Florence Holidays & City Breaks

Best hotels in Florence

The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is a feast for the eyes, with painting and sculpture at every turn. The historic city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it feels like it too. With narrow cobbled streets, terracotta roofs and shuttered windows. All nestled amidst the rolling hills of Tuscany.

Perfect for Exploring

Florence can easily be explored on foot. You can walk from one end of the city to the other in about 30 minutes. Follow the Arno river from the centre of town, crossing the Ponte Vecchio (bridge), and exploring its boutique shops. And don't forget to catch the sunset from the Piazzale Michelangelo steps, those views will blow your mind!

See the Sights

Now, let's dive into the must-sees. First on the list? The Uffizi Gallery. It’s packed with masterpieces by the greats. From Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus'' to Michelangelo's "Tondo Doni." And if lush gardens and ancient statues are your thing, you’ve got toswing by Pitti Palace and Giardino Boboli. Oh, and you can’t miss Florence's most iconic landmark, the Duomo, a gigantic neo-Gothic cathedral with fairytale pink, white and green marble facades.

Indulge in Tuscan Gastronomy

After a day of non-stop exploring, refuel with hearty Tuscan dishes. There’s so much choice in Florence. Make sure you seek out an Osteria. These local hidden gems serve inexpensive authentic dishes, made with simple, regional ingredients. The menus are very limited, changing daily. Pair it with a glass of vino, and you're living la dolce vita!

Practical Tips for Your Visit

Timing: Plan your visit to Florence during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn to avoid crowds and enjoy pleasant weather.
Accommodation: Choose a hotel in the city centre for easy access to major attractions and vibrant neighbourhoods.
Book: Make sure to book main attractions in advance because you might be out of luck if you just show up on the day.
Sightseeing: Many important sights, including the Duomo are closed on Sundays and Mondays.

More Travel Guides

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.

Other popular city breaks

Map of Florence

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.

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.

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.

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.