FLORENCE TRAVEL GUIDE FOR YOUR ULTIMATE FIRST TRIP
A decade ago in July was my first visit to Florence, and the adventures in the years that followed have now led me to create this first timer's travel guide. Little did I know back then how profound of an effect this city would leave on me.
After catching a glimpse of Florence's splendor during that sweltering week in summer, it dared me to pursue a study abroad semester. So I did. And to sum up those spring months in one word, they were transformative. Then after that, Florence dared me to come back again for another semester. So I did. And it was incredible, to say the very least.
Reflecting on those years makes me feel so fulfilled and grateful for experiencing such beauty, inspiration and personal growth. This Renaissance city has greatly influenced who I am as a traveler, an artist and a person. And then every year since, I've always been called back.
In this post are the iconic landmarks and lesser-known gems that I enjoy about Firenze. Whether you are well-acquainted with the city or you are visiting for the first time, here is some of the inspiration that awaits you...
Useful Information
Arriving in Florence & Public Transportation
Train
1hr40min high-speed train ride from Roma Termini to Firenze Santa Maria Novella
Make sure the station is Firenze SMN and not Rifredi or Statuto, since those are out of the city center
Average price €36-45 one-way; book online in advance with Trenitalia or Italotreno, or buy tickets at the station
Airport
Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR) -- Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola
15-20min drive away from the city center
Up-to-date taxi fares from the airport to the city center
Taxi
White vehicles clearly marked with a "Taxi" sign on the roof
They cannot be flagged down on the street. You must go to one of the taxi parking stations instead, located in many of the city's main squares.
Phone numbers to call and request one: +39 055 4390; +39 055 4242 (I use this method all the time when booking an early morning taxi to the airport)
Here is more information about taxis by VisitFlorence
Tram
T2 Line connects the airport and the city center (at Firenze SMN train station)
Purchase tickets from the machines at any tram stop before you get on
Stamp your ticket with the machine inside the tram, valid for 90 minutes
Bus
Purchase tickets from a tabaccheria store, on the bus, or digitally
Stamp your ticket using the machine inside the bus, valid for 90 minutes. You can also use it to transfer between buses within that timeframe.
Pricing & other details can be found in this article by VisitFlorence
More Florence Travel Guide Blog Posts
The Best Panoramic Views of Florence
3 Places to Try the Best Gelato in Florence
Florence Food Tour: A Short List of Modern and Authentic Eateries
Florence Travel Guide: Squares
Piazza del Duomo
The complex includes the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo), the Cupola di Brunelleschi (the dome), the Campanile di Giotto (the bell tower), and the Battistero di San Giovanni (the baptistery). Construction of the church began in 1296, finished in 1436, and was designed by architect Arnolfo di Cambio. Also, architect Filippo Brunelleschi designed the iconic brick dome, which was built between 1420 and 1436. Here is more information about tickets & timetables from the Duomo's website.
Things to Do
Climb the bell tower, climb the dome & tour the terrazza (terrace)
Simply gaze upon the intricate details of that breathtaking facade!
Witness the Florentine tradition of the Scoppio del Carro if you're here during Easter
Piazza della Repubblica
Long ago, this was the ancient center of the city during Roman times. There is a column called the Colonna dell'Abbondanza (Column of Plenty), which marks the exact center of Florence. This is possibly my favorite piazza. It's especially magical at night, with the warm-toned lights shining from the giostra (carousel) and surrounding buildings.
Things to Do
Visit Caffè Gilli, the oldest cafe in Florence! Since 1733, they have been selling decadent pastries. You can also have un caffè e un cornetto (a coffee and croissant) for breakfast, standing at the bar in a historic and classy atmosphere.
Support local street musicians as they perform live music. There are classical guitarists playing famous Italian anthems, as well as jazz groups covering modern songs.
Go to the rooftop cafe of La Rinascente for lovely views of the piazza and city from above
Stroll through the flower market that is held every Thursday morning
Piazza della Signoria
This square has been the center of Florentine political life since the 14th century, with Palazzo Vecchio as the city hall. The whole square feels like an open-air museum, with the abundance of sculptural works and statues. Some of them are the Fontana di Nettuno (Fountain of Neptune), a replica of Michelangelo's David, and the equestrian statue of Cosimo de' Medici.
Things to Do
Climb the Torre di Arnolfo for stunning views of the city from above
Walk through the gorgeous fresco-adorned cortile (courtyard), free to enter
Admire the sculptures in the Loggia dei Lanzi
Take just a few steps to reach the Gallerie degli Uffizi, Florence's most famous museum (see "Museums" section below)
Piazza Santa Croce
The Basilica di Santa Croce is the world's largest Franciscan church, designed by Arnolfo di Cambio in the late 1290s (architect of the Cathedral). Out of the 16 chapels, the most famous one is the Cappella dei Pazzi, designed by Brunelleschi (architect of the Dome). You can also find the tombs of many famous Florentines including Michelangelo, Galileo, Vasari and Machiavelli.
