Heart of the Renaissance, bistecca and Tuscan hills
Ranked by interestingness score, based on real experience
Florence's most iconic viewpoint. Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio and Tuscan hills in one frame. It gets crowded at sunset, but it's rightfully crowded — the view is amazing.
Brunelleschi's dome defines the city's skyline. As you climb 463 steps, Florence is under your feet. Entrance to the cathedral is free, but the dome has a separate ticket and you have to choose a date.
The graves of Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli and Rossini are in this church. Its Gothic façade overlooks Piazza Santa Croce. The Giotto frescoes inside are also good, but most tourists focus on the tombs.
Botticelli's The Birth of Venus and Spring paintings are here. Where Renaissance painting from A to Z is gathered under one roof. In the summer months, don't go to the gate without a ticket — the queue lasts hours.
Florence's town hall is still in active use, but most of it is a museum. View from Duomo level when you climb the Arnolfo Tower. Inside, the Salone dei Cinquecento is huge — Vasari frescoes line the ceiling.
Michelangelo's David statue is here. The 5-meter marble giant is of a size that cannot be understood in the photo. Also impressive are the unfinished captive sculptures — you see Michelangelo's process.
The medieval bridge over the Arno is lined with jewelery shops on both sides. There used to be butchers, but when Medici complained about the smell, they were replaced with jewelers. The light reflected from the Arno at sunset is impressive.
19th-century covered arcade building inside the San Lorenzo Market. The lower floor contains fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, cheese; upstairs food stands (lampredotto, bistecca, pizza, gelato). Perfect for lunch.
The main palace of the Medici family. There are five separate museums inside: Palatina Gallery (Raffaello, Tiziano), Silver Museum, Costume Museum. Behind it, Boboli Gardens is an Italian garden on the hill.
The open-air market around the Basilica of San Lorenzo is full of leather goods, souvenirs and Italian brands. The Medici Chapels (Cappelle Medicee) inside contain Michelangelo's tomb sculptures.
What will you do from hour to hour, from morning to evening?
Explore the city centre, from Duomo to Uffizi
Early morning dome appointment. 463 steps but the view is worth everything.
Online ticketed entry. Botticelli, Leonardo, Michelangelo — at least 3 hours.
The most famous sandwich in the world. Wait in line, eat while walking.
Cross the bridge and discover the south bank of the Arno.
By bus number 12 or on foot. Buy a bottle of Chianti, sit down and watch.
Native Tuscan cuisine at the communal table. Make a reservation.
Medici legacy from Accademia to Palazzo Pitti
Go first thing in the morning. Michelangelo's David meets. 1-2 hours is enough.
Browse at the leather market, Michelangelo tomb statues in the chapels.
Lampredotto sandwich + glass of red. Florence street food ritual.
Medici palace and the Italian garden behind it. The Raffaello collection is not to be missed.
Aperol Spritz in Santo Spirito square.
Bistecca alla fiorentina night. 1 kg is enough for two people.
Artisans, gelato and saying goodbye
Graves of Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli. Giotto frescoes.
Visit to a leather workshop behind Santa Croce. Name printing gift.
The legend of butter chicken breast. Small place, big taste.
800-year-old pharmacy-perfumery. Ideal for gift shopping.
Last gelato, sit in the square, say goodbye to Florence.
Fine dining or a simple trattoria depending on your budget.
One week holiday plan with sightseeing tours
Start with Duomo + Uffizi
Early morning dome appointment. 463 steps, view of Florence.
Botticelli, Leonardo, Michelangelo. At least 3 hours.
Florence's iconic sandwich.
Town hall, Loggia dei Lanzi sculpture gallery.
Local Tuscan classics at the communal table.
From David to Medici Chapels
Statue of David and unfinished captive statues.
Browse the market and see Michelangelo's latest works in the chapels.
Lampredotto sandwich or upstairs food stands.
800-year-old pharmacy perfumery after the Gothic-Renaissance church.
Watch the sunset with Chianti.
Classic trattoria with prosciutto hanging from the ceiling.
Palazzo Pitti, Boboli and the south bank of the Arno
Palatina Gallery (Raffaello) and Italian garden.
Butter chicken breast classic.
Tour small leather, paper and wood workshops on the south bank of the Arno.
Jewelers on the bridge, viewing the Vasari corridor from outside.
Negroni (invented in Florence) in the bars on the square.
Bistecca alla fiorentina night.
Graves, leather and gelato
Tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli.
Leather workshop, name printing gift.
Gelato tasting and panini in the surrounding cafes.
