FLORENCE
Florence is the beating heart of the Renaissance, a city where art and history bloom on every corner. It’s an open-air museum, framed by the rolling, cypress-dotted hills of Tuscany.
This city is the birthplace of geniuses like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. It’s a treasure trove of iconic sights, from the towering Duomo to the venerable Ponte Vecchio across the Arno River.
Most Popular Attractions
Florence City Core & Renaissance Masterpieces
- Florence Cathedral (Duomo) & Brunelleschi’s Dome: The iconic cathedral with its stunning red-tiled dome, a masterpiece of Renaissance engineering.
- Giotto’s Campanile: The cathedral’s adjacent bell tower, offering spectacular panoramic city views from the top.
- Baptistery of St. John: One of the oldest buildings in the city, famous for its magnificent bronze doors, especially the “Gates of Paradise.”
- Uffizi Gallery: One of the world’s most famous art museums, home to masterpieces like Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation.
- Ponte Vecchio: The only bridge spared during World War II, famous for the shops built along it, primarily jewelers.
- Palazzo Vecchio: The city’s imposing town hall, featuring a replica of Michelangelo’s David outside and grand historical apartments inside.
- Piazza della Signoria: The main city square, a hub of political life and an outdoor sculpture gallery.
- Galleria dell’Accademia: Home to Michelangelo’s original David, one of the most celebrated sculptures in the world.
- Bargello National Museum: Housed in a former prison, this museum is a treasure trove of Renaissance sculpture, including works by Donatello.
- Orsanmichele Church and Museum: A unique building that served as both a grain market and a church, with spectacular external niches for statues.
- Palazzo Pitti: A vast Renaissance palace on the south bank of the Arno, housing several major museums, including the Palatine Gallery.
- Mercato Centrale (Central Market): A bustling, two-story food market, with a historic ground floor for produce and an upper floor for prepared foods.
- Badia Fiorentina: A beautiful, historic abbey with a slender hexagonal bell tower visible across the cityscape.
- Church of Santa Croce: The burial place of many illustrious Florentines, including Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli.
- Museo dell’Opera del Duomo: Museum dedicated to the art and original sculptures created for the Duomo, Campanile, and Baptistery.
- Oltrarno District: The artisan quarter on the south bank of the Arno, famous for leather workshops, bookbinders, and goldsmiths.
- Vasari Corridor: An elevated passageway connecting the Palazzo Vecchio to the Palazzo Pitti, passing above the Ponte Vecchio (currently closed for restoration).
- Loggia dei Lanzi: An outdoor loggia on the Piazza della Signoria displaying beautiful Renaissance sculptures.
- Church of Santa Maria Novella: A stunning Gothic and Renaissance church with a famous marble facade and a cloister with frescoes.
- Florence Leather School (Scuola del Cuoio): Located behind the Church of Santa Croce, where visitors can watch artisans at work.
- Museo Galileo: Museum showcasing scientific instruments, including some belonging to Galileo Galilei.
- San Lorenzo Market: A vibrant outdoor market selling leather goods, clothing, and souvenirs.
Scenic Viewpoints & Parks
- Piazzale Michelangelo: The city’s most famous panoramic viewpoint, offering breathtaking views of the entire Florentine skyline.
- Boboli Gardens: The sprawling, formal Italian Renaissance gardens behind the Palazzo Pitti, featuring fountains, sculptures, and grottoes.
- Bardini Gardens: A less crowded garden with a stunning Baroque staircase and beautiful views over the city.
- Forte di Belvedere: A historical fort offering excellent views, often used for art exhibitions.
- Casine Park: The largest public park in Florence, stretching along the Arno River, popular for jogging and relaxation.
Activities & Experiences
Ascend Brunelleschi’s Dome: Climb the 463 steps of the Duomo’s Dome for breathtaking, panoramic views of the city. Be sure to book your ticket well in advance, as slots fill up quickly.
Walk the Vasari Corridor: Take a guided tour of this exclusive, elevated passageway built by Giorgio Vasari. It connects the Uffizi Gallery to the Pitti Palace, crossing over the Ponte Vecchio, offering a privileged view of the Arno River.
Take a Leather Working Workshop: Florence is famous for its leather goods. Visit the Scuola del Cuoio (Leather School) near the Santa Croce Basilica and take a short class to learn basic techniques or craft your own small item.
Go on a Wine Tasting Tour in Chianti: Take a day trip into the scenic Chianti Classico region. Visit local vineyards (‘cantinas’) to learn about the winemaking process and sample world-famous Chianti wines paired with local meats and cheeses.
