs, leather goods, clothes, etc. The indoor part of the market is worth a walk through. It’s the main market where Florentines do their food shopping and there are also tons of different options if you’re looking to grab lunch!
Santa Croce:
This stunning church is worth a stop in Florence for the stunning architecture and design alone, but it’s also noteworthy for being the final resting place of some of Italy’s most infamous minds; Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli
Other:
Some other areas and things you could add to your list to check out in Florence are Santa Maria Novella, The Bargello & Piazza della Repubblica!
See my full blog post on best things to do in Florence here.
Best Restaurants in Florence
The food will absolutely be one of the highlights of any trip to Florence! There are so many restaurants it can be almost overwhelming to choose. There are so many great spots it’s hard to even compile a list of favorites, but here are some of my top recommendations!
See my full blog post for Best places to eat in Florence here
Best Pizza:
Gustapizza (see the pizza picture for a sneak peak) is hands down some of the best pizza I’ve had in my life! It’s always crowded, but they move quickly and are super efficient, so don’t be deterred if it seems like there is a long wait!
Pizzeria O’Vesuvio is also another great option. Try the ricotta stuffed crust!
Best for a Traditional Florentine Meal:
If you’re looking for the ultimate tradition meal try Il Latini – try the family style (minimum 2 ppl) and bring your appetites. This meal will consist of a meats and cheese course, barley salad, bruschetta, two pastas (penne with ragu & a wild boar pasta) two traditional Tuscan soups (Pappa al Pommodoro + Ribollita) & a Bistecca Fioretina (the infamous Florence T-bone steak) with potatoes and white beans. Plus, desert, coffee and limoncello if you have room! (65 Euro per person!)
La Spada is also another great option, I’ve never had a meal I didn’t like there. They have a huge menu consisting of many pastas and offer a huge rotisserie menu with a variety of meats!
I Tarocchi in the Oltrarno neighborhood is my favorite spot for lasagna!
If you need more steak in your life after all of these recommendations, I’d recommend Osteria del Filetto d’Oro on Via dei Neri – all of their steaks are delicious!
Best Gelato:
Grom is my absolute favorite Gelato – try their signature flavor Crema di Grom, it’s essentially cookie dough ice cream, but La Carraia right across the Arno is also a top recommendation. I’d say try both, because you can never have too much gelato in Italy.
Best Paninis:
Grabbing a panini in between all of your sightseeing is a must. You can find a spot for this on essentially every street corner, but there are two top spots. First is All’Antico Vinaio you’ll know this spot as soon as you see it because from open to close they will have a line down the road. Also, it will seem like every person you pass has a Vinaio wrapped sandwich in their hand. The line is worth the wait & they move quick!
Another great option is I Fratellini it’s literally a hole in the wall, so blink and you miss it, but it’s a can’t miss spot for grabbing an afternoon panini and a glass of wine!
If you’re on the other side of the river, try Amici di Ponte Vecchio for a sandwich and a glass of wine with great people watching!
Best Day Trips from Florence
There are so many great spots to visit that are the perfect distance as a day trip from Florence. Most of these are accessible on your own, but also if you’re looking for a more structured trip there are tons of options for guided day trips from Florence. Guided tours tend to be more efficient of you’re trying to see multiple spots in one day, but if you’re not on a time crunch many of these places can be reached by local train!
See my full blog post on best day trips from Florence here.
Tuscan Wine Tour:
This would be my top recommendation for a Florence day trip. Tuscany is unbelievably beautiful (pictures just do not do it justice) and the wine is incredible. I used to not like red wine, and after having a few glasses of Chianti Classico, my mind was completely changed!
You can plan your own Tuscan wine tour, but generally this would mean needing to rent a car (the roads are narrow and windy + you’ll be drinking) and you’ll need to research and find wineries on your own. Most of them are small, family run wineries without websites, etc.
For this trip I do recommend a guided tour. You’ll learn much more, you don’t need to worry about driving after drinking & the tour guides know the local wineries and in my experience have great recommendations.
The most recent tour I did left Florence in the morning and stopped at two wineries. Both were stunning and the wine was fantastic. You get a tour of both wineries as well as a tasting. These tasting are generous and there is no lack of wine. At the second winery you’ll also have a tradition Tuscan lunch. The food was incredible. We went through Tuscan Wine Tours and I would absolutely recommend them!
