Florence
Some consider it the art capital of the world and the place where our modern culture has been born. Discover what Florence has to offer!
Which places to visit?
The Duomo: This magnificent cathedral dominates the skyline of Florence and is the symbol of the city. Visitors can climb to the top of the dome for spectacular views of the city. Admission to the cathedral is free, but there is an entrance fee to climb to the top of the dome: €18 for adults, €8 for children ages 6-11.
Palazzo Vecchio: This palace was once the seat of government in Florence and now serves as a museum. Visitors can see the stunning frescoes by Giorgio Vasari and the Salone dei Cinquecento.
Ponte Vecchio: This iconic bridge spans the Arno River and is lined with shops selling jewelry and souvenirs. Visitors can take a stroll across the bridge and enjoy the views of the river and the city.
Basilica di Santa Croce: This beautiful church is the final resting place of many famous Italians, including Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. Visitors can see the stunning frescoes and tombs. Entrance fee: €10 for adults, free for children under 12.
Palazzo Pitti: This palace was once the home of the powerful Medici family and now houses several museums and galleries. Visitors can see the art collections and explore the stunning gardens. Entrance fee: €16 for adults.
San Lorenzo Market: This bustling market is the perfect place to experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of Florence. Visitors can browse the stalls selling everything from leather goods to fresh produce.
Piazzale Michelangelo: This panoramic terrace offers some of the best views of Florence. Visitors can see the city and its famous landmarks from this elevated viewpoint.
Boboli Gardens: These beautiful gardens are located behind the Palazzo Pitti and offer stunning views of Florence. Visitors can explore the gardens and see the fountains, sculptures, and landscaped paths. Entrance fee: €10 for adults.
The Best Museums
Uffizi Gallery – This museum is home to one of the greatest collections of Renaissance art in the world, including works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci. Entrance fee: €20 for adults.
Accademia Gallery – This museum is home to Michelangelo’s famous sculpture of David, as well as other Renaissance art. Entrance fee: €16 for adults.
Bargello Museum – This museum houses a collection of Renaissance sculptures and decorative arts, including works by Michelangelo and Donatello. Entrance fee: €8 for adults.
Museo dell’Opera del Duomo – This museum houses many of the original works of art that were once part of the cathedral, including Michelangelo’s unfinished sculpture of the Pietà. Entrance fee: €18 for adults.
Museo Galileo – This museum is dedicated to the history of science and features a collection of scientific instruments and gadgets from throughout history. Entrance fee: €10 for adults.
Gucci Garden – This museum is dedicated to the history of the Gucci fashion brand and features a collection of clothing and accessories. Entrance fee: €16 for adults.
Stibbert Museum – This museum houses a collection of art and artifacts from throughout history, including armor, weapons, and costumes. Entrance fee: €8 for adults.
All mentioned museums are free for EU citizens under the age of 18.
Where to eat?
Il Latini – This family-owned restaurant is known for its traditional Tuscan cuisine and hearty portions. – €€€ (high-end)
Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco – This restaurant specializes in game meat and other Tuscan specialties. – €€€ (high-end)
Trattoria Mario – This casual restaurant serves simple, traditional Tuscan dishes at affordable prices. – €€ (mid-range)
La Giostra – This restaurant is known for its romantic atmosphere and Tuscan cuisine with a twist. – €€€€ (luxury)
All’Antico Vinaio – This popular sandwich shop serves huge, delicious sandwiches made with local ingredients.- € (affordable)
Il Santo Bevitore – This restaurant serves modern Italian cuisine made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. – €€€ (high-end)
La Cucina del Garga – This cozy restaurant is known for its creative Tuscan cuisine and warm, welcoming atmosphere.- €€€ (high-end)
Trattoria Sostanza – This historic restaurant has been serving traditional Tuscan dishes since 1869. – €€€ (high-end)
Osteria della Porcella – This casual restaurant is known for its hearty, rustic Tuscan cuisine and friendly service. – €€ (mid-range)
Coquinarius – This wine bar and restaurant serves creative Italian cuisine and a wide selection of wines by the glass. – €€€ (high-end)
Note that the price ranges are approximate and can vary depending on factors such as the time of day, day of the week, and the specific dishes and drinks ordered.
