Florence itinerary

Florence Travel guide

Florence & Tuscany: Top Experiences; Local Life

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Giuseppe Baldassarri Italian travel blogger

Review of Florence.

Here are some of the top attractions you might consider visiting:

Florence, or Firenze in Italian, is a beautiful city located in the Tuscany region of Italy. It is renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, world-class art, and vibrant cultural scene. Here are some key highlights and information about Florence:

1. Historic Center: Florence's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to many iconic landmarks, including the Florence Cathedral (Duomo), Giotto's Campanile, and the Baptistery. The Piazza della Signoria, with the Palazzo Vecchio and the Loggia dei Lanzi, is a hub of activity and a great place to soak in the city's atmosphere.

2. Uffizi Gallery: The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most famous art museums in the world, housing a vast collection of Renaissance masterpieces. Visitors can admire works by artists such as Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael.

3. Ponte Vecchio: Florence is known for its picturesque bridges, and the Ponte Vecchio is the most famous of them all. It is a medieval stone bridge that spans the Arno River and is lined with jewelry shops.

4. Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens: The Pitti Palace is a grand Renaissance palace that houses several museums, including the Palatine Gallery and the Royal Apartments. Behind the palace, you'll find the expansive Boboli Gardens, featuring beautiful landscaping, sculptures, and stunning views of Florence.

5. Michelangelo's David: Galleria dell'Accademia is home to Michelangelo's famous sculpture, David. Seeing this iconic masterpiece up close is a must-do when visiting Florence.

6. Florence Cathedral (Duomo): The Florence Cathedral, with its distinctive dome designed by Brunelleschi, is a magnificent architectural marvel. Visitors can climb to the top of the dome for panoramic views of the city.

7. Oltrarno: Cross the Arno River to the Oltrarno district, where you'll find a more local and artisanal atmosphere. Explore the narrow streets, visit artisan workshops, and discover charming squares like Piazza Santo Spirito.

8. Florence's Cuisine: Florence is known for its delicious Tuscan cuisine. Don't miss out on trying local specialties such as bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak), ribollita (Tuscan vegetable soup), and cantucci (almond biscuits) paired with Vin Santo, a sweet dessert wine.

Getting to Florence: Florence has its own international airport, Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR), which serves both domestic and international flights. Alternatively, you can reach Florence by train from various Italian cities, including Rome, Milan, and Venice.

Exploring Florence: The city center of Florence is compact and best explored on foot. It is also well-served by public transportation, including buses. Consider purchasing a Firenze Card, which offers free entry to many museums and allows you to skip the lines.

Florence is a treasure trove of art, culture, and history, offering visitors a truly immersive experience in the heart of Tuscany. 

Here are some of his reviews of the best attractions that you can book:

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Florence: where to stay?

ACCOMODATIONS

Florence, Italy is a beautiful city with a wide range of accommodation options to suit various budgets and preferences. When choosing where to stay in Florence, you should consider factors like your budget, the type of experience you want, and your proximity to the city's attractions. Here are some popular areas and types of accommodations to consider:

1. **Historic Center (Centro Storico):** This is the heart of Florence and is home to many of the city's famous landmarks, including the Florence Cathedral, Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio. Staying in the historic center gives you easy access to these attractions and the charm of the old city. It's an excellent choice for first-time visitors, but it can be pricey.

   - Luxury: Hotels like the Hotel Savoy and Hotel degli Orafi offer a high-end experience.

   - Mid-Range: Options like Hotel Perseo and Hotel Alessandra provide a comfortable stay without breaking the bank.

   - Budget: Hostels like Plus Florence and backpacker-friendly accommodations are available for those on a tight budget.

2. **Oltrarno:** Located on the other side of the Arno River, Oltrarno is a quieter, more residential area known for its artisan workshops and local atmosphere. It's a great choice for those looking for a more authentic and relaxed experience.

   - Luxury: Consider boutique hotels like the Hotel Lungarno or the Portrait Firenze for a touch of luxury.

   - Mid-Range: The Hotel Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio is a good mid-range option.

   - Budget: Guesthouses and Airbnb rentals in this area can be more affordable compared to the historic center.

3. **Santa Maria Novella:** This area is close to the main train station, Santa Maria Novella, making it convenient for those arriving by train. It's also within walking distance of many attractions.

   - Luxury: Hotel Helvetia & Bristol and The Westin Excelsior are upscale options in this area.

   - Mid-Range: Hotels like Hotel Albani Firenze offer good value.

   - Budget: You can find budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses in this area.

4. **San Lorenzo:** Located near the famous Central Market and the Medici Chapels, this area is a good choice if you want to be close to local food markets and shopping opportunities.

   - Luxury: J.K. Place Firenze and Hotel Cerretani Firenze are luxury options nearby.

   - Mid-Range: Hotel Palazzo Guadagni offers a comfortable stay in this area.

   - Budget: There are budget hotels and guesthouses around San Lorenzo as well.

5. **Fiesole:** If you prefer a more tranquil environment with scenic views, you can stay in the charming town of Fiesole, located on a hill just a short bus ride from Florence. This area provides a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle.

Remember to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the peak tourist season. Also, consider your travel dates, budget, and the type of experience you want to have in Florence when making your decision.

Booking.com

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7 Days in Italy: Last Updated Itinerary Ideas. 

