Florence’s historic center is compact and easily walkable, so public transportation won’t be necessary for your stay here.
Explore Florence like a local by embarking on a guided tour. Professional guides can bring Florence’s masterpieces to life while providing unique insights into Tuscan history and culture.
Visit the Uffizi Gallery and experience incredible art at its heart-stopping best, see Brunelleschi’s Duomo and discover even more wonders at other museums around Florence.
Art and Culture
Florence’s vibrant cultural and artistic heritage draws visitors year-round, drawing them in with iconic structures such as its Duomo Cathedral and iconic statue of David as main draws, but there are countless more treasures waiting to be discovered here. Florence’s historic center boasts medieval piazzas and magnificent palazzi that contain sculpture, paintings, and other priceless works of art that stand as testament to Florence’s Renaissance roots.
The Medici family, well-known in arts and merchant banking circles during Europe’s Renaissance era, made Florence one of Europe’s richest cities by using their wealth to improve lives across Tuscany by paving streets and introducing key financial innovations like bills of exchange and double-entry bookkeeping.
Florence has long been revered as the birthplace of legendary artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Machiavelli, and Michelangelo; their works are internationally revered. Florence also boasts architectural marvels like Brunelleschi’s massive dome on the Duomo; other Florentine artists include Arnolfo di Cambio and Cimabue; Giotto; Paolo Uccello; Lorenzo Ghiberti; Domenico del Sarto; Donatello with Donatello family; Fra Angelico/Sandro Botticelli, Piero della Francesca/Andrea del Sarto Filippo Lippi and Bernardo Buontalenti among many other Florentine artists who made Florence their home; Filippo Lippi and Bernardo Buontalenti are all among many names of famous Florentine artists that made Florence their home; other well known names are Arnolfo di Cambio/Cimabue, Giotto/Paulo Ucello Lorenzo Ghiberti among many more famous Florentine artists include Arnolfo di Cambio/Cimabue Giotto/ Paolo Ucello Lorenzo Ghiberti among others as well as Fra Angelico/ Sandro Botticelli as Piero della Francesca/And Andrea del Sarto Filippo Lippi and Bernardo Buontalenti Buontalenti Buontalenti and Bernardo Buontalenti/ Filippo Lippi and Lorenzo Ghiberti/ Lorenzo Ghiberti Ghiberti Ghiberti and Lorenzo Ghiberti Ghiberti Gio who are famous. Ucello Ucello Ucello Ucello/ Ucello Ghiberti Lorenzo Botticelli/Botticelli/Botticelliscsca della Francesca/los bot Del Sarto/and Andrea dell Sarto Buontalenti Filippo Lipp/ Bernardo Buontalenti Bernardo Buontalenti Buonta Buontabu Bu Buonta Bernardo Ghiberti Filippo Lippi/ Filippo Lipp/ Filippo Lippi Buonta Robbia Donata Robbia Lo Lo Ghiberti Ghiberti Lo G and Lo Lo Ghiberti Ghiberti Donatelli donati del Sarto donatelli Donati/Botticelli and Filippo lippi ndel Sarto Donati and many other Florento Bu Bub… Filippo Lippi/l Sarto/del Sarto/ del/Robbio Bu Buontalenti’sand y Bu /Fl Lippi Buontalenti Lo Lo Ghiberti Ghiberti and Lo Ghiberti and Domencino della Robbia family etc… Bu Bu Buonta Bu Bu Bu Bernardo Bu Bu Bu Bu. Also. Bu Bu Bu o Bu Bu o/ Do/donn Dona.. Del/ Lorenzo Bu Bu/ Dom/le Sarto dell!/dom s n Rob… Lo Ghiberti Filippo Lippi Bernardo Bu… Filippo Lippi Bu……. t….. Filippo Lippi… etc… Filippo Lippi Bernardo Bubu…!….. Filippo Lippi Bu. Bu…. Filippo Lippi Bu…etc
Florence was known for its prosperity and artistic treasures, yet not without issues. An anti-humanist backlash led by Girolamo Savonarola caused brief disruption within the city – prompting his followers to destroy paintings, musical instruments, fine clothing and jewelry as well as humanist books (like those by Boccaccio) as supposedly sinful possessions in mass burnings that became known as bonfires of the vanities.
Florence is home to the world’s oldest continually operating pharmacy, Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy, established in 1221. Renowned for medicinal herbs and artisanal perfumes, Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy also stands as an exemplary example of street art throughout Florence with works by artists like Clet Abraham appearing on surfaces like Sottopasso delle Cure underpass or elsewhere throughout its walls.
Florence is represented in association football by ACF Fiorentina, who compete in Serie A – Italy’s premier division league system – and have won both two Italian Championships and six Italian Cups throughout their history.
