Florence Hotels

Florence is a captivating city full of art, history, and delicious food. Besides its famous museums and beautiful buildings, Florence is perfect for exploring its charming streets and finding hidden treasures.

Visitors can enjoy amazing Tuscan food here, like hearty dishes such as ribollita and bistecca alla fiorentina, or sweet treats like cantucci and vin santo. Florence is a food lover's paradise!

Also, the city's romantic vibe and scenic spots, like the Arno River and Boboli Gardens, are perfect for relaxing strolls or picnics. Whether you're watching the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo or sipping coffee at a cozy café, Florence offers a taste of the sweet life in Italy.

Things To Know Before Going To Florence

• Enjoying a quick coffee and a cornetto constitutes a typical Italian breakfast.
• Florence boasts renown for its leather goods.
• Visitors to churches and cathedrals are expected to dress appropriately, as wearing shorts and flip flops may result in being turned away.
• Exploring Florence on foot is highly recommended, as the city is very walkable and offers the best way to see its sights.
• While taxis can be expensive, Florence offers various transportation options; consider utilizing bicycles as the city is flat and conducive to cycling.
• It's advisable to pre-book museum tickets to avoid long queues, especially during the hot summer months, as waiting for hours in the heat is not enjoyable for anyone.

Florence Tips From Locals

• Florence has lots of places to eat, and new ones keep popping up. But not all are great—some are just for tourists. A good tip: if you see "trattoria" or "osteria" in the restaurant name, you're likely to get tasty Tuscan food.
• People in Florence might seem a bit serious at first, but they really love their city. You'll win them over if you say nice things about Florence, especially if you mention the Fiorentina football team. And if you need help, ask someone with a dog—they're probably a local and happy to assist.
• Italians care a lot about how they dress, so if you stand out with your clothes, you might get some curious looks.
• If you have time, take a train for a day trip to Lucca or San Gimignano. On the way, you can visit a winery or join a Vespa tour in the countryside. It's a great way to explore beyond Florence.

Where is Florence?

Florence, the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany, is situated in the heart of Italy, approximately 80 kilometers from the west coast. Nestled in the hills of Careggi, Fiesole, Settignano, Arcetri, Poggio Imperiale, and Bellosguardo, Florence is traversed by the Arno River along with three smaller rivers - the Mugnone, Ema, and Greve.

Where To Stay In Florence?

Here’s a quick table for which areas in Florence are great for tourists:

Best Hotels in Florence  

Florence offers a variety of accommodation options for every budget. Here is a table we recommend for visitors based on different preferences:

Find best hotels in Florence here!

Places To Visit In Florence

Here’s the list of some top Florence attractions you shouldn’t miss during your visit:

• Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore: Known for its iconic dome, this cathedral is a must-visit for its stunning architecture and historical significance.
• Uffizi Gallery: Home to a vast collection of Renaissance art, including works by renowned artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.
• Ponte Vecchio: A picturesque medieval bridge lined with shops, offering a unique shopping experience and beautiful views of the Arno River.
• Palazzo Vecchio: A historic palace located in Piazza della Signoria, known for its impressive architecture and rich history.
• Basilica of Santa Croce: A significant religious site and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, housing the tombs of famous Italians like Michelangelo and Galileo.
• Piazzale Michelangelo: A scenic square offering panoramic views of Florence, ideal for enjoying breathtaking sunsets and capturing the essence of the city.
• Bargello National Museum: A prominent museum showcasing Renaissance sculptures and applied art, providing insight into Florence's artistic heritage.

Is Florence Safe?

Florence is a safe city but incidents like pickpocketing have been reported in busy areas such as the Santa Maria Novella railway station and on public transport during peak hours when trams are packed with passengers.

Is Florence Expensive To Visit?

Florence can be considered moderately expensive to visit, particularly compared to some other destinations in Italy. A one week trip to Florence usually costs around $1,153 (€1,076) for one person and $2,307 (€2,153) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing. A two week trip to Florence on average costs around $2,307 (€2,153) for one person and $4,613 (€4,305) for two people.

Currency & Exchange in Florence

The official currency of Florence, Italy is Euro.Visitors have several options for currency exchange, including ATMs, currency exchange offices, banks, hotels, and travel agencies. ATMs are widely available and often offer competitive exchange rates, making them a convenient choice for obtaining Euros.

Spoken Languages in Florence

The primary and official language spoken in Florence, Italy is Italian. However, the specific dialect used in Florence is called Florentine, which is a variety of the Tuscan language. However, there are other spoken languages in Florence, such as English, French, German, and Spanish. Due to Florence being a tourist destination, English is more common than other languages.

