Florence

The majesty of ancient and contemporary beauty.

Florence, Italy: Renowned for Michelangelo's David, the Duomo, rich art, historic architecture, and traditional Tuscan cuisine.

4.6
out of 5

Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, is Italy's ode to art and architecture. Home to masterpieces like Michelangelo's "David" and Brunelleschi's Dome on the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the city is a live gallery of seminal works. The Uffizi Gallery and the Palazzo Pitti display vast collections that underscore the city's historical significance, and the Arno River with its Ponte Vecchio adds to the city's picturesque landscape. Florence is also renowned for its leather goods and traditional Tuscan cuisine, offering an experience that caters to both art enthusiasts and gastronomes.

The Florence Cathedral and Brunelleschi's Dome

While exploring Florence, the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, commonly known as the Duomo, is a must-visit. Its iconic dome, engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi, is not only an architectural wonder but also offers panoramic views of the city for those who make the climb to the top. The adjacent Giotto's Campanile stands tall as a spectacular example of Florentine Gothic architecture.

Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Pitti

Art lovers will find their sanctuary in the Uffizi Gallery, hosting works by titans of Renaissance art such as Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Da Vinci. A short walk across the Arno River via the historic Ponte Vecchio leads you to the Palazzo Pitti. This grand palace houses several important museums and offers an insightful glimpse into Renaissance lifestyles, showcasing an exquisite collection of paintings, costumes, and jewelry.

Historical Bridges and the Arno River

Take time to stroll along the Arno River, especially at sunset when the light gives the city a magical hue. The Ponte Vecchio is renowned for its continuous line of jewelers, art dealers, and souvenir sellers. It's a living piece of history dating back to medieval times, surviving floods and wars.

Leather Markets and Artisan Shops

Florence is a haven for shoppers, especially at the bustling San Lorenzo Market and surrounding leather shops where you can find quality handcrafted goods. Local artisans take pride in their work, which extends to wooden crafts, paper goods, and jewelry found throughout the city's quaint workshops.

Traditional Tuscan Cuisine

To appreciate Florence's culinary offerings, visit traditional Tuscan restaurants or Osterias where local dishes like Bistecca alla Fiorentina (a thick T-bone steak) and Ribollita (a hearty vegetable soup) are served. For a more interactive experience, consider joining a cooking class to learn how to make these regional specialties.

Gardens and Outdoor Spaces

For some tranquility, the Boboli Gardens behind Palazzo Pitti offer a green retreat with walking paths that meander past sculptures, fountains, and lush flora. Similarly tranquil is the Bardini Garden with its baroque staircase and stunning vista points.

Wine Tasting and Chianti Region

A trip to Florence is incomplete without sampling renowned Tuscan wines. Take a short journey to the Chianti region for a wine tasting tour amidst the picturesque vineyards, savoring renowned wines such as Chianti Classico.

Street Performances and Local Music

In the evenings, Piazza della Signoria and other public squares often feature street performers and musicians that contribute to the city's vibrant cultural scene. These performances add an auditory layer to Florence's visual grandeur.

Day Trips to Tuscan Towns

Florence's central location makes it a perfect hub for exploring Tuscany's other gems. Day trips to Siena, Pisa, or Lucca offer glimpses into the region's diverse history and architecture without straying too far from Florence's embrace.

Public Transportation and Walking Tours

Most of Florence is accessible on foot, which allows for immersive exploration of its cobblestone streets and hidden piazzas. Public buses are available for longer distances or when visiting outer neighborhoods. Consider renting a bicycle for a different pace and perhaps a guided tour to get insider knowledge on Florence's secrets.

Local Festivals and Events

Depending on the time of year you visit, you may encounter local festivals celebrating everything from music to food to traditional customs. These events are a fantastic way to experience local culture firsthand and enjoy community spirit that remains strong in Florence.

Average temperatures during the day in Florence.
November
14°
Dec
10°
Jan
10°
Feb
11°
Mar
14°
Apr
18°
May
23°
Jun
27°
Jul
30°
Aug
30°
Sep
26°
Oct
21°

What people say about Florence

4.6
People
4
Food
5
Spaces
5
Value
4
Safety
4

Articles about Italy

Image of Killing Eve filming locations
Image of Killing Eve filming locations

Killing Eve filming locations

May 2024,
The BBC thriller series Killing Eve has taken viewers to many places across Europe as it follows MI5 agent Eve Polastri and assassin Villanelle. The cat-and-mouse story unfolds in cities like London,
Image of The 30 best food cities in the world
Image of The 30 best food cities in the world

The 30 best food cities in the world

November 2024,
This is a list of the top food destinations in the world based on the opinions of travelers from more than 100 countries. If you travel to eat, this is for you! It doesn’t matter if you are a foodie o
Image of The best lesser-known places to visit in Europe
Image of The best lesser-known places to visit in Europe

The best lesser-known places to visit in Europe

December 2023,
In the midst of European explorations, some cities remain less frequented by the throng of tourists yet hold an abundance of cultural wealth, natural beauty, and a compelling history. This guide aims
Image of The best places to visit in January
Image of The best places to visit in January

The best places to visit in January

April 2024,
Many travelers eagerly anticipate the arrival of January. While some are looking for the beauty of the Northern Lights, or enjoying the best time for skiing, others aim to participate in vibrant cultu
Image of The World’s Most Stunning Hikes
Image of The World’s Most Stunning Hikes

The World’s Most Stunning Hikes

October 2023,
Are you an avid hiker looking for a challenge? Look no further than some of the world's most incredible trails! From the breathtakingly beautiful landscape of Torres del Paine in Chile's Patagonia to
Image of The best places to visit in February
Image of The best places to visit in February

The best places to visit in February

April 2024,
When February comes off the calendar, you can’t blame everyone for wanting to go all-in on some of the most exotic travel experiences on offer anywhere in the world. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, steams wit
Image of All World Expo locations since 1851
Image of All World Expo locations since 1851

All World Expo locations since 1851

November 2024,
For more than a century and a half, global citizens have congregated at World Expos to celebrate human achievement, explore pressing issues of the day, and experience the cultural expressions of peopl
Image of The best places to visit in May
Image of The best places to visit in May

The best places to visit in May

April 2024,
May is the month of blooming gardens and frolics in the northern hemisphere, but it also allows travelers to explore new horizons. This is a series of pointers on what to do in May: in Europe, one can
Popular on Humbo right now
Humbo™AboutVisitedBucket listSustainable travelPrivacyTerms