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Visit Florence

A world of art

  • Tour

  • 7,8 km

  • 3h10

  • 26 audios

PLAN FLORENCE

25 lieux d'intérêt à découvrir pour visiter Florence in one day

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Calling all art and architecture lovers! Florence is the capital of Tuscany and the third most visited city in Europe – for good reason. Over 20% of Italy’s art is stored in the city’s churches and museums. Michelangelo, Brunelleschi, Botticelli… These are just a few of the great Italian artists that shaped this historic city, home of the Renaissance movement. Frescos, statues, and palaces are scattered all around, taking you back in time to the rule of the powerful Medici family. As you stroll through this open-air museum, you’ll discover Florence’s historical and artistic heritage. This all doesn’t make the city any less lively! For a perfect finish to your day, try some Florentine specialties in one of the city’s many restaurants, and grab yourself a drink in one of Italy’s most beautiful squares. So, pack your bags and set off to the ultimate art capital!

  • 23 palais strozzi florence

    1. Strozzi Palace

    The palace on your right was built in the 15th century and is a fine example of Renaissance architecture — typical of private residences from that era. Its construction was ordered by the banker Filippo Strozzi, who  wanted an elegant home Read more

  • 22 rue des tornabuoni florence

    2. Tornabuoni Street

    Tornabuoni Street is one of the most central and historic streets in Florence. Built on the site of the city’s ancient Roman walls, it’s now lined with luxury boutiques  and several palaces constructed between the 15th and 17th centuries for the Read more

  • 21 basilique de santa trinita florence

    3. Santa Trinita Basilica

    Built in the 11th century and expanded in the 14th, the Gothic-style Santa Trinita Basilica was a favourite among Florence’s wealthiest families. Its façade reflects the Renaissance style of the 16th century. Inside, you'll find chapels with beautiful Read more

  • 09 porte san nicolo florence

    4. San Niccolò Gate

    A true relic of the 14th century, the San Niccolò Gate was one of the city’s entrances during the Middle Ages. Built in 1324, and designed by Arnolfo di Cambio, it is one of the few remaining traces of Florence’s old city walls. These fortifications Read more

  • 10 PDV florence poi petit

    5. Michelangelo Square

    The best view of Florence is from Michelangelo Square, overlooking the southern part of the city! You can see Florence's rooftops unfolding, with the city's most iconic landmarks rising among them: the cathedral and its impressive dome, the Read more

  • 11 jardin des roses florence

    6. The Rose Garden

    The Rose Garden is a panoramic garden park connecting the Oltrarno district to the Michelangelo Square. It lives up to its name, housing a large collection of roses, but also lemon trees and a small Japanese garden, a gift from Florence’s twin Read more

  • 12 porta san miniato florence

    7. San Miniato Gate

    You're now walking under the 14th century San Miniato Gate. Unlike most city gates, this one doesn’t have a tower. Instead, its main feature is a simple walkway where guards would stand, watching over the area. This gate leads to Michelangelo Read more

  • 14 quartier d oltrarno florence

    8. Oltrarno District

    Situated on the left bank of the Arno, the Oltrarno district is generally quieter and less touristy than those on the right bank. But that doesn’t make it any less lively! It’s home to several historical monuments, and is a favourite among locals Read more

  • 15 palais pitti florence

    9. Pitti Palace

    This impressive palace was built in 1458 by Brunelleschi, the brilliant architect who designed Florence cathedral’s dome. It was originally Luca Pitti’s residence, a wealthy Florentine banker seeking to rival the Medici ruling dynasty—especially Read more

  • 16 basilique de santa maria des santo spirito florence

    10. Santa Maria del Santo Spirito Basilica

    The name Filippo Brunelleschi may ring a bell... He’s the mastermind behind many iconic landmarks in Florence, such as the Pitti Palace, the cathedral’s dome, and the basilica in front of you. He designed the blueprints in 1444, but passed away Read more

