Florence Italy Guide for First-Timer's
- Laura
- Aug 26
- 8 min read
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Nestled in the Tuscan hills, Florence Italy lays claim to some of the best art, cuisine, and sunsets in all of Europe. Hailed as the cradle of the Renaissance, in Fiernze (Florence), visitors can find Michelangelo’s David, Brunelleschi’s Dome, and Botticelli’s Venus all within a 40 minute walk. Our Florence Italy guide will help you see it all.
First-time travelers to Florence will be enchanted with by the city’s romantic center. The UNESCO recognized “Centro Storico” is a magical place where ordinary buildings are splendidly adorned, and every ancient alley leads to a piazza brimming with masterpieces. There are museums, gardens, and galleries galore.
Florence also boasts vibrant markets, trendy shops, and excellent food. Away from the museums, enjoy perusing store windows full of haute couture, stalls full of leather crafts, and tucked-away courtyards. Use our Florence Italy guide to navigate this city of small details and lofty ideals.
DAY TRIPS FROM FLORENCE ITALY
WHY VISIT FLORENCE ITALY
Originating as a Roman settlement on the River Arno in 59 BC, by medieval times Florence had grown to be a hub of finance and trade. During that time, it was one of the wealthiest cities in the world. Under the leadership of the powerful Medici family (1400s to 1700s), the city played a major role in helping Europe emerge from the Dark Ages into the Renaissance era.
Today, Florence is one of Europe’s most visited cities. With a compact historic center, visitors can immerse in the amazing art and architecture that embody the best of Western civilization. Visit Florence to experience its palaces, world-class museums, light-filled churches, and statue-filled piazzas. Also enjoy the city’s Tuscan cuisine and Chianti wine!
WHAT’S IN OUR FLORENCE ITALY GUIDE
As the capital of the Tuscany region, Florence is a modern city with a population of over 380,000 people. The city has many neighborhoods, but most visitors will concentrate their time in the winding alleys of the historic center. This can result in massive crowds and extended queueing.
Good planning is crucial. Use our Florence Italy guide to help you organize so you don’t miss any bucket-list destinations. Find the following information in our guide:
WHERE IS FLORENCE ITALY
Florence is located in the north-central part of Italy’s Tuscany region. The city sits in a valley near the River Arno surrounded by rolling green hills and the vineyards of Chianti country. Florence is about 171 miles (275 km) north of Rome and 186 miles (300 km) south of Milan.
HOW TO GET TO FLORENCE ITALY
By Air
Most visitors traveling to Florence by air will arrive at Florence’s Peretola Airport (FLR) or Pisa’s Galileo Galilei Airport (PSA). Travelers from the USA note: at this time, there are no direct flights from the US to Florence. Peretola Airport is connected to Florence via tram, bus, or taxi. Pisa’s airport is 1.5 hours away by train.
Click this link for information on flights to Florence.
By Train
Daily high speed trains run between Florence and Rome (1.5 hours), and Florence and Milan (2 hours). Regional trains provide service throughout Tuscany, and from other cities. Visitors arriving at the city’s main train station, Firenze Santa Maria Novella, will be within walking distance of the historic center.
Click here for information on train travel to Florence.
By Automobile
Florence is a short distance from Italy’s main north-south highway corridor, the A1 Autostrada. Once in the city, using an automobile is not recommended. Driving in the city center is highly restricted, parking is expensive, and many streets are one-way or pedestrian only.
Click here for information on rental cars in Italy.
HOW TO GET AROUND
The best way to get around the Florence historic center is on foot. It takes about 40 minutes to walk from one end of the district to the other. For those who cannot (or do not want to) walk, there are tram, bus, and taxi services that run throughout the city.
TOURS & ATTRACTION IN FLORENCE
FLORENCE ITALY NEIGHBORHOODS
Five main neighborhoods make up Florence’s historic center, or Centro Storico. Most of the city’s attractions are located in this part of town. The five neighborhoods are:
San Giovanni
Many of the city’s main heritage sites are located in San Giovanni. In this neighborhood find the Uffizi Gallery, Piazza dell Repubblica, Ponte Vecchio, and the Florence Duomo complex. San Giovanni is one of the prettiest and most crowded sections of the city.
San Marco
In the San Marco neighborhood find the San Marco Museum, Palazzo Medici Riccardi, and the Accademia Gallery (housing Michelangelo’s David). The area is home to the University of Florence and several gardens and parks.
Santa Croce
The Santa Croce district is home to the Basilica di Santa Croce where the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo lie. The area is known for its eclectic al fresco restaurants, street artists, leather goods, and Sant’Ambroio Market.
Santa Maria Novella
In this region find the city’s main train station and the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella which is adorned with a crucifix by Giotto. The neighborhood is full of casual outdoor restaurants and small shops.
BEST SELLING FLORENCE ITALY TOURS
Oltrarno
Oltrarno, or “the other side of the Arno,” is the only historic district neighborhood across the Arno River. It is home to the charming areas of Santo Spirito, San Niccolo, and San Frediano. In quieter Oltrarno, find lots of artists workshops, studios, small churches, and family restaurants.
