What are the five best things to see and do in Florence?
- Hayley Bosch
- Forbes Travel Guide Editor
There’s so much to do in Florence that even if you stayed for a month, you wouldn’t make a dent in your sightseeing list. From art to shopping, there’s something to see in every piazza. Here are Forbes Travel Guide’s picks for the five best things to see and do in Florence:
1. Explore the Uffizi Gallery. It’s one of the most famous museums in the world — and for good reason. Originally built to house administrative and judiciary offices of Florence, the Uffizi is filled with masterpieces by great Italian artists like Botticelli, Michelangelo and Raphael. Spend the day strolling through the halls and ogling the stunning works.
2. Visit the Duomo. Aside from the museums, the Duomo is Florence’s most well-known attraction. The Gothic domed structure towers over the city and is hard to miss. Its pink, green and white marble exterior is beautiful, but the interior is even better. Intricate centuries-old frescoes cover the cathedral walls. The frescoes are so intriguing that you won’t mind the tiring 463-step hike to see them.
3. Walk on the Ponte Vecchio. Spanning across the Arno River, the Ponte Vecchio has stood the test of time. Sure, it has a historic element — rebuilt after a flood in 1345, it’s the only bridge that the Germans didn’t destroy during World War II —but the strip is a must for shopping. Dozens of jewelry shops line the bridge; stop off to buy a gold souvenir.
4. See the David at the Accademia. You’ve seen photos and plenty of replicas, but there’s no substitute for getting a glimpse of Michelangelo’s David in person. The 14-foot-tall white marble sculpture is awe-inspiring. At the museum’s gift shop, you can buy everything from postcards of the more than 500-year-old statute to aprons sporting David’s body on it.
5. Walk around the Boboli Gardens. The Pitti Palace’s Boboli Gardens are a prime example of Tuscan Renaissance landscape architecture and have become the standard for European royal gardens. The 111-acre garden is filled with cypress trees, sculptures and grottos. It’s a great escape from the hordes of tourists who cram the Italian city.
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On February 6Natalie Wearstler answered the question:
What’s the best way to get to Florence?
The best way to get to Florence is to skip the long airport lines and hop on board your own private plane with NetJets. By traveling with this private jet company, you’ll enjoy the benefits of personal jet travel through programs that allow you to pay as you go, lease a plane or become a fractional owner of an aircraft. Get into the Florentine mindset early by uncorking a bottle of Italian vino selected in collaboration with Wine Spectator, or prepare for a meeting by taking advantage of Wi-Fi on the flight. However you choose to enjoy your trip, you’ll be able to rest easy knowing that each NetJets flight is manned by two captain-qualified pilots who put safety first and are industry leaders with an average of 7,500 hours of flight experience each. -
On September 25Hayley Bosch answered the question:
Where is the best shopping in Florence?
Florence is brimming with spectacular shopping opportunities — and it’s not just the top-notch designers. Along the Ponte Vecchio, you’ll encounter shop after shop filled with gold necklaces, bracelets, rings and more. This is where to buy jewelry, and there’s something for every price range.
The western Italian city is also known for its quality leather goods. Make your way to Piazza Santa Croce’s Scuola del Cuoio (School of Leather) and watch the craftsmen hard at work learning the trade. Within the school, buy everything from handmade belts to wallets. You’ll find more leather and jewelry at the nearby open-air San Lorenzo market.
When it comes to fashion, Florence’s Via Tornabuoni is unrivaled in these parts. Boutiques from legendary Italian designers like Gucci, Prada, Emilio Pucci and Roberto Cavalli line the famous street. It’s a shopper’s paradise, so don’t forget your credit card. To get labels for less, head to The Mall, an outlet center that’s a half-hour drive from the city. Packed with shops like Tod’s, Bottega Veneta and Gucci, this is the spot to snag the deals. -
On September 25Hayley Bosch answered the question:
Where is the best shopping in Florence?
Florence is brimming with spectacular shopping opportunities — and it’s not just the top-notch designers. Along the Ponte Vecchio, you’ll encounter shop after shop filled with gold necklaces, bracelets, rings and more. This is where to buy jewelry, and there’s something for every price range.
The western Italian city is also known for its quality leather goods. Make your way to Piazza Santa Croce’s Scuola del Cuoio (School of Leather) and watch the craftsmen hard at work learning the trade. Within the school, buy everything from handmade belts to wallets. You’ll find more leather and jewelry at the nearby open-air San Lorenzo market.
