The Ultimate First-Timers Guide to Visiting Florence, Italy

I’ve visited countless cities all over the world and Florence remains one of my all-time favorites. Located in the magical Tuscany region of Italy, Florence is a city steeped in art, history, romance, and charm. It is a dream destination for countless travelers and honestly deserves a spot on everyone’s bucket list. However, with so much to see and do, planning your first trip to Florence can feel a bit overwhelming. That’s where I come in!

I’ve been lucky enough to visit Florence twice during my travels and it’s a place I see myself returning to over and over. My adventures there have allowed me to put together this comprehensive guide, which will be your passport to experiencing the best of what Florence has to offer. I’ll cover everything from where to stay, what time of the year to visit, and the best places to eat.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a major foodie, a wine lover, or you’re simply looking to just soak up some Italian charm, Florence truly has a little something for everyone. Let’s dive into the magic of Florence!

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How Long Do You Need in Florence?

The ideal amount of time you should spend in Florence depends largely on your interests and desired pace. For a more whirlwind journey through the main attractions and one potential day trip, three to four days will suffice. However, to truly immerse yourself in the city’s rich culture, enjoy the impeccable food, and get to experience a bit of the surrounding areas, five to seven days is recommended.

Florence is a city that rewards slow exploration, allowing you to wander through charming streets, discover incredible architecture, and enjoy hidden gems. Also, due to its location, it is the perfect home base for taking day trips to the incredible towns nearby. When I visited, my friend and I chose to add on a few extra days, knowing we would be doing several day trips by train. Our time spent in Florence ended up being some of our favorite days in Italy.

Best Time for Visiting Florence

The best time for visiting Florence will once again depend on your interests and what type of experience you want to have. I personally visited during September and found it to be perfect. Below I will share some different descriptions of what you can expect to experience depending on the time of year. When choosing the best time for you, consider your priorities – ideal weather, fewer tourists, or holiday atmosphere:

• Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are popular choices due to pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and vibrant colors
• Summer (June to August) brings long days and outdoor events but also scorching heat and larger crowds
• Winter (December to February) offers a quieter experience with the potential for festive holiday markets, though temperatures can be chilly. 

How to Get Around

When visiting Florence there are a couple of very widely used transportation methods. I suggest using a combination of all of them.

Walk Everywhere: I truly believe there is no better way to experience a place than by foot. Get your steps in, wander around, and maybe even get lost a little! Florence is a city that was made for walking. It can be a bit maze-like, turning down winding narrow alleyways that will unexpectedly lead you to another magical narrow alleyway. You’ll experience incredible charm, amazing architecture, super cute shops you’ll want to pop into, and adorable wine windows, perfect for a mid-day glass. I suggest walking as much as you can and really taking in the vibrant energy of this incredible city.

By Train: If you’re taking a day trip or carrying on somewhere else after departing Florence, the train is the most convenient and affordable option. The train system in Europe in general is the best way to go! Download the app Omio to plan ahead, look at train time schedules, and purchase tickets. With Omio you will also have the option of keeping all of your tickets right on your phone, which is very helpful. However, if you’re not planning too far in advance, for many destinations, trains come often enough that you can head to the station and book your tickets the day of. 

Uber: If you’re making your way somewhere that isn’t within walking distance, Uber will come in handy while visiting Florence. It’s widely used and very easy to connect to drivers. As always, check your Ubers’ license plate before getting in to ensure the safety of yourself and whomever you’re traveling with.

Where to Stay When Visiting Florence

Hotel Cerretani MGallery is a beautiful 4-start property in the heart of Florence. This is where we chose to stay during our time in Florence and I honestly couldn’t imagine having stayed anywhere else. The staff was very helpful and friendly. Our room was pristine- with chic decor and warm, comforting vibes. The most phenomenal feature is their location- just steps outside of Hotel Cerratani will bring you to some of the most famous landmarks, incredible squares, and amazing restaurants. You can actually see the famous Duomo from the hotel steps! Interested in staying at Hotel Cerretani MGallery? Book here!

Things to See & Do When Visiting Florence

You could spend a lifetime in Florence and only scratch the surface of what this amazing city has to offer! But assuming you don’t have that long, here are some of the top things you should see and do when visiting Florence, especially for the first time.

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

This miraculous Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore also known as the “Doumo” is the crown jewel of Florence. This architectural masterpiece, which was engineered by the brilliant Filippo Brunelleschi, is a symbol of the city’s miraculous Renaissance glory. Construction began in the 13th century, and it took over a century to complete! Once you marvel at the intricate details and stunning frescoes, you will be able to appreciate why it took so long. The Duomo is located in a very vibrant, fun area, perfect for people watching, enjoying a gelato, or admiring local artist’s work along the streets. No visit to Florence is complete without a visit here first. 

Enjoy a Glass of Wine from a Wine Window

When visiting Florence you must indulge in a glass of wine from one of the famous wine windows. It’s one of the city’s most charming and unique experiences. The “buchetta del vino,” or wine window, are tiny openings in historic buildings that were originally used to sell wine without opening the entire shop, a clever way to avoid taxes. Today, the wine windows offer a glimpse into Florence’s past while savoring a fun, Florence experience. My favorite is Osteria bella Donne where you can get a glass of Chianti for 5 euros.