Find Your Masterpiece at the Uffizi: Dedicate at least half a day to the Uffizi Gallery, home to Renaissance masterpieces including Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation. Book tickets ahead to skip the massive queues.
Cycle or Walk to Piazzale Michelangelo: Head to this renowned square at sunset. It offers the most iconic, postcard-perfect view of the Florentine skyline. The walk or cycle up offers beautiful views of the Oltrarno district.
Take a Gelato Making Class: Learn the difference between authentic Italian gelato and regular ice cream. Many local kitchens offer hands-on classes where you can prepare several classic flavors.
Explore the Oltrarno Artisan District: Wander through the “other side of the Arno” river. This neighborhood is home to hundreds of traditional artisan workshops (‘botteghe’) for jewelers, restorers, bookbinders, and cobblers.
Hike to Fiesole: Take a bus or hike up the hill to the charming town of Fiesole, just a few miles outside Florence. Explore its Roman theater and stunning gardens, which offer a peaceful escape and elevated views of Florence.
Visit a Traditional Florentine Market: Explore the lively atmosphere of the Mercato Centrale (San Lorenzo Market) to sample local street food on the ground floor, or enjoy a modern food court experience on the upper level.
Stroll Through the Boboli Gardens: Discover this magnificent example of an Italian Renaissance garden behind the Pitti Palace. Its grottoes, fountains, and formal landscaping are a peaceful counterpoint to the city’s intensity.
Take a Cooking Class Focusing on Tuscan Cuisine: Learn to make simple, robust regional dishes such as pappa al pomodoro (a hearty tomato and bread soup), fresh pasta, and traditional sauces from a local nonna (grandmother) or chef.
Local Tips & Transport
Walking is Essential: Florence’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is relatively compact. Most major attractions—from the Duomo to the Ponte Vecchio to the Uffizi—are easily accessible on foot. Comfortable shoes are a must!
ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone): The entire historical center is designated as a ZTL. Unless you are a resident or have official hotel permission, do not drive into this zone or you will incur heavy fines via automatic camera detection. Park outside the ZTL and take public transport or walk in.
Buses (ATAF): Florence has an efficient local bus network. You must buy your ticket before boarding from a tabacchi (tobacconist), newsstand, or the ATAF ticket office. Validate (stamp) your ticket immediately upon boarding. Drivers do not sell tickets.
Trams: Florence has a small but growing tram network (T1, T2, T3) that is mainly useful for connecting the city center to the surrounding areas, including a direct line to the airport (T2). Tickets must be bought and validated before boarding.
Taxis: Taxis are regulated and expensive. They cannot be hailed on the street; you must go to an official taxi stand (like those at the train station or major squares) or call a radio taxi service.
From the Airport: The Tram Line T2 is the fastest and cheapest way to get from Florence Airport (Amerigo Vespucci – FLR) to the central Firenze S.M. Novella train station, taking about 20 minutes.
Dinner Times: Florentines and Tuscans eat dinner later than in many other European countries, typically starting around 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM and later on weekends. If you eat earlier, you will likely be dining mostly with other tourists.
The Art of the Aperitivo: From roughly 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, many bars offer Aperitivo. For the price of a slightly more expensive cocktail (around €8-€12), you gain access to a buffet of light snacks. It’s a social tradition and a great way to enjoy a pre-dinner snack.
The Coperto and Tipping: In most sit-down restaurants, you will see a charge on your bill called the ‘coperto’ (cover charge). This is a standard per-person fee for bread and table service. Tipping is not mandatory; a few extra euros or rounding up is polite for good service, but anything more is unnecessary.
Authentic Gelato: To spot a truly authentic gelato shop (a gelateria), look for a few key signs:
Natural colors: Avoid brightly colored gelato (e.g., electric green pistachio or bright pink strawberry).
Flat displays: Gelato should be stored in covered, metal containers or at least level with the edge of the display, not piled high into fluffy mountains (this indicates aeration and stabilizers).
Seasonal flavors: True artigianale shops use seasonal ingredients.
Avoid the Ponte Vecchio Crowds: The famous Ponte Vecchio is a must-see, but it gets extremely crowded. Visit early in the morning for the best photos and a more peaceful experience. Also, the jewelry shops on the bridge are beautiful but not always the best value.
Hidden Gems:
San Miniato al Monte: A stunning Romanesque basilica high above the city, offering a view even better than Piazzale Michelangelo, and a serene, beautiful cemetery.
The Pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella (Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica): One of the oldest running pharmacies in the world (dating back to 1221), it is now a stunning museum-like shop selling luxurious traditional perfumes, soaps, and herbal remedies.
