The Ultimate Tourist Info Guide to Florence: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting
Florence is one of the most visited cities in Italy, and it’s easy to understand why. The ‘Cradle of Renaissance’ has such a rich history, art, and culture that it’s nearly impossible to see everything in one visit. However, it’s a relatively small city with plenty of neighbouring attractions.
That’s why visitors must prepare their itinerary in advance to make the most of their time there. Here’s the ultimate tourist info guide to Florence.
The city of flowers
Florence’s beauty and historical importance can’t be overstated. Lots of buildings dating from medieval times or even older, museums, churches, and cathedrals decorated with works by Donatello and Tintoretto: Florence has it all and a tad more. Better still, Florentine cuisine is globally famous for the outstanding quality of its produce, not to mention the range of local wines.
It’s very easy to walk around Florence, but choosing the right location is vital for easy exploration. Renting a room in the historic city centre can be expensive, so the first travel tip is staying at Oltarno. Oltarno is a neighbourhood on the other side of the Arno River, from which it derives its name, meaning “the other side of the Arno” in Italian.
Accommodation is significantly cheaper there, and some of the best attractions are across the bridge. Oltrarno’s charms should not be underestimated. With several piazzas, like Piazza del Carmine and Piazza Santo Spirito, Oltrarno was considered the “coolest neighbourhood” in 2023 by TimeOut magazine.
Where to go
Exploring Florence’s greatness takes time, but some places are a must-visit, even on day trips. The good news is that there’s a lot to be seen within short and easily walkable distances. Here’s what travellers can’t miss.
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (The Duomo)
The Duomo stamps countless postcards, and it’s possibly the most important building in the city. The construction took nearly 100 years and was finished in the 13th century. The dome stands 114 metres high above the ground. Visitors must endure over 400 steps to enjoy panoramic city views, which is worth each step on its narrow staircase.
Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze
Visitors will have the unique chance to see the original statue of David at the Accademia, though there are plenty of replicas around the town. Unsurprisingly, ticket lines are quite long, costing a few hours for those who didn’t buy tickets in advance.
Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is one of the best art museums worldwide. It showcases works by masters such as Da Vinci and Michelangelo. Exploring the whole museum can take a couple of hours, but it’s worthwhile.
Wine tours
Wine lovers shouldn’t miss the opportunity to try Tuscan wines once they visit Florence. Regions like Chianti, Montepulciano, and Montalcino are on the city’s outskirts, and they deserve a day trip if time allows. Otherwise, plenty of wine restaurants, such as the Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina, are within the city limits.