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    Florence

    Italy

    Florence

    CityCulture

    Florence, Tuscany's capital, birthplace of the Renaissance. The Duomo (Brunelleschi's Dome), Palazzo Vecchio, Uffizi, and Ponte Vecchio over the Arno are tightly grouped.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Italy
    7. Tuscany
    9. Florence
    Florence, Tuscany's capital, birthplace of the Renaissance. The Duomo (Brunelleschi's Dome), Palazzo Vecchio, Uffizi, and Ponte Vecchio over the Arno are tightly grouped. Michelangelo's David is in the Galleria dell'Accademia. Across the river, Oltrarno features Palazzo Pitti, the Boboli Gardens, and artisan workshops. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982, the Old Town is easily explored on foot. Florence is roughly 1.5 hours from Rome by high-speed train. You should reserve tickets for Uffizi, Accademia, and Duomo Dome in advance.

    Sights in Florence

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Piazzale Michelangelo
    Attraction

    1Piazzale Michelangelo

    The square on the hill south of the Arno was created in 1869 by Giuseppe Poggi; in its center stands a bronze copy of Michelangelo's David. From here you have the most famous view over the city with the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and Ponte Vecchio. On foot, you can get there from Oltrarno via stairs and a ramp, or take bus lines 12 and 13 directly to the square. It gets very crowded at sunset. A few minutes further up lies San Miniato al Monte.
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    Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore
    Church

    2Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore

    The Cathedral began in 1296, its dome completed by Filippo Brunelleschi in 1436. It's considered the largest masonry dome ever built. Entry to the Duomo is free. For the Dome, Giotto's Campanile, Baptistery, and Duomo Museum, you'll need one of the passes (Brunelleschi, Giotto, or Ghiberti). The climb to the Dome is 463 steps and requires a booked time slot; large bags must be left at the luggage storage on Piazza Duomo beforehand.
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    Santa Croce
    Church

    3Santa Croce

    The Franciscan Church was built starting in 1294, with its Neo-Gothic marble facade only added between 1857 and 1863. Inside lie the tombs and funerary monuments of Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, Niccolò Machiavelli, and Gioachino Rossini; for Dante, who is buried in Ravenna, a cenotaph stands here. Frescoes by Giotto are preserved in the Bardi and Peruzzi Chapels. The complex also includes the Pazzi Chapel, in whose design Brunelleschi was involved.
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    Ponte Vecchio
    Attraction

    4Ponte Vecchio

    The current bridge was completed in 1345 and is today considered the oldest bridge over the Arno in Florence. Since the end of the 16th century, the shops on the bridge have been reserved for goldsmiths and jewelers by Medici decree; previously, butchers worked here. Above the shops runs the Vasari Corridor, which Cosimo I had built in 1565 as a link between Palazzo Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti. During the German retreat in August 1944, all other Arno bridges in the city were blown up, but the Ponte Vecchio remained standing.
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    The Uffizi
    Museum

    5The Uffizi

    The Uffizi was built from 1560 according to plans by Giorgio Vasari as an administrative building for Cosimo I de' Medici, hence the name "offices". Today, it houses one of Europe's most important painting collections, including Botticelli's "Birth of Venus". Buy a timed-entry ticket online and allow several hours for your visit. It is open Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Mondays, January 1st, and December 25th.
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    Palazzo Vecchio
    Museum

    6Palazzo Vecchio

    The Town Hall on Piazza della Signoria, built from 1299, still houses the mayor and city council. Inside, you'll find the Hall of Five Hundred with murals by Vasari and his workshop, and the Medici's private quarters. Outside the palace stand a copy of Michelangelo's David and Ammannati's Neptune Fountain, with sculptures like Cellini's Perseus nearby in the Loggia dei Lanzi.
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    City walks in Florence

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    Medici Magic: Discovering Florence's Masterpieces on Foot

    Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Florence on this two-hour walk. From the magnificent domes of the Renaissance to the lively lanes of the Oltrarno, discover the city's cultural and historical treasures. A perfect mix of art, history and Italian flair.

