The beautiful city of Florence, with its historic landscape, Renaissance heritage and world-famous sights, is an unbeatable travel destination. Whether you're looking for a bit of culture for a weekend break or inspiration for a longer stay, Florence has something to offer everyone.
From the Duomo di Firenze to Vasari's Corridor and beyond, here's why you need to visit Florence at least once in your life! With its stunning architecture, vibrant culture and rich history, it stands out as one of the most beautiful cities in Italy and Europe, offering travellers an inspiring experience that will stay with them forever.
What to visit in Florence
Florence is a must for any trip to Italy, famous for its art, architecture and picturesque beauty. Located in the Tuscany region, the city is one of Italy's jewels and attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world every year. We'll be exploring Florence's most emblematic landmarks and offering practical tips for a successful visit.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore - Il Duomo
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is a must-see for all visitors to Florence. This iconic church is located in the city centre and boasts a magnificent façade in white, green and pink marble.
The interior of the cathedral is just as impressive, with its frescoes and magnificent stained glass windows. If you're prepared to climb a few steps, you can also access the dome for an incredible view of the city.
The Uffizi Gallery: a must-see in Florence!
Florence is often referred to as the ‘museum city’, and with good reason! The Uffizi Gallery in Florence is one of the most famous museums in the world. It houses an immense collection of art, including works by Michelangelo, Raphael and Botticelli.
You absolutely must queue to see Botticelli's Birth of Venus, one of the museum's most famous masterpieces. We recommend that you book your tickets in advance to avoid the queues. You can also take a guided tour.
And don't forget that you can get free entry with the Florence Pass!
The Accademia Gallery
Florence's Galleria dell'Accademia, one of Tuscany's cultural gems, is a must-see destination for art lovers and history buffs alike. Nestled in the heart of this iconic Italian city, the gallery houses an impressive collection of works of art, but it is undoubtedly Michelangelo's David that is the undisputed star.
This iconic sculpture, carved from a single block of marble, is an embodiment of artistic perfection and an icon of the Italian Renaissance.
The Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio is a bridge spanning the River Arno in Florence, dating back to the 14th century. It is famous for its jewellery and gold shops. If you're a keen photographer, visit the bridge early in the morning for a unique, breathtaking view.
What to do in Florence Florence's local cuisine
Savour Florence not only with your eyes, but also with your taste buds. Florentine cuisine is a culinary treasure trove well worth exploring. From fresh pasta to meat dishes and local wines, every dish is a unique experience. In this article, we'll introduce you to Florence's local cuisine and tell you where to find the best dishes for an unforgettable dining experience.
Fresh pasta
The cuisine of Florence is famous for its pasta, and fresh pasta in particular. Pasta is often served with meat sauces, such as the famous Tuscan ragù. Try also tagliatelle with truffles, a delicious and refined dish.
You can find traditional restaurants serving fresh pasta in the Santo Spirito district, such as Il Santo Bevitore.
Meat
Meat also plays an important role in Florentine cuisine. Bistecca alla fiorentina is a must, a beef steak cooked over coals. It is often served with chips or grilled vegetables.
For an even more authentic experience, try offal, such as trippa alla fiorentina (tripe alla fiorentina) or lampredotto, a speciality made from beef tripe. You can try these local dishes at restaurants in the Mercato Centrale area, such as Nerbone.
Tuscan bread
Tuscan bread is a staple of Florence's local cuisine. It is often simple, unsalted, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. It is served as an accompaniment to many dishes, and sometimes even as a main course, for example when used to make panzanella, an Italian bread salad.
You can find fresh, delicious Tuscan bread in most of Florence's bakeries.
Local wines
Tuscany is famous for its fine wines, and Florence offers a variety of local wines. Chianti is the most famous, a fruity, robust red wine. Try also Brunello di Montalcino, a powerful and complex red wine, or Vernaccia di San Gimignano, a dry and fresh white wine.
You can find these local wines in Florence's wine bars, or even take a day trip to the vineyards to taste fresh wines directly from local producers.
Visit Florence: the magic of the Florentine Renaissance
Leonardo da Vinci, Michaelangelo and Botticelli: Florence is the cradle of the Italian Renaissance. A period that saw so much innovation in the arts, sciences and medicine. Here are the best museums to discover Renaissance Florence!
The Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Florence - This is an original museum, where models of Leonardo da Vinci's machines have been made into models that you can operate.
However, we advise you to book in advance on their website, as they are often fully booked.
Museo dell'Opera del Duomo - Museum located right next to the Cathedral. Lots of information on the construction of the cathedral and its influence over the centuries.
Museo Nazionale del Bargello - Known for its remarkable medieval architecture and imposing appearance, the National Museum houses works by outstanding Renaissance artists such as Michelangelo, Donatello and Giambologna.