Where to Sleep?
Hotel Spadai: This 4-star hotel is located in the heart of Florence, just a few steps away from the Duomo and other major attractions. The hotel offers modern amenities and elegant rooms.
Hotel Milu: A 4-star hotel located in a historic building in the city center, offering stylish rooms and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city.
Hotel Santa Maria Novella: A 4-star hotel located in a renovated Renaissance-era building, featuring spacious rooms and a rooftop terrace with views of the city skyline.
Palazzo Guadagni Hotel: This 3-star hotel is located in a historic building in the Oltrarno district, just a short walk from major attractions like the Ponte Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery.
Hotel Brunelleschi: A 4-star hotel located in a restored medieval tower in the heart of Florence, offering luxurious rooms and suites with breathtaking views of the city.
Sina Villa Medici: A 5-star hotel located in a 19th-century villa with lush gardens and a pool, just a short walk from the city center.
Hotel Albani Firenze: A 4-star hotel located in a historic building in the quiet residential area of San Lorenzo, just a short walk from the Duomo and other major attractions.
Hotel Balestri: A 4-star hotel located on the banks of the Arno River, offering elegant rooms and a rooftop terrace with views of the city and the river.
Grand Hotel Cavour: A 4-star hotel located in a historic building in the city center, featuring spacious rooms and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Florence.
Hotel Calzaiuoli: A 4-star hotel located in a 14th-century building in the heart of Florence, just a short walk from the Duomo and other major attractions. The hotel offers elegant rooms and a rooftop terrace with views of the city.
Did you know that...?
…Florence was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, a cultural and artistic movement that swept across Europe in the 14th to 17th centuries. Many famous artists, writers, and thinkers of the time, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Dante Alighieri, were from or lived in Florence.
…The city is home to some of the most famous art and architecture in the world, including the iconic statue of David by Michelangelo, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Duomo, the magnificent cathedral that dominates the city skyline.
…The city’s symbol is a lily, which is said to have been adopted in honor of the city’s patron saint, St. John the Baptist. You can see the lily on the city’s flag, coat of arms, and many other official emblems.
…The Italian word for ice cream, “gelato,” is said to have originated in Florence. The city is famous for its many gelaterias, which offer a wide variety of delicious flavors, from classic chocolate and vanilla to more unusual options like sage and rosemary.
…The Ponte Vecchio, a bridge that spans the Arno River, is one of the most famous landmarks in Florence. It is also one of the few surviving bridges in Europe that still has shops built into it. These shops were originally occupied by butchers and tanners, but today they are home to jewelers, art dealers, and souvenir vendors.
Fancy a coffee or gelato?
Gelateria dei Neri – €€ – Known for its delicious gelato flavors, including pistachio and hazelnut.
La Milkeria – €€ – Offers a variety of sweet and savory crepes, as well as milkshakes and smoothies.
Caffè Gilli – €€€ – One of the oldest cafés in Florence, known for its elegant decor and famous hot chocolate.
Gelateria Santa Trinita – €€ – A favorite spot for locals and tourists alike, with unique flavors like pear and pecorino cheese.
La Menagere – €€ – A trendy café and flower shop that also offers a restaurant and bar.
Carabe’ – €€ – A popular gelateria that offers unique flavors like olive oil and black sesame.
Caffè Sant’Ambrogio – € – A cozy café that offers delicious coffee and pastries at affordable prices.
La Carraia – € – A budget-friendly gelateria with a wide selection of classic and unique flavors.
Volume – €€ – A laid-back café and bar that offers live music and events, as well as tasty coffee and snacks.
Vestri – €€ – A chocolate shop and café that offers a range of artisanal chocolates and hot chocolate drinks.