Florence Travel Guide - Florence Attractions - What to See in Florence

The centre point of Florence, dominating its gorgeous skyline, is the famous dome of the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore. It’s a stunning marble cathedral begun in 1296, and the soaring Duomo, impressive façade, opulent gothic interior, stained glass windows, works of art and creepy crypt certainly warrant a visit. Entrance to the cathedral itself is free, but you do have to pay a small fee to get into the dome and the crypt. If you’re feeling energetic (unlikely if you’re there in sweltering July or August), you can also climb the dome or the 414 to the top of Giotto’s bell tower for fantastic views of the city.

From the Duomo, head to the gorgeous Piazza della Signoria, a square lined with beautiful buildings, and decorated with an open-air museum of famous statues – including a copy of Michelangelo’s famous David. It’s also a bustling city square where you can sit on the steps outside and watch street performers, or have a coffee and people-watch – a great antidote to rushing between art galleries in sweltering weather.

The square is where the original David used to stand before it was moved to the Accademia gallery. This gallery is worth a trip for its selection of Renaissance paintings and sculptures, especially Michelangelo’s rough and deliberately unfinished Prisoners.

For art lovers though, the first port of call will always be the Uffizi art gallery, located next to the Piazza della Signoria. It’s home to paintings like Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, Titian’s beautiful Venus of Urbino and Caravaggio’s Bacchus.

Even if you’re not culturally inclined, it’s worth a visit as it’s one of the most famous galleries in the world and you’ll still recognise several famous paintings you’ve seen before. It’s common to be kept waiting for literally hours in the queue to the museum though, so if you’re in Florence for more than a day then booking in advance is a must – you can do it at various points throughout the city or by phone. You’ll pay an extra €4, but it is well worth it.

Moments from the Uffizi, another must-see is the Ponte Vecchio, a well-known medieval bridge. Crossing the River Arno, the picturesque bridge is laced with opulent jewellery shops. It’s extremely crowded though, teeming with tourists and arguably prettier and more relaxing to watch from another bridge – at sunset the scene is gorgeously Italian and well worth a visit.

The Basilica of Santa Croce, surrounded by gorgeously scenic streets and great shopping, is almost as impressive as the Duomo. It’s a site of pilgrimage; the final resting place of the likes of Michelangelo, Donatello, Galileo, Rossini and Machiavelli – and it’s decorated with frescoes by Giotto and several other famous artworks.

If you have time, head across the river and up the hill to the Piazza Michelangelo – it’s a look-out point boasting spectacular panoramic views of the city and the Duomo – and yet another copy of Michelangelo’s David, this time in bronze. It’s the perfect sundowner spot.
If you’re not too exhausted to move by this stage, other points of interest include the Pitti Palace with its scenic Boboli Gardens, Palazzo Vecchio, Museo Bardini, the Synagogue, Roman Amphitheatre, the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo and lots more.

Florence Travel Information: Shopping in Florence

Besides the deliciously kitch souveniers (matching aprons printed with the naked David and Venus anyone?) and the obligatory array of stalls selling fake designer sunglasses and handbags – which shut up and disappear with amazing efficiency at the first sight of a police patrol – Florence is fantastic for leather and clothing. The shops in the area around Piazza Santa Croce are best known for their leather jackets, shoes, bags and wallets – many of the shops have been around for hundreds of years.

Markets like the San Lorenzo street market are fantastic for leather jackets and handbags at cheaper prices than the shops, and it’s expected that you bargain, even if the item already has a price tag. It’s also fun to visit a food market, such as the Mercato Centrale, housed in a huge double storey building near the San Lorenzo Basilica, right in the old city centre. Besides the tasty food and authentic bustle, it’s great for treats to take home, including the likes of oddly-shaped pasta, flavoured olive oils, dried mushrooms, wine and limoncello. However vegetarians might want to avoid certain areas and should be prepared for whole stalls offering mountains of various types of meat tripe as well, not often seen in Britain.

Florence City Guide: Food in Florence

Florence is a foodie paradise, offering the best of delicious Italian food. From pasta to gnocchi to pizza to ice cream and tiramisu, you’re best off steering clear of the overpriced eateries right on the main tourist squares and venturing into the scenic side-streets to find a local trattoria, where you’re likely to get far better food at lower prices. Unfortunately, eating out is expensive in Florence wherever you go. Even picking up pizza slices or paninis from cafés adds up alarmingly quickly – and the Gelateria, with mountains of delectable ice cream, are far too enticing to avoid. Traditional specialities include tripe and steak, and although pizza doesn’t traditionally originate from the area you’ll still find it everywhere.

Florence City Guide: When to Visit Florence

There isn’t a bad time to visit Florence, but it’s best in May, early June, late September and October – when the weather is still warm but there are fewer crowds. During July and August, it gets extremely hot and humid, and as it’s high tourism season it may not be the most relaxing of breaks.

Florence Travel Information: Flights to Florence

Meridiana flies direct to Florence airport, or for cheaper flights, British Airways and budget airlines including easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2 fly to nearby Pisa’s Galileo airport. From Pisa airport, it’s just over an hour’s train journey into the centre of Florence, costing less than £5. In Pisa, it’s worth taking a bus trip to visit the famous Leaning Tower – the bus trip costs less than £1.

Florence Accommodation: Hotels in Florence

Grand Hotel Baglioni

This opulent four star hotel is a former residence of the Carrega Bertolini Princes, looking out on the Dome of the Cathedral. It’s located right in the historic centre and 300m from the central railway station. Classic Double rooms start from €100 per night, including breakfast for two. Piazza Unità Italiana 6, Florence Italy. Phone: +39.055.23580. Visit www.hotelbaglioni.it/en/

Hotel Colomba

The 3 star Hotel Colomba is situated in the centre of Florence in a gorgeous Tuscan building that dates back to the seventeen-hundreds. There’s also free internet access and a 24 hour bar lounge. Double rooms start from €90 Euros per night. Hotel Colomba , Via Cavour, 21 - 50129 Florence, Italy. Phone: +39.055.289139. Visit www.hotelcolomba.com

Grand Hotel Mediterraneo

The Grand Hotel Mediterraneo is located near the beautiful Piazza Santa Croce, with stunning views over Florence. There are three in-house restaurants, a Bar and Lounge and two in-house boutiques, and on request, smoking rooms and rooms where pets are accepted are available. Superior double rooms start from €150 per night including breakfast. Lungarno del Tempio, 44, 50121 Florence, Italy. Phone: +39 055 660241. Visit www.hotelmediterraneo.com

Hotel Corona d’Italia

Housed in an nineteenth-century palace, Hotel Corona d’Italia is based in the heart of the San Lorenzo district, close to the central train station. Rooms start at € 90 per night for a single room and €100 for a double, including breakfast and parking. Via Nazionale 14, 50123 Florence, Italy. Phone: +39-055 261 501. Visit www.hotelcoronaditalia.com/en/

Atlantic Palace Hotel

Set in a historic 13th century palazzo in the heart of Florence, the luxurious 4 star Hotel Atlantic Palace is conveniently located near the Palazzo dei Congressi and Palazzo degli Affari, and five minutes from the train station. Double rooms start from €109 per night including breakfast. Hotel Atlantic Palace, Via Nazionale 12 Nero / 72 Rosso, 50123 Florence – Italy. Phone: +39 055213031. Visit www.atlanticpalace.it

Images: Katy Bonheim