When it comes to fashion, Florence’s Via Tornabuoni is unrivaled in these parts. Boutiques from legendary Italian designers like Gucci, Prada, Emilio Pucci and Roberto Cavalli line the famous street. It’s a shopper’s paradise, so don’t forget your credit card. To get labels for less, head to The Mall, an outlet center that’s a half-hour drive from the city. Packed with shops like Tod’s, Bottega Veneta and Gucci, this is the spot to snag the deals. -
On September 25answered the question:
Where is the best shopping in Florence?
Florence is brimming with spectacular shopping opportunities — and it’s not just the top-notch designers. Along the Ponte Vecchio, you’ll encounter shop after shop filled with gold necklaces, bracelets, rings and more. This is where to buy jewelry, and there’s something for every price range.
The western Italian city is also known for its quality leather goods. Make your way to Piazza Santa Croce’s Scuola del Cuoio (School of Leather) and watch the craftsmen hard at work learning the trade. Within the school, buy everything from handmade belts to wallets. You’ll find more leather and jewelry at the nearby open-air San Lorenzo market.
When it comes to fashion, Florence’s Via Tornabuoni is unrivaled in these parts. Boutiques from legendary Italian designers like Gucci, Prada, Emilio Pucci and Roberto Cavalli line the famous street. It’s a shopper’s paradise, so don’t forget your credit card. To get labels for less, head to The Mall, an outlet center that’s a half-hour drive from the city. Packed with shops like Tod’s, Bottega Veneta and Gucci, this is the spot to snag the deals. -
On July 3Forbes Travel Guide Inspector answered the question:
What are the five best Florence food experiences?
Florence is justifiably famous for its food, so while you probably won’t have enough time — or room in your stomach — to taste everything, here are five food experiences our Forbes Travel Guide editors feel you just can’t miss:
1. Cured meats. Cured meats are extremely popular in Florence and widely available at cafés and restaurants around the city. If you’re visiting between September and May, seek out a plate of the seasonal bardiccio, a mix of beef and pork that’s flavored with fennel.
2. Chianti. The signature wine of Tuscany happens to be produced in the hills of the Chianti region, just 20 miles south of Florence. Made from the local Sangiovese grape, chianti is a smooth red wine that goes down easily; its finer (and pricier) version, Chianti Riserva, is aged for 38 months instead of four to seven.
3. Pappa al Pomodoro. This hearty tomato stew has its origins in cucina povera (peasants’ cuisine), in part because of its use of chopped-up, day-old bread.
4. Ravioli Nudi. Despite its name, which translates to “naked ravioli,” these ravioli aren’t missing their sauce, but the actual pasta. The filling itself — typically spinach and ricotta — is what’s simmered into dumplings and finished with a tomato sauce.
5. Bistecca alla Fiorentina. A thick T-bone steak from local cattle, bistecca alla fiorentina is grilled over fire, seasoned with salt, black pepper, and olive oil and served very rare. It’s one of the juiciest, most delicious cuts of meat you’ll ever taste. -
On July 3Forbes Travel Guide Inspector answered the question:
Where is the best nightlife in Florence?
One of the most popular nightlife areas in Florence is the Santa Croce neighborhood, where Via de’ Benci, in particular, is packed with bars and clubs filled with young people and expats. Piazza Santo Spirito, located across the river, is also quite lively, especially during the summer.
While there are some late-night dance clubs scattered across the city, you’ll notice that locals aren’t necessarily big on clubbing long into the night. Instead, our Forbes Travel Guide editors note that the typical local’s night out starts slowly with aperitivo, the northern Italian tradition of having a few nibbles and a glass of wine before dinner. After dinner, Florentines who want to stay out tend to gravitate towards cocktail lounges; only a few — usually the younger set — will move on to clubs. -
On July 3Forbes Travel Guide Inspector answered the question:
What is the best way to see Florence in one day?
Although Florence is best explored and savored over several days, since its historic center is relatively small and easily walkable it is possible to see its most famous sights in one day.
If you’re pressed for time and need to squeeze as much sightseeing as you can into 24 hours or less, our Forbes Travel Guide editors recommend kicking off your whirlwind tour with a stroll through the city’s famous San Lorenzo leather market, which is near the train station, and then heading on to the Accademia Gallery. As the home of Michelangelo’s famed David statue — the real one; there is a replica in Piazza della Signoria — the Accademia Gallery is one of the most-visited tourist attractions in town. Avoid the long lines to get in by buying your tickets online ahead of time.