  • 18 galerie des offices florence

    Welcome to the Uffizi Gallery, yet another symbol of the powerful Medici dynasty. Cosimo de’ Medici ordered its construction in the 16th century. Today, this gallery is renowned worldwide for its Florentine Renaissance art, housing one of the Read more

  • 17 ponte vecchio florence

    13. Ponte Vecchio

    An important symbol of the city, the unique Ponte Vecchio is the oldest stone bridge in Europe. The earliest bridge at this site was constructed during Roman times, though its wooden structure repeatedly fell victim to the River’s floods over the Read more

  • 20 fontaine du porcellino florence

    14. Porcellino Fountain

    Although it depicts a wild boar, this fountain is known as the Fontana del Porcellino — the "little pig" fountain. The sculpture you see here is actually a replica of one created in the 17th century for the Pitti Palace, which itself was inspired by an Read more

  • 02 campanile de giotto florence

    15. Campanile de Giotto’s Bell Tower

    Construction of Giotto’s bell tower began in 1298, just two years after work started on the cathedral. Serving as the cathedral’s bell tower, it’s nearly 85 metres high, and takes its name from one of its first architects. This was Giotto, he designed Read more

  • 08 PDV florence poi petit

    16. Viewpoint from Ponte alle Grazie

    The Ponte alle Grazie was built in 1237 over the Arno River, which spans 240km across Tuscany. The bridge was named after the magistrate who governed Florence at the time. Back then, it resembled the Ponte Vecchio, with small wooden Read more

  • 05 palais du bargello florence

    17. Bargello Palace

    Since 1859, this 13th-century palace has been home to the National Bargello Museum. Inside, you’ll find some of the finest sculptures by Donatello, Michelangelo, and Cellini. These Italian Renaissance artists are celebrated and renowned across Read more

  • 06 eglise de san firenze florence

    19. San Firenze Square and San Filippo Neri Church

    The building on San Firenze Square used to be a convent, and now serves as a courthouse. Built in the 16th century, the Baroque-style façade was added a century later – a rare sight in Florence’s historic centre. If you step inside, you’ll find the Read more

  • 03 place de la republique florence

    20. Piazza della Repubblica

    Florence was once the Roman city of Florentia, with this historic square, the Piazza della Repubblica, at its heart. In the 19th century, Florence briefly became the capital of Italy, and the square underwent a complete transformation. It was Read more

  • 04 eglise de orsanmichele florence

    21. Orsanmichele Church

    Orsanmichele Church is a classic example of Florentine architecture, dating back to the 14th century. Built on the site of a former grain market, it was later expanded to become a place of worship. But for several years, its second and third floors Read more

  • 24 eglise saint miche et gaetan florence

    25. Church of Saints Michele and Gaetano

    On your right, you’ll find one of Florence’s most beautiful examples of Baroque architecture: the Church of Saint Michele and Gaetano. Originally designed by Bernado Buontalenti, several Italian architects were tasked with its construction Read more

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Recommended Starting Point

No need to worry about where to begin! Our tours are designed as a loop, so you can jump in wherever you are. The navigation system and audioguide will automatically adjust to your location. However, if you happen to be nearby, we do have a preferred starting point : Piazza San Giovanni

 

Recommended Parking

Porta al Prato Car Park – Stazione Leopolda : Via Elio Gabbuggiani

Before you drive in Florence, you should know the following rules. Driving in the city center is prohibited unless you’re a local resident. The entire historic center is a Limited Traffic Zone, or ZTL, in effect from Monday to Saturday during specific hours. The best option is to park outside this zone in a paid car park and take public transport into the city center. The car park we recommend is affordable, safe, and avoids taking spots reserved for residents. You can book your parking in advance to ensure you’ll have a spot.

Visit Info

Florence is an open-air museum — there’s so much to see! We recommend buying the City Pass in advance. It gives you access to the city’s must-see attractions, with skip-the-line tickets at a discounted rate!

