You’ve just arrived in Florence for the first time and don’t know where to start. With its incredible art, architecture, food and atmosphere, this stunning city can overwhelm new visitors. Never fear! In this guide, we’ll give you the insider tips to make the most of your trip. From the famous sights like the Duomo and the Uffizi to secret local gems, you’ll discover exactly how to eat, drink, shop and wander like a Florentine. By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel like a seasoned pro at exploring this magical city. So get ready to dive into our ultimate Florence guide for first-timers!
Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Florence for First-Timers
The Duomo
No trip to Florence is complete without seeing the magnificent Duomo, Florence’s main cathedral. This architectural wonder dominates the city skyline with its enormous dome. Climb the 463 steps to the top of the dome for panoramic views of Florence.
Galleria dell’Accademia
Home to many famous works of art, including Michelangelo’s David, the Galleria dell’Accademia is a must-see. Gaze in awe at the flawless marble sculptures and other Renaissance masterpieces.
Uffizi Gallery
One of the top art museums in the world, the Uffizi Gallery houses many priceless works of art, especially from the Renaissance period. You’ll find masterpieces from Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Titian, and more. Expect big crowds, so go early.
Pitti Palace
Once home to Florence’s powerful Medici family, the lavish Pitti Palace and its sprawling gardens, the Boboli Gardens, are a sight to behold. The palace now contains several museums, including a costume gallery, porcelain museum, and art gallery.
Ponte Vecchio
Florence’s iconic Ponte Vecchio bridge has spanned the Arno River since 1345. The bridge is lined with shops, mainly jewellers and souvenir sellers. Grab a gelato and stroll across this historic bridge for lovely views of the river and city.
Piazzale Michelangelo
For the best panoramic views of Florence, head to Piazzale Michelangelo. This popular viewing spot sits on a hill across the river, offering sweeping vistas of the city skyline, Duomo and surrounding hills. It’s especially stunning at sunset.
Santa Croce Basilica
The beautiful Santa Croce church is the burial place of famous Florentines like Michelangelo, Galileo, and Rossini. Inside, you’ll find many notable artworks as well as a small museum dedicated to Italian writer and philosopher Francesco Petrarca.
Palazzo Vecchio
Florence’s town hall, the Palazzo Vecchio, is an impressive fortress-palace in Piazza della Signoria. Take a guided tour to see lavish furnishings, artwork, and secret passageways. Climb the tower for panoramic views of Florence.
Hidden Gems in Florence Only Locals Know About
Oltrarno
Cross the Ponte Vecchio bridge to discover Oltrarno, Florence’s left bank. This charming, lesser-visited neighbourhood is filled with artisan workshops, cafes and wine bars. Stroll down Via Maggio, lined with antique shops, or visit the beautiful rose garden at Giardino Bardini. For stunning city views, climb the steps of San Miniato al Monte church. Oltrarno really comes alive at night, so grab an aperitivo at Il Rifrullo or Il Santino and soak in the atmosphere of Florence’s coolest neighbourhood.
Mercato Centrale
While the San Lorenzo market is popular with tourists, locals shop at Mercato Centrale. This massive indoor food market, open since 1874, is a Florentine institution. Head upstairs to the mezzanine level, which now houses various food stalls and a hipster craft brewery. Grab a lampredotto sandwich, classic tripe stew at Nerbone or a pizza al taglio at and of the pizzeria stands. Mercato Centrale is open until midnight, so it’s also perfect for a late dinner with friends.
Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
Tucked away near Piazza Santa Maria Novella, Officina Profumo is Florence’s oldest pharmacy, founded in 1221. Step inside this ornate space, with carved wooden cabinets and frescoed ceilings, for a glimpse into the history of herbal medicine and perfume-making. Though no longer an active pharmacy, Officina Profumo produces signature fragrances, skincare and herbal products using traditional methods. It’s a truly enchanting place, redolent with the scents of chamomile, lavender and rose. A Florence must-see, hiding in plain sight.
Where to Stay in Florence: Best Areas for First-Time Visitors
Florence has several central neighbourhoods ideal for first-time visitors, each with a different vibe and accommodation options at various price points.
Santa Maria Novella
This lively area around Florence’s main train station is a perfect home base, with many budget and mid-range hotels, B&Bs and vacation rentals. You’ll be within walking distance of the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio and Uffizi Gallery. The streets are bustling, especially at night, but the convenience factor is hard to beat.
San Lorenzo Market
North of the train station, San Lorenzo Market is a haven for budget travellers and foodies. The Mercato Centrale food hall and open-air stalls offer delicious Tuscan fare. Lodging options include hostels, B&Bs, apartments and boutique hotels. While central, the area can feel touristy, especially with the leather market vendors. But for the budget-conscious, the value and location are ideal.
Santa Croce
This charming area southeast of the Arno River features the Piazza Santa Croce, a popular gathering spot, and the Santa Croce Basilica. Accommodation options tend towards mid-range boutique hotels, B&Bs and vacation rentals in historic palazzos. While slightly farther from major sights, the Santa Croce neighbourhood has a more local feel and lower prices than areas directly around the Duomo. An easy walk across any of the bridges takes you into the centre in minutes.
Where to Stay in Florence: Best Villas in Florence
For those of you who prefer a more peaceful trip to Florence, renting a villa in the countryside where you can have easy access to vineyards and breathtaking views of nature might be the way to go.
