Italy
Florence
The Renaissance, still happening in real time.
98
Places to stay
175
Flight routes
41
Packages
€0
Flights from
Plan your trip
Everything for Florence
Accommodation
Curated hotels and hostels, matched to how you travel.
Flights
Find the route in, compare your options, book without noise.
Packages
Flight and accommodation bundled. Everything in one reservation.
City Pass
One pass for every attraction. No queueing, no mental arithmetic.
Museum Pass
Unlimited entry to 35+ institutions. No per-visit pricing.
Things to do
Activities, experiences, and local recommendations by interest.
Airport transfer
Book your transfer from the airport.
eSIM
Stay connected from the moment you land. No roaming, no SIM swap.
Car hire
Compare rental cars for day trips, coastal drives, and countryside routes.
From the archivist
What to know before you go
Book Uffizi tickets at least a month ahead in peak season — same-day slots sell out by 10am in summer
Climb Brunelleschi's dome for close-up views of Vasari's frescoes — 463 steps, no lift, ID required
Order lampredotto at Da Nerbone inside Mercato Centrale, ask for it bagnato with salsa verde
Cross to the Oltrarno district for artisan workshops, neighbourhood restaurants, and a quieter Florence
Best for
Getting around Florence
Florence's historic centre is compact and largely walkable — most major sights are within 20 minutes on foot. The ZTL (restricted traffic zone) means cars are largely absent from the centre. Public buses and trams are run by Autolinee Toscane. A single ticket costs €1.70 and is valid for 90 minutes with unlimited transfers. The T2 tram line now connects the airport directly to Piazza San Marco via the city centre. Buy tickets at tram stop machines, tabacchi shops, or via the Nugo app. Validate before boarding — fines apply.
Best time to visit
October is the best single month — temperatures of 18–26°C, autumn light, the wine harvest, and crowds thinning from summer peak. September is nearly as good but slightly warmer. March and early April offer mild weather and manageable numbers before Easter surges. January and February are the quietest and cheapest months (February especially), though cold and rainy. Avoid July and August: temperatures regularly exceed 35°C, prices peak, and many local shops close as Florentines leave the city. Be aware that the traditional shoulder season has eroded — Florence is effectively busy from April through October.
Frequently asked questions about Florence
When is the best time to visit Florence?
October is the standout month — warm at 18–26°C, bathed in good light, and noticeably quieter than summer. September is almost as good. If budget matters most, January and February offer the cheapest hotels and empty museums, though it's cold and wet. Avoid July and August: extreme heat (regularly above 35°C), peak crowds, and peak prices make this the worst value window. Easter week is also busier than most people expect — Holy Week brings a sharp surge in Italian school groups.
What are the top things to do in Florence?
The Uffizi Gallery is the centrepiece — Botticelli's Birth of Venus, Michelangelo's Doni Tondo, and Leonardo's Annunciation, among others. Allow at minimum two hours. The Galleria dell'Accademia is the only place to see Michelangelo's David in the original marble. Climbing Brunelleschi's dome at Santa Maria del Fiore gives extraordinary close-up views of Vasari's frescoes and a panorama of the city. The Oltrarno district on the south bank of the Arno — reached via Ponte Vecchio — is the most authentic neighbourhood for walking, eating, and artisan culture.
What food is Florence known for?
Bistecca alla Fiorentina is the city's flagship dish — a thick-cut T-bone from Chianina cattle, grilled over charcoal, always served rare and always sold by weight. Lampredotto (slow-cooked cow's stomach in a semella roll) is Florence's most distinctive street food; Da Nerbone inside Mercato Centrale San Lorenzo is the most famous spot. Ribollita is the cold-weather staple: a thick Tuscan bean and vegetable soup with stale bread, served at proper family-run osterias. Schiacciata, a thin olive oil flatbread, is the everyday street snack.
How do you get around Florence?
On foot is the honest answer for most visitors — the historic centre is compact, walkable, and car-free (ZTL zone). For longer journeys, Autolinee Toscane buses and trams cover the city. A single ticket is €1.70, valid 90 minutes with unlimited transfers, and works on both buses and trams. The T2 tram line connects the airport to Piazza San Marco via the city centre. There is no transit card or day pass currently available; buy individual tickets at tram stop machines, tabacchi shops, or via the Nugo app.
Is Florence safe for tourists?
Florence is safe by European capital standards — violent crime is low. The real risk is petty theft and scams in tourist-heavy areas. Pickpocket hotspots include Piazza del Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, the queues outside the Uffizi and Accademia, and bus lines C2 and C3. Watch for the bracelet scam (someone ties a bracelet on you and demands payment) near the Duomo, and unauthorised taxis outside Santa Maria Novella station. Use a front-worn bag, keep your phone in a pocket, and use ATMs inside bank branches during business hours.
Ready to plan your Florence trip?
Start with accommodation, or go straight to flights.