How Many Days Are Enough To Visit Florence?

Travelers should spend at least 3 days in Florence, especially if it is their first visit to the city. However, it is advisable to stay for a week in Florence to explore the city deeply because Florence has many attractions and historical places to visit.

What To Do in Florence?

• Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo): This massive Gothic cathedral is the center of Florence. Climb to the top of the dome for stunning views of the city.
• See Michelangelo's David at the Galleria dell'Accademia: This famous sculpture is considered Michelangelo's masterpiece. Get tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
• Explore the Uffizi Gallery: One of the world's top art museums, home to works by Botticelli, Raphael, Michelangelo and more. Book skip-the-line tickets.
• Wander Piazza della Signoria: Florence's main square features impressive statues and the Palazzo Vecchio.
• Cross the Ponte Vecchio: This historic bridge lined with jewelry shops offers great views of the Arno River.
• Take a Vespa tour of the Tuscan countryside: Ride a classic Italian scooter through the picturesque hills and vineyards outside Florence.
• Visit Pisa and see the Leaning Tower: Join a day trip to see this iconic landmark just an hour from Florence.
• Explore the medieval towns of Siena and San Gimignano: These well-preserved Tuscan hill towns make for a great day trip from Florence.
• Stroll through the Boboli Gardens: These expansive Renaissance gardens behind the Pitti Palace are great for a relaxing walk.
• Visit the Bardini Gardens: Admire the wisteria tunnel and panoramic views of Florence from this lesser-known garden.

When Is The Best Time To Stay In Florence?

The best time to visit Florence is from April to June and September to October. These periods offer pleasant weather conditions, making it ideal for sightseeing and enjoying the city's outdoor attractions. During these months, the weather is mild, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 27°C in September and 11°C to 21°C in October.

What To Pack For Your Florence Trip?

Here’s the packing list for Florence depending on which season you plan to visit the city:

• Spring (March to May): Bring your t-shirts, tank tops and shorts, light jacket or sweater for mornings or evenings, umbrella, raincoat, rain boots.
• Summer (June to August): Lightweight clothing like tank tops and shorts, comfortable, lightweight shoes, and sunscreen.
• Fall (September to November): Jeans or pants, light sweaters, jacket for layering, and comfortable shoes.
• Winter (December to February): Jeans or pants, light sweaters, long-sleeve tops,vest or jacket, comfortable shoes or boots, and a scarf.

What To Eat at Florence?

Here are the must-try food when you travel to Florence:

• Pappa al Pomodoro: Tuscan bread and tomato soup.
• Coccoli with Prosciutto and Stracchino: Fried dough balls topped with prosciutto and stracchino cheese.
• Crostini con Fegatini: Toasted bread with chicken liver pâté.
• Roast Beef con Patate al Forno: Tender roast beef with roasted potatoes.
• Pappardelle al Cinghiale: Wide pasta with wild boar ragù.
• Bistecca alla Fiorentina: Grilled T-bone steak, seasoned with salt.
• Il Peposo: Tuscan beef stew with black pepper and red wine.
• Panino al Lampredotto: Tripe sandwich with spicy sauce.
• Il Bollito Toscana: Tuscan boiled meat dish with various cuts.
• Schiacciata Bread: Tuscan flatbread with olive oil and salt.

Florence Nightlife

Florence, Italy, offers a vibrant and diverse nightlife scene, blending traditional Italian culture with modern trends. Here are some of the best places to spend your night in Florence:

• Cantina dell'Artista: Traditional Tuscan wine bar renowned for its authentic atmosphere and local wines like Chianti. Situated in a historic building, perfect for enjoying wine and regional dishes.
• Artigiano Cocktail Bar: Chic cocktail bar known for expertly crafted drinks and contemporary design. Offers a diverse menu of innovative cocktails for an unforgettable experience.
• Luna Rossa Lounge: Trendy hotspot in Florence's historic center with classic and creative cocktails. Combines old-world charm with modern flair in a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere.
• Electra Club: Premier electronic music venue with pulsating beats and immersive experiences. Hosts renowned DJs and electrifying performances, keeping the dance floor alive until the early hours.
• Ristorante del Corso: Lively bar and restaurant offering diverse selection of drinks and delectable Italian cuisine. Vibrant establishment perfect for savoring the tastes of Italy.
• Tempo Lounge & Nightclub: Sophisticated venue transitioning from laid-back lounge to high-energy dance floor. Boasts eclectic mix of music genres, ensuring something for every discerning club-goer.