Watch Sunset from Ponte Vecchio Bridge

The Ponte Vecchio, or “Old Bridge,” is more than just a picturesque spot for snapping photos. It’s a living testament to the city’s rich history and should not be missed when visiting Florence. Believed to have Roman origins, the bridge has stood the test of time, with its current stone structure dating back to 1345! This is also, in my opinion, the perfect place to go for sunset. This iconic bridge, which is now lined with charming jewelry shops, offers a front-row seat to one of Florence’s most enchanting spectacles. The golden hues of the sunset cast a magical glow on the Arno River and the city’s skyline, creating a breathtaking panorama.

Walk Around Piazza della Repubblica

Piazza della Repubblica is a vibrant hub of activity that perfectly captures the essence of modern Florence. Once the site of the city’s Roman forum, the square now boasts a lively atmosphere with elegant cafes, charming shops, and people-watching galore. Admire the ornate architecture of surrounding buildings as well as the beautiful carousel in the center of the square. It’s also the perfect place to immerse yourself in the bustling energy, enjoy a gelato, indulge in some window shopping, or simply soak up the lively ambiance. 

Stroll down Via del Proconsolo

Florence is filled with adorable streets and charming alleyways. One I would highly recommend going down is Via del Proconsolo. Here you will find tons of shops selling incredible leather goods. And if there’s one thing you should buy when visiting Florence, it’s leather! I Medici is one of the stores in particular where we found incredible leather bags, belts, wallets, and other goods. I purchased numerous things, and if only my suitcase was bigger, I would have bought even more.

Where to Eat & What to Try

​​Florence isn’t just an incredible place to visit for history and architecture. Florence is also a foodie’s paradise. Known for its simple yet exquisite cuisine, the city offers a gastronomic journey that will tantalize your taste buds. At the heart of Florentine fare is the emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. There are so many note-worthy dishes to try and amazing restaurants to experience when visiting Florence. Below I will list a handful of restaurants you will not want to miss as well as what is most worth trying:

Day Trips to Take from Florence

One of my favorite things about Florence is its location. It’s close to so many amazing places, which makes it a perfect home base for day trips and exploring. As I mentioned earlier, it’s worth giving yourself a few extra days when visiting Florence so that you can properly explore the Tuscany Region. Here are some places I would absolutely recommend for day trips:

Tuscany Wine Tour

Taking a wine tour in Tuscany is one of the most coveted Italian experiences you can have. As most wine tour operators are based out of Florence, this is the place to do it!

When it comes to a Tuscany wine tour, there are tons of different options. I suggest checking out Get Your Guide to narrow down your search. You’ll find price options varying from around $50 to $150 and tours lasting from around 1.5 hours to 6 hours. We personally went with a half-day option that lasted around 4 hours. Transportation was provided, and we got to tour the facility where the wine was produced as well as the farm where the grapes were grown. We also got to experience wine tasting and an incredible lunch! 

Siena

Siena is a remarkably well-preserved medieval town with cobblestone streets, enhancing terracotta rooftops, and incredible hidden gems. You will feel as though you’ve stepped back in time wandering around this captivating place. It’s also only a 1.5-hour train ride, making for a perfect day trip when visiting Florence.

Be sure to spend some time in  Piazza del Campo. This is the main square of Siena where all of the excitement happens. It’s the perfect place to take in the views, people-watch, and experience the energy of this medieval gem. From there, walk past the Duomo di Siena and admire its exquisite architecture. You’ll also want to get gelato or a cocktail (or both!) at Bar Gelateria La Costarella. They have the most impressive view overlooking the entire piazza!

Bologna

Bologna isn’t just a city that’s rich in history and architectural wonders. It is the undisputed culinary capital of Italy! Yes, you read that right. Bologna is known more so for its food than anywhere else in the country. 

Here’s a list of dishes that Bologna is known for and you should make it a point to try while you’re there:

• Tagliatelle al ragù Bolognese– a classic dish that actually put Bologna on the map! This pasta dish is made with tagliatelle, which is a wider ribboned pasta and smothered in a rich, slow-cooked ragu sauce
• Mortadella– a cured pork sausage stuffed with cubes of fat and often flavored with pistachios. Not to be confused with the processed mortadella slices you may find in American grocery stores. There is no comparison here!
• Parmigiano Reggiano– This world-famous cheese is enjoyed even more in its birthplace of Bologna!
• Tortellini in Brodo– This was my personal favorite! These little delicate filled pasta parcels, usually filled with cheese, are served in a steaming broth. It’s light, comforting, and so delicious.

For a little bit more information on these day trips, check out my blog post here.

Enjoy Your Time in Florence

Florence is an outstanding, magical city that I truly believe everyone should visit once in their life. I hope this guide has inspired you to make it there yourself one day and has given you some wonderful ideas of how to spend your time there. Visiting Florence is something you’ll always cherish and I can bet you’ll be wanting to return over and over. Please leave any questions or comments below and happy travels.