Welcome to our ultimate guide to Florence! This breathtaking city is not only a true gem in Tuscany, but also in the whole world. In our guide, we'll take you on an unforgettable journey through the fascinating streets of Florence. Discover hidden corners, experience world-famous art and architecture, and enjoy the best Italian food. Get inspired and find out why Florence should be at the top of your travel list. Ready for an adventure? Then read on and be enchanted!
Florence Cathedral, widely known as the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, is the city's unmistakable landmark and is often the first on every visitor's list. With its impressive size, it is the fourth largest church in Europe and a technical marvel of the Renaissance.
The detailed frescoes inside the dome are particularly fascinating. On an area of 4000 square meters, countless scenes from heaven and hell are shown, which amaze the viewer. According to legend, the artist Vasari wanted to surpass Michelangelo's frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, but he was unable to complete his work before he died.
The 85-meter high Giotto Bell Tower, named after its architect, rises next to the cathedral. The Cathedral Complex also includes the Cathedral Museum, the Crypt and the Baptistery.
Admission to the Cathedral Church is free, but you can expect long queues. However, with the Brunelleschi Pass, you can immediately go in via a side door and gain access to the dome and all other areas of the complex.
The Climb to the Dome is challenging, as you have to climb 463 steps. But it's worth the effort: At an altitude of over 100 meters, a breathtaking 360-degree view of Florence and the surrounding mountains awaits you.
The Ponte Vecchio, the oldest and arguably most beautiful bridge across the Arno, dates back to the 14th century and is another iconic landmark of Florence. It is particularly remarkable that the bridge is almost completely built. Here you will find numerous small jewelry stores that have been selling fine jewelry since the 16th century.
The Vasari Corridor, a secret path that connects Palazzo Vecchio with Palazzo Pitti, runs above the boutiques. It was built to provide the Rulers of Florence with a safe and comfortable passage between the palaces.
The Accademia Gallery houses Michelangelo's famous statue of David. The sculpture, which is over 5 meters high, is the heart of the museum and attracts numerous visitors every year. Again, we recommend booking tickets in advance to reduce waiting times.
The Palazzo Vecchio, former Seat of Government of the Medici and today the Town Hall of Florence, is another highlight of the city with its distinctive bell tower. You can visit the courtyard for free and discover the secret passages, the Five Hundred Room and works of art by Vasari and Michelangelo in the museum. From the 95 meter high Arnolfo Tower, you also have a magnificent view of Florence.
Piazza della Signoria, just a few minutes' walk from the cathedral, is one of the most beautiful squares in Italy. Here you'll find the Fountain of Neptune and the Loggia dei Lanzi, which is decorated with copies of famous statues from Greek and Roman mythology. The originals can be seen in the Uffizi Gallery and other museums in the city.
The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most important art museums in the world. Works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael are exhibited here, including the famous painting “The Birth of Venus” by Sandro Botticelli.
Due to the high number of visitors, you should book tickets in advance to avoid long waiting times.
Piazzale Michelangelo arguably offers the best view of Florence. From this spacious square above the city, you have a magnificent view of the cathedral, the Palazzo Vecchio, the Ponte Vecchio and the Arno. Especially at sunset, the view is breathtaking.
Experience the magical sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo and be sure to stay a bit longer. After sunset, the square comes alive thanks to street musicians and a real party ensues. Street artists have never captivated us so much. An unforgettable Monday evening in Florence!
Palazzo Pitti was once one of the Medici Family's manors. The Huge Palace is on the other side of the Arno and is now home to several museums and galleries. These include the Galleria Palatina with the most important Medici art collection, a gallery of modern art and a costume gallery. You can also visit the Medici Royal Apartments.
The Palace includes the beautiful Boboli Garden, which invites you to relax with wide gravel paths, shady avenues and numerous statues. The Garden also offers impressive views of the city and is an ideal place for a relaxing afternoon.
The Boboli Garden, one of the largest Italian gardens, is part of the Pitti Palace and offers a magnificent view of Florence. With its wide gravel paths, statues and fountains, it is an ideal place for a relaxing afternoon. The ticket also includes admission to two museums, the Porcelain Museum and the Silver Museum.
If you have a bit more time, it's a great idea to have a picnic in the garden. Pack a blanket and a few snacks (& vino) and enjoy the view on a relaxing picnic. It's the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and spend a few hours surrounded by nature.
The church of Santa Croce, just a 10-minute walk from the cathedral, is not only architecturally impressive but also houses the tombs of Machiavelli, Michelangelo and Galileo Galilei. In addition to the church, you can also visit the Associated Chapels, the Church Museum and the Monastery Courtyard.
Santa Croce is less crowded than other sights in Florence, so you can enjoy the atmosphere here in peace and quiet.
Via de' Tornabuoni is home to the exclusive boutiques of the most famous Italian designers. Even if you're not planning on shopping here, a stroll through this elegant pedestrian zone, which is lined with magnificent medieval palaces, is worthwhile.
