Florence is the beating heart of Tuscany and serves as an excellent base for exploring the region, including cities like Bologna, Lucca, Siena, Pisa, San Gimignano, and more.
If you’re planning a trip across all of Tuscany, click here for a 5-day guide to the region.
Where to Stay in Florence?
Florence, like many cities in Tuscany, is closed to private vehicles in the city center. Therefore, avoid entering with a car.
In terms of neighborhoods, I recommend choosing a hotel or apartment in the Santo Spirito area — a charming and lively neighborhood with great restaurants, bars, and a fun atmosphere. The neighborhood is a short walk from tourist attractions.
Santa Croce is a pleasant and more local area with a large market, restaurants, and shops by local artists. It’s a 20-minute walk from the tourist sites but also offers parking.
I’ve lived in Florence twice while studying Italian, and each time I chose to stay in Santo Spirito. For all the information about studying Italian in Italy, click here.
What to See and Do in Florence?
Palazzo Vecchio
A magnificent palace that is a must-visit in Florence. It is recommended to join a guided tour that includes the famous room of Cosimo I with its secret doors and stunning balconies. Don’t forget to also visit the Map Room, with its collection of ancient maps offering a glimpse into the old world.
Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens
The impressive palace of the Medici family, featuring art displays, fashion exhibitions, and the stunning Boboli Gardens. The gardens offer paths and viewpoints overlooking the city and surrounding area, and it’s recommended to include this visit as a nature break.
Bardini Gardens
The Bardini Gardens are a less crowded and peaceful option for a stroll with a beautiful view of Florence. The garden is smaller than the Boboli Gardens and is therefore especially suitable for those looking for a more relaxed and pastoral outing.
Ponte Vecchio Bridge
Ponte Vecchio, the oldest and most famous bridge in Florence, offers a jewelry shopping experience in its traditional shops. For perfect photos, cross to one of the nearby bridges, especially at sunset.
Piazza della Signoria
In the historic heart of the city you will find Piazza della Signoria with a replica of Michelangelo’s David, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Uffizi Museum. This is a perfect place to stop for a coffee and soak in art, culture, and history at the center of the city.
Gucci Museum
The Gucci Museum offers an interactive display of fashion and design across three floors with styled rooms and video installations. Admission is €8, with student discounts available.
Piazza del Duomo
Florence’s Duomo is a unique experience, but it’s also recommended to visit Santa Maria Novella, a less crowded church offering an impressive and peaceful display of Gothic architecture. Admission ranges from €5–10.
Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica
An ancient pharmacy with a long history of creating unique perfumes and fragrances. It is one of the oldest pharmacies in Italy and an attraction for perfume lovers.
Markets in Florence
Mercato Centrale
A bustling market with colorful stalls offering traditional Italian food and international cuisine. Perfect for a quick lunch and quality snacks throughout the day.
Mercato di San Lorenzo
The San Lorenzo market combines quality Italian food with a variety of souvenirs and local products, suitable for souvenir shopping.
Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio
A local and authentic market in the Santa Croce neighborhood with fruit, vegetable, and meat stalls alongside stands serving authentic Italian dishes.
Sunday Markets
On Sundays you can visit the markets at Piazza Santo Spirito and Piazza Santa Croce, featuring handmade crafts, clothing, and a local atmosphere.
Shopping in Florence
Florence is a great destination for vintage lovers, with an abundance of unique shops and boutiques. The main streets are suited for well-known chains, but the small alleyways are worth a special visit to hunt for vintage pieces and unique fashion.
Recommended Sunset Spots in Florence
Piazzale Michelangelo
A breathtaking viewpoint overlooking all of Florence and the stunning sunset panorama over the city. An ideal spot for photography.
Loggia Bar
A bar with a stunning view above the city. It’s advisable to book a table in advance for the popular sunset hours — the bar is a bit pricey but well worth the experience.
Habana 500
An open area with a lawn and colorful food trucks offering a lively atmosphere and dance workshops like bachata and salsa. On Tuesdays you can also enjoy authentic Cuban food.
Fiesole
A small and charming village perfect for a day trip, with open views over all of Tuscany. It’s recommended to end the visit with dinner at Terrazza 45 with breathtaking views.
Where to Eat and Drink?
Great Restaurants in Florence
La Brac – a unique vegetarian restaurant inside a bookshop.
Il Magazzino – a traditional restaurant with Tuscan Italian food at La Passera square.
5ecinque – a pleasant spot with simple and delicious dishes.
La Ménagère – a restaurant with a young atmosphere and great local dishes.
Universo Vegano – a vegan restaurant with versions of traditional dishes.
Il Pizzaiuolo – a local pizzeria with an authentic Italian atmosphere.
Great Bars
Florence is full of great bars within walking distance. Most are located across the river in the Piazza Santo Spirito area. There are also bars with windows from which wine is poured — these wine windows are famous because that’s how drinks used to be served in the old days.
Here are some bars I really love:
Bulli & Ballena
Babae
A bar with modern fusion food and a fun atmosphere, with plenty of people sitting outside as well.
Recommended Gelaterias
- Gelateria della Passera
- Gelateria Vivaldi
- Gelateria Sbrino – famous for its unique fig flavor.
Recommended Cafes
- Ditta Artigianale – a cafe with great pastries, including vegan options.
- La Cite – a cafe with eclectic design, great for working or relaxing.
- Le Vespe Cafe – a young cafe with a magical atmosphere.
- Villa Vittoria – an open club with parties; check the opening hours.
Additional Recommended Experiences
If you want to learn Italian, you’ll find many recommended courses throughout the city.
Day trips in Tuscany and wine tours in the Chianti region will add another dimension to your vacation with stunning landscapes and quality wine tastings.
