A city noted for its culture, art, and architecture, here’s our whirlwind guide to Florence!

Travel

Coming direct from New York, there are usually overnight flights that take a short stop in Zurich, Switzerland. If you’re coming from Rome, there’s an express train for around €10, which takes about an hour.  

Stay

Being near the train station makes it ideal for getting around the city’s central areas on foot. Take a look at the Il Guelfo Bianco or the Hotel Cerretani Firenze.  

Eat

We recommend you try several dishes in Florence, starting with the bistecca alla Fiorentina or Florentine steak. It’s a large T-bone cut that’s fire-grilled, pink on the inside, and seasoned with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon. It’s traditionally cooked over roasted chestnuts for a smoky flavor. Go to Trattoria Mario 1953 for this! Another stop you should make La Bussola for saucy, fresh pasta, and great local wine. Trattoria Nella, located in a beautiful house, serves delicious Florentine pastas and pizzas. 

Go to Venchi for classic Italian gelato served in freshly made waffle cones for sweeter treats. 

Do

  • Head to the Duomo and gaze at the statue of David, created by Michelangelo.
  • Visit the Ponte Vecchio bridge – it spans the Arno at its narrowest point where it is believed that a bridge was first built in Roman times.
  • San Lorenzo Market, located between via dell’Ariento, via Sant’Antonino, via Panicale and Piazza del Mercato Centrale, is great for finding locally-made clothing, leather goods and local food.
  • For a touch of greenery, head to the Giardino Bardini where you can walk among the wisteria without encountering the crowds that flock to the Boboli gardens. 

Top tips: 

  • The stores that sell train and bus tickets, commonly called tobacco stores, close from 12pm until 3-3.30pm for lunch. Restaurants typically close between 3pm and 7pm for siesta and staff meals.
  • There’s 500 steps up to the Duomo so it’s quite the workout (but it’s worth it).
  • Avoid the fancy gelaterias where you can see it all in the windows. The more modest shops that have the gelato away from the sun are, in fact, the best. 

You can take an express train straight to Venice from Florence and follow our Italian trip guides to Venice here. Or check out our guide to Rome here.

Edited by Brianne Oliva