Mercato Sant’Ambrogio: A less-touristed, very local indoor and outdoor market. It’s an excellent place to see Florentines doing their daily shopping and to get lunch from one of the small, authentic food stalls.
The Arno River Banks (Lungarni): Escape the main central squares by taking a long stroll along the riverbanks, especially during sunset. The stretch from the Ponte alla Carraia towards the Ponte Santa Trinita offers beautiful reflections.
Top Restaurants
I’Brindellone [$25-$40] – Located in the Oltrarno district, this is a genuine Florentine trattoria beloved by locals for its traditional Tuscan menu, including excellent Bistecca alla Fiorentina and hearty soups.
Trattoria Sostanza [$30-$50] – A historic, tiny spot operating for over a century, famous for its butter chicken (Petto di pollo al burro) and Tuscan steak, offering a very authentic, no-frills, old-school experience.
Osteria Santo Spirito [$25-$40] – A popular, atmospheric osteria near Piazza Santo Spirito, known for its generous portions, especially the creamy, sizzling truffle gnocchi served in a small terracotta bowl.
Trattoria La Casalinga [$20-$35] – Just off Piazza Santo Spirito, this is a quintessential, no-nonsense trattoria offering homestyle, honest Tuscan cooking and a truly local, casual atmosphere.
Ristorante del Fagioli [$30-$50] – A classic, rustic spot known for its well-executed Tuscan staples like Ribollita and excellent grilled meats, maintaining a loyal local clientele.
Trattoria Mario [$20-$35] – A legendary, busy spot near the Mercato Centrale that only opens for lunch, famous for its no-reservations, communal seating, and authentic Tuscan dishes and the Bistecca.
Trattoria Sabatino [$20-$35] – Located outside the main tourist hub, this no-frills, family-run restaurant offers incredibly cheap, hearty, and authentic Tuscan comfort food.
Alla Vecchia Bettola [$30-$45] – A popular, rustic trattoria known for its traditional Tuscan flavors, including Penne alla Bettola and a great Florentine steak, often with communal tables.
Trattoria Cammillo [$50-$80] – A historic and elegant trattoria in the Oltrarno district, running since 1945 and offering a slightly more formal experience with high-quality traditional Tuscan and Italian cuisine.
Trattoria del Carmine [$25-$40] – Located near the Piazza del Carmine, this is a reliable, traditional spot favored by families for its classic Tuscan dishes and simple, genuine setting.
Trattoria Lo Stracotto [$25-$40] – A simple trattoria specializing in traditional slow-cooked Tuscan dishes, particularly their namesake stracotto (braised beef).
Mangiafuoco Bracerie [$30-$50] – Known as a braceria (grill house), this spot offers excellent charcoal-grilled meats, including the Florentine steak, with a focus on simple, high-quality ingredients.
Buca Lapi [$45-$70] – The oldest restaurant in Florence, located underground in the cellars of Palazzo Antinori, offering a historic setting and classic Tuscan cuisine, especially their acclaimed Bistecca.
Pandemonio di Casa Brogi [$35-$55] – A well-regarded spot in the Oltrarno that serves traditional dishes with excellent quality, including fantastic pasta and classic meat preparations.
Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori [$30-$50] – A tiny, traditional spot near Palazzo Vecchio, known for its authentic dishes written on a blackboard and a focus on keeping things old-school and non-touristic (reservations are essential).
Il Santo Bevitore [$40-$65] – A cozy and semi-modern bistro in the Oltrarno offering a creative twist on Tuscan tradition, featuring a great wine list and a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere.
Osteria dell’Enoteca [$45-$70] – A charming and refined restaurant in the Oltrarno with an excellent wine focus, offering traditional Tuscan dishes with contemporary execution and a cozy brick-vaulted setting.
Dalla Lola [$35-$60] – A modern and irreverent take on the traditional trattoria, serving a daily handwritten menu of Tuscan classics with playful, refined twists in a fresh atmosphere.
Coquinarius [$35-$60] – Located centrally but tucked away, this bistrot offers an original menu focusing on artisanal fresh pasta and unique salads, accompanied by a great selection of natural wines.
Cibrèo Trattoria [$40-$65] – A more accessible and casual version of the famous, upscale Cibrèo Ristorante, offering authentic, no-menu Tuscan dishes with an emphasis on flavor and local ingredients.
La Giostra [$50-$80] – While well-known, it’s often a favorite for its romantic, vaulted ceiling setting and a menu that blends traditional Tuscan fare with a few refined, creative elements.
Borderline [$35-$60] – A restaurant that combines refined design and careful detail with a menu that blends tradition and modernity, reinterpreting local flavors in surprising ways.
