About Florence
Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance — the Duomo, Uffizi and Ponte Vecchio sit inside a compact centro storico best explored on foot between gelato stops.
Best time
April–June and September–October
Weather
Hot summers, mild winters; humid in midsummer
Airport
Florence Airport (FLR); Pisa (PSA) is a common alternate with train links
Getting around
Walk everything inside the historic centre; trains for day trips to Siena or Pisa
Experiences
Things to do in Florence
1
Uffizi Gallery
2
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo) and dome climb
3
Ponte Vecchio
4
Accademia Gallery (David)
5
Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens
6
Piazzale Michelangelo viewpoint
7
Oltrarno artisan streets
8
Day trip to Pisa or Cinque Terre
Budget travel
Free things to do in Florence
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo) and dome climb
Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens
Piazzale Michelangelo viewpoint
Rose Garden below Piazzale Michelangelo
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Suggested itinerary
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Uffizi Gallery
- Visit Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo) and dome climb
- Visit Ponte Vecchio
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Accademia Gallery (David)
- Visit Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens
- Visit Piazzale Michelangelo viewpoint
- 3
Day 3
More highlights
- Visit Oltrarno artisan streets
- Visit Day trip to Pisa or Cinque Terre
Where to eat
Local favourites
- $
All'Antico Vinaio
Schiacciata · The sandwich queue every local knows
- $
Trattoria Mario
Tuscan · No-frills lunch institution near the market
- $$$
Osteria dell'Enoteca
Tuscan · Wine-focused Tuscan favourite
- $
Gelateria della Passera
Gelato · Locals' gelato pick in Oltrarno
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $$$$
Hotel Savoy Florence
Piazza della Repubblica · Rocco Forte landmark on the main square
- $$$$
Portrait Firenze
Ponte Vecchio · Ferragamo riverside suites
- $$$
Hotel Continentale
Ponte Vecchio · Rooftop terrace favourite
Shopping
- Ponte Vecchio
- San Lorenzo Market
- Via de' Tornabuoni
Nightlife
- Oltrarno
- Santa Croce
- Santo Spirito
Museums & culture
- Uffizi Gallery
- Accademia Gallery
- Pitti Palace
Local foods to try
- Bistecca alla Fiorentina
- Lampredotto
- Ribollita
- Gelato
Hidden gems
- San Miniato al Monte
- Rose Garden below Piazzale Michelangelo
- Orsanmichele
Travel tips
- Pre-book Uffizi and Accademia timed tickets
- Climb the Duomo cupola early or late to avoid queues
- Cross to Oltrarno for quieter evenings and artisan workshops
In pictures
Florence gallery
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Keep exploring
