Florence is known as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and is definitely one you will want to add to your Italian itinerary. There are so many great things to see in Florence, Italy, and we're here to help!
Luckily the city is small, so the highlights can be covered in just a day or two if you are on a time crunch. However, it is so gorgeous, that you could easily also spend a week! In this article we are going to cover the 8 most interesting things to see in Florence, as well as other important things to know. Let's jump right in!
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Where is Florence in Italy?
Florence is the capital of the Tuscany region in Italy, and is located centrally in the country. Other big cities that are close include Pisa, Bologna, and Genoa. Florence is situated halfway between the cities of Milan and Rome.
Florence is located halfway between Rome and Milan.
What is the Best Way to Get to Florence, Italy?
Florence is a very popular city in Italy, and is very well connected with other cities around the country.
What Airport Do You Fly Into for Florence?
The closest airport to Florence is actually right outside the city, called Florence Airport (FLR) or Firenze-Peretola Airport. Cities that fly here include Madrid, Zurich, Munich, Frankfurt, Paris, London, Amsterdam, Vienna, Brussels, Lisbon, Barcelona, and Copenhagen.
The only two Italian cities that fly here are Catania in Sicily, and Elba Island, as most other Italian cities are too close to fly from.
If you don't find a cheap flight directly to Florence, you can easily find plenty of budget airlines and low-cost tickets to Pisa. There are then plenty of regular buses and trains that go to the center of Florence in just over an hour.
Flight Tip: Using Skyscanner you can put from "your city" to "Italy". This way you can see which is the cheapest airport in the area to fly to. Also, you can check the calendar to see which are the cheapest dates for your destination!
Search for a flight to Florence or Pisa:
Trains to Florence
Florence can easily be reacahed by train, and there are a ton of cities that connect to Florence. The two main train companies that service Italy are Tren Italia and Italo. Tickets vary based on time, and which class you'd like to ride. Luggage is included, and you can purchase tickets online or right in the station you are coming from.
Florence is very well connected to the rest of Italy.
Entry Requirements for Italy
In our guides we don't just want to share the best things to do, but also important information to know before traveling somewhere. Here are the different entry requirements for traveling to Italy.
Visa Requirements for Italy
There are many citizenships that can enter Italy visa-free. Travelers from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland can enter Italy for 90 days with no restrictions, while those others that don't need a Schengen visa can visit for up to 90 days in a 180 day period.
There are travelers from certain countries that require an Airport Transit Visa. These countries include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Senegal, and Syria.
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The 90/180 Rule
It's important to note that the 90 days is valid for all countries in the Schengen area, For example, if you spend 20 days in Spain (also part fo the EU), you will then only be able to spend 70 days total in Italy within the 180 day period.
We use the Schengen visa calculator, which is helpful for those planning on traveling in and out of the EU for a long period of time,
Schengen Visas
For those that are planning on staying longer, or those that are from a country that don't get visa-free access, they will need to in fact apply for a Schengen Visa. You can take a look at the list of countries that need to get a Schengen Visa. For those that are part of the EU and want to stay past 90 days, they will have to apply for an Italian Residency Card.
Covid Requirements for Italy
When we visited Italy last year things were pretty strict. Masks were still in place, and you needed a negative Covid test to enter and exit the country. The good news is that all of these requirements have been lifted! You can now enter Italy whether you are vaccinated or not, and no test is needed.
Local Adjustments for Visiting Florence in Italy
Whenever you travel there are things that you may forget about, that may differ from where you are coming from. Here are a few of the local adjustments to keep in mind while traveling to Florence in Italy.
What Language is Spoken in Florence?
The official language in Florence is Italian.
Do They Speak English in Florence, Italy?
Being that it is a very touristic city, it is common to find many things also written in English, such as menus in restaurants. However, if you really want to get on a local's good side, you should learn at least a few of the basics.
What Currency Does Florence Use?
The currency used in Florence is the same as the rest of Italy, which is the euro. Most places takes credit card, so you won't need to have too much cash on you, unless you want to make purchases on the streets. Many shops will give you a better rate if you can pay in cash as well.
What Plug is Used in Florence Italy?
Italy uses the same plug types as the rest of Europe, which are types C, F, & L. The standard voltage in Italy is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Can you Drink the Water in Florence?
When you go to restaurants you will never receive tap water, but this is simply a common thing in many European countries. Despite people drinking bottled water all the time, the water is perfectly fine to drink from the tap, and can be ordered in some restaurants.
Is Tipping Customary in Florence?
The tipping culture in Italy is a standard of 10%. Many restaurants will actually add the service automatically, so it is smart to check when you receive the bill.
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Things to See in Florence
Now is the fun part! Let's check out all of the fun things to see in Florence. This city is absolutely stunning, and very romantic. There are plenty of ways to enjoy this beautiful city, and here is a list of our top 8.
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Things to See in Florence#1: The Top of the Duomo
The Duomo is without a doubt one of the most important things to see in Florence. This church is absolutely iconic, and stunning from the inside out.
