Your Ultimate Guide To Florence - Plus A Suggested Itinerary You'll Love!

I love Italy! This is a country you can travel through for months on end and always find new places worth discovering. Italy offers the ultimate combination for visitors. From landscape to rich history and fabulous climate to a friendly and warm nation, and let’s not forget the food!

Florence is one of the top cities in Italy, and is definitely bucket list worthy! Florence is one of my favorite cities, it is a great choice for a city break or weekend getaway. Florence is beautiful in more ways than one; it is bursting with culture, the arts, architecture, food, wine, and romance ~ A marriage made in travel heaven.

The streets of Florence pack so much ambiance. This city is home to some of the best and most popular museums in Europe, showcasing amazing art pieces millions travel to see each year from around the globe. The Medici dynasty is responsible for many of the iconic monuments of Florence. For example, the Uffizi Gallery and the Palazzo Pitti. Florence is a fashion mecca, you’ll find here gorgeous and chic boutiques where you can shop till you drop.

I have recently spent an amazing week in Florence, this city has really touched me, I felt like I was home from the very first moment I arrived. Whether it's history you enjoy, architecture, fashion or food, and people, there’s something here for everyone!

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There’s so much to see in Florence so aim to spend at least 4 days here. If you have extra time, there are day trips you could take from Florence which are wonderful. Check out visiting Pisa, Siena, and Bologna.

When Should You Travel To Florence?

The best time to visit Florence is springtime; April through June is a good choice as you'll have comfortable temps, and it is right before the high season begins which brings the crowd with it, as well as high prices. Summertime for me personally is awesome but not everyone loves the heat or big crowds. September offers usually warm weather, mid-October to November marks the start of the rainy season in Florence.

Where To Stay In Florence

We stayed at The Grand Hotel Cavour recommended to me by a local. It ticks all the boxes!
The Grand Hotel Cavour is a beautiful hotel with luxurious comfortable rooms and incredible views from the rooftop bar. It has a delicious breakfast with a good variety of dishes, and the service is phenomenal. The best part? That would be the location!

It is located around the corner from the Duomo, right in the heart of the city so within easy walking distance from everything Florence has to offer. You don’t need taxis, bikes, or make use of the Hop on Hop off bus. By walking and exploring Florence on foot you get to truly experience the city’s vibes and atmosphere. This way you will discover more Piazzas, churches, and lovely little streets you wouldn't otherwise stumble upon.
We were upgraded to a junior suite for our final night. It was so much fun staying in such a beautiful room!

Practical Tips For First-Time Visitors To Florence

• Keep in mind, there are many museums to choose from in Florence, I recommend you make your selection beforehand and purchase your tickets in advance. The lines can and will be brutally long, especially during the high season. As most of us will stay just up to three or four days, the museums are big and will take a big portion of your time. I would aim for two, max three.

• COVID-19 UPDATE: Most places these days only allow online ticket purchases!

• Depending on the season in which you’re traveling, it would be wise to buy your tickets online beforehand.

• Make sure you have appropriate shoes with you, Remember, most of Florence is cobbled streets. Choose shoes that have been made for walking.

• Cover up for the Duomo and other churches you plan to visit.

• Allow yourself to wander off the beaten path and explore streets aimlessly so to speak in Florence.

More travel guides to Italian destinations

Rome

Naples

The Amalfi Coast

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The Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary When Visiting Florence

Day One

Start at the Duomo, where else right? It is simply breathtaking! When visiting the Duomo, you can go in and admire Brunelleschi from the inside, and in addition, you can now also climb to the Cathedral’s rooftop! Bear in mind; it is 480 steps each way...I decided to pass but if you’re up for the challenge I’m pretty sure the views will be to die for! 
Wander around the square in front of the Duomo where you’ll find street artists and lovely boutiques. It is amazing how everything looks and feels super stylish here, from simple smoothie pop-up stores to ice cream parlors to high-end designer stores. Italians do it all in style! 

Right behind the main square, you’ll find the Rodeo Drive of Florence. One thing that is unique to Florence is that all the designer stores staff are not at all pompous as in other cities. They are very inviting aiming to offer an experience rather than a judgment of whether one can or can't afford the goods. So don’t be afraid to try things on and enjoy this luxurious game.

Time for lunch! We took lunch in my absolute favorite spot this trip ~ The Gucci Museum & restaurant. What a wonderful experience it was! Beautifully designed, the Osteria da Massimo Bottura is part of the Gucci Garden. This name was chosen as Gucci is like a garden, always growing, ever-changing, colorful & beautiful year-round, and yet it remains true to its origin. Isn’t that amazing? Such a small detail is often overlooked, however, it really reflects I think the brand’s vision and values. 

The store holds one-of-a-kind limited edition items mostly and oh so colorful, I was blown away! You have a two-floor museum which was very enlightening, showcasing the Gucci journey. The food was delicious, especially the desserts. 

Right next to the Gucci Garden, you will find the city’s open-air museum, beautiful! In this square called Piazza Signoria, alongside the art, you will also find cozy terraces for lunch, afternoon drinks, or dinner overlooking the sculptures.

From here walk over to Palazzo Vecchio and walk into the Uffizi Gallery. This place is huge and absolutely breathtaking! You can enjoy unique Renaissance masterpieces by Michelangelo, Botticelli, Raphael, and many others. While you’re exploring the city center you’ll find behind the Dome Florence’s open-air museum located in Piazza Signoria.

Afternoons are perfecting for chilling out on a rooftop for drinks & dinner. I highly recommend The West Excelsior Hotel, SeSto. It is divine! A glass-enclosed restaurant on the 6th floor with a 360-degree view of the city, top service, and delicious food.

Day Two

Start the day at Santa Maria Novella Square, visit the San Lorenzo Market and don’t forget to taste local delicacies. Visit the San Lorenzo Church right behind it before moving on to the Medici Chapel. This church was the official church of the Medici family from their period as private residents in their palace, becoming their mausoleum which houses most of the family. The ceilings are spectacular!

From here continue to the Accademia Gallery where you will find the original and world-famous version of David by Michelangelo. This museum is devoted to the preservation of the symbols of Florence.
There are many spots where you can enjoy lunch in the area, aim to sit off the main squares and rather walk a couple of streets further away, that’s where the locals eat and that’s where the best food is, not to mention better value for money.

Spend an evening in the lovely Mercato Centrale an indoor food market. Many different types of small restaurants, unique dishes, and bars for you to enjoy in a lively and fun atmosphere.

Day Three

Wander the lovely streets towards the water and the famous and eldest bridge of Florence, Ponte Vecchio. This was used by the Medici family to move between Palazzo Pitti and Palazzo Vecchio, safe from the risk of assassination. These days the bridge is occupied by jewelry and leather stores.
Continue across the river to Palazzo Pitti and the Royal Gardens. It’s spectacular! Visit the Church of Santo Spirito which is not far off.

Have dinner at FAC by chef Simone Cipriani. The restaurant serves traditional Italian cuisine in an unconventional way. The vibes are international, fast, and casual. The menu is divided into three concepts: Street food, revolutionized traditions, and bowls.

Tours

I love reading about Robert Langdon’s adventures written by Dan Brown, if you’re like me then take a tour following in the footsteps of Dan Brown’s iconic novels- The Da Vinci Code & Inferno.
Take a day trip to explore stunning Tuscany- Visit Pisa, Siena, and San Gimignano leaving daily from Florence.

Florence will leave you wanting MORE! I’ll be back for sure, how about you?

Do you have tips of your own? Please add them in the comments!

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Yours,

Diti