This tour takes you past some of the city’s major landmarks. The palaces and Medici chapels are open to visitors, and you can buy your entry tickets in advance!

While the nicest weather is in July and August, Florence is one of the most visited cities in the world. That’s why we recommend exploring it off-season — for example in spring — when the weather is pleasant and the streets are less crowded.

 

Weather

The hottest months in Florence are July and August, with temperatures reaching up to 32°C. The coldest months are January and December, when temperatures can drop as low as 2°C.

 

 

Currency

The currency in Florence is the Euro.

 

Got Some Extra Time?

 

Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens

If you have more time to spend in the capital of the arts, we recommend heading to the Boboli Gardens, just behind the Pitti Palace. It’s the largest green space in Florence, and one of the most beautiful in all of Italy! During their long rule, the Medici family expanded this garden, until it became the massive space that you see today. Grottoes, fountains, sculptures… This Renaissance-style garden is full of treasures, and offers a breathtaking view over the city! You can check them out during a visit to the Pitti Palace. Built in the second half of the 15th century, the palace now houses multiple museums. You can buy an entry ticket that includes visits to the Palatine Gallery, the Royal Appartments, the

Gallery of Modern Art and the Costume Gallery. There’s also an entry ticket that includes entry to the Boboli and Bardini gardens, and the Porcelain Museum. The palace has remarkable collections of sculptures, paintings, costumes, porcelain, and the city’s most-visited historical park! Before you go, check the opening hours. You can buy a ticket in advance, but know that the site is closed on Mondays!

 

 

San Miniato al Monte Basilica

If you want to visit another iconic part of Florence, head to the San Miniato al Monte basilica! Perched high up in the Oltrarno district, it’s deeply historic and pays tribute to the city’s first martyr. Given its altitude, it also offers one of the most stunning views over the historic city centre. Entry is free, but subject to opening hours! It’s only a few minutes walk away from Michelangelo Square!

 

Galleria dell’Accademia

If you’re a true art lover, you have to visit the Galleria dell’Accademia. Home to a vast collection of paintings and sculptures, here you’ll find one of Michelangelo’s most famous masterpieces: the David. It’s one of the most visited museums in the city, so we strongly recommended booking your ticket online in advance. The museum is open every day except Mondays. There’s also a combined ticket available that includes both the Galleria dell’Accademia and the Uffizi Gallery.

 

Museums

Florence is home to numerous museums, covering all kinds of areas! You can visit the Uffizi Gallery, one of the oldest museums in the city; the Galileo Museum, retracing the history of science; the interactive Leonardo da Vinci Museum; and Florence’s many more palaces and gardens. You should know that most museums are closed on Mondays – so check the opening hours before you visit. There are also different kinds of tickets you can buy, including combined tickets that could save you some money.

 

Fiesole

If you’ve got some spare time, consider visiting the town of Fiesole. It’s about 10 kilometres north of Florence, and the views over the city are spectacular. Perched on top of a hill, Fiesole is full of interesting monuments, and the perfect place to stroll through for a day.

 

Pisa

As the capital of Tuscany, Florence is well-connected to its surrounding region, so it’s a great starting place for day trips! Pisa is one of the most visited cities in Italy. Go for a day or a weekend to dicover its iconic leaning tower – renowned worldwide– along with its beautiful historic centre. You’ll see Pisa’s remarkable cathedral, fascinating museums, and palaces with unique architecture. It’s about an hour and a half drive away from Florence, or you could take the train from the Firenze Santa Maria Novella station in the city centre. It usually takes between 50 minutes and 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach Pisa. Just like Florence and many other Italian cities, Pisa has a Limited Traffic Zone, or ZTL. This means you’re not allowed to drive into the city unless you’re a local resident.

