The birthplace of the Renaissance, where Michelangelo's David strikes a pose, the pasta is great and the gelato is even better, and every cobblestoned corner looks like a postcard 🎨 Florence holidays deliver art, architecture and aperitivos in one gorgeous Tuscan package.

Destination highlights

• 🎨 Birthplace of the Renaissance – home to the Uffizi, Michelangelo's David and more artistic masterpieces per square metre than anywhere else on Earth

• 🍦 Gelato heaven – arguably Italy's best, with flavours from classic pistachio to wild fig and Chianti wine

• 🏛️ UNESCO World Heritage city centre – terracotta rooftops, medieval towers and that jaw-dropping Duomo

• 🍷 Gateway to Tuscan wine country – Chianti, Brunello and Super Tuscans all within day-trip distance

Top hotels in Florence

Whether you're after a Renaissance palace with frescoed ceilings, a modern design hotel with a rooftop bar, or a cosy base near the main sights, Florence has got you sorted.

Luxury stays

Hotel Brunelleschi – a 4-star stunner right next to the Duomo with its own signature scent, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant and a swanky tower bar. You can practically wave to the cathedral from your window.

Grand Hotel Minerva – slap bang on Piazza di Santa Maria Novella with a heated rooftop pool boasting 360° views of the city. The on-site bistrot serves up Tuscan treats from one of Italy's rising star chefs.

Best for couples

Hotel Calimala – a glitzy art hotel housed in two ancient buildings, right in the centre. Rooftop bar, sleek design and the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and Piazza Signoria all within a 300-metre stroll.

Relais Hotel Centrale – romantic Tuscan elegance just 4 minutes' walk from the Duomo. Think beauty massages, a gorgeous lounge bar and proper Florentine charm.

Hotel Berchielli – a classic 4-star with charming Florentine décor, right on the River Arno. The Museo Ferragamo is literally next door for fashion fans.

Best for spa lovers

MH Florence Hotel & Spa – a modern hotel with a proper spa including swimming pool, Turkish bath, bio sauna and a Kneipp path. The sunset terrace views over Florence are gorgeous.

Great value

Delle Nazioni – a solid 3-star right in the heart of Florence, just a skip from Santa Maria Novella station. 95 rooms across four floors, some with Duomo views. The Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Vecchio are all within 500 metres – you can't get much more central than that.

See all our Florence hotels

Getting around Florence

Good news: Florence is tiny and best explored on foot. The historic centre is car-free in most places, and you can walk from one end to the other in about 30 minutes. Wear comfy shoes – those cobblestones are beautiful but brutal.

For longer jaunts, there are buses and a small tram network. A single ticket costs around €1.50 and is valid for 90 minutes. Taxis are available but not cheap.

Getting there: Most UK flights land at Florence Airport (FLR), also called Amerigo Vespucci, about 20 minutes from the city centre by taxi, and we can arrange your transfers for you as part of the package, or, if you're travelling light, there are also public transport options (like trams and buses) avaliable.

Things to do in Florence

Things to do for couples

Florence is ridiculously romantic – it's basically designed for hand-holding and gazing into each other's eyes over a bottle of Chianti. Start with sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo, where the views across the city will make you fall in love all over again. Book a couples' cooking class to learn the art of fresh pasta, then dine at a candlelit trattoria in the Oltrarno. For something special, take a wine tour to the Chianti hills or book a private after-hours visit to the Uffizi. And obviously, share a gelato on the Ponte Vecchio – it's basically the law.

Things to do for families

Florence isn't just for art buffs – there's loads to keep kids entertained. Climb the 463 steps of the Duomo for a mini adventure (and bragging rights), or head to the Palazzo Vecchio, which has family-friendly tours with secret passages and interactive activities. The Boboli Gardens are brilliant for letting little ones run off steam, and the Museo Galileo has hands-on science exhibits. For a break from culture, take the family to the Mercato Centrale food hall – something for everyone, plus gelato bribery readily available.

Things to do for groups

Whether it's a mates' trip or a celebration, Florence delivers. Start with a food tour through San Lorenzo Market, sampling lampredotto (the famous tripe sandwich – trust us) and all the Tuscan goodies. Book a wine tasting or Chianti day trip for some serious grape action. By night, head to Santa Croce for aperitivo and bar-hopping – the Lion's Fountain and Rex are group favourites. For something different, try a Vespa tour of the Tuscan countryside or a group pasta-making class.

Things to do for culture lovers

You've come to the right place. The Uffizi Gallery houses Botticelli's Birth of Venus and works by Leonardo, Raphael and Caravaggio – book ahead and give yourself at least half a day. The Accademia is home to Michelangelo's David (he's even more impressive in person). Don't miss the Bargello Museum for Renaissance sculpture, the Palazzo Pitti for Medici opulence, and the frescoes in the Brancacci Chapel. Honestly, you could spend a week and barely scratch the surface.

Shopping in Florence

Florence has been a centre of craftsmanship for centuries – think leather goods, handmade paper, jewellery and fashion. Here's where to flash the cash (or window shop with the best of them):

• 🛒 San Lorenzo Market The big one. This sprawling outdoor market surrounds the Basilica di San Lorenzo, with stalls selling leather bags, wallets, belts, scarves and souvenirs. Haggling is expected. Inside, there's a brilliant food hall (Mercato Centrale) for lunch.