    ~2 Std. 20 Min.
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    Stops (6)

    Dining & Drinks

    Villa Cora

    Gehobenes Hotel mit Gartenanlage, eleganten Zimmern, Gourmetrestaurants, Spa und Live-Musik.
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    1

    All’Antico Vinaio

    The original Via dei Neri shop offers Schiacciata, flat Tuscan bread with cold cuts, cheese, vegetables, and spreads. No seating, counter only; people queue on the street at lunchtime. It now has multiple locations in the city and abroad.
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    2

    Trattoria Mario

    The family trattoria near Mercato Centrale opened in 1953. It opens only for lunch; guests sit at communal tables, with the daily menu on the wall. On the menu: Ribollita, Pasta, Bollito, Bistecca alla fiorentina. No reservations taken; best to arrive shortly after opening.
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    3

    Trattoria Sostanza

    Small trattoria on Via del Porcellana near Santa Maria Novella, operating since the 19th century. It is known for the chicken fried in butter (petto di pollo al burro) and the meringue cake for dessert. There are only a few tables, book in advance.
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    4

    Antica Trattoria da Tito

    A traditional trattoria from 1913, north of the center on Via San Gallo. The walls are covered with guest notes and drawings. The menu offers Tuscan classics like Pappa al pomodoro, wild boar ragu pasta, and Bistecca. It gets loud and full in the evenings, so reserve in advance.
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    5

    Trattoria Cammillo

    Family-run trattoria in Oltrarno, on Borgo San Jacopo since 1945. Under its vaulted ceiling, classic Florentine cuisine is served, such as Fritto misto, tripe, and homemade pasta. In autumn, dishes with truffles and porcini mushrooms are also offered. Prices are above those of simpler trattorias.
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    Food and Drink

    In Florence, it's best to eat in simple trattorias. Many places close Sundays or Mondays; some only open for lunch.

    Bistecca alla fiorentina

    Beef T-bone steak, three to four fingers thick, grilled and served rare. Charged by weight; a steak usually weighs around a kilo.

    Lampredotto

    Finely sliced, cooked beef abomasum, served in a bun, often with green or spicy sauce. Find it at Lampredottai kiosks throughout the city.

    Schiacciata

    Flat Tuscan oven bread, baked with olive oil and salt.

    Ribollita and Pappa al pomodoro

    Two rustic bread dishes: a stew made with stale bread, white beans, and cabbage, and a thick bread soup with tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and basil.

    Mercato Centrale

    The 1874 iron-and-glass market hall is in San Lorenzo's market quarter. It offers Tuscan ingredients and over 20 food stalls.

    Gelato

    Florence is where the history of ice cream began: some sources attribute its invention to Bernardo Buontalenti, who worked at the Medici court in the 16th century.

    Culture and History

    From Roman Colony to Medici CityFlorence was founded in 59 BC as the Roman settlement Florentia, laid out like a military camp. In the Middle Ages, the city grew wealthy through trade and banking. From the 15th century, the Medici determined its politics, becoming Grand Dukes of Tuscany from 1569. From 1865 to 1871, Florence served as the capital of the Kingdom of Italy.RenaissanceBrunelleschi, Donatello, Masaccio, Botticelli, Leonardo, and Michelangelo worked here. You can see their works in the Uffizi, the Accademia, the Bargello, and many churches. Dante also hailed from Florence.Crafts and FestivalsIn Oltrarno, especially around Santo Spirito and San Frediano, goldsmiths, bookbinders, gilders, intarsia carvers, and leather artisans still work today. Leather goods are primarily sold at the San Lorenzo market. On Easter Sunday, a cart with fireworks is set off in front of the Duomo during the Scoppio del Carro. In late June and early July, the Calcio Storico games take place on Piazza Santa Croce, and on June 24th, the city's patron saint, John the Baptist, is celebrated.ExcursionsYou can reach Fiesole, on the hill north of the city, with bus line 7. Pisa, Lucca, Siena, and the Chianti region are feasible as day trips.

    Nightlife

    Florence's nightlife centers around the art of the aperitivo and cozy bar experiences. Discover traditional enotecas or modern cocktail bars like **Mad - Souls & Spirits**, especially in the lively streets of the Oltrarno district.
    1

    The Old Stove Irish Pub

    Irish Pub near Piazza della Repubblica with Guinness on tap, burgers, and sports on multiple screens. There's a terrace out front. Lots of international patrons, open late.
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    2

    Mayday Club

    Cocktail bar on Via Dante Alighieri, a few steps from the Casa di Dante. The rooms are decorated with curiosities and art, and the menu features signature cocktails, often with Italian ingredients. In the evenings, it gets busy, more for drinking than for dancing.
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    3