San Gimignano:
San Gimignano is a quintessential Tuscan town. It’s encircled by stone walls built hundreds of years ago. It’s a perfect town for wandering through for a few hours and the views of Tuscany from the edge of the walls is incredible.
You can get there from Florence by train & bus, but it was a bit of a pain and I’d probably recommend just taking a bus tour from Florence. I took the train to Poggibonsi and then ended up waiting a long time for the bus to San Gimignano. With all the time spent commuting It probably would have been easier to just take one of the bus tours that stops in San Gimignano, Pisa and Sienna!
Pisa
Pisa is close to Florence if you’d like to see the infamous tower! Other than that, there’s not a ton going on in Pisa. Luckily, many of the tours combine a short stop in Pisa with some other classic Tuscan towns, like Siena, Lucca or San Gimignano!
Cinque Terre
I’ll preface this by saying it’s a long day trip from Florence. But I love a good jam packed day to see as many things as possible, so if you’re in Florence and want to see Cinque Terre, it’s definitely doable! There are tours you can sign up for, but it’s also easy enough to get there on your own and explore.
Just take the train to La Spezia from Florence. At the La Spezia station make sure you buy your Cinque Terre pass. This will get you unlimited access to the 5 Terre Express, a train that runs every few minutes between La Spezia and each of the five towns of Cinque Terre. It will take about 2 and a half hours to get from Florence to La Spezia.
Siena
Siena is famous for it’s signature medieval brick buildings. It’s a great day trip from Florence. There are busses that run between Florence and Siena that take about an hour and a half. Siena is also included on many tours from Florence. It’s a small town so you can explore in a couple of hours!
Other
If you have extra time in Florence and are looking for more day trips in addition to the above Lucca, Fiesole & Viareggio are all good options!
Best Bars in Florence
Florence has tons of great bars for grabbing an afternoon Spritz between exploring or for late nights after a long day of sightseeing. I’ve rounded up seom of my favorites by location
See my full blog post on best bars in Florence here.
Duomo – View on Art Rooftop
The main square around the Duomo is full of restaurants and bars with patios, but for the most epic view, you have to head to the View on Art Rooftop bar. They have a large patio offering up close views of Florence’s most iconic landmark, The Duomo.
Ponte Vecchio – Signorvino
There are a few great spots with patios along the river with great Ponte Vecchio views, but Signorvino is definitely my favorite. It’s actually a wine store, but they have a restaurant with a large patio with the most perfect view (see photo above) of the Arno and of the Ponte Vecchio. This is one of my favorite spots to grab a drink!
San Niccolo – Il Rifrullo
San Niccolo is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Florence. It’s a neighborhood across the Arno heading toward Piazzale Michelangelo (see our next stop below!) It’s a little removed from the main tourist area, so it’s a little bit more authentic and low key. In the late afternoon you’ll find many locals grabbing a drink & catching up with friends. There’s a few nice spots in the San Niccolo neighborhood, but my favorite is Il Rifrullo. They have an awesome patio for grabbing a late afternoon drink!
Santo Spirito – Pitta M’Ingolli & Cabiria Lounge Bar
If youare looking for a later night, post sunset spot to grab drinks, I recommend heading over to Santo Spirito. The whole piazza is surrounded by bars and restaurants and is a lively late night spot for those looking to do a little bar hopping! You really can’t go wrong with any of the bars in this area, but some of my personal favorites are Pitta M’Ingolli & Cabiria Lounge Bar
Santa Maria Novella- The Westin Rooftop
The rooftop bar at the Westin offers 360 views of the Florence skyline. The tables on one side offer aerial views of the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio & Palazzo Vecchio, while the other side offers epic sunset views over the Arno and out into the mountains. The drinks are pricy, but it’s worth stopping by for the view even if you only stay for one drink!
How Many Days to Spend in Florence
2-3 Days
Florence is a small city, but there is a ton to do there. You can definitely hit the highlights in 2 days, but it’s super conveniently located for taking day trips, so you can consider adding a third day to explore Tuscany, Cinque Terre, Pisa or any of the other great day trip options!
Safety for Solo Female Travelers in Florence
5 out of 5
I have spent months in Florence traveling alone and have never felt unsafe, even walking alone later at night. This city is always busy, so the streets are always filled with people. This is one of the top cities I’d recommend for solo female travel!
