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Enchanting the world’s travellers, artists and romantics for centuries, the small Italian city of Florence has a big reputation to live up to.
However, it does so with ease with its stunning architecture, impeccable cultural pedigree, and uniquely Tuscan version of la dolce vita.
Many of the city’s must-see attractions are contained within its compact UNESCO World Heritage-listed centro storico, and this beautifully wrapped Renaissance-era gem is just as lovely on the inside as it is on the outside.
Our Florence city guide is packed with ideas for things to see and do. Enjoy your visit.
Top cultural activities in Florence
Florence is out and proud about its passion for creativity.
Those interested in Renaissance art and architecture are in for an absolute treat here. Within the entirely walkable city centre you can visit Brunelleschi’s jaw-dropping gothic Duomo (formally known as the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore), the Accademia museum and gallery (home to Michelangelo’s David), and the classical art-filled Uffizi gallery — all without raising a sweat.
To see a notable collection of contemporary art, make a bee-line for Museo Novecento. It exhibits Italian works from the 20th and 21st centuries.
There’s a vibrant student culture that bubbles alongside the huge international tourist presence in Florence, and the entire city appears in tune with its creative side. Simply walking around the historic centre in places like Piazza della Signoria and Piazza della Repubblica is the best way to soak it all in.
The Piazza Santo Spirito in the Oltrarno quarter offers an intriguing slice of authentic Florentine life. Wander through the daily market or simply perch on a park bench and do some people watching.
For the younger visitor there’s a thriving bar and club scene, and the multiple levels of Space Electronic Discoteca will blow your mind almost as much as the art in the Uffizi.
Florence for history lovers
Florence’s extraordinary history is etched into the facades of buildings across the old centre.
The ruling Medici dynasty’s influence in the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries is on display across the city, but it’s perhaps epitomised by their magnificent ceremonial residence — the Pitti Palace. Partially constructed in the mid 1400s as, unbelievably, a private residence, the Palace went through many changes over the next 400 years — particularly in the hands of the Medici, who enlarged it and established the magnificent Boboli Gardens.
While it’s been closed to the public for some time for security reasons, you’ll soon be able to pass along the Medici’s kilometre-long Vasari Corridor — which runs from the Uffizi, over the Ponte Vecchio, and literally ‘around the houses’ to the Pitti Palace. It enabled the family to pass above the crowded city streets undetected, and will reopen as part of the Uffizi sometime in 2024.
Great places to eat in Florence
Oh gelato — how many ways can we love thee?
If you want a tip from someone who’s done all the tough leg work, for a taste sensation unlike any other, head to the La Carraia gelateria in Piazza Nazario Sauro. Now that’s amore…
There’s no shortage of great places to eat in Florence, from hole-in-the-wall enotecas to posh Michelin-starred eateries. La Piazzetta, across the Arno at Via di Ripoli, is a genuine locals’ tip. It serves up a delicious, hearty menu straight from the wood-fired oven.
Over in the San Lorenzo district, an unexpected melange of awesome coffee, fabulous fare, and uber cool homewares are yours for the taking (well, purchasing) at La Menagere. You’ll love the crumbling-warehouse-chic vibe.
For classic Tuscan fine dining, book a table at Buca Mario (situated below street level in the cellars of Palazzo Niccolini). It’s been serving the discerning diners of Florence since 1886, and is the place to try the famous bistecca fiorentina (steak). Your taste buds will bow down before you.
Across town, Michelin-starred Il Palagio — on the ground floor of the stunning Palazzo della Gherardesca (Four Seasons Hotel) — serves up regional cuisine with a contemporary twist in truly sublime surroundings. Think vaulted ceilings, chandeliers, and elegant old-world glamour.
Where to shop in Florence
Florence definitely has a passion for expensive fashion!
If you’ve got a wad of Euros burning a hole in your pocket, head over to Via Tornabuoni. There you’ll find just about every luxury and designer label under the sun present and accounted for.
For a huge cache of leather goods, the bustling San Lorenzo markets are your best bet.
Genuine artisanal products, including jewellery, shoes, clothing and handmade paper goods, can be found in the tangle of streets in Oltrarno. It’s home to a trove of darkened ateliers and smoky workshops. This is the place to observe authentic Florentine craftsmanship in action and purchase direct from the artists.
Ways to relax in Florence
The Italians are well known for their ability to prioritise the art of relaxation.
In Florence, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the sweet life — especially at early evening aperitivo time, when it’s considered mandatory to enjoy a prosecco or aperol in one of the many open-air bars across the old centre.
The Pitti Palace’s Boboli Gardens are a wonderful spot to while away a few hours. Although you’ll have to pay for the pleasure, it’s well worth it to be able to wander amongst the ornate statues and admire the fabulous city views.
And finally, there’s no finer way to relax in Florence than by cruising along the Arno River and beneath the incredible Ponte Vecchio (Florence’s famous covered bridge) at sunset in a traditional barchetto boat. Enjoy stunning views of landmarks like the Corsini Palace, as you dream of a life as a Florentine aristocrat of old.
For more travel inspiration, visit www.italia.it.
Browse our range of Florence tours and experiences here.
Do you have any tips to add to our Florence city guide? We would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.
Additional images: Bigstock
About the writer
Julietta Henderson is a Melbourne-based travel writer and author. Originally planning to visit London for six months, she ended up staying for ten years and now divides her time between her home in Australia and several months of the year in the UK, Italy, and France. Julietta has travelled extensively through Europe, North America, Indonesia, New Zealand, Australia, and Russia, and believes the keys to a great travel experience are an open heart, an open mind, and an open-ended ticket. Her first two novels — The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman and Sincerely, Me — are now available in bookstores.
