Florence

Florence Travel Guide

The cradle of the Renaissance and an art-lover's city — home of the Uffizi, the Duomo and Michelangelo's David. The artisan workshops of Oltrarno, the bustle of San Lorenzo Market, and the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo deliver uniquely Florentine moments. A gateway for Tuscan wine tours, the city's walkable, compact size is part of its charm.

Essential Florence Travel Info

Must-Visit Places in Florence

★ 4.8

Uffizi Gallery

Opened in 1581, the Uffizi is one of the world's oldest museums, holding Renaissance masterpieces amassed over centuries by the Medici family. Highlights include Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Primavera, Leonardo da Vinci's Annunciation and Caravaggio's Medusa - the very essence of Italian Renaissance art. The Vasari Corridor links it to Pitti Palace, and the third-floor terrace offers fine views of the Ponte Vecchio and the Arno River. Admission about EUR 25 (online booking essential; free first Sunday of each month). 3-minute walk from Ponte Vecchio.

HoursTue-Sun 08:15-18:50 (closed Mondays)

LocationCentro Storico, Florence

TipsOnline booking is essential in peak season. Open Tuesday to Sunday; the first Sunday of each month is free.

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★ 4.7

Florence Duomo

Officially the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, this is the church whose 45 m red dome - engineered by Brunelleschi - rules the Florence skyline. It took 140 years to build and blends Gothic and Renaissance styles, with a facade in white, green and pink marble. Inside the dome is Vasari's Last Judgment fresco, and climbing the 463 steps to the top rewards you with a panorama of Florence and the Tuscan hills. Cathedral free; dome climb about EUR 30 (combined ticket, advance booking required). 10-minute walk from Santa Maria Novella station.

HoursCathedral: 10:00-16:30 (Sundays 13:30-16:45); dome: 08:15-19:00 (by reservation)

LocationCentro Storico, Florence

TipsBooking is required to climb the dome, and there's no elevator, so wear comfortable shoes. Combine it with a climb up Giotto's Campanile.

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★ 4.7

Piazzale Michelangelo

Perched on a hill south of the Arno, this is Florence's premier viewpoint, offering a sweeping panorama of the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, and Santa Croce. Designed by architect Giuseppe Poggi in 1869, the square features a bronze replica of Michelangelo's David at its center. The golden sunset over the Florentine skyline is one of Italy's most beautiful scenes — locals enjoy it with a glass of wine in hand. Free to visit. About a 25-minute uphill walk from Santa Croce, or Bus 12/13.

HoursOpen 24 hours

LocationOltrarno, Florence

TipsArrive 30 minutes before sunset to secure a good spot. The Basilica of San Miniato al Monte just below the square is worth a visit too.

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★ 4.7

Ponte Vecchio

Built in 1345, this is Florence's oldest bridge - and the only one Hitler's retreating troops chose not to blow up in 1944. Its unique row of jeweler and goldsmith shops on both sides is iconic, and overhead runs the Vasari Corridor, built by the Medici in the 16th century to link the Uffizi with Pitti Palace. At sunset, the bridge mirrored in the Arno makes one of Florence's most beloved photo spots. The goldsmiths' tradition dates from the 16th century, drawing couples who come to buy wedding rings. Free to cross. 3-minute walk from the Uffizi.

HoursBridge 24 hours (shops 10:00-19:00, closed Sundays)

LocationCentro Storico, Florence

TipsShops on the bridge pay steep rents, so prices are high. Focus on the walk and photos rather than shopping.

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★ 4.7

Galleria dell'Accademia (David)

This museum holds the original David, the 5.17m masterpiece Michelangelo completed in his 20s over four years. Capturing David in the tense moment before facing Goliath, it is the supreme achievement of Renaissance sculpture, moved here in 1873 from Piazza della Signoria for protection. The statue stands in the 9.4m-tall Tribune hall, joined by Michelangelo's four unfinished 'Slaves' and collections of Byzantine and Gothic painting. Coming face-to-face with David is a peak Florence experience. Admission about EUR 16 (online booking essential). 10-minute walk from the Duomo.

HoursTue-Sun 08:15-18:50 (closed Mondays)

LocationCentro Storico, Florence

TipsOnline booking is essential, days ahead in peak season. Beyond David, don't miss the unfinished 'Slaves'.

