First time in Italy? If you chose Florence as your first city to get to know this incredible country, you couldn’t have made a better decision! Florence is in fact the epitome of Italian-ness in every way. Here you will find good food, great wine, art, beauty in every corner and wonderful sights that you will carry in your heart forever. Being your first time around here, you might find it helpful to get some advice on how to plan your vacation and what to expect from this magical city.
Tips before departure
There are not many recommendations to make before leaving for Florence. As with any trip to an unfamiliar country, there are essentially two best things to do: plan the trip in advance and choose the best time to visit.
Planning the trip
The first useful tip to enjoy Florence without worries is definitely to plan everything, starting with accommodation. Always try to book well in advance, so you can find the best solutions available. The ideal solution would be to opt for one of the lovely hotels with view of Duomo Florence.
In addition to lodging, it is advisable to book tickets to the various attractions in advance, especially the most popular ones. This way you will avoid standing in line for hours.
Choosing the best period
Visiting Florence is always a great idea, but there are certain times during the year that are perhaps more recommended than others. The period from March to June is probably the most pleasant, both because of the typically spring-like temperatures and air and the vibrant atmosphere due to the tourist season.
However, autumn can also be a good time to fly to Florence, when the landscapes begin to change hues and the city begins to empty of tourists.
5 stops to make in Florence
That being said, all that’s left now is for you to pack your bags and start imagining your way through the streets of the Cradle of the Italian Renaissance. Florence will surely have an endless number of things to show you, but these 5 are the most popular ones that you cannot miss for any reason in the world.
- Piazza Duomo
To begin your exploration of Florence, the advice is to start here, in the heart of the city. Piazza Duomo is perhaps one of the most famous in the country, home to the marvelous architectural masterpiece of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, with its grand dome by Filippo Brunelleschi. One of the experiences to have here? Certainly climbing the dome, not being intimidated by the 463 steps to the top! On the Piazza, near the Cathedral, you will also find the Baptistery and Giotto’s Bell Tower, which can also be visited inside up to the highest point. So if you want to enjoy a view of the whole city this is where you must come.
- Piazzale Michelangelo
Piazzale Michelangelo is the highest point in the city, the one from which you can enjoy a truly incredible panoramic view. In fact, from here you see the beautiful skyline of Florence, while on the square you can find a bronze copy of Michelangelo’s David. This place is very popular among tourists and is frequented by locals as well, so always plan to find many people like you coming here, especially during sunset.
Just below the Piazzale is also another little place worthy of a visit: the Iris Garden. This is a large green space where you can admire the best varieties of this flower, a symbol of Florence.
- The Uffizi Gallery
Among the most famous and important art places in Florence, but also in all of Italy, is the Uffizi Gallery. This is a historic museum, to visit which would take days; therefore, count on devoting a large part of your day to this masterpiece, to visit all the major works of art. Among the most famous artists you will find Botticelli, Leonardo, Titian, Michelangelo, Giotto, Caravaggio and Piero della Francesca.
- Ponte Vecchio
One of the must-see places in Florence is then inevitably Ponte Vecchio. There is no postcard that portrays the city without showing this beautiful bridge over the Arno, which has become iconic all over the world. Ponte Vecchio is also one of the most romantic spots in the city to stroll around, but also the best for luxury shopping; in fact, on both the right and the left side, you will find plenty of high-end jewelry and watch shops.
Despite being the city’s most famous and oldest bridge, this is not the only bridge that crosses the Arno. You can also find other beautiful bridges in Florence that follow this one, such as Ponte San Niccolò, Ponte alle Grazie, and Ponte Santa Trinità.
- Piazza della Signoria
Last, but not least, is then Piazza della Signoria. This is one of the liveliest gathering places in Florence, also perfect for stopping for an ice cream or a bite to eat before continuing the exploration of the historic center. Among the most important monuments you can find are Palazzo Vecchio, the seat of the City of Florence, and the copy of Michelangelo’s David. Want to see the original? Then you’ll have to drop by the Accademia Gallery: you’ll find it about a 10-minute walk from here!
