As small as it is, visit Florence time and time again and you still won’t see it all. As the birthplace of the Renaissance, tourists flock to feast on world-class cuisine, discover world-class art, and experience a shopping mecca in this riverside city.

Essential experiences

The DuomoThe area surrounding Florence’s gargantuan cathedral is as central as you can get. The Duomo is halfway between the churches of Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce. The streets south of the Duomo make up a maze of alleys and tiny squares toward Piazza della Signoria. This is one of the oldest parts of Florence, and the streets still resemble the planning laid down when the city was a Roman colony.

Piazza della SignoriaPerhaps the best base for museum hounds, Piazza della Signoria is home to the Uffizi Gallery, Bargello sculpture collection, and Ponte Vecchio leading toward the Pitti Palace. Although firmly on the tourist map, the area still retains its charm amongst its narrow medieval streets. If you’re visiting in summer, expect crowds along the Via Por Santa Maria.

The OltrarnoLesser known than the other areas of Florence, The Oltrarno is the artisans neighbourhood and is still dotted with working workshops. Its lively tree-shaded centre, Piazza Santo Spirito, is lined with lively bars and close to some great restaurants. West of here, the neighbourhood of San Frediano, around the Porta Pisana, is becoming increasingly fashionable, and San Niccolò at the foot of Florence’s southern hills has great nightlife.

FOREVER FLORENCE

All guests at this hotel, located near the Florence Cathedral and the Uffizi Gallery, can enjoy breakfast and dinner on the hotel’s panoramic terrace with incredible views of the city.

Pitti Palace Al Ponte Vecchio

A modern hotel located in a perfectly preserved historic building close to the beautiful Florentine attractions, including Santa Maria Novella Square.

Rosso 23 Hotel FlorenceFlorence, Italy Florence, Italy

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This luxurious and classically-styled hotel is located on the pedestrian, high-fashion street of Via Tornabuoni. It is housed in a traditional property complete with shuttered windows.

De La Ville

Since 1903, this hotel has provided accommodation within its nineteenth century walls for heads of state, artists, intellectuals as well as travellers from around the world.

Grand Hotel BaglioniFlorence, Italy Florence, Italy

The Grand Hotel Cavour has a rooftop terrace providinga great place to have pre-dinner drinks with views over Florence Cathedral.

Grand Hotel Cavour

Charming public areas, a restaurant and an internal courtyard with a heated hot tub make this hotel a popular choice with travellers.

Best Western Hotel RivoliFlorence, Italy Florence, Italy

“You may have the universe, if I may have Italy.” -Giuseppe Verdi

Galleria degli UffiziSavour the world’s greatest gallery of Renaissance artand the marvellous frescoed hallway ceilings.

Piazza del DuomoClimb the bell tower, see the octagonal Baptistery with its gilded bronze doors, and visit the museum.

Things to do

Museo de San MarcoOne of Florence's most spiritually uplifting museums, the Museo de San Marco showcases the work of Fra' Angelico.

Basilica di Santa CroceSee the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo and Ghiberti. And, visit the frescoes in the chapels to the right of the altar.

Piazzale MichelangeloPiazzale Michelangelo is one of the best and most famous lookouts for a stunning view of Florence, day or night.

Mercato CentraleThese markets are a foodie’s dream. You’ll find fruit, vegetables, olive oil, and dozens of gastronomic treats.

Historic Café TourItaly is a nation of coffee connoisseurs, discover the stories behind Florence’s most iconic cafes on this tour.

Self-Drive Vintage Fiat 500Take a spin around the countryside in a vintage Fiat 500, enjoying a stop at the Church of San Miniato al Monte.