If you've planned a little more time in Florence and want to explore the city beyond the well-known sights, then these secret tips are just the thing for you. From hidden gardens to lesser-known places, Florence offers a wealth of discoveries that will make your trip unforgettable. Immerse yourself in authentic Florence and experience the city from a new perspective!
Below Piazzale Michelangelo is the Giardino delle Rose, a small but beautiful rose garden. With its well-kept rose bushes and sculptures, it is a popular retreat for locals. Here you can enjoy the view of Florence in peace and quiet.
The Galileo Museum is an exciting change from the many art museums in Florence. On three floors, you can discover historical scientific instruments, ancient books and maps. The Telescopes and Planetary Models, which bring the history of science to life, are particularly interesting.
Piazza Santo Spirito is the main meeting place of Florentine nightlife away from tourist crowds. In the evening, the church steps are filled with locals, who relax here with a glass of wine and good music. We can particularly recommend the Gustapizza pizzeria around the corner — perfect for a delicious pizza to go.
A visit to the church of San Miniato al Monte, which is located above Piazzale Michelangelo, is always worthwhile. The church is one of the highest in Florence and offers an incomparable view of the city from its terrace. The Climb to the Church is via a wide staircase, which is closed in the evening, so you should plan your visit accordingly.
A little off the beaten path is the Museo Stibbert, which was once the home of antique collector Frederick Stibbert. Here you can admire his extensive collection of Islamic, European and Asian art treasures. The Associated Park with Small Temples and Grottoes invites you to take a relaxing walk.
Set off to the hills of Florence and discover the charming town of Fiesole. With bus line 7, you can reach it in just 20 minutes. The Trip through the Villa Districts offers spectacular views that alone make the trip worthwhile. Once at the top, you can stroll through the charming streets and explore historic sites such as the Roman Amphitheatre. But the real highlight awaits you at the highest point in the city: The San Francesco Panorama viewing terrace offers an incomparable view of Florence and the surrounding mountains, an unforgettable experience, especially at sunset.
Now everything revolves around the topic of enjoyment! We'll show you more recommendations for restaurants, cafés and bars in Florence. Because, as everyone knows, the Palate plays an important role not only in love, but also when traveling.
Immerse yourself in the exclusive atmosphere of the rooftop bar “B-Roof” and enjoy a breathtaking view of Florence. This hidden bar is located on the roof of the Baglioni Hotel, in the middle of the old town. The terrace is divided into various areas, including a green area called B-Green, which gives the feeling of sitting in a garden and being above the rooftops of Florence at the same time. Here you can watch the sunset with a cocktail while taking in the city's flair. If there is something to celebrate, you can also eat here, with an amazing view of the cathedral.
If you're looking for a luxurious experience, La Terrazza Rooftop Bar is an absolute must. Located in the heart of Florence, this exclusive bar offers breathtaking views of the city. Whether you want to experience a sunset with an exquisite cocktail or a romantic evening with a delicious dinner, this is the place for you. La Terrazza's Terrace is a real treat for the senses, with stylish décor and a relaxed atmosphere. Although prices are a bit higher, it's worth every penny for the unforgettable experience this bar offers. Treat yourself to luxury and be enchanted by the beauty of Florence while you enjoy unique culinary delights.
Gelateria La Carraia is known by locals as the best ice cream parlour in Florence. Here you can get super creamy and flavorful ice cream. Pistachio varieties are particularly recommended.
1 minute from Florence Cathedral, there is La Strega Nocciola, an ice cream parlour that seduces every visitor with its irresistible offer. Here, we were particularly impressed by the small but fine selection. The quality of the ice cream is magical, and every scoop was a treat for the senses. An absolute must for anyone looking for a refreshing break.
Venchi in Florence is a real highlight for all chocolate lovers. The ambiance of this ice cream shop is simply unbeatably classy, and as soon as you walk in, you'll be greeted by a tempting selection of chocolates. Venchi is actually widespread in Italy and has already enchanted us in Rome. Venchi is also not to be missed in Florence.
If you want to try traditional Tuscan dishes, we recommend Cinto-Cucina In Torre. Here you can enjoy delicious Bistecca alla Fiorentina and many other dishes.
Bar Bar Firenze is a real secret tip in Florence, especially for those who like to eat well while enjoying a unique atmosphere. The interesting ambiance of the bar gives the place a special touch that makes your evening special. But that's not all — their fantastic outdoor area provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxing evening in the open air. The staff is also outstanding, always friendly and courteous. A visit to Bar Bar Firenze is an absolute must for anyone looking for something special.
Café Paszkowski, a permanent institution in Florence since 1846, is a must for anyone who wants to experience the city's rich cultural heritage. With its elegant ambiance and delicious selection of traditional pastries and snacks, it is a symbol of Florentine café culture.
The San Lorenzo Market is just a stone's throw from the cathedral. Here you'll find a wide range of leather goods, jewelry and regional delicacies. In the Market Hall, you can buy Italian specialties on the ground floor and try freshly prepared dishes from all over Italy upstairs.
You can find real bargains at the Mercato delle Pulci, a covered flea market. On Saturdays, it is also worth visiting the neighboring weekly market, where you can find delicious food as well as high-quality clothing at reasonable prices.