L’Ortone [$40-$70] – Located in Sant’Ambrogio, this restaurant offers modern Tuscan cuisine with an elegant and refined presentation, focusing on high-quality, seasonal ingredients.
Enoteca Spontanea [$30-$50] – A natural wine bar and small kitchen near Piazza Santo Spirito, serving a concise, creative menu of Tuscan dishes with French echoes and excellent natural wines.
Casa Ciabattini [$30-$50] – Offers a focus on circular cuisine and fresh pasta made on a visible counter, with young chefs proposing traditional and balanced Tuscan dishes.
Ora d’Aria [$100-$180] – A one-Michelin-starred restaurant that offers two menus: one focused on contemporary Florentine tradition and a more experimental one, known for its refined atmosphere.
Il Palagio (Four Seasons Hotel) [$150-$250] – A Michelin-starred restaurant located within the opulent Four Seasons Hotel, offering elegant Italian and Tuscan cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients in a grand setting.
Borgo San Jacopo [$120-$200] – A Michelin-starred restaurant with an intimate, romantic setting right on the Arno River, known for its creative fusion of traditional Tuscan ingredients and contemporary techniques.
Santa Elisabetta (Hotel Brunelleschi) [$200-$350] – A two-Michelin-starred restaurant offering an exclusive, intimate experience within the historic Pagliazza Tower, featuring highly creative and sophisticated cuisine.
Saporium Firenze [$150-$230] – A modern culinary gem with a commitment to sustainability and farm-to-table, offering innovative cuisine rooted in Tuscan tradition in a sleek, minimalist setting.
Atto di Vito Mollica [$100-$180] – Located in the historic Palazzo Portinari Salviati, this gourmet restaurant offers a sophisticated and contemporary dining experience.
Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura [$150-$250] – A one-Michelin-starred restaurant blending Italian tradition with playful international influences in a stylish space near the Gucci Garden. While touristy, the quality and unique concept make it noteworthy.
All’Antico Vinaio [$10-$15] – While incredibly popular and touristy, it is a must-mention for its historical significance and excellence in Florentine street food. Famous for its enormous, delicious schiacciata (flatbread) sandwiches.
Il Trippaio di San Frediano [$10-$15] – A classic, local trippaio (tripe vendor) street food cart, famous for serving Lampredotto (a Florentine delicacy) and tripe dishes.
Procacci [$15-$30] – A sophisticated luxury deli and Florentine institution on Via de’ Tornabuoni, famous for its tiny, signature truffle panini and excellent wine selection.
Le Volpi e l’Uva [$20-$35] – A popular, cozy enoteca (wine bar) near Ponte Vecchio, specializing in high-quality wines by the glass paired with excellent cheese and charcuterie boards (taglieri).
Il Santino [$20-$35] – The small wine bar annex of Il Santo Bevitore, offering high-quality wines and small bites crostoni (large open-faced sandwiches) and affettati (cured meats) for a quick, sophisticated stop.
Casa del Vino [$15-$30] – A historic, tiny wine bar near the Mercato Centrale, known for its extensive list of wines by the glass and traditional small bites like crostini and lampredotto.
Enoteca Fuori Porta [$25-$45] – Located in the Oltrarno, known for its extensive wine list and crostoni (large toasted sandwiches), offering a relaxed and local atmosphere, especially on the terrace.
Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina [$35-$60] – Facing the Pitti Palace, this enoteca focuses on high-end, smaller production wines and offers delicious, elevated pasta dishes and charcuterie boards in a chic setting.
Il Magazzino [$20-$35] – One of the few dedicated restaurants to trippa and lampredotto (offal dishes), celebrating the city’s beloved, adventurous offal traditions beyond the street cart.
Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio [$15-$30] – Not a single restaurant, but a favorite local market with numerous food stalls, including places like Semel Street Food (gourmet paninis) and simple bars, perfect for a casual, authentic lunch.
Zeb [$25-$40] – A modern, counter-service restaurant run by a mother and son, focusing on fresh pasta and whatever is on the stove that day, offering high-quality food in a contemporary, simple setting.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Locale Firenze: Housed within a 16th-century Medici-era palazzo in the city center, this sophisticated bar offers expertly crafted, often avant-garde cocktails in a stunning, opulent setting, making it one of the top bars in the world.
Rasputin: Florence’s original speakeasy, this mysterious, dimly lit underground bar is hidden in plain sight somewhere in the Santo Spirito district. It provides an exclusive, elegant 1920s atmosphere and focuses on classic and whiskey-based drinks.
