Holidays to Florence

With its medieval streetscape and who’s who of Renaissance art, the Tuscan capital can feel like a museum piece frozen in time. But the best holidays to Florence unlock a living, breathing city where centuries-old facades stand beside new markets, boutiques and first-class cocktail bars. Rising above it all is the city’s massive terracotta dome — best viewed over a scoop of creamy gelato, yet another Florentine masterpiece.

Florence holiday highlights

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

Must-see art

If you only see one bit of Renaissance art on your city break in Florence, make sure it’s Michelangelo’s ‘David.’ This enormous marble masterpiece is one of the world’s most famous statues. You’ll find him standing in the Accademia Gallery. It’s a popular place, so book the first or last slot of the day for smaller crowds.

Iconic architecture

Visiting the Cathedral will be the high point of your holiday to Florence. Known as the ‘Duomo’, the church is a monument to Renaissance architecture. You’ll need to pay if you want to climb the dome, but the views are worth the price. If tickets are sold out, enjoy the vistas from the Palazzo Vecchio’s Arnolfo Tower instead.

Amazing sunsets

For dreamy skyline sunsets, head to Piazzale Michelangelo, a pretty square south of the river with sweeping city views. From here, you’ll see the glowing terracotta rooftops with the Tuscan mountains in the distance. The piazza is one of the most popular stops on weekend holidays to Florence, so arrive an hour before sunset to secure a good spot.

Florence: Know before you go

Language

Italian

Currency

euro (€)

Time zone

UTC+1 (CET) and UTC+2 (CEST)

High season

June – July

Low season

January – February

Find the best time to go to Florence

Weather in Florence

March – May: One of the best times to visit Florence, spring brings mild daytime temperatures, bright blue skies and the start of gelato season. Evenings are still cool, so pack a jacket.

June – August: Summer days are hot and humid — but nothing beats eating pasta al fresco on a warm Florentine evening.

September – November: Come autumn, the humidity and the crowds decrease while temperatures cool down. Most days, you’ll be fine with a jumper, although November can get rainy.

December – February: Winters are the coldest time of year, but rarely does it get below freezing. Rain may put a dampener on outdoor sightseeing. This is a great time to explore the blockbuster museums.

Events in Florence

Easter Sunday (March or April): Florence’s Easter tradition is nothing short of spectacular. Fireworks launch from an elaborate two-storey cart in front of the Piazza del Duomo. The display is timed with the church chorus singing ‘Gloria’ for maximum dramatic effect.

Maggio Musicale (April to June): One of the oldest and most storied music festivals in Europe, Maggio Musicale features a series of classical concerts, ballet performances and operas.

Calcio Storico (June): Dating back to medieval times, Calcio Storico is one part football, one part rugby and Florentine through and through.See teamsfrom various neighbourhoods battle it out in matches held in the Piazza Santa Croce.

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The best neighbourhoods in Florence

Historic Centre

Home to iconic attractions like the Duomo and the Uffizi Gallery, the historic heart of the city is the best neighbourhood to stay in Florence for sightseeing. Hang out with locals at wine bars and browse the jewellery shops on Ponte Vecchio. For the best photos of this famous landmark, stand on the nearby Ponte Santa Trinita bridge.

Good for: Bars, historical landmarks, restaurants

Oltrarno

The utra-cool Oltrarno district is a great area to stay if you want a more bohemian vibe. It’s just across the river from the Old Town, so you’re still close to the action. Enjoy a stroll in Boboli Gardens, shop in artisan boutiques, and eat your way through the trendy restaurants.

Good for: Artisan boutiques, gardens, restaurants

San Niccolo

It’s easy to decide where to stay in Florence if you’re after a good night’s sleep. San Niccolo is a peaceful neighbourhood in the southeast of the city with elegant riverside walks, tree-lined avenues and art galleries. There’s plenty of culture here too, with Museo Bardini and Palazzo Serristori to explore.

Good for: Art galleries, museums, restaurants

Things to do in Florence

Quartiere 1

Family friendly things to do

Kids love getting hands-on with construction at the Leonardo da Vinci Interactive Museum. For fun science without the crowds, pop into the Museum of Illusions. There are lots of food-themed things to do with family in Florence too, like workshops for making pasta and gelato. Finish the day with a bit of calm on Piazza della Repubblica’s merry-go-round.

