Florence packs Botticelli, Michelangelo and Brunelleschi into a centre you can cross on foot in 30 minutes, with Tuscan food and wine on every corner and the Chianti hills just outside town. This guide covers the essentials and links to our detailed Florence guides.
Top things to do in Florence
- The Duomo: climb Brunelleschi’s dome (463 steps) or Giotto’s bell tower. See Duomo tickets.
- The Uffizi Gallery: Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, Leonardo and Caravaggio. See Uffizi and Accademia tickets.
- The Accademia: Michelangelo’s David.
- The Ponte Vecchio and the Oltrarno: jewellers on the bridge and artisan workshops across the river.
- Piazzale Michelangelo: the classic sunset view over the city.
- The Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens.
- Day trips to Pisa, Siena, Chianti and Cinque Terre. See Florence day trips.
See all 20 best things to do in Florence, or compare Florence tours and skip-the-line tickets.
Where to stay in Florence
- Duomo / Centro Storico: walk to everything, but busy and pricey.
- Santa Croce: lively piazzas, restaurants and bars.
- The Oltrarno: artisans, local trattorias and a calmer atmosphere.
- Santa Maria Novella: next to the station, practical and good value.
Read our full Florence area guide, or check hotel prices in Florence.
Getting around Florence
Walk. The historic centre is compact and largely pedestrianised. Trams link the station with the airport (T2) and the suburbs, and buses reach Fiesole and Piazzale Michelangelo. Don’t drive into the ZTL (limited traffic zone), because cameras issue automatic fines.
Airport to the city
| Option | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| T2 tram (Florence Airport → Santa Maria Novella) | €2 | ~20 min |
| Taxi from Florence Airport (fixed fare) | €28–32 + luggage | ~15 min |
| Pisa Airport: PisaMover + train | ~€16.30 | ~1.5 h |
| Pisa Airport: direct bus | €12–18 | ~1.5 h |
Fares are from Florence Tourism. Full details are in Florence and Pisa airports to the city.
Best time to visit Florence
April to June and September to October bring warm, pleasant weather. July and August are hot (often 35°C+) and crowded. From November to February it’s cooler and quieter, with lower prices and short queues. Note that the first Sunday of each month brings free state museums, but very long lines.
Entry and practical tips
Italy is in the Schengen area. See our Schengen visa guide and ETIAS and EES guide. Florence charges a nightly tourist tax at hotels. Many state museums are closed on Mondays. Cover your shoulders and knees in churches. Get a Europe eSIM and consider travel insurance.
Florence guides
- 20 best things to do in Florence
- Florence itinerary: 2, 3 or 4 days
- Where to stay in Florence
- Uffizi and Accademia tickets
- Florence Duomo tickets and the dome climb
- Best day trips from Florence
- Florence and Pisa airports to the city
- Rome travel guide · Venice travel guide
FAQ: Florence travel
How many days do you need in Florence?
Two to three days covers the Duomo, the Uffizi, the Accademia, the Oltrarno and Piazzale Michelangelo. Add a day for Siena, Pisa or Chianti.
Is the Firenze Card worth it?
It costs €85 for 72 hours from first entry. It pays off only if you visit many museums in three days, including the Uffizi, the Accademia and the Pitti Palace.
Do I need to book the Uffizi and the Accademia in advance?
Yes, especially from April to October. Timed tickets let you skip the long ticket lines.
Can I visit Florence and Venice in one trip?
Easily. High-speed trains take about 2 hours. See our Venice guide.
Plan your trip to Florence
The trusted services we use to plan our own trips.
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