Stillo Apartment
A 40-minute drive away from Florence lies Stillo Apartment, a historic place that is part of the II Paluffo estate from the 15th century. This charming villa traces back to housing horse-drawn carriages but has been charmingly converted whilst retaining a countryside feel. Warm rural ambience pervades, with exposed brick walls, terracotta floors and large arched windows.
Accommodating up to five guests across two double bedrooms, there’s also a mezzanine area overlooking one bedroom for an extra guest. Inside is spacious with a fireplace and plentiful sunlight through the windows. Outside, the private garden boasts lush foliage and trees. Stillo Apartment is the perfect hillside retreat for you and your loved ones.
Villa Acacia Florence
Villa Acacia, an Italian summer house located just 15 minutes via bus from the centre of Florence, sits in the heart of the beautiful Tuscan countryside. Set within around 600 square metres of lush, verdant gardens is a refurbished and restored 17th century home, with bright interiors and traditional Italian architecture creating a unique escape for guests.
Spread over two floors across three levels are five bedrooms, all with air conditioning and modern amenities such as flat screen TVs, Chromecast and streaming app selection. Villa Acacia Florence is the ideal holiday rental, offering stunning views from its rooftop lounge and sun deck where you can enjoy an al fresco barbecue under the Italian sun, taking in the lovely surroundings.
Villa Stolli
With its ideal location between Florence, Siena and Arezzo, Villa Stolli offers an excellent base from which to explore Tuscany and its beautiful scenery.
Villa Stolli is an elegant four-bedroom home surrounded by lush greenery. You and your loved ones can enjoy a peaceful and relaxing holiday in this picturesque villa with a distinctly Italian flair – from exposed wooden beams and dramatic furnishings. Make the most of the summer sun by relaxing around the pool and playing with the children.
During your stay, you can wander through historic streets, discover small cafes, and stroll through vineyards and olive groves. Spend your afternoons on a long walk through the idyllic countryside and unwind in the evening with a glass of Tuscan wine as you watch the sunsets. This villa will surely provide a beautiful place for your family to create lasting memories while on vacation.
How to Get Around Florence Like a Pro
On Foot
The best way to explore Florence is by walking – the city centre is compact and pedestrian-friendly. Most major sights like the Duomo, Palazzo Pitti and Galleria dell’Accademia are within a 30-minute walk of each other. Strolling the city allows you to stumble upon hidden gems and soak in the atmosphere. However, Florence’s cobblestone streets can take a toll on your feet, so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.
Public Transit
Florence’s bus and tram system covers the whole city and runs from around 5am until midnight. Tickets cost €1.20 and are valid for 90 minutes. The major bus terminus is Piazzale Montelungo, a short walk north of the train station. Tram line T1 runs from Santa Maria Novella train station to Piazzale Montelungo and on to Florence’s southwestern suburbs.
Bikes
Renting a bike in Florence is a fun way to cover more ground and enjoy the lovely Tuscan scenery. However, Florence’s chaotic traffic and uneven cobblestones can make cycling difficult for inexperienced riders. Exercise caution if biking in the city.
Taxis
Taxis in Florence can be expensive, so they are best used only for short trips or if you have heavy luggage. The taxi stand in front of the train station and Piazzale Montelungo usually have taxis available. The fixed fare between central Florence and Peretola Airport is €20 during the day and €23 at night. Make sure the taxi has a metre – the initial fare is €3.30 with surcharges of €1 per bag and €3 if you call a taxi to pick you up.
The Best Time to Visit Florence
The best time to visit Florence is early spring and late fall. Specifically, the months of mid-March through mid-April and October through November bring mild weather and fewer tourists.
Visiting during peak tourist season from mid-May through August wouldn’t be so ideal. The hotel prices become more expensive and the city becomes extremely crowded during these months. The flocks of tourists can significantly diminish the charm of Florence’s historic streets and attractions.
August is the worst month to visit. In addition to the high tourist numbers, temperatures during this month are often at an all time high, making it uncomfortably hot for sightseeing. Many Florentine locals leave the city during this month to escape the heat and crowds, resulting in fewer restaurants and shops being open.
How Long Should You Stay in Florence?
We recommend staying for 4 nights in Florence in order to have enough time for day trips to nearby towns like Siena, San Gimignano, and Pisa. Two days are ideal for exploring the city’s main attractions and another two days allow you to make an easy day trip to the neighbouring towns.
If you only stay 2 nights in Florence, you will have time to see the major highlights such as the Duomo, Uffzi Gallerey and other sites, but it might feel rushed.
If you have more time and budget to spare, staying for 5 days or more is a great leisurely pace to explore more of Florence. You’ll have time to check out other neighbourhoods, visit smaller museums and churches, go on multiple-day trips, shop to your heart’s content, and enjoy the city’s excellent food and wine culture. Before you know it, you’ll become a Florentine local yourself.
So there you have it – Florence in a nutshell! As a first-timer, you’ll no doubt be blown away by the sheer beauty around every corner. Just remember to go with the flow, soak up the atmosphere and don’t try to cram everything into one visit. That way, you’ve now got the perfect excuse to come back again and again to discover more of what this stunning Renaissance jewel has to offer.
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