Florence
Florence, smack in the heart of Tuscany, is a city that’s all about history, art, and culture. With around 400,000 residents, it’s a bit bustling but still manageable. The weather here is pretty sweet, with mild winters and warm summers, so it’s nice to visit year-round.
Every year, Florence attracts millions of tourists who come for its incredible museums, stunning architecture, and delicious food. The best time to visit is during spring or fall. The weather’s pleasant, and you’ll avoid the summer crowds while still enjoying everything the city has to offer.
Florence is a must-see for anyone into art, history, or just soaking up the atmosphere of a city that’s like an open-air museum. Whether you’re wandering through historic streets or enjoying the local cuisine, there’s always something amazing to experience.
Florence Cathedral
Column of Justice, in the Piazza Santa Trinita
Arriving to Florence
Florence is a city that feels like a live-action history book, packed with art, culture, and tasty food. Getting there is pretty straightforward—Florence has its own airport, Amerigo Vespucci, which is about 20 minutes from the city center. If you’re flying into Italy, you can also hop on a train from major cities like Rome or Milan, and it’s a quick and scenic ride right into Florence’s central station.
When it comes to where to stay, you’ve got some cool options. The historic center is ideal if you want to be right where the action is. Areas like Santa Croce and the Duomo are perfect for tourists, with lots of hotels and guesthouses close to major sights. For a more local feel, consider staying in neighborhoods like Oltrarno, which is just across the Arno River and offers a more laid-back, authentic Florentine vibe.
Getting around Florence is pretty easy. The city is quite walkable, so you can stroll through charming streets and see a lot of the major attractions on foot. There are also bikes and scooters for rent if you’re up for a bit of adventure. Public buses are available if you need to get to places a bit further out.
Florence is famous for its delicious food, and you’re in for a treat. Classic dishes include fresh pasta, like tortellini and pici, and of course, the famous Florentine steak. Don’t forget to try a gelato from one of the many fantastic gelaterias around town.
There’s so much to see and do in Florence. You can marvel at iconic landmarks like the Florence Cathedral with its stunning dome and the Ponte Vecchio bridge. The Uffizi Gallery is a must-visit for art lovers, featuring masterpieces from the Renaissance period. Also, don’t miss out on the Boboli Gardens for a relaxing stroll.
For experiences, you can climb up to the top of the Bell Tower for a panoramic view of the city, or explore the local markets like Mercato Centrale to taste local specialties and pick up some unique souvenirs. Taking a cooking class is another great way to dive into the local food scene and learn how to make traditional dishes.
Florence is a city where history and culture come alive, making it an unforgettable destination.
Accomodation
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Currency: The official currency of Florence is the Euro (EUR). 1 € is equivalent to 1.09 USD.
Keep in mind before travelling to Florence
In June, the city gets wild with Calcio Storico, a medieval football game in Piazza Santa Croce that mixes soccer with wrestling. Come September, Festa della Rificolona lights up the night with lanterns and parades. If you’re into fashion, Pitti Immagine Uomo in January and June is a must-see, with the latest trends taking over the city.
From May to June, the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino festival fills Florence with incredible opera and music performances. Another June highlight is Festa di San Giovanni, which celebrates the patron saint with a huge fireworks display. In August, Festa della Madonna della Neve brings religious processions and local festivities. December is magical with Mercato di Natale, turning Florence into a festive wonderland with Christmas markets.
If you want to explore beyond Florence, consider day trips to Pisa for the Leaning Tower, Siena for medieval charm, Lucca with its Renaissance walls, San Gimignano for its towers, Chianti for wine tasting, and Prato for art and history.
Tips to visit Florence
Florence is a fantastic city in Italy where you’ll find locals called Florentines. When you greet people here, a friendly “Ciao” or “Buongiorno” works perfectly. Most people speak Italian, but you’ll also hear some English, especially in tourist spots.
Meals in Florence follow a relaxed schedule—breakfast around 8-10 AM, lunch from 12:30-2 PM, and dinner from 7:30 PM onwards. Business hours are generally from 9 AM to 1 PM and then 3-7 PM, but this can vary. Tipping isn’t obligatory but appreciated, and a small 5-10% is a nice gesture for good service.
The Italian healthcare system is public, so residents and visitors have access to a range of services. Dress in Florence is usually smart-casual; locals tend to dress neatly but not overly formal. You might hear locals say “Che figata!” to express excitement or “Andiamo!” for “Let’s go!”—it’s all part of the city’s charm.