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★ 4.6

Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens

Begun in the 15th century by banker Luca Pitti in a bid to outshine the Medici, the Pitti Palace ended up sold to the Medici themselves, and from the 16th century became their official residence (and later the Habsburgs' and Savoys'). The Palatine Gallery brims with works by Raphael, Titian, and Caravaggio, alongside Costume and Royal Jewels museums. Behind the palace, the 1549 Boboli Gardens are the prototype of the Italian formal garden, with sculptures, fountains, and grottoes spanning the 16th to 19th centuries - the inspiration behind Versailles. Combined admission about EUR 22. 5-minute walk from Ponte Vecchio.

Hours08:15-18:30 (closed Mondays; Boboli closes at 16:30 in Jan/Nov)

LocationOltrarno, Florence

TipsExploring the Palatine Gallery and Boboli Gardens separately can take a full day. Soak up the Florence views from the garden terraces.

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★ 4.6

Basilica of Santa Croce

Begun in 1294, Santa Croce is the world's largest Franciscan basilica and is known as Italy's 'Temple of the Glories.' It holds the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, composer Rossini, and a cenotaph for Dante (whose actual grave is in Ravenna). Highlights include 14th-century Giotto and Gaddi frescoes, Donatello's crucifix, and Brunelleschi's elegant Pazzi Chapel. The 19th-century neo-Gothic marble facade is another iconic Florentine view. Admission about EUR 8. 10-minute walk from the Duomo.

Hours09:30-17:30 (Sundays 12:30-17:30)

LocationCentro Storico, Florence

TipsThe museum holds Cimabue's famous Crucifix restored after the 1966 flood. Don't miss the leather school next door for Tuscan craftsmanship.

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★ 4.6

Palazzo Vecchio & Piazza della Signoria

Begun in 1299, the Palazzo Vecchio is the historic seat of the Florentine Republic and still serves as the city hall. The 94m Arnolfo Tower dominates the skyline, and Vasari (Michelangelo's rival) lavishly redecorated the interior in Renaissance style under Cosimo I. Don't miss the colossal frescoes of the Hall of the Five Hundred, Michelangelo's 'Victory,' and works by Donatello. The square in front, Piazza della Signoria, is an open-air sculpture gallery with a David replica, the Neptune Fountain, and Cellini's 'Perseus with the Head of Medusa' (in the Loggia dei Lanzi). Admission about EUR 17 (tower additional EUR 12.50). Next to the Uffizi.

HoursMuseum: Fri–Wed 9:00–19:00, Thu 9:00–14:00. Arnolfo Tower: 9:00–17:00 (Thu 9:00–14:00), last entry 1 hour before closing. As the palace is still Florence's city hall, sections may close at short notice for official events.

LocationCentro Storico, Florence

TipsThe tower offers views over Florence and the Duomo. Take a break at a piazza cafe with the David replica and palazzo in view.

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★ 4.6

Santa Maria Novella

Built in the 13th-14th centuries, this Dominican basilica features an elaborate Renaissance marble facade designed by Alberti. Inside are pioneering works of perspective such as Masaccio's Holy Trinity and a fresco cycle by Ghirlandaio. The adjoining Green Cloister and Spanish Chapel are also worth seeing. Admission about EUR 7.50. Located directly in front of Santa Maria Novella (SMN) central station for easy access.

HoursMon-Thu & Sat 09:00-17:30, Fri 11:00-17:30, Sun 13:00-17:00 (hours vary by season)

LocationSanta Maria Novella, Florence

TipsIt's right outside the central station, so it's convenient to visit on arrival or departure. The facade looks best in afternoon light.

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★ 4.5

Medici Chapels

Located behind the Basilica of San Lorenzo, this Medici family mausoleum comprises the opulent, semi-precious-stone-inlaid Chapel of the Princes and Michelangelo's New Sacristy, where he designed both the architecture and sculptures. The New Sacristy holds Medici tombs adorned with Michelangelo's allegorical figures Day and Night, Dawn and Dusk. Admission about EUR 9. Conveniently close to San Lorenzo Market.

HoursTue-Sat 08:15-18:50, closed on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month

LocationSan Lorenzo, Florence

TipsThe New Sacristy is small and can get crowded, so visit right at opening. Online advance booking is available.

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★ 4.6

Bargello

Built in 1255 as Florence's first town hall and later used as a police headquarters (Bargello), the building opened in 1865 as Italy's first national sculpture museum. It holds the essence of Renaissance sculpture: Donatello's David (the first freestanding bronze nude since antiquity), Michelangelo's early Bacchus and Brutus, and works by Cellini and Giambologna. Admission about EUR 9. A 5-minute walk between the Uffizi and the Duomo.