Food and Drink
Florence is an exquisite food lover’s delight. Thanks to Florence’s proximity to Tuscany’s lush countryside, food lovers will discover an abundance of fresh ingredients which serve as the basis of authentic Florentine cuisine, including olive oil, aromatic herbs, locally raised meats and artisan cheeses. Local wines also shine; from robust Chiantis to sophisticated Brunello di Montalcino wines are offered for tasting at local enotecas or vineyards – so take time out from touring Florence and experience its famous vinicultural prowess firsthand!
Florence restaurants that stand out are usually hidden from view. Cibreo was an early proponent of nose-to-tail dining long before it became fashionable; Chef Fabio Picci popularised this style of peasant cuisine by serving chicken heads, tripe and ribollita without apology to hungry diners at Cibreo Restaurant – making it one of the must-visits if you want to dine like a local in Florence.
Schiacciata, a flatbread found throughout Tuscan bakeries and markets, should definitely be on your to-try list. Sprinkled with salt and olive oil, it can be enjoyed plain or with various cold cuts. Florence is best-known for its bistecca alla Fiorentina dish – typically prepared over wood fire with salt and pepper seasoning to add an irresistibly smoky taste that completes this delectable hearty meal!
As for dessert, Florence boasts numerous gelaterias offering delectable gelato. The best varieties are slow churned for an authentic texture and richer taste compared to regular ice creams; popular flavors in Florence include nutella, tiramisu and pistachio! Florence is home to numerous wine bars that serve up some of Italy’s best chianti wines; these offer live jazz or more relaxed settings and an impressive selection of Italian wines. Circolo Aurora offers the perfect destination to unwind with drinks in Florence off-the-beaten path on Piazza Tasso. Decor includes vintage action figures, posters and bikes – an ode to its musical atmosphere!
Shopping
Florence, known for its Renaissance roots, offers many shopping opportunities ranging from small family-owned shops to high-end designer boutiques. If you’re in the market for new wardrobe pieces or souvenirs for loved ones, Florence boasts numerous stores that provide excellent deals on high-quality goods at excellent prices.
Via Tornabuoni and Via della Vigna Nuova offer high-fashion clothes from well-known designers like Gucci, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana and Salvatore Ferragamo. For more affordable fashions try visiting Piazza delle Repubblice shopping area which leads onto Via Calimala/Via Por Santa Maria where popular chains such as Zara/H&M/Benetton storefronts line these streets; alternatively nearby markets/Mercato Nuovo also provide great places for unique clothes from local artists/artisans alike!
Lusia Via Roma is another highly acclaimed store, which blends fashion with design. Offering jewelry, leather accessories, bags and even unique gifts like Piero Puliti made-to-measure shirts and ties designed exclusively for this shop, Lusia Via Roma makes an impressionful shopping experience.
If you’re planning to purchase antiques or artisan goods made in Italy, be sure to look for items marked “Made in Italy” and request certificates of authenticity. Note that bargaining is generally not acceptable in this country and prices will likely remain fixed.
Most stores typically open between 10am and 7:30pm, with an afternoon break called “riposo” between 12:30pm and 3:30pm. Cash may be necessary since smaller shops or street markets may not accept credit cards. Furthermore, wearing comfortable footwear that you can walk for extended periods is recommended; many city streets are narrow so heels may prove less practical than expected.
Nightlife
Florence comes alive at night with an electric cocktail scene. Savour an exquisite bottle of wine by candlelight in one of Florence’s chic bars or dance the night away in one of its lively clubs!
Pubs don’t need to go the extra mile in Florence during the heat of summer to attract customers, but some standout, including Art. 17 Birreria with its selection of carefully sourced artisanal beers from Italy and beyond as well as seasonal signature cocktails and jazz on the soundtrack, making this an excellent place to begin your night in Florence.
At nightfall, Santa Croce is an exciting neighbourhood bordering the city center that attracts both students and locals for its bars and restaurants. Also visit Basilica di Santa Croce or Pazzi Chapel before you set off – both are cultural gems worth seeing before heading out!
Oltrarno district bars have quickly become popular destinations, attracting an eclectic range of people. One such bar, YAB (Yantra At Bar), which features first-rate DJs and an expansive dance floor is especially appealing to Italians in their early 20s. Plus it has a fun vintage theme complete with references to radio waves and telegraphs!
Mayday Club is another hot spot, featuring an inviting cocktail bar that welcomes young people for conversations and relaxation. A perfect place for meeting new people while getting acquainted with local scenes – there’s even a foosball table upstairs!
Full Up offers a more risque experience, featuring burlesque and drag performances, comedians, musicians and more – plus it features its own lounge with Tuscany-brewed beers, cocktails and prohibition classics!
Florence has recently seen a growing gay club scene with some establishments billing themselves as gay-friendly venues, such as Crisco which promotes itself as “Florentine’s Worst Gay Club”, welcoming both men and women on specific nights during each week, though two nights a week it opens its doors completely to all members of society. Other alternatives such as Flog, Viper Club and Glue each offer specific events as alternatives to Crisco.