Florence is truly one of the most amazing cities in Italy. Moreover, it’s a destination that will be sure to take your breath away with its impressive architecture, history, and incredible food. If you’re planning a trip to Italy, be sure to include Florence on the list! You really only need 2-3 days here, but if you plan on taking day trips around Tuscany, Florence is a great “home base.” This is the Perfect Florence Travel Guide whether you’re planning your first trip or returning for another visit. I’ll be sharing my personal tips and insights to help you make the most of your time this beautiful city. After reading, you will have a highlight of all the must-see sights, things to do, and all of the best restaurants to try. Enjoy!
My opinion is to visit during shoulder season for nice weather and fewer crowds. Prices are more reasonable, and you won’t face long lines at popular sights like the Duomo. I still always suggest planning ahead and buying tickets in advance just in case. Don’t get me wrong- it will probably feel busy regardless of the time of year you come. We have visited in mid-October, and it was crowded beyond belief. We have also made a pit stop in Florence before in mid-June and it was less crowded than we had anticipated. Nonetheless, I always suggest booking tickets and restaurant reservations before you leave for your trip!
Now, lets discuss the different options for reaching Florence…
If you are wanting to fly directly into Florence, you will fly into Peretola Airport (FLR). It is the international airport of Florence and the second busiest airport in the Tuscan region, after Pisa International (PSA). Luckily, it is very easy to get from FLR to the city center since it is only 5 miles (8km) away. You will hop on tram line T2 to the Unita stop. The tram runs every 5-10 minutes and tickets cost €1.50 per person.
Alternatively, another option would be to take a taxi or Uber directly to your hotel. Fares will cost you between €22-25.
Lastly, if you are already in Italy and Florence is next on your list, you may consider taking a high-speed train into the city. This option is fairly affordable and a pretty comfortable ride. You will take the train to Santa Maria Novella Train Station, which is in downtown Florence. You can book your tickets here. For example, if you are coming from Rome, the journey will take you about 1.5 hours and cost you around €37 ($40).
If you only plan to spend a couple of days in Florence, I highly recommend maximizing your time by staying in the city center. You’ll have more time for exploring, sight-seeing, and everything will be within walking distance.
We stayed at an Airbnb during our last visit and loved the location. I will link the exact one here if you are interested!
If you can manage to land a view of the Duomo- even better! However, if that’s not available, here are some other great Airbnb’s that you may enjoy during your stay:
-Studio Flat located near the Duomo
-Cozy one bedroom located in the heart of Florence
-One bedroom with view of the Duomo
-Two bedroom with private terrace and view of the Duomo
If you plan on visiting in the summer, or even the shoulder season, it is best to book your accommodations as far out as you can. The Airbnb’s and hotels in the heart of the city book up quickly!
Once you’ve booked your accommodation for your trip, that will allow you to know the best way to get around. If you opted for staying in downtown Florence, the easiest and most enjoyable way to see the city is on foot! Everything is within a few blocks of each other, so you won’t have to worry about hopping on buses or trains throughout the day. Just be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, as Florence is mainly cobblestone streets- just like the rest of Italy!
If you are staying on the outskirts of Florence or do not prefer to walk, there are several bus lines to get you to where you’d like to go. Tickets cost about €1.50 per person each way.
Fontana del Porcellino: they say if you “rub the snout” of the boar, it ensures you a trip back to Florence 😉 a fun thing to see if you’re walking by. It is right across from All’antico Vinaio panini shop.
Go shopping at the leather market: Florence is known for it’s beautiful, authentic, “made in Firenze” leather. A trip to Florence would not be complete unless picking up some sort of leather souvenir. Beware that you can bargain at almost ALL of these leather shops / stands and bargain, bargain, bargain! They will try to rip you off if they can. You can find the location of the leather market here: Via dell’Ariento, 13/R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy. Aside from this market, you will find other leather shops all over the city!
Ponte Vecchio: The most famous bridge in Florence and an everlasting symbol of the city. On the bridge you will find several shops that are mainly jewelers and goldsmiths. In the evenings, you can grab some gelato, stroll along the bridge and listen to all the different street performers!
Boboli Gardens: If you have the time, Boboli Gardens is a beautifully kept park with manicured lawns, breathtaking sculptures and fountains. It is located about 1 mile (1.3 km) outside the city center.
Galleria dell’Accademia: If you enjoy museums and have time, Florence has no shortage of amazing museums- it is known for its art after all! Here is where you will find the famous statue of David.
Uffizi Gallery: Another famous museum to visit if you have the time! This museum has been open since the 16th century and showcases masterpieces from Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Leonardo and Raffaello just to name a few. If you do plan to go, make sure to book your tickets in advance!
All’antico Vinaio: Both locals and tourists agree that All’ Antico Vinaio has the best panini in Florence. Aside from being super tasty, it’s a great portion and value for your money. I definitely suggest stopping by during your visit in Florence but beware that the line gets LONG. Don’t be surprised if you end up waiting in line for 45 minutes or more. To beat the crowd- go when they first open!
La Proscuitteria: If the line is long at All’antico Vinaio and you don’t want to wait, here is another delicious panini shop!
Panini Toscani: There are no shortages of Panini shops in Florence and this shop was one of our favorites!
Osteria Del Cinghiale Bianco: If you’re looking for some amazing steak or pasta!
Trattoria l’Parione: Delicious Tuscan cuisine! If you are a fan of truffles, you cannot skip out on this restaurant!! I had the best truffle gnocchi of my life here 😉
Osteria Pastella: One of the most popular restaurants in Florence! If you order the truffle pasta, they make it in front of you in a cheese wheel! Check out my Instagram reel here on how they make the pasta!
Ristorante Cammillo: Yummy Tuscan cuisine
Boarderline Firenze: Italian cuisine / seafood
Gusta Pizza: Some of the best pizza!
Loggia Roof Bar: Located on top of Hotel Palazzo is this beautiful Rooftop bar with a view of Florence! Come here at sunset for an aperitivo!
A Casa Ca.fe: A cute and cozy breakfast cafe with delicious options.
Shake Cafe: A trendy breakfast spot with a lot of healthy options.
Le Vespe Cafe: A cute breakfast cafe with fairly large proportions!
La Ménagère: A trendy / more upscale breakfast location.
You cannot go wrong with any of the below gelato options! Additionally, each place offers a variety of unique flavors, making each Gelateria a reason to visit.
La Sorbettiera: Our personal favorite!
Mancuso Gelato: If you’re a fan of pistachio, order the salted pistachio!
Pros:
-Beautiful architecture
-Amazing restaurants and cafes
-Many museums
-Filled with lots of history
-International airport
-Great “home base” while taking day trips elsewhere
-A very “walkable” city
Cons:
-Very crowded in the summer and even shoulder season
-Long lines to get into museums, churches, restaurants
-Tickets are likely to sell out days in advance
-Increase in prices of hotels and restaurants during busy months
-Reservations needed at most places during busy months
Florence is one of our favorite cities in the world. It’s a city that you don’t need a long time in, but you definitely don’t want to skip it either! It is filled with so much art, history, beautiful architecture, amazing cuisine, and more! If you’re heading to Italy, make sure to add Florence to the list!
Are you heading anywhere else in Italy during your trip? Italy has some of my favorite cities in the world, each offering something different and special! Be sure to check out my other Italy travel guides in Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre and Rome!
If you’re like me and need help keeping all of your travel plans and itinerary organized, be sure to check out my travel journal that I designed for just this reason! It’s how I plan every single trip and keep organized. It has everything you need from a packing list, a page for your accommodation info, travel itinerary, budgeting on your trip, journaling each day and more!
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