Florence holidays

Popular holidays

Florence holidays flaunt all the famous landmarks – like the Duomo Cathedral, the Ponte Vecchio bridge, and Michelangelo’s statue of David.

Fanfare for Florence

Welcome to Florence, the Tuscan city that’s a bonanza for the eager sightseer. It’s nicknamed the ‘Cradle of Renaissance’ thanks to its excessive art history, and the orange-and-lemon-coloured city centre’s got its own UNESCO World Heritage label. You’ll need more than two hands to tick off Florence’s numerous art galleries, museums, and architectural masterpieces. Plus, it’s a top-notch hub for cafés, gelato shops and cosy drinking dens.

A beginner’s guide

Knowing where to start in Florence is a tricky one, because all its landmarks are major attention-seekers. The famous domed Duomo Cathedral is a must-visit, and so is the Medieval Piazza della Signoria. Then there’s the arched Ponte Vecchio bridge, which was the first bridge built over the Arno river. Today, it’s layered like a cake with many jewellery and antique shops. The sculpture-studded Boboli Gardens are also worth adding to your agenda, if only for a quick breather in Florence’s biggest green space.

Art, art, everywhere

Nowhere does art history quite like Florence, and you’ve got a treasure trove of galleries to sift through. Our favourites include the Uffizi Gallery, home to works by VIPs like Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael. The Accademia Gallery is also worth popping into, if only for an eyeful of the uber-famous nude marble statue of David by Michelangelo.

In the mood for food

Foodies get the same A-star treatment as culture vultures in Florence. Corner cafés are in abundance, so fuelling up on Italian coffee and sweet pastries is no hard task between visiting tourist landmarks. Gelato’s a big deal here, too. Head to a gelateria for this creamy home-made ice-cream, where flavours can range from hazelnut and pistachio to rose and matcha green tea.

Popular hotels in Florence

Top things to see and do in Florence

Beaches

Ride the train to the sea

Florence may be an inland city, but the seaside is in relatively easy reach if you fancy a change of scenery. Viareggio, on Italy’s west coast, is the easiest sandy beach to get to. A direct train ride from the city centre takes an hour and a half, or you can drive to it in closer to 60 minutes.

Shopping

Bargain buys

Grab a cheap-as-chips memento at the San Lorenzo Market. It’s got indoor and outdoor sections, with part of the market dedicated to fresh fruit and veg. In the remaining area, you’ve got your pick of handmade Florentine goods – like leather wallets and bags, pottery, books, and souvenirs. Bargaining is welcomed, too.

Designer buys

If designer retail therapy’s your jam, head to the Via Tornabuoni. This elegant street in Florence’s centre is home to big name brands like Gucci and Prada, as well as a perfumery, and a luxury shoemaker dating back to the 1920s.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

Hit up the San Frediano neighbourhood for a chilled one. Here, quiet wine bars rub shoulders with cosy cocktail hangouts and Italian tapas places. This area’s also home to Florence’s’ first Sake bar, as well as a quirky bookshop that deals in live music and tipples after sundown.

Lively evenings

For all the ingredients of a big night out in Florence, make sure you swing by the Santa Croco district. It’s considered the heart of the city’s nightlife, and is peppered with beehive-buzzy bars and neon-lit nightclubs.

Food & drink

Gelato

Salted caramel, chocolate, fig, pear, pistachio, lemon, mint, rose… you name it, Florence’s gelaterias – gelato shops – have got a flavour to suit everyone. This Italian version of ice-cream, made with less cream and more milk, is available on practically every street in the city. A creamy cone or tub of gelato is a staple of Florence’s foodie scene, and a great way to cool down while sightseeing.

Schiacciata Fiorentina

A classic Florentine cake, the schiacciata Fiorentina is a soft yellow sponge topped with sugar. Slices are stencilled with a cocoa powder fleur-de-lys, making the cake super-easy to identify. You’ll come across this kind of cake in just about every bakery in the city.

Bistecca alla Fiorentina

Meat-eaters, assemble – for this extra-large, extra-tasty steak. The Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a giant T-bone, pink on the inside, seasoned with salt and pepper, and roasted over chestnuts. This massive steak is made for sharing, so make sure you take a friend with you to dinner.

Lampredotto

This love-it-or-hate-it Florentine folk meal dates back to Italy’s Medieval period. Lampredotto is a sandwich made with thinly sliced, boiled tripe. It’s a popular dish to buy at outdoor markets or street vendors, and for a dash of extra flavour, you can order it with a spicy or herby sauce.

Top Hotels in Florence

Facts about Florence

Currency

Euro

(EUR)

Language

Italian

Time zone

GMT +1

Flight duration

2 hours 5 minutes from Gatwick

FAQs

Where can I find the latest travel advice?

All your questions about entry requirements, visas, passports or health information are answered on our Travel Advice page.

What should I pack for Florence?

When visiting Florence, bring comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets and exploring museums. Pack light layers for variable temperatures, sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for sunny days. Include clothing that covers shoulders and knees for visiting churches and religious sites.

What's the nightlife like in Florence?

Florence offers a blend of wine bars, cocktail lounges and live music venues. Head to the Oltrarno district for laid-back bars and aperitivo spots, or explore Santo Spirito for a lively local atmosphere.

Are there any local customs I should know about in Florence?

When visiting Florence, it's polite to greet shopkeepers when entering and leaving stores. When visiting churches, ensure your shoulders and knees are covered. Locals appreciate if you try a few words in Italian, like 'grazie' for thank you and 'per favore' for please.

Where can I try local food in Florence?

For authentic Florentine cuisine, try trattorias in the Sant'Ambrogio or San Frediano neighborhoods. Look for dishes like bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine-style steak) and ribollita (hearty vegetable soup). The Mercato Centrale is also great for sampling local specialties.

What are the best beaches in Florence?

Florence is an inland city without beaches, but the Tuscan coast offers plenty of options within easy reach. We recommend visiting Viareggio for its wide sandy shores and promenade, or Forte dei Marmi for highend beach clubs, both around one and a half hours by car. Castiglioncello features rocky coves and calm waters, ideal for a relaxed day trip from the city.

Where are the best places to shop in Florence?

Florence offers excellent shopping experiences. You'll find high-end boutiques along Via de' Tornabuoni and Via della Vigna Nuova. For leather goods, visit the San Lorenzo market. The Oltrarno area is great for artisan workshops and unique souvenirs.

Should I tip in Florence?

Tipping in Florence isn't obligatory, but it's appreciated for good service. In restaurants, a small tip of 5-10% is welcome if a service charge isn't included. For taxis and hotel staff, rounding up the bill or giving a few euros is a nice gesture.

What travel adapter do I need for Florence?

When visiting Florence, you'll need a two-pin European-style plug adapter. Most hotels use the standard Italian socket, which is Type C or Type F, you can also use Type L which has three-pins. We recommend bringing at least one adapter for your electronic devices.