Florence Holidays & City Breaks

Florence Holidays & City Breaks

Deals from £243 per person

As the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is a treasure trove of painting and sculpture. Brimming with culture, its entire city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Art lovers aren't the only ones happy here; shoppers revel in local jewellery and leather, while foodies indulge in Tuscan cuisine and wine.

Simply walking around the historical centre will give you a sense of centuries past. One of the best places to visit in Florence is Italy's largest museum, the Uffizi Gallery, where masterworks of world-famous artists are gathered.

Perfect for exploring

If you love to explore new places on foot then Florence is the perfect city for you to visit. It feels pleasantly compact, and the Arno river runs through the centre to give you an easy reference point. Take your time crossing the Ponte Vecchio as you stop to browse the shops that line the bridge and admire the views across the water. On the south bank of the river head up to Piazzale Michelangelo for incredible views back over the city.

Great sights

Make your way back down to level ground and take the short walk to Pitti Palace and its Giardino Boboli. The gardens are ideal for a lazy stroll as you gaze up at ancient statues and lose yourself in the peaceful calm. Cross back to the north of the river and visit Florence’s stunning cathedral, which is one of the biggest in the world and a great place to snap lots of memorable holiday photos.

Delicious cuisine

After a long day of sightseeing you’ll need a nice meal to help you recharge the batteries. Luckily the cuisine in Florence is based around hearty dishes that make the most of fresh local ingredients. Have your fill of traditional Tuscan food and sip some of the region’s famous wine as you plan your next day in this lovely city.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Amalfi | Ischia Porto | Lake Garda | Limone | Malcesine | RomeSant'AgnelloSardinia | Sicily | Sorrento | Venetian Riviera | Venice

 

Map of Florence

world_map
7-25 ℃

Florence experiences a continental climate with four distinct seasons.

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2.5 hours

Florence Airport (FLR), also called Amerigo Vespucci Airport, is approximately 4 km northwest of the city centre.

Florence is best for...

History lovers: Immerse yourself in centuries of heritage packed into one place.

Foodies: Some say ice cream was invented here. Whatever the case, Florentines have perfected gelato!

Culture hounds: Step inside the many cathedrals and museums to gaze on seminal paintings and sculptures.

Fast facts for Florence

Language: The language spoken in Florence is Italian.

Currency: The currency used in Florence is the Euro (EUR).

Local time: Florence is one hour ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Florence Airport (FLR), also called Amerigo Vespucci Airport, is approximately 4 km northwest of the city centre.

Flight time from UK: 2 hours 15 mins.

Tourist information: Further Florence tourist information can be found at https://en.firenzeturismo.it/florence-tourist-information.html.

Visa / health: Before your holiday to Florence, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy for recommendations and advice on visas and health.

Getting around Florence

By foot: The city centre is relatively small, and walking between tourist attractions is easy.
 
By bus: Give your feet a rest on electric buses and trams that link key places in the historical centre. Public buses also run frequently to nearby Fiesole and sport venues.
 
By taxi: White taxis can be found at taxi stands in many city squares and outside the train station. You can't hail a cab on the street, but you can request one in advance by phone.

Events in Florence

Tuscan art, music and wine: Expect plenty of delicious cuisine and wine at the Tuscan Sun Festival, where the region's musicians, artists and chefs gather for one week in June.
 
16th-century football: Watch a match like no other in June, when Florentines compete in a Renaissance game combining football, rugby and wrestling in 16th-century costume.
 
Renaissance tradition: See Florence in a new light in September, as young and old take part in the Festival of Paper Lanterns with a parade through the streets and along the Arno.

Florence weather

Spring is a beautiful time to explore the city’s cultural attractions. The weather starts to warm up around April and temperatures have typically reached a balmy 18 (°C) by the end of the season. For the highest temperatures, come in summer or early autumn when you can enjoy highs of 31 (°C) and up to 13 hours of sunshine a day. Or experience the Christmas markets on a winter holiday in Florence, but remember to bring a jacket as temperatures typically hover around 7 (°C) throughout the season.

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