 

Siene and the Chianti Valley

Another highly popular destination just an hour and fifteen minutes away is Siena, Florence’s old-time rival. The town’s medieval centre reflects its rich heritage, with beautifully preserved architecture and impressive landmarks. Make sure not to drive into the town — park outside instead. Siena has a large Limited Traffic Zone, and if you’re not a resident, driving into it is not allowed. On the way, you can explore the Chianti Valley, which lies between Florence and Siena. Covered in vineyards, olive groves and wine cellars, this region is a must-see if you have some more time in Tuscany. You’ll find scenic walks with breathtaking views through the vineyards — and if you like, you can even enjoy a Chianti wine tasting along the way.

 

San Gimignano

San Gimignano is known as the “Town of a Thousand Towers”. In reality, it’s more of a village than a town. Full of charming medieval architecture, it has 14 incredibly well-preserved towers and winding streets, right in the heart of Tuscany. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t miss out on spending a few hours in this treasured Tuscan town, located an hour away from Florence, and 45 minutes away from Siene.

 

Monteriggioni

The Tuscan village of Monteriggioni may be small, but it’s surrounded by its original medieval walls, which have been remarkably well-preserved. Get ready to be charmed by its stone houses, cobbled streets, and small church – all enclosed within the ancient walls of the Monteriggioni castle. The visit is quite short, but can be easily combined with a trip to San Gimignano or Siena, both about 25 kilometers away. Cars are not allowed inside the walls, but there is a paid car park just outside the town.

 

Lucca

Another town that has preserved its medieval character is Lucca, a hidden gem in Tuscany, and truly worth visiting if you have time. Its cathedral, city walls, and beautiful palazzi are worth a day visit. This is also where Europe’s largest comic book festival takes place, held every year between late October and early November.

 

Cinque Terre National Park

And finally, Florence is home to the must-see Cinque Terre National Park, a 2 hour and 15 minute drive away from the centre. A hub of breathtaking nature and landscapes, the park is best known for its 5 stunning villages: Riomaggiore, Monterosso al Mare, Manarola, Corniglia, and Vernazza. If you have more time to spend in the region, the views alone are worth the trip to the Cinque Terre.

Immerse yourself in Florentine art, gastronomy, and culture with these unforgettable experiences!

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Top 7 things to do in Florence

Aaahhh Florence...Peace and quiet all in one city. If you're staying there, here are a few things to do. Read more

The Galileo Museum

Our rating

Budget

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Yes, we are indeed talking about the famous mathematician, physicist, astronomer, and geometer, Galileo. While it’s important to enrich your literary knowledge by exploring the history of various Italian monuments, it’s just as essential to cultivate your scientific understanding too, right?

Welcome to the Galileo Museum, one of the…

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Good to know: Open from Wednesday to Monday, 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. One must-see item? The telescope Galileo used in 1609 to observe Jupiter’s moons and the Moon’s mountains.

Prices and Availability 📆

What are the best hotels in Florence?

Florence is a charming city. If you want to stay overnight, you'll need a short list of some equally charming hotels. Read more

Hotel Ungherese

Our rating

Budget

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This is the kind of romantic hotel where couples tend to stay during their honeymoon. Modern, everything is…

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Highlights

Quiet neighborhood
Free private parking
Children’s TV channels
Breakfast included

Things to Consider

Some rooms may feel a bit small

Location: Via Giovan Battista Amici 8, Firenze Campo Di Marte, Florence, Italy

Prices and Availability 📆

Frequently asked questions

What to do during a day in Florence?

Florence is an Italian city that makes many travelers swoon. If you’re planning a road trip through Italy, skipping this splendid place is simply not an option! There’s so much to do in one day, and it’s especially enjoyable to explore the city on foot during the summer. First and foremost, Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral is undoubtedly THE city’s most iconic monument. After taking in its beauty, head to the famous “Ponte Vecchio.” This old bridge, made entirely of stone, is a pleasant spot for a stroll, with views stretching across the horizon. And if you’re up for a touch of greenery in this Florentine paradise, don’t miss the Boboli Gardens – a place that never ceases to fascinate its visitors.