Want to see one of the best views of Florence? Then get your ticket to climb to the top! Here is everything you need to know about visiting:
Hours
Monday to Friday 8:15 am- 7:45 pm (last entry at 6:45)
Saturday 8:15 am- 5:30 pm (last entry at 4:30)
Sunday 12:45 pm- 5:30 pm (last entry at 4:30)
Tickets
Tickets are mandatory, and can be purchased online in advance, or at the ticket office outside the Duomo. They are sold in 45 minute time slots, with a 5 minute lenience. It is 20 euros for adults, 10 euros for kids 7-14, and free for children 6 and under. Make sure to book in advance, as they sell out days in advance!
The Climb
There are 463 steps to the top, and no elevators. There are parts that are very and narrow and steep, so we wouldn't suggest this for anyone who is claustrophobic or in bad physical shape.
Other Things to Know
The green pass is required to visit. This means that you must be vaccinated. If you purchase a ticket and are not vaccinated, there is not refund. For Europeans you will be required to show your "digital pass", while people with physical vaccination cards can simply bring theirs with them to show. (Note: this was written in 2021, and may have changed by now.)
Another thing to note is that there is a dress code to enter the Duomo. As it is a religious site, shoulders and thighs must be covered.
We also suggest enjoying the Duomo from the outside! The structure is simply stunning. We had to wake up extremely early to enjoy the area without a ton of other tourists.
Things to See in Florence #2: The Sunset at Piazza Michelangelo
Piazza Michelangelo is the spot to be when it comes to watching the sunset. Hundreds of people flood the area to enjoy the sun melting behind the city. Watching the sunset here is definitely one of the most magical things to see in Florence.
That being said, we do have a confession to make- it gets entirely too crowded! If you escape the mass amounts of people then you can head a little bit down the hill to get some other really stunning views and photos,
We suggest arriving early to the plaza to enjoy the area before it floods with tourists. Walk around and check out the various street vendors, or grab a seat on the stairs to secure a good spot early. There is also a restaurant if you'd like to grab a drink or bite to eat while enjoying this dreamy sunset.
The photo above was shot walking down the hill from Piazza Michelangelo.
Piazza Michelangelo offers the best views in Florence.
Things to See in Florence #3: Pontevecchio
Another one of the most iconic things to see in Florence is Pontevecchio. This bridge is the only one that still remains in the area from the second world war.
Not only is it a beautiful bridge, but it is now home to the majority of the jewelry shops in Florence, So if you're ready to shop, then a visit to Pontevecchio is a must! If you'd like to simply admire the architecture then we suggest walking down the river and viewing it from a bit further.
Pontevecchio is where you will find all of the jewelry shops.
Things to See in Florence #4: Drink and Dance at Villa Vittorio
One of our favorite spots in Florence for a night out is Villa Vittorio. This trendy spot will make you feel like a true VIP with its stylish vibes.
The nightclub is an enormous outdoor venue that offers different bars, dancefloors, and a restaurant. As far as the pandemic goes, this place will definitely make you feel like life has gone back to normal.
The parties at Villa Vittorio go all night long, and are truly an amazing vibe. We also love it because despite the amount of people there, there is plenty of room to distance yourself and stay safe.
Things to See in Florence #5: Relax at River Urban Beach
This is one of the most unique things to see in Florence, as it brings beach vibes to this vibrant city. River Urban beach is exactly what it sounds like- an urban beach along the river.
The owners have brought sand here and made the place into a real beach! Dine and drink with your toes in the sand, or grab a lounge chair or cabana. Either way, you can enjoy tropical feels right here in the heart of Florence.
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Things to See in Florence #6: Have the Best Sandwiches in Town
When it comes to the best things to see in Florence, food of course plays a great roll. We could go on and on about things and places to eat, but we will just share one of our favorites.
The sandwiches (also known as panini) in Florence are simple, but so delicious! There are two great spots:
All' Antico Vinaio
This place is absolutely mobbed all day every day. Lines for All' Antico Vinaoi extend all the way down the street, and for good reason. The ingredients are fresh, and the size of the sandwiches are enormous.
This is definitely one of the most famous spots to check out in Florence, and is worth the wait!
The line for a sandwich here goes all the way down the street!
Il Fratellini
Don't have time or feel like waiting in a huge line? Well Il Fratellini (in our opinion) was just as good as All' Antico Vinaio, and was even cheaper!
Il Fratellini offers huge panini for just 4 euros. They will even make a custom sandwich if you wish, and their service is impeccible. They have a few tables if you can manage to snag one, or you can just grab your sandwich to go.
We loved Il Fratellini so much that we went back to get sandwiches to bring with us to the airport.
Although less popular, this is our personal favorite.
Get number 28 with the truffle cream. We substituted the ham for prosciutto and it was amazing!
Things to See in Florence #7: Visit the Statue of David
The Statue of David is another one of the most iconic things to see in Florence Italy. Michelangelo's masterpiece has become one of the most recognized works of Renaissance sculpture, and is a symbol of strength and youthful beauty.
If you want to visit the statue of David you can see it at Accademia Gallery. It is open from 8:15 am- 6:50 pm, and the last entrance is at 4:45 pm.
