Florence Holidays Travel Guide

Why is Florence famous?

Florence (or Firenze) is one of the most important Renaissance hubs in Italy and most artistic cities in Europe. Famous for attractions like the Duomo and the Baptistery, as well as museums like the Uffizi Gallery, the Palazzo Pitti, and the Accademia Gallery, this city has a unique cultural identity.

Florence is mainly famous for its iconic architecture, art scene, traditional Tuscan cuisine, and overall charm. It’s not a surprise that sightseeing in Florence is a delightful experience!

Where is Florence located?

Florence is located in central Italy, 145 miles (230 km) northwest of Rome. It belongs to the Tuscany region and it is the perfect starting point for getaways to Tuscany’s idyllic countryside.

Read also: Florence Travel Guide | Naples travel guide | Milan travel guide

What is the best time to visit Florence?

Florence, like most Italian cities, gets more crowded during the summer when people flock there to spend their summer holiday. However, the best season to visit Florence is spring, when the weather is not as hot as in summer and the city is not overflowing with tourists. Winter in Florence is pretty cold, so not many tourists visit the city during that time of the year.

Weather in Florence

What are the most popular events in Florence?

What are the best things to do in Florence?

Related: Florence things to do: Best Tours, sights and trips for a memorable stay

What are the shopping hours in Florence?

Shops in Florence are open from 9.30 to 13.00 and from 15.30 to 19.30 and are closed from 13.00 to 15.30 for a lunch break. However, big department stores and supermarkets are usually open throughout the day and some of them are open on Sundays. Clothes shops are often closed on Monday mornings.

Key facts about Florence

How can you get to Florence?

Florence in Italy is easily accessible from most European countries. The main ways to reach Florence are by plane, by train, by car, and by bus. Check them all out below!

Getting to Florence by air

The easiest and fastest way to get to Florence is by air. The main airport of Florence is Peretola, also known as Amerigo Vespucci Airport, which is located about 20 minutes (10km) away from the city center. Although Florence has an airport, most people first arrive at the airports of Rome or Bologna and then get to Florence by other means of transportation. That’s why flights to Florence are usually more expensive than flights to other big Italian cities.

However, it’s convenient to fly directly to Peretola airport from Italian and European towns. The main airline companies that offer flights to Florence are Alitalia, the Italian national airline, Swiss, Iberia, Lufthansa, AirFrance, TAP, and British Airways. You can fly directly to Florence from several European cities, like London, Paris, Amsterdam, Madrid, Tel Aviv, and Munich and Italian cities like Rome, Catania, and Palermo.

Getting to Florence by train

The train is one of the best ways to get around Italy and travel between the Italian cities. Trains are convenient, fast, and affordable, especially if you book your tickets well in advance. The main rail companies that serve itineraries between Italian cities are Trenitalia, Italy’s state-run rail service and Italo, a privately-owned rail company. The main train station in Florence is located close to the city center, so you can get from the station to your hotel in Florence and the main points of interest in no time!

The most popular train route is from Rome to Florence. The train journey from Rome to Florence lasts from 1 hour and a half (with Trenitalia and Italo) to 2-4 hours (with other regional rail companies) and the train ticket costs as little as $30. Taking the train from Rome and Florence is one of the must things to do in Florence!

Getting to Florence by car

Getting to Florence by car is a good option for those who are planning on going on a road trip through Italy or Europe. The route from Rome to Florence is utterly idyllic, as it passes through the beautiful countrysides of Umbria and Tuscany.

Road trips from Florence to the rural villages of the Italian countryside will give you the unique opportunity to stop over for a traditional lunch accompanied by local Chianti wine and a chat with the locals. Other towns worth visiting by car from Florence are Pisa and Siena.

Getting to Florence by bus

Getting to Florence by bus is cheap and convenient. FlixBus is one of the cheapest and most popular bus companies that serve itineraries to Florence, sometimes for as low as $10. Same as with train tickets, it’s better to book bus tickets in advance, as prices are higher for last-minute bookings. However, you can often find bus tickets for less than $20 even if you book them the day of your departure.

Buses from Rome to Florence depart from Tiburtina station and arrive at Villa Costanza station in Florence, which is located 25 minutes away from the city center and can be easily reached by the local tram. Keep in mind that the first tram leaves at 5:30 a.m. and the last at midnight.

Where to stay in Florence

Best place to stay in Florence for first-time visitors

The area around Duomo in Florence in the heart of the city center is the best place to stay if you’re visiting Florence for the first time, even if you’re planning to stay for just a couple of days. The Duomo area is close to the main points of interest in Florence and is very easily accessible!

Some of the best hotels in Duomo are: Hotel Spadai, Rocco Forte Hotel Savoy, Hotel Pendini, Brunelleschi Hotel, and B&B Le Stanze del Duomo

The best place to stay in Florence for families

Santa Maria Novella in Florence (especially the eastern side) is one of the most family-friendly neighborhoods in the historical city center. It is close to the train station, the museums, and churches and has a bustling market area with a variety of shops.