The street where Gucci was born. Ferragamo Museum is free.
Historical square, ancient carousel and historical cafes.
Comfortable, fast, economical option.
A day in the Tuscan hills
1.5 hours by SITA bus or Trenitalia. Ticket from Autostazione.
The most beautiful square in Italy and the black and white marble cathedral.
Try pici (handmade thick pasta).
Discover the Contrada (neighbourhood) flags, Enoteca Italiana.
Return to Florence.
Eat around Santo Spirito or Santa Croce.
Wine, olive oil and hill towns
Car rental or organized tour. Vineyard tour + tasting.
Tuscan olive oil tasting is added to the vineyard visit.
Lunch in hill town.
Hiking in Montefioralle or Panzano.
Tuscan roads at sunset are worth seeing.
Big meal of the week: Michelin experience or favorite trattoria.
Free exploration and farewell
Bargello Museum (sculpture), Strozzi Palazzo (exhibition) or Uffizi again.
11th-century Romanesque church above Piazzale Michelangelo. There are fewer tourists, the view is just as beautiful.
All'Antico Vinaio, Mercato Centrale or your favorite trattoria.
Final tours in Officina Santa Maria Novella or San Lorenzo.
Have one last gelato, walk along the Arno, last look from Ponte Vecchio.
Last visit to your favorite place.
From local classics to hype places
Current Hype It would not be an exaggeration to call it the most famous sandwich shop in the world. The queue can take 30-60 minutes, but the focaccia sandwich you get for 5 EUR is worth it for its size and quality. Try the Schiacciata con la finocchiona (cold salami + cheese).
Local Classic A 70-year-old family restaurant where people queue for lunch. You share tables with people you don't know. Bistecca alla fiorentina can be eaten here at affordable prices. It is closed in the evening.
Local Classic He's been making gelato since 1930. All tourist guides have it, but the quality has not decreased. Crema dell'amicizia and cioccolato fondent are flavors that must be tasted. Two blocks from Santa Croce.
Local Classic Stall inside the covered market. He has been making lampredotto (tripe) sandwiches since 1872. The Florentine classic with lampredotto in green sauce + a glass of red wine for 7-8 EUR is okay.
Local Classic Open since 1886, Florentine classics in its underground hall. You say Bistecca alla fiorentina by weight — 1 kg is enough for two people. The wine list is mainly Tuscan.
Local Classic A tiny place that has been working with the same recipes since 1869. The butter chicken breast (petto di pollo al burro) is legendary. The tables are narrow, the service is fast, the atmosphere is friendly. Reservation by phone.
Premium Florence's 2 Michelin star fine dining address. It has one of the largest wine cellars in Italy — 100,000+ bottles. Tasting menu requires a serious budget, but it is a lasting experience.
Current Hype A classic Tuscan trattoria with prosciutto hanging from the ceiling and sitting at long tables with strangers. There is no menu — what goes around comes around. The portion is huge, including wine.
Entertainment from evening to morning
Current Hype Craft cocktail bar in Oltrarno. Creative cocktails, small venue, friendly atmosphere. A pioneer of Florence's artisan cocktail scene. It would be better if you make a reservation.
Local Classic An independent bookstore by day, it turns into a wine bar by night. Tuscan wines, literary events, calm music. The center of Florence's intellectual nightlife.
Local Classic Neighborhood square on the south bank of the Arno. In the evenings, bar terraces and benches in the square are filled with young people. Buying wine from the supermarket and sitting in the square is also classic. Volume Club and Pop Cafe are nearby.
Current Hype The biggest nightclub in Florence. International DJs, techno and house mainly focus on weekends. It's a bit far from the center but can be reached by night bus or taxi.
Current Hype Iconic cafe on the corner of the square since 1872. Drinking hot chocolate or Negroni while looking at the Palazzo Vecchio lighting at night is part of the Florence experience. Tourist price but location is priceless.
Premium The rooftop bar on the seventh floor of the Gallery Hotel Art; From its two panoramic terraces, the Duomo, Giotto Tower and Palazzo Vecchio are in the palm of your hand. The legendary La Terrazza in Continentale was moved here, and a covered section was added — so even if it rains, the view is yours. Cocktails are salty but paid for sunset.
Gift, local, premium
The oldest pharmacy in the world, founded by monks in 1221. It sells perfumes, soaps, creams — the building itself is like a museum. Acqua di Colonia Santa Maria Novella classic is perfect for a gift.
Leatherworking school and workshop behind the Basilica of Santa Croce. He has been providing craft training since 1950. The products are expensive, but the quality is guaranteed — they have your name stamped in gold.
