Historic centre (Duomo)
Ideal for: first visit, couples
At the foot of the cathedral, a few minutes' walk from the main museums. The most convenient area, and the busiest.
Florence
The cradle of the Renaissance, with its museums, bridges and tiled rooftops, best explored on foot.
Plan your stay in Florence
Best areas to stay in Florence
Oltrarno (Santo Spirito)
Ideal for: couples, local life
Across the Arno: artisan workshops, lively squares in the evening and a more authentic feel.
Santa Croce
Ideal for: solo, nightlife
Central and lively, with many restaurants and bars around the basilica.
Santa Maria Novella (station)
Ideal for: arriving by train, budget
Handy for arriving and leaving by train, or for day trips around Tuscany.
Practical info about Florence
Florence is compact: most sights are within walking distance of the centre. A car is useless in town, and access to the centre is restricted.
The major museums (Uffizi, Accademia Gallery) are in high demand: book tickets in advance. Florence is also a good base to explore Tuscany by train or on organised tours.
What to see in Florence
- The Duomo: the cathedral, the baptistery and the climb up Brunelleschi’s dome (463 steps, booking required);
- the Uffizi Gallery, one of the world’s great art museums;
- the Accademia Gallery and Michelangelo’s David;
- the Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens;
- Piazzale Michelangelo for the city view at sunset.
On the first Sunday of the month, state museums are free, with long queues.
Arriving in Florence
Santa Maria Novella station is in the heart of the city: Rome is about 1h30 away and Venice about 2 hours by high-speed train. Florence airport is linked to the centre by tram.
All our tips for the country in Travel in Italy.