FLORENCE ITALY MAP
FLORENCE ITALY HOTELS
We recommend that first-time visitors to Florence stay within the historic district. Although more expensive and crowded than areas outside the Centro Storico, within this area you can walk to all attractions and immerse in the city after the crowds have dissipated. For those who like a quieter setting, look at the Oltrarno area. Here are a few well-reviewed hotels in the historic center:
Hotel Firenze Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio: Clean, affordable. Good location. Roof terrace and restaurant.
Hotel Pendini: Modern hotel in the romantic heart of Florence.
Hotel Calimala: Two restaurants and rooftop bar in historic neighborhood.
FLORENCE ITALY GUIDED TOURS
A good tour guide can make history come alive, help you immerse in the local culture, and spirit you around long lines. Florence has many high quality tour companies. Check out these well-reviewed Florence Italy guided tours:
FLORENCE ITALY WEATHER
The weather in Florence Italy is a warm and temperate with humid summers and cold, rainy winters. Expect temperatures in the winter (January) to average around 40’ (F) and temperatures in the summer (July) to average around 90’ (F).
On average, Florence receives 88 days of rain and 7 days with sleet or snow. November is the rainiest month. July is the dryest month.
BEST TIME TO GO TO FLORENCE ITALY
July and August are the hottest, most humid, and often the most crowded months to visit Florence. The winter months bring shorter lines and lower hotel rates (with the exception of the Christmas season), but temperatures are colder, it rains more often, and some businesses close.
We think the spring and fall are the best time of year to visit Florence. In these seasons the weather is sunny, but the heat and humidity are not oppressive. Everything is open, and fairs and festival abound. During this time of year, rates and crowds are rising – but not at peak.
TIP: To avoid excessive crowds, check the city’s calendar for major holidays and festivals before booking your dates.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN FLORENCE ITALY
Florence Duomo Complex: The complex encompasses the following sites: Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Brunelleschi’s Dome, Bell tower, Museum of the Opera del Duomo, Baptistery, Santa Reparate, Terraces of the Cathedral. Climb the dome and view the finest Florentine sculptures. Try this tour: Cathedral, Terraces, & Dome Skip the Line
Galleria dell Accademia di Firenze (The Academy Gallery in Florence): The home of Michelangelo’s David as well as exhibits featuring canvas and sculpture masterpieces. Try this tour: Accademia & Davis Skip the Line
Uffizi Gallery: Priceless paintings and sculptures spanning the middle ages to the modern period. Masterpieces from Giotto, Simone, Lippi, Botticelli, Raffaelli, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio. See a collection of statues and busts of the Medici family. Try this tour: Uffizi Guided Tour with Skip the Line Entry
Museo Nazionale del Bargello (Bargello Museum): Housed in an ancient palace, the museum displays an extensive collection of Italian Renaissance sculpture. Masterpieces by Donatello, Verrocchio, Michelangelo, and Cellini. Try this ticket: Reserved Entry Ticket to Bargello Museum
Medici Chapels (Cappelle Medicee): The funeral chapels of the Medici family feature architecture and sculptures designed by Michelangelo (considered to be some of the artist’s finest works). See the New Sacristy and Chapel of the Princes. Read more here: Medici Chapels.
Pitti Palace: Find five museums housed in a palace once occupied by Cosimo I de’Medici. Visit the Treasury of the Grand Dukes, Palatine Gallery, Imperial and Royal Apartments, The Gallery of Modern Art, and the Museum of Costume and Fashion. Try this tour: Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens Guided Tour
Boboli Gardens: Visit the gardens established by the Medici family that grew to become a model for the royal European courts. Stroll grottos, fountains, statues, and greenery.
Museum San Marco Florence: The museum occupies the site of a 12th century monastery. Visit the museum to see the paintings on the cells of the friars by the Dominican monk known as Fra Angelico. This unassuming site is a true hidden-gem. Try this ticket: Timed Entrance Museum San Marco
Ponte Vecchio: Medieval stone bridge over the River Arno. Lined with gold and silversmith workshops and storefronts.
Piazzale Michelangelo: A hilltop courtyard with stunning views of the Duomo, the historic center, and Florence sunsets.
FLORENCE ITALY TIPS
Pre-book main attractions to avoid long queues, especially in high season.
Visit main attractions early in the morning, or in the evening, for the best photos, uncrowded experiences, and most comfortable temperatures.
Map out all opening and closing days, and times, for your must-see attractions. In Florence, most attractions are not open 7 days a week; and opening times can vary greatly.
If you plan to eat around 8-9 pm (when most Italians do), make dinner reservations. If you eat between 5-7 pm, no reservation is generally necessary.
Be aware it is illegal to buy counterfeit goods in Florence. There are heavy fines for purchasing the luxury knock-offs that are often sold in touristy areas.
Be alert for pickpockets and scammers trying to give you “free” gifts.
HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED IN FLORENCE
First-time travelers should plan to spend at least 2 nights and three full days in Florence. This will give you enough time to spend time in the galleries, take some walks around the city (the public piazzas are stunning), stroll the leather and food markets, and shop the artisan craft jewelers and luxury goods stores.
Florence also makes a great base for day trips into the Tuscan countryside. Tack another day or two on to your itinerary if you plan to take a trip to Sienna, San Gimignano, Lucca, Pisa, or into Chianti wine country.
Fare thee well from Florence Italy, Laura and Randy
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