Florence's luxury shopping street. Gucci (born here!), Ferragamo, Prada, Roberto Cavalli side by side. Ferragamo Museum is also on this street — it has free exhibitions.
Leather jackets, bags, belts and wallets are everywhere at the open-air stalls around the basilica. There is a culture of bargaining — 30-40% off the initial price is normal. But the countertop quality is variable; Make sure it is real leather.
The jewelery shops on the bridge have been here since the 16th century. Gold, silver and jewelery workmanship is top notch. Prices are high, but even a window tour is nice. If you are going to shop, compare several shops.
When to go, how to get there, city transportation, accommodation, budget and practical tips.
Florence is a small city, but it is unique in the world with the density of art it fits into every square meter. With a population of 380,000, it is smaller than a district of Istanbul, but according to UNESCO, it contains approximately thirty percent of the world's works of art. The northern side of the city (Centro Storico), which is divided into two by the Arno River, is full of museums and cathedrals, while the southern side (Oltrarno) is more local with artisan workshops and neighborhood bars.
The Medici family ruled this city for 300 years and financed all the artists of the period, from Botticelli to Michelangelo, with the money they earned from banking. The result: walking around Florence today, you come across a masterpiece at every corner. Brunelleschi's dome defines the city's skyline, the Uffizi houses the world's densest Renaissance collection, and the Ponte Vecchio has stood over the Arno for 600 years.
But Florence is not just a museum. It is also the capital of Tuscan cuisine. Bistecca alla fiorentina (wood-fired T-bone), lampredotto sandwich, ribollita soup and, of course, gelato — this is daily life here. Chianti vineyards are half an hour away, and Siena and San Gimignano are within day trip distance. You can capture the essence of the city in 3 days, and add Tuscany in 7 days.
Florence has a Mediterranean transitional climate; Summers are hot and dry, winters are warm and rainy. April-June and September-October are the best periods.
| Period | Weather (daytime) | Density | Otel Fiyatı | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January-February | 2 / 10° | Low | Low | Quiet season; museum queues are short, the Tuscan winter is sad but beautiful |
| March | 5 / 15° | Medium | Medium | The beginning of spring; Scoppio del Carro during Easter week |
| April | 8 / 19° | High | High | Easter + beginning of Maggio Musicale; ideal weather |
| May | 12 / 24° | High | High | The most recommended month; perfect for the outdoors, yet not oppressively hot |
| June | 16 / 29° | Very High | Very High | Calcio Storico + San Giovanni festival; crowded but the atmosphere is very good |
| July-August | 19 / 34° | Very High | High | Sweltering heat; Italians go on holiday in August, some venues close |
| September | 15 / 27° | High | High | Second best period; Rificolona festival, vintage harvest begins |
| October | 10 / 21° | Medium | Medium | Tuscan autumn colors are exquisite; good price period |
| November | 6 / 14° | Low | Low | Rainy but calm; bargaining period |
| December | 3 / 10° | Medium | Medium | Christmas markets; Weihnachtsmarkt-style market in Piazza Santa Croce |
In summer, Florence can be even hotter than Rome due to its mountainside location — 38°C days are common. There is little shade on the narrow cobblestone streets, and museum queues are long under the sun. If you are coming in summer, we recommend that you leave early in the morning and take a siesta in the afternoon.
Florence's main airport Amerigo Vespucci (FLR) is just 5 km from the city centre. Alternatively, Pisa's Galileo Galilei (PSA) airport is 80 km away but there are more low-cost flight options.
| Origin City | Duration | Frequency (approximately) |
|---|---|---|
| Istanbul (IST) | 3 hours | 2-3 flights per day (THY direct, Pegasus connecting) |
| Rome (FCO) | 1 hour 10 min (airplane) / 1.5 hours (high-speed train) | Trains hourly, 4-5 flights per day |
| Milan (MXP/LIN) | 1.5 hours (plane) / 1 hour 45 min (high-speed train) | Hourly train |
| London (LHR/STN/LGW) | 2 hours 15 min | 5-8 times a day |
| Paris (CDG/ORY) | 2 hours | 4-6 times a day |
Train option: Florence's main train station Santa Maria Novella (SMN) is in the very center of the city. 1.5 hours from Rome via Frecciarossa, 1 hour 45 minutes from Milan, 2 hours from Venice. Train is the most practical option for traveling within Italy — you arrive directly at the center without airport transfer time.