7-day itinerary for visiting Florence and its surroundings, along with some local food and wine specialties to try:

Here's a suggested 7-day itinerary for visiting Florence and its surroundings, along with some local food and wine specialties to try:

Day 1: Arrival in Florence

- Explore Florence's historic center, including the Florence Cathedral (Duomo), Baptistery, Giotto's Campanile, and the Piazza della Signoria.

- Enjoy a traditional Florentine dinner, trying dishes like ribollita (Tuscan vegetable soup), bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak), and pappa al pomodoro (tomato and bread soup). Pair your meal with a glass of Chianti, a renowned Tuscan red wine.

Day 2: Uffizi Gallery and Oltrarno

- Visit the Uffizi Gallery and admire masterpieces by Renaissance artists, such as Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus" and Michelangelo's "Tondo Doni."

- Cross the Arno River to the Oltrarno district and explore its charming streets. Visit the Pitti Palace and wander through the Boboli Gardens.

- Try some local gelato, a classic Italian treat, at one of Florence's renowned gelaterias.

Day 3: Day Trip to Siena and Chianti

- Take a day trip to the medieval city of Siena, known for its beautiful architecture and the Piazza del Campo.

- Visit a winery in the famous Chianti wine region and enjoy a wine tasting, sampling Chianti Classico wines. Pair them with Tuscan pecorino cheese and bruschetta topped with fresh tomatoes and olive oil.

Day 4: Michelangelo's David and San Lorenzo Market

- Visit Galleria dell'Accademia to see Michelangelo's David up close.

- Explore the San Lorenzo Market, known for its stalls selling local products, including fresh produce, cured meats, cheeses, and truffles. Try some traditional Tuscan street food like lampredotto (a tripe sandwich) or schiacciata (Tuscan flatbread).

Day 5: Day Trip to Pisa and Lucca

- Take a day trip to Pisa and visit the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Piazza dei Miracoli.

- Continue to Lucca, a charming walled city known for its well-preserved historic center. Rent a bicycle and ride along the city walls or explore the narrow streets and picturesque squares.

- Sample buccellato, a traditional sweet bread from Lucca, and enjoy a glass of Tuscan Vin Santo.

Day 6: Florence's Artisan Workshops and Fiesole

- Explore Florence's Oltrarno district and visit artisan workshops, where you can witness traditional craftsmanship, such as leatherworking, jewelry-making, and bookbinding.

- Take a short trip to Fiesole, a hilltop town overlooking Florence. Visit the Roman amphitheater and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

- Treat yourself to a delicious Florentine dessert, such as cantucci (almond biscuits) dipped in Vin Santo.

Day 7: Florence's Gardens and Farewell Dinner

- Visit the beautiful Bardini Gardens or the Rose Garden for a leisurely stroll and enjoy the city's green spaces.

- Have a farewell dinner at a traditional trattoria, savoring dishes like pappardelle al cinghiale (pasta with wild boar sauce) or torta della nonna (grandma's cake). Pair your meal with a glass of Brunello di Montalcino, a prestigious Tuscan red wine.

Please note that this itinerary is a suggestion, and you can customize it according to your preferences and the specific attractions and restaurants you wish to visit. 

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How to get to Florence, and view the map in real-time.

MAPS

To get to Florence and view a map in real time, you can follow these steps:

**1. Choose Your Mode of Transportation:**

- **By Air:** If you're traveling from abroad or other parts of Italy, you can fly into Florence's Peretola Airport (FLR). Alternatively, you can also consider flying into Pisa International Airport (PSA) and then taking a train or bus to Florence.

- **By Train:** Florence is well-connected by train to major cities in Italy, including Rome, Venice, Milan, and others. The main train station in Florence is Santa Maria Novella (Firenze S.M.N.).

- **By Bus:** Several bus companies operate routes to Florence, and you can find long-distance buses from various European cities.

**2. Use a Navigation App for Real-Time Map View:**

To view a map in real-time, you can use a navigation app like Google Maps, Apple Maps, or a similar GPS-based navigation app. Here's how to do it using Google Maps:

- Download the Google Maps app on your smartphone if you haven't already.

- Open the app and ensure that your phone's location services are turned on.

- Type "Florence" or the specific address you want to navigate to in the search bar.

**3. Select Your Transportation Mode:**

- If you're arriving in Florence by train or bus, you can enter "Firenze S.M.N." or the bus station name as your destination.

- If you're at the airport, you can enter "Florence Airport" as your destination.

- If you're traveling within Florence or looking for directions to a specific hotel or attraction, enter the destination address.

**4. Choose Your Preferred Route:**

- Google Maps will provide you with multiple route options, whether you're walking, driving, or using public transportation. Select your preferred mode of transport.

**5. Follow Real-Time Directions:**

- Once you've chosen your route, the app will provide turn-by-turn directions in real-time. It will also show your current location on the map as you move.

**6. Stay Updated:**

- Pay attention to the real-time traffic information and estimated time of arrival, as this can help you navigate around traffic congestion.

Please note that you will need an internet connection on your mobile device to use real-time navigation apps effectively. If you're traveling from abroad, make sure you have a suitable data plan or consider purchasing a local SIM card or a portable Wi-Fi device for internet access during your stay in Florence. Additionally, consider using offline maps available in some navigation apps to save on data usage.