HoursDaily 08:15-13:50, closed 2nd & 4th Monday and 1st, 3rd & 5th Sunday of each month

LocationCentro Storico, Florence

TipsMuch quieter than the Uffizi or Accademia, allowing a relaxed visit. Don't miss the coats of arms decorating the courtyard.

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★ 4.5

Basilica of San Lorenzo

Founded around 393, it is one of Florence's oldest churches, rebuilt by Brunelleschi in the 15th century to establish the Early Renaissance architectural style. Its plain, unfinished facade contrasts with the harmonious, well-proportioned interior; Donatello's bronze pulpits and his tomb are also here. The Laurentian Library (designed by Michelangelo) and the Medici Chapels adjoin the complex. Admission about EUR 9 for the church alone; combined tickets with the chapels and library offer a discount.

HoursMon-Sat 10:00-17:30, closed Sundays

LocationSan Lorenzo, Florence

TipsRight next to San Lorenzo Market, so it pairs well with shopping. Knowing why the facade was never finished makes the visit more interesting.

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★ 4.7

Giotto's Campanile

Giotto began the design in 1334, and Andrea Pisano and Francesco Talenti completed the 84m tower in 1359. Clad in white, green, and pink marble matching the Duomo and Baptistery, it features intricate relief and sculptural decoration. Climbing its 414 steps rewards visitors with one of the best views in the city, looking straight at Brunelleschi's dome. Entry requires the Duomo combination ticket (about EUR 30).

HoursDaily 08:15-19:45

LocationCentro Storico, Florence

TipsLines are shorter than for the Dome, and it lets you photograph the Dome itself, making it popular. The stairwell is narrow, so be cautious if you're claustrophobic.

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★ 4.6

Florence Baptistery

Built in the 11th-12th centuries in Romanesque style, this octagonal building is where many Florentines, including Dante, were baptized. The east doors, Ghiberti's 'Gates of Paradise' (named by Michelangelo), are a masterpiece of bronze relief; the doors on site today are replicas, with the originals preserved in the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo. The 13th-century Byzantine-style gold mosaic ceiling depicting the Last Judgment is equally stunning. Admission included in the Duomo combination ticket.

HoursMon-Sat 08:15-19:30, Sun & holidays 08:15-13:30

LocationCentro Storico, Florence

TipsBinoculars or a zoom lens help you appreciate the door reliefs' detail. Take time looking up at the mosaic ceiling inside.

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★ 4.5

Loggia dei Lanzi

Completed in 1382, this Gothic triple-arched loggia was originally built for the Republic's official ceremonies, later gaining its name when Cosimo I's Swiss and German mercenaries (the Lanzi) guarded it from the 16th century. Mannerist sculpture masterpieces such as Cellini's bronze Perseus with the Head of Medusa and Giambologna's Rape of the Sabine Women and Hercules and the Centaur stand on open display, free for anyone to view. Located between the Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi.

HoursOpen 24 hours (outdoor loggia)

LocationCentro Storico, Florence

TipsIt's the best free sculpture gallery in the city, so don't skip it when passing Piazza della Signoria. It looks even more dramatic once lit up at night.

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★ 4.5

Mercato Centrale, Florence

Designed by Giuseppe Mengoni, the architect behind Milan's Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, this cast-iron market opened in 1874 as Florence's largest indoor market. The ground floor houses traditional stalls selling fresh meat, cheese, and produce, while the renovated (2016) upper floor is a lively food hall serving pizza, pasta, gelato, and more. It sits next to the San Lorenzo street market, and admission is free.

HoursGround floor 08:00-16:00, upstairs food hall daily 09:00-24:00

LocationSan Lorenzo, Florence

TipsThe ground floor is busiest early morning; the upstairs food hall fills up at lunch and dinner. Try small portions from several stalls.

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★ 4.6

Fiesole

An Etruscan settlement older than Florence itself, it became a Roman colony in the 1st century BC. Highlights include an archaeological park with a Roman-era amphitheater and baths, an 11th-century Romanesque Duomo, and a Franciscan monastery. Above all, the view over Florence's rooftops and the Arno valley from this roughly 295m-high hill is spectacular. It's about a 20-30 minute ride from central Florence on city bus line 7.

HoursThe town itself is always open; the archaeological park hours vary by season (roughly 10:00-19:00, shorter in winter)

LocationFiesole, Florence Metropolitan Area

TipsTime your visit for sunset to see Florence bathed in golden light. Bus line 7 runs frequently and is convenient to use.