Some of the best hotels in Santa Maria Novella are: The St. Regis Florence, Grand Hotel Minerva, The Westin Excelsior, Hotel Santa Maria Novella, and The Place Firenze

The best place to stay in Florence for travelers on a budget

The best place to stay in Florence if you’re on a budget is San Marco, a residential area on the north side of Florence. San Marco is cheaper than the city center, but still close to popular attractions in Florence like the Duomo, as well as to several art galleries and museums in Florence.

Some of the best hotels in San Marco are: Arte’ Boutique Hotel, B&B Lorenzo de’ Medici, Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, Renascentia Garden Relais,  and San Giuliano Inn

The hippest place to stay in Florence

The hippest place to stay in Florence is the Santa Croce neighborhood, close to the Duomo. This is a busy area with many cafes, shops, and excellent restaurants in Florence. What’s more, it has a unique atmosphere that will introduce you to the authentic Italian lifestyle. Some of the best places to visit in Santa Croce in Florence are the Piazza Santa Croce, the Museo dell’Opera, the tombs in Santa Croce, and La Scuola di Cuoio.

Some of the best hotels in Santa Croce: Baglioni Relais Santa Croce, Plaza Hotel Lucchesi, Hotel La Casa di Morfeo, La Maison du Sage, and Canto degli Aranci

Best place to stay in Florence for nightlife

San Spirito and San Frediano districts are where the heart of the city’s nightlife beats. These two neighborhoods are packed with hip bars, night clubs and restaurants for every taste. They are particularly popular with students, who flock here to stroll through the piazzas and have fun all night long.

Some of the best hotels in San Spirito and San Frediano are: Casa Botticelli, Palazzo Ridolfi, Palazzo Guicciardini, Hotel Lungarno, and Hotel La Scaletta

Related: Florence best hotels and places to stay

Getting around Florence on foot

The main points of interest in Florence are concentrated in the historic center, the biggest part of which is walkable and pedestrian-only. Walking is the most practical way to get around, as the main attractions in Florence are very close to each other (about 20 minutes walking distance). However, if you need a break from walking, then buses/trams, taxis or even horse carriages are your best bets.

Getting around Florence by bus/tram

Small buses, run by ATAF, move throughout the historical center, connecting the main points of interest. A bus ticket in Florence costs 1.20 euros and is valid for 90 minutes.

Apart from buses, there is also the Florence tramway network (Rete tranviaria di Firenze), which consists of two tram lines that connect the airport with several points throughout the city. Trams run from 4.30 am until 12.30 am every day and until 1.40 am or 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays. A tram ticket in Florence costs 1.50 euros and is valid for 90 minutes.

You can purchase bus and tram tickets at ticket-dispensing machines at every tram/bus stop, at some coffee shops, kiosks, or directly from the driver.

Getting around Florence by car

Given that there are traffic restrictions throughout the historical center, driving in Florence is not the best idea. Besides, parking spots are almost impossible to find.

However, the car is useful for excursions or day trips from Florence to the quaint villages of Tuscany. If you don’t have a car, you can hire one from several car hire companies scattered throughout the city. To hire a car in Italy, you should own an international driver’s license and be at least 18 years old.

Getting around Florence by bike

Florence might not be an ideal bike-friendly city, but cycling is still better than driving. The local council offers a bike hiring service (more info at www.bicifirenze.it). Finding a bike in Florence is easy, as there are bike hiring spots at various points throughout the city center.

How much will you spend in Florence per day?

How much you’re going to spend in Florence per day depends on many factors. However, you should expect to spend around 120 euros ($131) per day on average during your stay in Florence. Generally speaking, you’re going to spend 25 euros ($27) on food every day, about 20 euros ($21) on public transportation tickets, and around 135 euros ($151) for a double room in a hotel in Florence. Of course, you can opt for a guest house or Airbnb in Florence, which is generally much cheaper.

What are the must-try foods in Florence?

Health care & Safety

What clothes to pack for your trip to Florence?

Packing for summer in Florence

Summer in Florence is hot, so light and breathable fabrics are the way to survive the heat! Make sure you pack cotton dresses, t-shirts, and a light scarf to cover your shoulders inside churches. Also, don’t forget to bring with you a pair of comfortable sandals or breathable sneakers for all the hours of sightseeing in Florence!

Packing for fall in Florence

The weather in Florence during fall is often tricky and climate swings are frequent, so you need to be prepared for every scenario. A light coat, a raincoat, a pair of jeans, long sleeve shirts, and sweaters are musts!

Packing for winter in Florence

Winters in Florence are usually cold and wet. Don’t forget to pack a warm coat, a pair of boots, sweaters, gloves, a hat, a warm scarf, and a raincoat.

Books to read before visiting Florence