• 💎 Ponte Vecchio The iconic medieval bridge is lined with jewellers and goldsmiths – it's been this way since the 16th century. Not cheap, but even a browse feels special. Perfect for engagement rings or treating yourself to something sparkly.

• 👠 Via Tornabuoni Florence's most elegant shopping street. Gucci (which was founded here!), Prada, Ferragamo, Armani – all the big Italian fashion houses have flagship stores. Even if you're not buying, the window displays are gorgeous.

• 📚 Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella One of the world's oldest pharmacies, dating back to 1221. It sells exquisite perfumes, soaps and skincare in a jaw-droppingly beautiful frescoed interior. A Florence must-visit even if you don't buy anything.

• 🎨 Oltrarno Artisan Workshops Cross the Ponte Vecchio and wander the streets of San Frediano and Santo Spirito to find traditional craftspeople – bookbinders, frame-makers, leather workers and jewellers. It's a glimpse into old Florence.

When to visit Florence

Florence is brilliant year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what you're after:

🌸 Spring (April – June) Gorgeous. The weather's warming up (15-25°C), the city's in bloom, and the queues aren't at peak insanity yet. May and early June are the sweet spot – warm enough for al fresco dining, cool enough for comfortable sightseeing.

☀️ Summer (July – August) Hot. We're talking 32°C and packed with tourists. The city can feel like a furnace, but there's a reason it's popular – long evenings, open-air concerts and that proper Italian summer vibe. Book museum tickets well in advance.

🍂 Autumn (September – November) Our pick. September's still warm, the summer crowds have thinned, and the Tuscan light is absolutely stunning. October brings harvest season – perfect timing for wine tours and truffle hunting.

❄️ Winter (December – February) Cold (around 7-11°C) but charming. Christmas markets pop up, the museums are blissfully quiet, and you'll get a more authentic feel for local life. January and February are the cheapest months to visit.

Day trips from Florence

Florence is perfectly placed for exploring Tuscany and beyond. Here are the best day trips:

🏛️ Pisa (1 hour by train) Yes, of course, you have to do the leaning tower photo. But Pisa's got more than its famous tilt – the Piazza dei Miracoli is stunning, and the city itself is a lovely wander. Easy half-day trip.

🏰 Siena (1.5 hours by bus) Medieval perfection. The shell-shaped Piazza del Campo is one of Italy's most beautiful squares, and the Gothic cathedral will blow your mind. Brilliant for history lovers.

🍷 Chianti Wine Country (30-60 minutes by car) Rolling hills, cypress trees, and some of the best wine in the world. Book a tour or hire a car and meander through villages like Greve in Chianti and Castellina. Lunch at a vineyard is non-negotiable.

🏘️ Lucca (1.5 hours by train) A walled Renaissance city with tree-topped ramparts you can walk or cycle around. It's smaller and quieter than Florence – perfect for a relaxed day out.

🏖️ Viareggio (1.5 hours by train) Fancy a beach day? This Tuscan Riviera resort has sandy beaches, seafood restaurants and a lovely Liberty-style promenade. The nearest proper seaside to Florence.

🏔️ Cinque Terre (2.5 hours by train) A bit further, but worth it. Five colourful fishing villages clinging to cliffs above the Ligurian Sea. Go for a stunning coastal hike and a seafood lunch with a view.

🎭 San Gimignano (1.5 hours by bus) Known as the "Medieval Manhattan" for its 14 surviving tower houses. Touristy but undeniably gorgeous – and home to award-winning gelato at Gelateria Dondoli.

Where to stay in Florence

Florence is compact and walkable, so wherever you stay you'll never be far from the action. That said, each neighbourhood has its own personality:

🏛️ Centro Storico (Historic Centre) The heart of Florence – the Duomo, Uffizi and Ponte Vecchio are all here. It's touristy and pricier, but you can't beat rolling out of bed and being steps from the main attractions. Ideal for first-timers who want everything on their doorstep.

🎨 Santa Croce East of the centre, this neighbourhood has a brilliant mix of history (the Santa Croce basilica where Michelangelo is buried) and nightlife. Buzzing bars and restaurants make it perfect for couples and groups who want culture by day and cocktails by night.

🍷 San Frediano (Oltrarno) Across the river from the main tourist drag, this is where the locals hang out. Artisan workshops, cosy wine bars and authentic trattorias line the streets. It's more bohemian and less crowded – lovely for couples wanting a more chilled Florentine vibe.

🌳 Santo Spirito (Oltrarno) Next to San Frediano, centred on a lively piazza with a daily market and al fresco bars. It's got a village-within-a-city feel and some cracking aperitivo spots. Great for soaking up authentic Florence without the tourist swarms.

🛍️ San Lorenzo Near the train station and home to the famous San Lorenzo Market. Hotels here tend to be more affordable, and you're still just a 10-minute walk from the Duomo. Good budget base with easy transport links.

🏰 San Marco A quieter residential area north of the centre, home to the Accademia Gallery (where David lives). Less hectic than Centro Storico but still within easy walking distance of the main sights.

Nearby Tuscany destinations

Looking to explore more of Tuscany? Here are some gorgeous spots within easy reach of Florence:

Pisa – home of the famous leaning tower

Siena – medieval city with a stunning main square

Lucca – walled Renaissance gem

Arezzo – antiques capital with Piero della Francesca frescoes

Montecatini – elegant spa town in the Tuscan hills