 

Where to stay for a day in Florence?

Many dream of vacationing in Italy, especially in the beautiful city of Florence. But one question often arises: where to sleep? Florence offers plenty of welcoming hotels near the city center at very reasonable prices. The Duomo district, the historic heart of the city, is one of the most popular areas, with its old churches and charming alleys. There’s also Santa Croce, described as “the liveliest part of town,” full of warm accommodations that highlight traditional Italian culture and give each room a unique charm. Lastly, travelers love the elegance of Santa Maria Novella, where refined hotels will definitely tempt you to stay for your entire trip.

 

Where to eat in Florence?

Your trip to Florence is the perfect excuse to indulge in some great food! After all, food plays a vital role in our lives. All around the world, Italian cuisine is praised and often called the best in the world. In Florence, you’ll enjoy the best “Trippa alla Fiorentina” on Via dei Lavatoi. It’s said the restaurants there are charming, with a touch of whimsy you’ll have to experience for yourself. Don’t miss Via Dei Cimatori and Via Dei Branchi either—streets where delicious aromas drift from restaurant windows and make everyone’s mouth water. These spots are cozy and quiet, perfect for a romantic evening.

 

When to visit and how to get to Florence?

Summer and spring are the best times to visit Florence. From June to August, the weather is ideal for walking the city, with temperatures hovering around 30°C (86°F). April and May bring milder sunshine, just enough to keep the rain away. The best way to get to Florence is by plane—it’s fast and can be very affordable if booked in advance. You can land at Florence Airport or Pisa Airport. The budget airline flying to Florence is “Vueling,” while flights from Paris to Pisa are operated by “Ryanair.” You can also check “Easyjet” and “Vueling.” For those who don’t like flying, there’s always the train. Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station is a terminus for several major rail routes across Italy.

 

How many days to visit Florence?

Florence is Italy’s eighth largest city by population. It’s not especially large, but it is renowned for its rich Renaissance heritage. Ideally, you should plan at least two days—a weekend—to explore its many treasures. However, if you’re truly passionate about art and beauty in its purest form, you’ll need at least five days to see the city’s museums, palaces, and churches. Rainy day? No problem! Florence offers plenty of fascinating indoor activities that historians, antiquarians, and architects alike find captivating.

 

How to get around Florence?

Sure, some may enjoy wandering the city on foot. But if you’d rather save your energy, take advantage of Florence’s well-developed public transportation system. You’ve got three affordable options: taxi, tram, and bus. One important tip: cars are not allowed in the city center. The area is strictly regulated, so we don’t recommend renting a car. On the bright side, you can walk around safely without the noise of traffic! Only buses are allowed into the historic center, and they can even take you up to scenic spots like Piazzale Michelangelo.

 

What to do around Florence?

Now that you know what to do in Florence, you’re probably wondering what to do nearby! Just 8 kilometers away, you’ll find the charming village of Fiesole. Its narrow alleys hide a splendid ancient Roman theater. You’ll also be able to explore a vast Roman archaeological site. You’re in Italy, after all! About 20 kilometers from Florence lies the magnificent Villa Medicea di Poggio a Caiano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This sublime villa was built with the help of the best artists of the time—it’s sure to leave you in awe.

 

What to visit in Tuscany?

Often when visiting Florence, travelers also want to explore the wider region of Tuscany—a charming land where imagination and dreams bloom in a colorful blend of trees and flowers. Be sure to stop by Lucca, a fortified town that has kept its mysterious aura through the centuries. Famous for its urban landscapes, visitors also flock here to see Puccini’s birthplace. If you’re a music lover, you’ll be delighted! Tuscany is a region rich in art, as you’ll quickly realize. Visit Siena and its surroundings, and take some time to relax in natural hot springs.

 

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