Booking a trip to Florence is a fantastic experience. Whether it’s your first visit or a return journey, nothing compares to its charm. I must admit, I love Florence, so I might be a bit biased. Having traveled there often, I would love to share my Florence travel tips with you. From must-see attractions to what to wear and the best time to visit. These 21 tips will help you make the most of your visit and ensure you have an unforgettable experience in this beautiful city.
Florence Travel Tips
Florence is bursting with incredible sights and activities. Every corner you turn reveals a scene straight out of a dream. It’s a city I’ve never grown tired of, and I doubt I ever will. Having explored it so often, I’m excited to share some of my top Florence travel tips to ensure you have an unforgettable adventure! Ready to discover the magic of Florence? Let’s dive in!
Finding The Best Time To Visit Florence Is Important
Florence travel tip #1: You’ve decided to travel to Florence but want to know the best times to do this. One, stay away from the summer months. One, not only is it crowded but it is very hot. Florence sits in a valley, so to speak, so there are not a ton of breezes, and the air becomes pretty stagnant in the summer months. Just think hot, sticky, and humid. My recommendation for visiting is in the off-season. But let’s be honest, in large Italian cities, there is hardly an off-season anymore. So when should you go? It’s best to plan your visit for the time between September and April. I was just there at the beginning of May, and it was pretty crowded.
When You Should You Book Hotels and Activities
Florence travel tip #2: I strongly encourage you to book everything in advance, even if you aren’t visiting during peak season. Find the hotel and the activities you want to do and book them before leaving. It’s wise to do this because things sell out, and I don’t even want to mention the lines you will be standing in just waiting to get a ticket. Ugh!
How Many Days Are Needed For Florence
Florence travel tip #3: I recommend at least three days. Florence is small but packs a mighty punch. Trying to see everything in just two days will leave you exhausted, to say the least.
Florence travel tip #4: Florence is a walkable city. Be prepared to walk…a lot. There is a tram that you can use. It can take you from one end of Florence to the other but count on getting around by walking.
Top Must-See and Do Activities
Florence travel tip #5: Visit the Uffizi Gallery. This world-famous gallery, which was constructed between 1560 and 1580, houses many famous paintings. It is very large, so plan on spending a good amount of time here.
Florence travel tip #6: Visit the Boboli Gardens behind Palazzo Pitti. The Medici family created this beautiful, lush green Italian garden in the 16th century. These gardens are the most consequential example of Italian Renaissance landscaping.
Florence travel tip #7: Visit the Oblate library. It’s a short walk from Piazza Duomo. The main entrance is at Via dell’Oriuolo 26. Inside, there are three levels. I would love to recommend the second level. Here, you will get a really good view of Brunelleschi’s Dome from its large terrace. You can enjoy this view with a cup of coffee from the café on the same level.
Florence travel tip #8: Visit Ponte de Vecchio (The Old Bridge). This is an iconic bridge that is a must-see. It crosses the Arno River at its narrowest point. Many jewelry stores lined the bridge, but long before this, it used to house butcher shops. The bridge was originally constructed in 1345 and was the only one the Germans did not destroy during WWII. Rumor has it that it was ordered not to be destroyed by Hitler. Apparently, Hitler claimed it was too beautiful to destroy.
Florence travel tip #9: Visit Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. The oldest pharmacy in the world. However, being called a pharmacy doesn’t mean it sells medicines. You will find products such as soaps, balms, liqueurs, potpourri, and perfumes. It is still committed to natural ingredients and tradition. If you are looking for a beautiful gift for someone or yourself, this is the place to get it.
Click here for their website.
Florence travel tip #10: Visit The Medici Chapels in the Basilica of San Lorenzo. They are the Chapel of the Princes (Cappella dei Principi) and the New Sacristy (Sagrestia Nuova). The Chapel of the Princes is the final resting place for all the Medici Grand Dukes. The New Sacristy is the final resting place for notable Medici family members and was designed by Michelangelo.
Florence travel tip #11: Visit the Duomo Complex. This is one of the main attractions in Florence and a must-see. You’ll definitely want to book your tickets in advance, plan to get there first thing in the morning, and get queued in the line for advanced ticket holders.