Things to Do
Attend a game of the infamous Calcio Storico Fiorentino if you're here in late June
Wander the German-style Christmas market held in December
Walk a few short blocks to Mercato Sant'Ambrogio, my favorite produce market in the city! (See "Markets" section below)
Piazza Santa Maria Novella
The Basilica di Santa Maria Novella is essentially the first landmark to greet you upon leaving the train station. Founded in the early thirteenth century, it is one of Tuscany's most important Gothic churches. In addition, some famous Renaissance artworks to see here are The Holy Trinity by Masaccio and the frescoes in the Cappella Tornabuoni by Ghirlandaio.
Things to Do
Just a short walk away is the world's oldest pharmacy, the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. This breathtaking place feels like going back in time. You're surrounded by sights and scents that evoke luxury and antique beauty. Some of their products include cosmetics, skincare products and perfumes.
Piazza San Lorenzo
Another historically significant church is the Basilica di San Lorenzo, located in Florence's market district. It is the burial site of the Medici, a powerful family of bankers who ruled the city from the 13th to 17th centuries. (They were the ones who essentially funded the Renaissance, commissioning an incredible amount of famous artworks from this revolutionary period in art history.)
Things to Do
Visit the Cappelle Medicee where the tombs of the Medici are housed
Tour of the museum of Palazzo Medici Riccardi. And then stroll through the cortile (courtyard) which is free to enter
Walk down the street to the Mercato Centrale, the city's most famous food market, see the "Markets" section below. (Skip the touristy stalls of over-priced leather goods around the building.)
Piazza Santissima Annunziata
The Basilica della Santissima Annunziata is a Renaissance church founded in the 1200s. It has an interior covered in dramatic gold details and dark marble. Next to it is the Ospedale degli Innocenti (Hospital of the Innocents). This historic building was designed by Brunelleschi. Before it originally served as an orphanage, and now it is currently a museum. There is also another Medici equestrian statue that faces toward one of the loveliest street views of the Duomo, on Via de' Servi.
Things to Do
Enjoy the terrace views from Caffè del Verone in the Ospedale (you can access it even if not visiting the museum)
Walk one block to tour the Museo di San Marco, a former Dominican convent that also houses Fra' Angelico's Renaissance frescoes (for example, The Annunciation)
Walk down that same block to visit the Galleria dell'Accademia (See "Museums" section below)
Piazza Santo Spirito
Nestled in the Oltrarno quarter is the uniquely-shaped Renaissance style Basilica di Santo Spirito, once again designed by Brunelleschi. Consider this square the local area where Florentines gather to have an aperitivo (pre-dinner drinks and snacks) and dine all'aperto.
Things to Do
Dine right in the piazza at one of the many local eateries
Take in sunset views at the Loggia Roof Bar of Hotel Palazzo Guadagni
Browse the stalls of the vintage market held every second Sunday of the month, see "Markets" section below
Do some produce shopping at the organic food market held every third Sunday of the month, La Fierucola
Piazza Pitti
Just a stone's throw away from Ponte Vecchio is the square of the former Medici residence, Palazzo Pitti. Today this massive building is home to several museums. This includes the Palatine Gallery, Royal Apartments, and Gallery of Modern Art. Also just behind the palace are the famous Boboli Gardens (see "Gardens" section below).
Another interesting attraction is a passageway called the Corridoio Vasariano (Vasari Corridor). It connects Palazzo Pitti to Palazzo Vecchio, crossing Ponte Vecchio and the Uffizi. During the Medici reign, the family used this corridor to essentially move between their home and their government workplace.
Piazzale Michelangelo & San Miniato al Monte
Piazzale Michelangelo is Florence's most famous panoramic view from above. And rightly so, since it is an incredibly popular and also beautiful spot to watch the sunset. Positioned on the south end of the city, you can enjoy unobstructed views of almost all the monuments, as well as the Arno River. Reaching the square takes some time if arriving on foot. However, a staircase leading up to it allows you to pass by the lush Giardino delle Rose (see "Gardens" section below). Otherwise, save yourself some time and take a taxi. Also another garden worth visiting if you're here during spring is the Giardino dell'Iris.
While that square tends to fill up quickly with visitors, I'd suggest walking up another staircase to a more peaceful area: the Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte. This Romanesque-style basilica marks one of the highest points of the city, and boasts an arguably better view.
Florence Travel Guide: Museums
Tip: State museums are free to visit on the first Sunday of every month!
Le Gallerie degli Uffizi
Located right next to the Arno River is Italy's third most visited attraction, The Uffizi Gallery. This renowned museum holds the largest collection of Renaissance art in the world. There are paintings, drawings, sculptures and architectural works by the masters like Michelangelo, da Vinci, Caravaggio, Botticelli, Rafaello and so on. While there's an endless amount of iconic pieces to see, please do not miss The Birth of Venus and Primavera by Botticelli! Ticket prices and timetables can be found on their website.