After getting your fill of art, walk the Piazza del Duomo to see Florence’s famous Duomo. If the line isn’t too long, duck inside to take a look, though it’s worth noting that the exterior is actually more elaborate and impressive than the austere interior. Also be sure to check out the Florence Baptistery, the city’s oldest building that’s just across from the Duomo. It features the “Gates of Paradise” doors, which have gorgeous detailed panels that were designed by Renaissance artist Lorenzo Ghiberti.
Next, head southeast to the Basilica di Santa Croce, the resting place of Florence’s most famous citizen, Michelangelo, and home to frescoes by Giotto and sculptures by Donatello. Get a long enough look for it all to sink in, then take a five-minute walk from there to Piazza della Signoria: This is the iconic piazza that’s overshadowed by Palazzo Vecchio, Florence’s towering medieval town hall.
Taking the famed Ponte Vecchio, cross into the Oltrarno neighborhood for lunch and to explore the area’s back streets and artisanal shops. Be sure to stop at Santa Maria del Carmine to visit the Brancacci Chapel, one of the most important chapels of the early Renaissance period. After your relaxing stroll, head back across the river to the Uffizi Gallery, one of the world’s oldest and most famous museums — again, buy your tickets online ahead of time to avoid the lines.
Finally, finish your marathon day of sightseeing with a glass of wine and Tuscan meats and cheeses at a local enoteca. -
On July 3Forbes Travel Guide Inspector answered the question:
What are the five best places to eat in Florence?
There are plenty of restaurants in Florence serving authentic Italian cuisine in beautiful settings, but this relatively small city does still have its fair share of touristy, overpriced places, too. Our Forbes Travel Guide editors will help guide you towards the good spots and away from the bad with these picks for the five places to eat in Florence:
1. La Casalinga. Located just over the Ponte Vecchio in Oltrarno, this no-nonsense, bustling trattoria is a great place to dine on traditional Florentine food in a homey setting.
2. Trattoria Mario. This popular hole-in-the-wall doesn’t take reservations and can get quite busy, but it’s well worth the wait. The menu is filled with rustic Tuscan dishes like pasta with artichokes, white beans and roasted veal.
3. Osteria Antica Mescita San Niccolò. This restaurant and wine bar near Piazzale Michelangelo serves both traditional and modern Italian specialties, so you’ll see common dishes like pappa al pomodoro next to more ambitious ones, like goose carpaccio.
4. Il Santo Bevitore. Upscale but friendly, Il Santo Bevitore is particularly popular with locals, who come for the chef’s creative takes on Florentine cuisine. Since its name translates to “The Holy Drink,” be sure to try some of the local wines served here.
5. Le Volpi e l’Uva. One of the top wine bars in Florence, Le Volpi e l’Uva serves top-notch wines, cheeses and charcuterie from small, lesser-known vineyards and food producers in Italy and France. This is the perfect spot for pre-dinner snacks, or for those times when you prefer to skip the pasta and fill up on wine, cheese and meats instead. -
On July 3Forbes Travel Guide Inspector answered the question:
What are the five best things to do with kids in Florence?
Although Florence is an art and history buff’s paradise, there are plenty of fun things to do with kids, too, including these five activities our Forbes Travel Guide editors think they’ll absolutely love:
1. Museo Galileo. Florence’s science museum makes for a kid-friendly break from the city’s plethora of frescoes and sculptures (not to mention the scorching heat). Best for kids ages six and up, Museo Galileo features an interactive area where little ones can get their hands on Galilean instruments. You also can do a child-friendly 1.5-hour visit with a museum tour or rent an interactive video guide complete with 3D animations — just be sure to choose the “kids” option.
2. Boboli Gardens. The formal gardens of Palazzo Pitti feature 11 acres of green space and is the perfect place for adults to relax in the shade while the kids run around and burn off some energy. First laid out in the 16th century, Boboli Gardens has outdoor sculptures and a strange, spooky Mannerist grotto, which was carved to look like it has stalactites and is filled with replicas of famous statues.
3. Take a climb. Kids and adults alike will be worn out after climbing either the 463 steps of the Duomo or the 414 steps of Giotto’s Bell Tower, which is just next to the Duomo. The trek is worth it, though, for the great views of the city you’ll be treated to at the top.
4. Pay homage to Pinocchio. Piazzale Michelangelo is about a 20-minute walk from the center of town — you’ll be mostly going up stairs, so be prepared for a climb — and has some of the best views of greater Florence. Beyond the views you’ll also see the 11th-century church of San Miniato al Monte and its cemetery, where Pinocchio’s creator was laid to rest.