Flight ticket tips: Pisa airport (PSA) is usually cheaper than FLR. Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air fly to Pisa. You can get from PSA to Florence by PisaMover + train in 1.5 hours for 15 EUR. Compare the total cost.
Florence is a city that can be explored on foot. Most of the Centro Storico is within the ZTL (vehicular zone). There are no long distances between the Colosseum and the Pantheon as in Rome; 10 minutes walk from Duomo to Ponte Vecchio.
Airport to center (FLR):
From Pisa airport (PSA):
Inner city:
Centro Storico (Duomo / Santa Maria Novella area): Walking distance to everywhere. Ideal for a first visit. 5 minutes from Duomo, close to train station. Prices are in the upper range.
Oltrarno (Santo Spirito / San Frediano): South bank of the Arno, local atmosphere is stronger. Artisan workshops, neighborhood bars, evening life. 5-10 minutes from Centro via Ponte Vecchio. Our recommendation for young couples and long stays.
Santa Croce area: The east side of Centro is a little quieter and more affordable. Santa Croce square is lively in the evenings. Walking distance to Uffizi. Suitable for families and medium budget.
Near San Lorenzo / Mercato Centrale: Close to the train station, market atmosphere. There are many budget-friendly options. It might be a little noisier at night.
Fiesole (hill town): 8 km north of the city, 25 minutes by bus number 7. View of Florence, tranquility and boutique hotels. For those who have a car or want a quiet holiday.
| Budget Style | Accommodation (night) | Food (day) | Activity/Transportation | Total 3 days (person) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backpacker (hostel, sandwich + market, free spots) | 25-45 EUR | 20-30 EUR | 30-50 EUR | 225-375 EUR |
| Moderate (3* hotel, trattoria, main museums) | 90-150 EUR | 45-65 EUR | 60-80 EUR | 585-885 EUR |
| Comfort (4* hotel Centro, good restaurants, guided tour) | 180-300 EUR | 70-110 EUR | 80-120 EUR | 990-1.590 EUR |
| Luxury (5* hotel, fine dining, private guide) | 400 EUR+ | 180 EUR+ | 150 EUR+ | 2.190 EUR+ |
Since Florence is a small city, transportation costs are significantly lower than Rome — most things can be done on foot. The main items are museum tickets and food.
Savings items: On the first Sunday of every month, state museums (Uffizi, Accademia, Palazzo Pitti) are free — but the queues last hours. Piazzale Michelangelo, Ponte Vecchio, Loggia dei Lanzi, many churches are free. Firenze Card (85 EUR / 72 hours) gives unlimited entry to 30+ museums; It is affordable if you are planning 3+ large museums.
Florence is a medium difficulty city with children. Since it is mostly museums, young children may get bored, but with the right planning, it will be a great family holiday. Italians love children — in the restaurant, on the street, in the museum, everyone is interested.
0-3 years: Boboli Gardens are large and green, stroller-friendly (the upper part is stony). The ancient carousel in Piazza della Repubblica is great for little kids. But the cobblestones and narrow sidewalks are just as challenging as in Rome.
4-7 years: Palazzo Vecchio has special "Museum Adventures" tours for kids — in a secret passages and treasure hunt format. Gelato tours are the biggest motivation for this age. It's fun to browse the food stands at Mercato Centrale.
8-12 years: Duomo dome climbing is full of adventure (narrow stairs, height). The size comparison in front of the statue of David is impressive. The Roman theater ruins and hill views in Fiesole are beautiful. Name printing activity is popular in leather workshops.
Ages 13+: The Uffizi and Accademia attract art enthusiasts. Oltrarno's street culture, gelato challenge (best gelateria competition), Via de' Tornabuoni shopping and Chianti vineyard tour appeal to young people.
Palazzo Vecchio Children's Tours — The municipal museum has special children's programs: secret passages, treasure hunts, costumed guides. Make a reservation in advance via museicivicifiorentini.it.
Duomo Dome Climb — Climbing 463 steps is an adventure for kids. The hell frescoes (Vasari) on the inner surface of the dome are impressive. We recommend ages over 6; May not be suitable for claustrophobic children.
Gelato Tour — Try different gelateria every day: Vivoli, La Carraia, Gelateria della Passera. You will need to set a daily gelato limit for the kids.
Boboli Gardens — Running around the giant Italian garden, statue hunting and grotto (Grotta del Buontalenti) exploration. It takes half a day.
Mercato Centrale Food Discovery — Everyone chooses what they want from the food stands upstairs: pizza, gelato, pastry, lampredotto. Interactive dining experience for kids.