Galleria dell'Accademia
This museum contains the world's largest collection of statues by Michelangelo, with the most recognizable being the David. In addition to sculptural works, other collections include paintings, musical instruments and historical archives.
Museo Nazionale del Bargello
The Bargello Museum houses an extensive collection of sculptural works by a variety of Renaissance artists. One famous piece in particular to see is Donatello's bronze statue of David. Even the building itself as well as the statue-filled courtyard are worth admiring.
Florence Travel Guide: Bridges
Ponte Vecchio
Back in the day, this used to be the only bridge constructed in order to cross the river, until the early 1200s. Also its history includes surviving multiple floods over the centuries, as well as a World War II bombing. Since the late 1500s, it has been the home of several gold and jewelry shops. When there aren't large crowds shuffling across this otherwise picturesque bridge, it makes for a romantic setting to take a sunset stroll.
Ponte alle Grazie
Tip: An absolutely worthwhile experience to have here in Florence during the warmer months is a boat ride along the Arno. I Renaioli offer gite in barchetto (boat trips) from about May until early October. I did this activity with my study abroad program on a warm May afternoon, however there are opportunities to go during sunset and even at night! The tour meeting point is nearby Ponte alle Grazie, along the Lungarno Generale Diaz. Timetables and reservation details are on their website.
Ponte Santa Trinità
Ponte alla Carraia
Florence Travel Guide: Gardens
Giardino Bardini
Anyone with whom I've shared travel insights about Florence can see how much I love Giardino Bardini, therefore it's always included in my recommendations. It's simply my favorite place in the entire city! Striking panoramas, tranquil nature spaces, and of course an enormous, breathtaking wisteria tunnel. How much more beautiful can it get? Here are more photos of this magical place in my post about views in Florence.
Giardino delle Rose
This whimsical garden (free to enter) is situated on an incline, with plenty of grass areas in which to lie down and soak up the sun. Around 400 species of roses are in full bloom from May to June. Also, other plant and flower varieties flourish throughout the spring and summer. With a stunning view of the city as your backdrop, it becomes the perfect picnic spot! Also if you're making your way up the steep hill to Piazzale Michelangelo, this place will be a welcome respite.
Giardino di Boboli
Behind Palazzo Pitti lies an escape into nature without leaving the city center, the Boboli Gardens. This large green space was a part of the Medici's grand residence. It also served as inspiration for other royal gardens throughout Europe later on. Within the areas to explore, you will find fountains, sculptural works, as well as a cafe. There is also the Porcelain Museum in the Palazzina del Cavaliere, as well as a surrounding rose garden.
Florence Travel Guide: Markets
Mercato Sant'Ambrogio
Located on the eastern edge of the city center, the atmosphere feels much more authentically Italian than other markets in the city. Most of the customers are locals and there are no tourist groups in sight. This place is special to me also because years ago, I made friends with such a sweet older couple who own one of the fruit stands. So I aim to visit them every time I return to the city.
In addition to produce stands, there are also stands that sell clothing (even vintage!), home items and flowers. In the center lies an enclosed building with stalls selling fresh meat and fish, handmade pasta and fresh cheese, as well as spices and dried goods. Then as far as dining options go, there are bakeries, delicatessens, a cafe and a restaurant.
Mercato Centrale
Just a five-minute walk from the train station is Florence's most popular food market, the Mercato Centrale. On the ground floor, you can find a ton of stalls selling produce, meat, fish, cheese, pantry food items, as well as casual eateries. Meanwhile, on the upper floor is a large food court with a playful design and an interesting concept. Each store is run by an artisan of a particular food item or dish. And they sell ready-to-eat foods using high quality ingredients. It's a place where both locals and tourists dine, and having an abundance of options means everyone will be able to find something they like. Here's a list of the artisan stores and the foods they specialize in.
Mercato Vintage in Piazza Santo Spirito
During the second Sunday of every month, Piazza Santo Spirito turns into a lively marketplace. It's filled with booths selling vintage items and antique furniture. It's so fun to spend an hour or two browsing the pieces that have history and character. If you enjoy thrift shopping, there is an excellent selection of vintage clothing as well, often at affordable prices.
If you have made it to the bottom of this Florence travel guide, thank you for allowing me to contribute a bit of inspiration to your future adventure. I hope that you may find a similar thrill to what I've felt in this enchanting city.
Have you had an experience in which a particular destination made a meaningful impression on you? Or maybe you have yet to find that special place to give you that unique feeling. Wherever you are on that journey, I hope that when the time comes, you are open to everything that place has in store for you. And that you arrive ready to be shaped more into the kind of traveler and person you want to be.