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★ 4.5

Forte di Belvedere

Built in the 1590s under Grand Duke Ferdinando I de' Medici and designed by architect Buontalenti, this star-shaped defensive fortress also served to safeguard the Medici family's treasures. True to its name ('beautiful view'), it commands a sweeping panorama from the Duomo to the Arno River. Today it doubles as a cultural venue hosting temporary art exhibitions, and can be reached via a path connected to the Boboli Gardens. There's no standing admission fee, though special exhibitions may charge entry.

HoursOpen only during special exhibition periods, roughly 10:00-18:00 (varies by exhibition schedule)

LocationOltrarno, Florence

TipsQuieter than Piazzale Michelangelo yet just as scenic. Pair it with the Boboli Gardens for a half-day itinerary.

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Things to Do in Florence

Culture

Tuscan Winery Day Tour

Day tour from Florence visiting 2-3 Chianti wineries with tastings and a Tuscan lunch. About EUR 100-150

Price EUR 100-150Duration 8 hours

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Adventure

Duomo Dome Climb

Climb the 463 steps of Brunelleschi's dome for a 360-degree panorama. Combined ticket about EUR 30 (booking essential)

Price About EUR 30Duration 1.5 hours

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Culture

Oltrarno Artisan Workshop Tour

Guided tour of leather, gold-leaf, and ceramics workshops in the Oltrarno artisan quarter. About EUR 50-70

Price EUR 50-70Duration 3 hours

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Culture

Gelato-Making Class

Make and taste authentic Italian gelato at a local gelateria. About EUR 40-60

Price EUR 40-60Duration 1.5 hours

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Tour

Sunset Walk to Piazzale Michelangelo

Free walking route from Santa Croce up to Piazzale Michelangelo timed for sunset over a golden Florence (BYO wine)

Price FreeDuration 2 hours

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Tour

Tuscany Wine Tour

A day trip to Chianti wineries for tastings of Chianti Classico wine and olive oil.

Price EUR 60-100Duration About 5-7 hours

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Must-Try Food in Florence

Bistecca alla Fiorentina

🍱 Traditional

A thick Florentine T-bone steak, traditionally served rare and cut from Chianina beef. About EUR 5-8 per 100g (typically 1kg+). Trattoria Mario near San Lorenzo Market is a local favorite.

Lampredotto

🍢 Street Food

Boiled tripe served in a bread roll — Florence's working-class soul food. About EUR 4-6. The street stalls near Santa Croce are famous for it.

Ribollita

🍱 Traditional

A hearty Tuscan farmhouse soup of bread, beans, and kale. About EUR 8-12. Especially good in winter at a humble trattoria in Oltrarno.

Pappa al Pomodoro

🍱 Traditional

Tuscan home-style soup of stale bread, tomato, basil, and olive oil. About EUR 7-10. Enjoy it for lunch at a trattoria in San Niccolò.

Schiacciata

🍢 Street Food

A flat Tuscan flatbread sandwich brushed with olive oil and sea salt. About EUR 5-9 each. All'Antico Vinaio near the Duomo is world-famous for its panini.

Chianti Wine

🍵 Drink

Tuscany's signature red wine made from Sangiovese grapes. About EUR 5-9 per glass, EUR 18-40 per bottle. Sample various Chiantis at Florence wine bars like Enoteca Quattropino.

Florentine Gelato

🍰 Dessert

Authentic gelato in the city often credited as its birthplace. About EUR 3-5 per scoop. Vivoli near Santa Croce, dating to 1929, is the original gelateria.

Florence Travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Florence?

April-June and September-October are best. Spring blankets the Tuscan hills in flowers, while July-August summers are very hot.

How much does it cost to travel in Florence?

Daily budget about $85-155 (lodging $50-100, food $20-35, transport and entry $15-20).

How do I get around in Florence?

Tram line T2 runs from Florence Airport to the city center in about 20 minutes. The compact old town is best explored on foot. Prepaid SIMs are available at the airport (TIM, Vodafone, etc., about EUR 10-15/week). Card payments are widely accepted. A coperto of EUR 2-3 is added at restaurants; additional tipping is optional.

Do I need a visa to visit Florence?

Korean passport holders may enter the Schengen Area visa-free for 90 days.

Is Florence safe for tourists?

Watch for pickpockets around tourist sites, especially near Santa Maria Novella station and other busy areas.

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