Baby stroller: Florence's narrow sidewalks and cobblestones are challenging. A light and durable model with wheels is a must. The main streets (Via dei Calzaiuoli, Via del Corso) are straight and wide. Most museums have elevators or ramps.
Children's menu: Official children's menus are rare in Italian restaurants. Ask for a “mezza porzione” (half portion) — they usually accept it. Pizza margherita and pasta al burro (butter pasta) are universal kid favorites.
Child ticket: Children under the age of 6 are free at state museums. Discounted for ages 6-17 (EU citizens under 18 are free, others are discounted). Buses and trams are free with adults and children under the age of 10.
Toilet: Available in museums and restaurants. Very few on the streets — there are public toilets at Santa Maria Novella station and Mercato Centrale (0.50-1 EUR).
How many days to visit Florence? 3 full days are enough for the main museums and landmarks in the city centre. 5-7 days is ideal if you want to add Tuscany day trips (Siena, San Gimignano, Chianti). Since the city is small, it is not a "one week is not enough" situation like Rome or Paris — but if you like a slow pace, 5 days is very enjoyable.
How to buy Uffizi and Accademia tickets? Buy tickets with date and time on uffizi.it. In summer months, it is necessary to order 2-3 weeks in advance, in winter months 3-5 days may be sufficient. Firenze Card (85 EUR / 72 hours) covers both and skips the queue.
Florence or Rome? They are two different experiences. Roman history, massive ruins and chaotic city energy; Florence condensed Renaissance art, walkable scale, and Tuscan cuisine. If it's Italy first, make time for both — 1.5 hours with Frecciarossa in between.
Where to eat Bistecca alla fiorentina? Trattoria Mario (budget-friendly, lunch), Buca Mario (classic, evening), Il Latini (touristy but fun). Bistecca is sold by weight, 1 kg is enough for two people. Medium-rare income, other cooking demand is not common.
How to get to Chianti vineyards? Organized tour (40-80 EUR, including transportation + 2-3 vineyards + lunch) is the most practical option. If you rent a car, Greve in Chianti is 45 minutes, Castellina is 1 hour. No train options — Chianti is rural.
What would Florence be like with a child? Since it is a museum-dominated city, there is a risk of boredom for young children. Balancing activities include Palazzo Vecchio children's tours, gelato tours, Boboli Gardens and Duomo dome climbing. A much more productive experience for those over the age of 6.
Do you need a car in Florence? Absolutely not in the city — entering the ZTL zone means a fine (about 100 EUR). It is useful for day trips to Tuscany, but organized tours or trains are also alternatives. If you are going to rent a car, pick up/drop off at a location outside the city.
Is it possible to go to Pisa on a day trip? Yes, 1 hour by train. The Leaning Tower + Baptistery + Cathedral square can be seen in 2-3 hours. Go early in the morning, return to Florence in the afternoon. Pisa alone wouldn't fill a full day.
When is the cheapest period? November-February (except Christmas-New Year's Eve) is the most affordable period. The weather may be cold and rainy, but museums are calm, queues are short, hotel prices are 30-50% lower.
eSIM or line recommendation? TIM and Vodafone Italia offer tourist packages at the airport for 25-30 EUR. It is more practical to purchase a Holafly, Airalo or Saily eSIM in advance. Wi-Fi is common in cafes and hotels.
Festivals, concerts and public holidays — 2026 calendar
Sep 7, 2026
Piazza Santissima Annunziata
On the evening of September 7, children and adults walk around the city with paper lanterns (rificolone). It meets in Piazza Santissima Annunziata. A kid-friendly, friendly neighborhood festival atmosphere.
Official source →Apr 25, 2027 – Jun 30, 2027
Teatro del Maggio and the city in general
Opera, ballet and classical music festival that has been running since 1933. One of the most prestigious music events in Italy. The new Maggio building (designed by Zaha Hadid) has outstanding acoustics.
Official source →Jun 10, 2027 – Jun 24, 2027
Piazza Santa Croce
A historical sport that dates back to the 16th century and is a mixture of football + rugby + wrestling. Four neighborhoods (Santa Croce, Santa Maria Novella, Santo Spirito, San Giovanni) compete fiercely. The final is played on San Giovanni day, 24 June. So hard, so loud, so authentic.
Official source →Current according to passport type
Schengen visa. 90 days in 180 days. VFS Global application through the Italian consulate.
Official application →Visa-free for up to 90 days in 180 days.
Visa-free.
Visa-free.
For application links and other countries, check the Turkish Passport Visa Guide.
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