5. See artisans at work in Oltrarno. Just across the river is Florence’s Oltrarno quarter, where you and your kids can duck inside a number of shops and watch local artisans at work as they bind books, create mosaics and make shoes and jewelry. -
On June 12Forbes Travel Guide Inspector answered the question:
What is the best time of the year to visit Florence?
While tourists flock to Florence year-round, rain or shine, some times of the year are better than others to visit. If you’re looking to escape the crowds, your best bet is heading to the Tuscan city in January or February. The chilly weather tends to discourage the masses, which means you won’t have to elbow your way through the Uffizi Gallery or the Duomo. Come late February and early March, the weather warms up and the streets begin to fill with vacationers and weekenders. As spring progresses, Florence gets more and more crowded, and for good reason — the days are beautiful and the nights are lively.
If there’s one time of year to avoid Florence — and much of Italy — at all costs, it’s August. Italians usually take the late summer month off and close up shops, restaurants and even hotels. -
On June 12answered the question:
What is the best thing to bring home from Florence?
As the home of some of the world's greatest works of art — Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli’s Birth of Venus — Florence is one of the best places to pick up artsy souvenirs. From pretty postcards and kitschy aprons sporting the body of David on the front to original artwork sold in various piazzas, the city on the Arno is brimming with art-inspired gifts. Our Forbes Travel Guide editors love Florence’s wearable art. Visit the School of Leather (Scuola del Cuoio) to see the leather-makers creating masterpieces out of beautiful hide. Whether it’s a belt, wallet or purse, a souvenir from the School of Leather is a must. -
On June 12answered the question:
What are the five best places to stay in Florence?
Spending the night in one of Florence's hotels is like sleeping in a museum, since they are housed in beautifully restored buildings. You’ll find everything from intimate villas perched on a hillside to palatial hotels in the middle of it all. Here’s Forbes Travel Guide’s take on the five best places to stay in Florence:
1. Villa San Michele. Perched on a hilltop above the city, Villa San Michele resides in a former monastery. This romantic hotel dates back to the 15th century, and its 46 rooms are appropriate decorated with antique furnishings. Soak up the Tuscan sun at the swimming pool surrounded by lush gardens. Or just gaze at the seemingly endless miles of Florence’s cityscape.
2. Four Seasons Hotel Firenze. At this hotel, you get the spectacular service and accommodations that Four Seasons is known for along with a hefty dose of history and art. From the museum-like lobby lounge to the palatial Royal Suite, Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is fit for a king. Whether you stay in a guest room in the 500-year-old Palazzo della Gherardesca or a room in the 16th-century convent, you’ll be seeped in history.
3. J.K. Place Firenze. This design-centric hotel is a refreshing alternative to the extravagant places in Florence. Each of the 20 rooms is chic and modern, but still retains the splendor of Tuscany. Some have four-poster beds surrounded by cream drapes, while others offer sleek fabric headboards. The intimate boutique hotel sits a few blocks away from the popular Duomo.
4. The St. Regis Florence. Overlooking the Arno River, this opulent hotel oozes Italian in its 100 guest rooms and suites. Aside from high ceilings and custom frescoes, rooms come in Florentine, Medici or Renaissance style. Each has its own personality, right down to the bedspreads.
5. Hotel Savoy. Sitting on the beautiful Piazza della Repubblica, Hotel Savoy sports contemporary Italian décor with an air of Florentine elegance. A highlight of the centrally located hotel is that all 102 rooms have distinctive artwork, from the ceramics to the mosaics in the bathrooms. If art isn’t your thing, the walk-in closets and balconies overlooking the piazza will draw you in. -
On June 12answered the question:
Where is the best shopping in Florence?
Florence is brimming with spectacular shopping opportunities — and it’s not just the top-notch designers. Along the Ponte Vecchio, you’ll encounter shop after shop filled with gold necklaces, bracelets, rings and more. This is where to buy jewelry, and there’s something for every price range.
The western Italian city is also known for its quality leather goods. Make your way to Piazza Santa Croce’s Scuola del Cuoio (School of Leather) and watch the craftsmen hard at work learning the trade. Within the school, buy everything from handmade belts to wallets. You’ll find more leather and jewelry at the nearby open-air San Lorenzo market.
When it comes to fashion, Florence’s Via Tornabuoni is unrivaled in these parts. Boutiques from legendary Italian designers like Gucci, Prada, Emilio Pucci and Roberto Cavalli line the famous street. It’s a shopper’s paradise, so don’t forget your credit card. To get labels for less, head to The Mall, an outlet center that’s a half-hour drive from the city. Packed with shops like Tod’s, Bottega Veneta and Gucci, this is the spot to snag the deals.