Manifattura: Located in Piazza di S. Pancrazio, this sophisticated bar is a true homage to Italian cocktail culture, using only 100% Italian spirits, bitters, and liqueurs in its inventive, ‘Made in Italy’ drinks.
Atrium Bar (Four Seasons Hotel Firenze): A luxurious bar within the grand Four Seasons Hotel in the Palazzo della Gherardesca (near the Duomo area), offering impeccable service and creative signature and classic cocktails in a gorgeous, high-end environment.
Bitter Bar: Found in the Santa Croce area (Via di Mezzo), this establishment applies refined gastronomic techniques to mixology, using unique infusions and cask-aging to create complex, quality cocktails in an unpretentious setting.
Gucci Giardino 25: An exquisitely designed, chic bar within the Gucci Garden complex near Piazza della Signoria, helmed by a top Italian mixologist and known for its inventive, high-end cocktails like the “Purple Negroni.”
Mad Souls & Spirits: A quirky, unpretentious, and popular bar in the Oltrarno’s San Frediano district, known for its creative, often experimental cocktails listed on a “Daily Madness” board, all served in a laid-back, “dive pub” style.
REX Bar: A popular late-night spot on Via Fiesolana (near Sant’Ambrogio), featuring naval-themed decor inspired by an old transatlantic ship. It offers both an aperitivo scene and a bustling late-night bar with craft cocktails and DJ sets.
Mayday Club: Located in the city center on Via Dante Alighieri, this bar is known for its warm, vintage décor and dim lighting. It offers a wide selection of inventive craft cocktails and is a great spot to wind down with a stiff drink.
La Ménagère: Originally a houseware shop, this concept-restaurant/bar near the Central Market offers a spacious, shabby-chic aesthetic. It features a separate cocktail bar area known for its consistently updated and high-quality mixed drinks.
Colle Bereto: A modern cocktail bar located in the elegant Piazza degli Strozzi in the historic center. It’s a great spot for aperitivo with refined cocktails and a sleek, contemporary atmosphere.
Caffè Gilli: A historic café and a guaranteed name in Piazza della Repubblica. It’s an excellent spot for a classic aperitivo and is particularly renowned for its superb Negroni, sipped on its well-maintained outdoor terrace.
Ditta Artigianale: With multiple locations, including near the Duomo, this establishment is a must-visit for juniper distillate lovers. It offers a massive selection of gins (over 150 labels) for Gin & Tonics and other classic cocktails.
Empireo Rooftop Bar (Hotel Lucchesi): A spacious rooftop bar near the Santa Croce area, offering stunning, expansive views of the city’s skyline, perfect for sunset drinks in a more casual, youthful atmosphere.
Fusion Bar (Gallery Art Hotel): Situated near the Ponte Vecchio, this bar within a design hotel is one of the few places in Florence that deliciously experiments with Japanese and South American suggestions in its cocktail and tapas menu.
Tenax: Located outside the main city center (about a 15-minute drive), this is arguably the most famous and largest proper nightclub in Florence. It’s legendary for attracting big-name international DJs and focusing on electronic and house music.
YAB: Situated right in the historic city center on Via dei Sassetti, this is one of Florence’s best-known nightclubs, featuring an international vibe and a large dance floor that plays commercial and house music.
Space Electronic: A large, multi-level discotheque near the train station, offering an experiential clubbing atmosphere. The downstairs is a bar/lounge, while the upstairs features a large dance floor with a mix of commercial and house music.
Flò: A popular summer-only outdoor club perched on a hill in Piazzale Michelangelo, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Florence, making it a prime spot for a trendy, open-air party experience until the early hours.
Full Up Club: A popular central nightclub on Via della Vigna Vecchia (near Piazza Santa Croce) known for its distinctive English-style furnishings and a lively, high-energy atmosphere with a mix of commercial and electronic music.
Blue Velvet: One of the most popular clubs in the city center, known for attracting a fashionable crowd and featuring DJ sets with international and local guests, often playing commercial and house music.
Babylon Club: A popular central nightclub that hosts theme nights and plays a mix of commercial and house music, often popular with both locals and the international student community.
The Blob Club: An intimate, two-story venue in the historic center (near the Uffizi Gallery) that provides a casual and friendly clubbing experience, often playing a mix of international and commercial hits.
Otel Firenze: Located on the far side of the Arno (Via Generale dalla Chiesa), this evocative venue functions as a restaurant earlier in the evening before transforming into a nightclub with a sophisticated atmosphere and diverse music.
Club TwentyOne: An unpretentious, straightforward venue in the historic center, between the Duomo and Piazza Della Signoria, providing an airy, no-frills dance floor for those focused purely on dancing.