Florence travel tip #12: Visit Palazzo Vecchio, Florence’s town hall, which was built in the late 1300s and is located in Piazza della Signoria. For breathtaking panoramic views of Florence, climb the 418 steps up the tower. You will be greatly rewarded. Inside the Palazzo are chambers with beautiful pieces of art and frescoes.
Florence travel tip #13: Visit Galleria dell’Accademia. Want an up-close and personal experience with the “real” statute of David? This is where you will get it. You will also have a chance to admire other beautiful art pieces. My favorite was the room filled with 19th-century plaster casts by Lorenzo Bartolini.
Florence travel tip #14: Visit Oltrarno on the other side of the Arno River. This area has some really great neighborhoods and a little less touristy. Enjoy walking through these quieter neighborhoods such as San Niccolò, San Miniato, and San Frediano.
Florence travel tip #15: Find the wine windows throughout the city. These are little arched windows built on the sides of street-level buildings where you can order a glass of wine right from the street. The history of these wine windows dates back to the 16th century when they were used to cut the middleman out by selling wine directly to the customer from the wine cellars.
Florence travel tip #16: Book tours. I strongly recommend booking tours, as you’ll be amazed at the wealth of history and information you’ll uncover. Tours can be pretty affordable, especially self-guided walking tours, so don’t overlook this tip. I prefer guided tours because they offer fascinating insights and stories you wouldn’t discover just by reading about the places and sights you’ll visit.
Florence travel tip #17: Enjoy gelato at the oldest gelateria in Florence, Gelateria Perchè No. (My personal favorite). Located at Via dei Tavolini, 19r, 50122 Firenze.
Learn About The Family That Shaped Florence
Florence travel tip #18: The Medici family, a powerful and impactful dynasty, played a crucial role in shaping Florence’s political, economic, and cultural landscape during the Renaissance. They rose in power, starting as bankers and becoming one of the most influential families in Europe.
What To Wear
Florence travel tip #19: For the love of God, please find the most comfortable shoes you own. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so you need to keep your feet happy. For all the ladies, leave your heels at home. Sandals are fine as long as they are supportive and comfy. (No flip flops; those are for the beach.)
Florence travel tip #20: You will most likely be entering many churches, so keep in mind that your knees and shoulders must be covered before you enter. Men, no shorts, and women, no tanks, shorts, or short skirts.
Where To Eat
Florence travel tip #21: You’ll want to eat where the locals eat. Steer clear of the touristy areas. Why? The food is typically not authentic, and the prices are insane. I’m not saying you shouldn’t sit outside a café in a beautiful touristy setting like the Duomo Complex and enjoy an overpriced espresso because it is pretty amazing. Do make reservations in advance for your dinners at places where the locals dine. Below are two of my favorite restaurants.
Antica Mescita- Restaurant, Via di S. Niccolò, 60 r, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy Osteria Pastella- Restaurant, Via della Scala, 17 R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Use Florence As Your Hub
Florence travel tip #22: Florence is a great place to stay if you plan on doing day trips throughout Tuscany. (Check out my Lucca day trip and my Siena day trip from Florence.)You can easily take trains from Santa Maria Novella Train Station in Florence to the other larger Tuscan towns. Some Tuscan towns, like Montepulciano, don’t have a train station, but you can still visit by taking the train to Chiusi-Chianciano Terme and then getting on a bus to Montepulciano.
FAQs
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions.
Where should I stay in Florence for the first time?
If this is your first time, staying in the city center is the best location. Everything is at your fingertips.
Is Florence safe at night?
As a solo traveler, I felt completely safe at night. The crime rate is low, and everything is very well-lit.
Do you tip in Florence?
Tipping isn’t a requirement. However, if you feel that any service you received was exceptional, a small thank-you tip is always nice to leave.
Conclusion
Florence is an amazing city. It is by far my favorite city to visit while in Tuscany. If you love walkable cities and the Renaissance period, then Florence is for you. With the Florence Travel Tips I have laid out in this post, you will have an incredible journey through its historic streets and get to know the city through guided tours. You may find that this breathtaking city might just be your favorite, too.
Pin It To Read Later