    Green Store Pub - La Guerrina

    Pub on Viale Malta in the Campo di Marte district, near the football stadium and off the beaten path. It offers draft beer, burgers, and sports broadcasts, and it's lively on Fiorentina match days. You can reach it from the city center by bus or in about 25 minutes on foot.
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    4

    Mad - Souls & Spirits

    Small cocktail bar in Borgo San Frediano in Oltrarno, a district with many bars and eateries away from the main attractions. The cocktails are mixed with homemade syrups and infusions. The space is intimate; on weekends, it's worth arriving early.
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    5

    FUK – Cocktail Bar

    Bar on Via Giuseppe Verdi in the Santa Croce district, where many students gather in the evenings. It offers cocktails, beer, and music, with a DJ on some nights. The crowd is young, and prices are moderate.
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    Wandering in Florence

    On FootThe old town is small and mostly pedestrianized or traffic-calmed, so you'll cover most distances on foot.Tram and BusTram line T1 connects the Villa Costanza car park in Scandicci via Santa Maria Novella station to the Careggi Clinic. Line T2 runs from the station to Peretola Airport in about 20 minutes and, from January 2025, will extend to Piazza San Marco. Autolinee Toscane buses serve the other districts and Fiesole. Tickets are available in tobacco shops, at tram stop machines, via the At-Bus app, or contactless by bank card directly on the validator in the vehicle. A single ticket is valid for 90 minutes; paper and app tickets must be validated upon boarding.Car and ZTLThe old town is a ZTL; entry is camera-monitored, and unauthorized access, even for rental cars, is subject to fines. Park outside, for instance at the Villa Costanza car park in Scandicci, and take tram T1 into the center.Getting ThereHigh-speed trains connect Florence with Rome in about 1 hour 30-40 minutes, with Milan in about 1 hour 40 minutes to just under 2 hours, and with Bologna in about 35 minutes. Regional trains to Pisa and Lucca depart from Santa Maria Novella.

    Accommodations in Florence

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    Nearby

    Chianti Classico

    Chianti Classico

    Chianti Classico is the wine region between Florence and Siena, approximately 70,000 hectares of hilly terrain, of which only about a tenth is planted with vines. It fully encompasses the municipalities of Greve, Castellina, Radda and Gaiole in Chianti, and partially also Barberino Tavarnelle, San Casciano Val di Pesa, Castelnuovo Berardenga and Poggibonsi. The distinguishing mark of the wine is the black rooster, the Gallo Nero. Many wineries offer tastings and guided tours, usually by prior appointment.
    Tuscany

    Tuscany

    Tuscany is located in central Italy between the Apennine Mountains and the coast of the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Seas. The region has almost 3.7 million inhabitants, and its capital is Florence. It is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the historic centres of Florence, Siena, San Gimignano and Pienza, the Piazza del Duomo in Pisa, the Val d'Orcia, the Medici Villas and Gardens, and Montecatini Terme as part of the Great Spa Towns of Europe.Besides the art cities, wine regions like Chianti Classico, Montalcino, and Montepulciano shape the area, and in the south, the Maremma with its coast, thermal springs, and tufa towns. For the rural areas, you usually need a car.
    San Gimignano

    San Gimignano

    San Gimignano is situated on a hill in the Valdelsa, Siena province. Of the 72 family towers that once stood, 14 still stand today, shaping its skyline. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1990. Its heart is formed by Piazza della Cisterna with its fountain, and Piazza del Duomo with the Collegiata and town hall. During the day, the town is very crowded; it's quieter early morning and evening.
    Siena

    Siena

    Siena grew on three hills, its main streets converging in a depression where the Piazza del Campo now lies. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995, its Old Town largely retains its 12th to 15th-century Gothic character. On the Campo stand the Palazzo Pubblico and Torre del Mangia; the Cathedral, with its marble floor, is nearby. Twice yearly, on July 2nd and August 16th, the Palio takes place on the Campo.
    Lucca

    Lucca

    Lucca, located in the Serchio plain north of Pisa, is known for its fully preserved 16th and 17th-century city walls. A roughly 4.2-kilometer circular path now runs along its top. The old town features the oval Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, the Torre Guinigi with trees on its top, the Duomo San Martino, and San Michele in Foro. Giacomo Puccini was born here; his birthplace is a museum.

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