Shopping

Florence is known for its leather, so you’ll want to leave plenty of room in your suitcase. Pick up soft gloves at San Lorenzo Market, or treat yourself to an artisan bag at the Santa Croce leather school. Head to Via Tornabuoni for high-end fashion, or stop by Porcellino Market for the best souvenir shopping in Florence.

Take in the culture

The museums in Florence are the reason many people visit the city. Admire iconic Renaissance paintings by Da Vinci and Botticelli in the Uffizi Gallery. Discover the secrets of the Medici family, and see if you can spot Dante’s death mask at Palazzo Vecchio. Head to Santa Croce Church to see the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Florence is all about swanky clubs, cocktail lounges and cosy jazz cellars. Start the evening with an aperitif and free snacks in the Santo Spirito bars, then drink Tuscan wine with the locals in Sant’Ambrogio. For lively pubs and clubs, Santa Croce is the place to party into the early hours.

Places to eat

Restaurants in Florence are as tempting as the city’s architecture, with family-run ‘trattorias’ (casual restaurants) and ‘enotecas’ (wine bars) lining the streets. For gourmet riverside dining, Borgo San Jacopo offers tasting menus with Ponte Vecchio views. Or head to the San Lorenzo market for cheap eats like pizza and the famous Florentine tripe sandwiches known as ‘lampredotto’.

Free things to do

If you’re travelling on a budget, you’ll find lots of free things to do in Florence. There’s no charge to enter the Duomo or see the Last Supper fresco in the San Salvi monastery. To see free Renaissance art without the crowds, the outdoor sculpture gallery at the Loggia dei Lanzi building features statues by Michelangelo and Cellini.

Plan your holiday to Florence

Budget

It’s not difficult to have a cheap holiday in Florence. This is especially true if you book your accommodation and restaurants outside the most tourist-heavy areas. Expect a meal in an inexpensive restaurant to cost around 16 euros (€). Your daily cappuccino should cost less than €2, and a short taxi ride is roughly €10.

Day trips from Florence

The historic walled towns of Lucca and Sienna are popular day trips from Florence. They both offer a chance to wander tiny, medieval streets and picturesque piazzas. For some of the best food of your trip, visit Parma (for Parmigiano Reggiano cheese) and Bologna (known as the ‘fat one’ for its famously rich cuisine). Even Rome is doable in a day, thanks to high-speed trains from Florence.

Getting around Florence

Florence’s main sights are close together, perfect for walking. For longer trips, it’s best to take the bus. Save money by buying tickets in advance at shops and cafes displaying an Autolinee Toscane sticker. Remember to validate your ticket once on board. Coming from the airport? Hop on the T2 tramline for a seamless city transfer.

FAQs about Florence holidays

With maximum temperatures of 33ºC (91ºF), August is the warmest month in Florence.
With plenty of things to do in Florence, this lively city knows how to show you a great time. Kick off your sightseeing at must-see attractions like Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio.
During your trip to Florence, you'll be using the euro (EUR) for all your spending. You may want to carry a mix of cash and cards to avoid any issues with payments.
With an average rainfall of 15 cm, November is the wettest month to go on a Florence holiday. When the weather turns, head indoors and make the most of the city's galleries, shops, museums and more.
Italian is the language you'll encounter most while on your city break in Florence.
Organise your Florence holiday for January and you'll be there when conditions are at their coolest. -1ºC (30ºF) is as cold as the city gets.
A three-day weekend break to Florence is the perfect amount of time to visit the main attractions and get a feel for the city. If you’re here for longer, take a day trip to the mediaeval hilltop town of San Gimignano or go wine tasting in the Chianti vineyards.
Florence is typically considered safe, but it's always a good idea to take some commonsense precautions wherever your travels take you. Be aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded places, and keep your valuables secure. Also use official transport options whenever possible during your holiday to Florence.
Florence can be an expensive city, but your visit needn’t break the bank. Book a winter city break in Florence for lower hotel rates, eat your main meal at lunch, and stay on your feet in bars to avoid the table charge. House wine can be cheaper than soft drinks, so always check the menus.
Temperatures are perfect for sightseeing in spring and autumn, when it’s less crowded. If you book a weekend break to Florence in the summer, be prepared for long queues at the museums. Come in May to see the Boboli Gardens in full bloom.

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