How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Florence Italy
Are you wondering how to plan the perfect trip to Florence, Italy?
What are the best things to see and do? When should you visit and how much time will you need?
Be inspired by this guide as you plan your next trip to Florence, Italy!
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Considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is an art-lovers dream. Museums display vast collections of paintings and sculptures, such as Michelangelo’s David. Here you will find the city’s iconic cathedral, easily recognized by its striking red-tiled dome and colourful marble façade. Vendors line Ponte Vecchio bridge selling luxury items, such as jewellery, watches and leather goods. There’s no better place than Piazzale Michelangelo to capture the skyline of Florence and watch the sunset!
Florence can seem like an expensive city, especially if you plan to visit all the major tourist attractions and museums, stay at higher-end accommodations and go out to restaurants for all of your meals. Costs can quickly add up if you are not prepared! Fortunately, there are ways to keep the costs down without sacrificing your vacation.
Florence is also the gateway to nearby day-trip destinations such as Pisa, Lucca & the Cinque Terre. Spend some time visiting a different city, with new foods, cultural experiences and historical sites. There are endless things to do and places to see if you base yourself in Florence!
Main Attractions in Florence
Below is a sample of the best places to see and things to do in Florence. Find inspiration for your trip here!
How Many Days to Spend in Florence
Do you prefer to pack in as much as possible in a short period of time or travel at a more leisurely pace?
Are you visiting in the summer when there are plenty of daylight hours for exploring?
Are you travelling luxuriously or on a budget?
The main highlights of Florence can be seen in two to three days. This is the perfect amount of time for first-time visitors spending a weekend in the city. Even if you only have a short period of time, exploring Florence for a few days will certainly be worthwhile.
If you are able to extend your trip beyond Florence, visit these rewarding day trip destinations.
↠ How to Spend One Day in Pisa – Italy
Check out these recommended getaways to other European destinations:
When to Visit Florence
The best time to visit Florence truly depends on what you want to see and do during your trip. Decisions are often influenced by seasonal weather conditions, affordability and the timing of art festivals and events.
Spring
Spring is one of the best times of year to visit Florence. Warm, sunny days encourage visitors to explore the sights comfortably on foot, people start to spill out onto outdoor cafés and terraces, gardens start to bloom and the city starts to reawaken after the winter months. Summer crowds have not yet arrived offering more exclusive access to tourist attractions, however places like the Duomo Complex are crowded year-round. Deals can be found on flights and hotel rates to help lower travel costs.
Summer
Summer is peak tourist season in Florence as travellers flock to Italy on holiday. Longer days and warmer temperatures attract large crowds to the city’s most popular attractions and museums. Make sure to book flights, hotels and entrance tickets to attractions well in advance to avoid disappointment and long queues. If you are seeking a more authentic, low-cost experience, with fewer crowds, opt to avoid Florence during peak season.
Autumn
Autumn continues to bring travellers to Florence despite shorter days and cooler temperatures. Tourist crowds have dispersed somewhat freeing up space on the city’s narrow streets. Find yourself surrounded by locals rather than just other tourists. Mild temperatures make sightseeing on foot a much more pleasurable experience.
Winter
Winter is the coldest season in Florence, but the city still enjoys comfortable temperatures, and rarely has snow fall. Take advantage of more affordable prices and fewer tourist crowds. Florence is transformed into a magical village during the Christmas holidays, displaying festive lights and hosting holiday markets. The art and architecture in Florence remains on display year-round, ensuring that you have a memorable experience in the Tuscan capital.
Use this summary to understand Italy’s seasons and plan your perfect trip to Florence:
Spring – March, April, May
Summer – June, July, August
Autumn – September, October, November
Winter – December, January, February
How to Get Around
Florence has an abundance of attractions, museums and neighbourhoods to explore. The city is very safe to walk around, but can be a challenge during peak season with the summer heat and massive tourist crowds. Make sure to bring water and stay hydrated. There’s no need to rent a car in Florence as most of the city centre is pedestrianized with roads closed off completely or limited access for motorized vehicles.
Navigating the maze-like medieval streets can be quite the adventure. You’ll want to have access to a map as its very easy to get lost here, but that’s all part of the city’s charm. The best memories are made wandering the many side streets and narrow alleyways.
1. Walking
Florence is a city made for walking. Most attractions are concentrated in the city centre and can be easily accessed on foot. Join a walking tour to learn more about the history of Florence and discover a few hidden gems you may never have found on your own. Although it is one of the most iconic elements of the city, cobblestone can be uneven in some places and slippery after it rains, so be sure to wear appropriate shoes.
2. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
Florence is a walkable city, but as temperatures soar during the summer season, it may be more comfortable and convenient to get around by bus.
Choose to purchase a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. These bus routes have been created specifically for tourists, stopping at all the major landmarks in Florence while providing audio commentary. There are two routes to choose from: City Centre (Line A) & Fiesole (Line B). Purchase a one, two or three-day pass to suit your itinerary.
Florence Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Tour tickets can be purchased here.
3. Train
The main attractions in Florence are easily accessible from Santa Maria Novella (SMN) train station. It takes less than 15 minutes to walk from the station to the Duomo Complex.
The railway provides connections to other popular Italian destinations such as Venice and Rome. Train tickets are cheap in Italy and have a reputation for running on time. Take advantage of some of the day-trip destinations (Pisa, Lucca & Cinque Terre) when you are in Florence.
4. Florence Airport
The city centre is connected to the Florence Airport (Peretola International Airport) by tram. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes and a ticket costs €1.50. Shuttle trams run every 5-10 minutes.
Where to Stay in Florence
There are a number of unique neighbourhoods in Florence that each cater to a specific type of traveller. Although Florence is a geographically a small city, each distinct neighbourhood will have its own atmosphere and volume of tourist traffic. Choose where to stay wisely, as these differences can significantly impact your experience.
Regardless of whether you are on a tight budget, only in town for a few days or visiting with children, there are many accommodation options available. Keep in mind that Florence is a popular tourist destination year-round, so book early to secure your preferred location at the best price.
Book your accommodation in Florence here.
1. City Center
City centre is considered the heart of Florence and the best place to stay for first-time visitors. The city’s main attractions, museums, restaurants and shopping retailers are conveniently located within walking distance.
Due to its central location, accommodation prices will be more expensive but may be worthwhile if you are only visiting for a short period of time. There are plenty of backpacker hostels in the core, that can help lower accommodation costs.
Keep in mind that this area is heavily-touristed so expect crowds and noise all day long. Nearby attractions include: Florence Cathedral & Duomo Complex, Uffizi Gallery & Ponte Vecchio.
2. Santa Maria Novella
Santa Maria Novella is a quiet, residential neighbourhood located near the city’s main train station. This is a great place to stay for families with plenty of parks and greenspace. The main attractions in Florence are located only a few minutes away on foot.
3. Santa Croce
Santa Croce, located east of the city centre, is the perfect place to stay for party-seeking travellers or those looking for a more local vibe. There’s a high concentration of bars that come alive at night, offering endless entertainment. The energetic streets have excellent options for dining and shopping. This is often where you will find the city’s student population enjoying a night out with friends!
4. San Lorenzo & San Marco
Considered the student district in Florence, this area remains centrally located but offers more budget-friendly accommodation options. Nearby attractions include: Galleria dell’Accademia (Michelangelo’s David) & Mercato Centrale Firenze (Florence Central Market).
5. Oltrarno
Translated from Italian, Oltrarno means ‘across the Arno.’ Located on the southside of the Arno River, this district is filled with local eateries and artisan shops. Although located a little further from the main attractions, Oltrarno is less crowded and more budget friendly. Nearby attractions include: Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens.
Book your accommodation in Florence here.
Day Trips from Florence
Florence is the gateway to nearby day-trip destinations. Spend some time visiting a different city, with new foods, cultural experiences and historical sites. Base yourself in Florence and check out these must-see Italian cities.
1. Pisa
Marvel at the famous Leaning Tower on a day trip to Pisa. Pisa is located about 1 hour from Florence, so don’t miss your chance to see one of the world’s top tourist attractions if you’re in the region. Choose to get there by taking a train, driving yourself or opting for a guided tour.
If you have additional time to spend in Pisa, check out:
2. Cinque Terre
Visit the incredibly scenic seaside villages that make up the Cinque Terre. Admire the colourful homes, enjoy delicious food and take a refreshing swim in the sea. This is a very popular day-trip destination located approximately 2-3 hours from Florence, depending on how to choose to get there. Take a train, self-drive or opt for a guided tour.
Start Booking Your Trip
Use the helpful resources below to start booking your trip to Florence, Italy!
- Reserve your accommodation with Hotels.com or Hostelworld.
- Book your rental car with Discover Cars.
- Book your flight with SkyScanner.
- Book tours with Get Your Guide.
- Traveling Solo? Book a Group Tour with G Adventures.
- Buy Travel Insurance with SafetyWing or World Nomads.
Recommended Reading
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