Florence Travel Guide
Florence packs the Renaissance into a compact, walkable center. It is perfect for art lovers, and a good base for Tuscany's hills and hill towns.
- Best Time
- April to June, September to October
- Ideal Length
- 2 to 3 days
- Getting Around
- Almost entirely on foot
Planning Your Trip to Florence
Florence is small enough to feel manageable and so full of art that you could spend a week without repeating yourself. Most of the great sights, from the Uffizi to the Duomo, sit within a few minutes of one another, which makes it a very easy city to cover on foot. The challenge is the crowds, particularly in summer, so book your museum tickets early and plan the busiest sights for opening time. Cross the river to the Oltrarno for quieter streets and better meals, and think about spending a day in the Tuscan hills, which are close.
Best Time to Visit Florence
April to June, September to October is the sweet spot for most visitors. Here is how each season actually feels.
Spring
Warm and bright with flowers in bloom. Popular and busy, especially around Easter.
Summer
Very hot and crowded, with little shade in the center. Many locals leave in August.
Autumn
Warm days, golden light and the grape harvest in the countryside. Many consider this the ideal time.
Winter
Cold, sometimes foggy and quiet, with short lines at the museums.
How Many Days in Florence?
2 to 3 days
Two days covers the Duomo, Uffizi and Accademia, and a third lets you wander the Oltrarno or take a day trip into Tuscany.
Florence Neighborhoods
Pick the area that matches the kind of trip you want, and you will rarely need to cross town.
Duomo Area
The cathedral, baptistery and bell tower. The heart of the city and always busy.
Santa Croce
A lively area around the church that holds the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo, with leather shops and local bars.
Oltrarno
South of the river, with artisan workshops, small trattorias and a less touristy feel.
San Lorenzo
Home to the Central Market and the Medici Chapels, crowded with food stalls.
San Marco
A quieter area with the Accademia, where Michelangelo's David stands, and the university.
What to Do in Florence
The Uffizi Gallery
Botticelli's Birth of Venus and works by Leonardo and Raphael. Book ahead, as lines can be long.
Michelangelo's David
The marble statue is at the Accademia and is smaller than people expect, though no less impressive.
Climbing the Duomo
Brunelleschi's dome is a climb of several hundred steps with a view across the city.
Ponte Vecchio
A medieval bridge lined with jewelers, best seen from the neighboring bridges at dusk.
Piazzale Michelangelo at Sunset
A terrace above the Arno with the best panorama in the city.
Bistecca Alla Fiorentina
A thick T-bone steak cooked rare over coals. Meant to be shared.
A Tuscan Day Trip
Siena, San Gimignano or a wine estate in Chianti are reachable by bus, train or tour.
Boboli Gardens
Formal gardens behind the Pitti Palace, with shade and views, handy on warm days.
Getting Around
The historic center is small and nearly all of it is walkable, with a limited traffic zone that keeps cars out. Buses and trams are available for the outskirts, and Santa Maria Novella station connects to Pisa, Siena and Rome. Taxis are useful for luggage.
Practical Tips
- Book the Uffizi and the Accademia in advance, especially in peak season.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The paving is uneven and distances add up.
- Avoid restaurants with photo menus near the Duomo. A few streets away, quality improves.
- Churches may require covered shoulders and knees.
Florence Travel FAQ
How Many Days Do You Need in Florence?
Two full days is enough for the highlights, and three days gives you time to slow down or visit nearby Tuscan towns.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Florence?
April to June and September to October are warm and comfortable. Summer is hot and busy, while winter is quiet and cool.
Is Florence Walkable?
Yes, it is one of the most walkable art cities in Europe. Nearly all main sights are within 20 minutes of each other on foot.
Is Florence Worth Visiting?
For Renaissance art and architecture, absolutely. It is also a good base for exploring Tuscany.
Should I Stay in Florence or Rome?
Rome is larger and has far more to see. Florence is smaller and easier to cover, and many travelers combine the two by high-speed train.
Plan Your Florence Itinerary
Tell us when you are going, who is coming and what you love. We will build a day-by-day Florence plan around it, ready in about twenty minutes.