Here are a few of the different options for admission, skip-the-line tickets, and small group tours:
Things to See in Florence #8: The Famous Wine Window
Also known as Buchetta del Vino, you can find window where they serve wine right through the window! It's a quirky thing that is becoming more and more popular, and definitely one of the most unique things to see in Florence, Italy.
Things to See in Florence #9: Shop for Leather and Art
If it's one thing that Italians are known for (other than food) is their fashion! Florence is full of beautiful clothing, and they are particularly known for their leather.
Head to the market to find plenty of fine Italian jackets and bags, or one of the small shops in the center. We personally recommend the small locally owned store Daria Sabra, as this is where we found some truly unique items.
Florence has the best leather jackets.
If leather isn't your style then you can definitely appreciate the gorgeous art in this city. One of our favorite things to see in Florence was the artists surrounding the Duomo. You can get anything as simple as a caricature, to one of the magnificent paintings of the beautiful spots in Florence.
Florence is known for its beautiful art.
Things to See in Florence: Day Trips
Florence is the biggest city in Tuscany, and there are so many incredible day trips around it! Here are a few of the top ones:
Pisa
Pisa is definitely the number one day trip from Florence in Italy. At just an hour away, it is the perfect place to go for a few hours to check out the famous leaning tower of Pisa, and tick off another item from your Italian bucket list.
Here are a few popular day trips from Florence to Pisa that you can check out:
Visit a Winery
The Tuscan Wine Region is one of the best things to see in Florence's surroundings, and can easily be done on a day trip! There are a ton of great winery day trips from Florence to choose from, so we highly recommend checking them out if you are a wine lover.
Explore All Over Tuscany
You can easily visit a number of places all in one day trip! You can either take a tour, or rent a car and do your own itinerary to places like Siena, San Gimignano, Lucca, and of course Pisa as well!
Here are a few day trips from Florence that you can book:
Getting Around the Best Things to See in Florence
Want to know just how to explore the city and the great things to see in Florence? Well, it's actually a very easy city to get around!
Is Florence, Italy Walkable?
All of the highlights are within walking distance. If you have a car, try to park it outside the center, and leave it, as you definitely won't need it.
There are also taxis, Ubers, and local buses if you want to limit your walking, or plan on staying a bit outside the center.
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Where to Stay in Florence
If you're looking for the best location to stay in Florence, you'll want to look near the Duomo, which is the dead center of the city. If you'd like something a bit quieter, we'd recommend staying a bit closer to Piazza Miachelangelo.
Here are a few really nice hotels we recommend in Florence:
- Short Stop Room: one of the most budget-friendly options with shared rooms in the city center
- Hotel La Gemma: a chic boutique hotel in the center with a spa and restaurant
- Palazzo Niccolini al Duomo Residenza D'Epoca: a stunning luxury hotel right next to the Duomo
- Granduomo: another boutique hotel right next to the Duomo
- Relais Santa Croce, By Baglioni Hotels: an elegant hotel in an 18th century building with a beautiful rooftop
- Villa Cora: a stunning boutique hotel with gardens and a pool, which is just over a mile from the center, and perfect for a more relaxing stay
- Villa Tolomei Hotel & Resort: a restored Renaissance villa with vineyards, olive groves and an outdoor pool
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Is Florence Safe?
Overall, Italy is a pretty safe country. The touristy cities though tend to have a bit of a problem with pickpocketing. We suggest paying extra care to your belongings, especially in crowded areas. Despite that, it is pretty safe to walk around the center solo or at night.
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Other Things to Know About Visiting Florence
Now that you know the best things to see in Florence, how to get there, and ways to adjust, you're almost set! Here are a few other things to keep in mind when visiting Florence, Italy.
The Best Time to Visit Florence
Florence is a great city that can be appreciated year round! The summer is actually one of the times that Florence isn't as busy, as most tourists and locals head for the beach towns.
The best time to visit weather-wise is during the shoulder months of June and September. However, our personal favorite months are May and October, when the crowds are fewer and the weather is still nice to enjoy walking around.
Homemade gelato is the best way to cool off in Florence.
Packing for a Trip to Florence
When it comes to fashion, Italians really know how to do it. Florence is a beautiful city, and the locals dress to reflect that. If you want to fit in we suggest putting in a bit more effort, especially if you're going out at night (there are dress codes enforced).
Is Florence, Italy Worth Seeing?
While we prefer less touristy cities, there are a lot of impressive things to see in Florence, and it is certainly worth a visit!
How Many Days in Florence is Enough?
You can easily see most of the highlights of things to see in Florence in just a day or two, but we suggest spending a full three days to really soak up the city, as well as to see some of the surroundings.
Florence is also a great home base for exploring other areas of Tuscany, in which you could easily spend a full week visiting the other places to see in the area.
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Florence is a city of charm and romance. It is merely impossible not to fall in love with its beauty, cuisine, and history.
These are just some of our favorite things to see in Florence, but we definitely encourage you to spend some time and enjoy all that Firenze has to offer! Planning on visiting other parts of the country? We have plenty of other Italy guides to help you plan your travels.
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