Florence Travel Guide 2026: Top Attractions, Things to Do & Deals | Trip.com | January 2026

About Florence

Recommended trip: 2–4 day(s)

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Florence Local Travel Guide 2026

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Florence Brief Guide

Florence was an artistic and cultural center of the Renaissance. The historic center of Florence has numerous great buildings and has already been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral (Duomo Florence Cathedral) is stunning to behold. The Ponte Vecchio has become a unique sight on the Arno River due to the many art, jewelry, and souvenir shops lining the bridge. So many pieces of art have been collected by the major art galleries that it goes beyond measure. Go to the Uffizi to see astounding masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci and Giotto di Bondone, and enjoy Michelangelo’s original "David" at the Galleria dell'Accademia. After worshiping at the altar of humanity's priceless art treasures, you should go looking for some delicious local specialties. Lampredotto sandwiches and Bistecca alla Fiorentina are part of an essential gourmet experience in Florence.

Florence Must-try local experiences

1. Visit Florence’s Historic Center Landmarks Stroll through Florence’s historic center, exploring the iconic landmarks. Marvel at the breathtaking ceiling fresco The Last Judgment in the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower, climb Giotto’s Bell Tower for sweeping city views and walk across the Ponte Vecchio, lined with shops and offering a perfect vantage point over the Arno River and the city. 2. Immerse Yourself in Art at World-Class Galleries As the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is home to renowned art galleries. The Uffizi Gallery houses an unparalleled collection of Renaissance masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and da Vinci. Don’t miss the David statue at the Accademia Gallery, the Pitti Palace with its Medici collections, and the Bargello National Museum, known for its remarkable sculptures. 3. Take in a Panoramic View from Piazzale Michelangelo For a stunning panoramic view of Florence, head to Piazzale Michelangelo. The cityscape, especially at sunset, is unforgettable from this spot. 4. Savor Local Cuisine with a Scoop of Gelato Try traditional dishes like Florentine steak, vegetable soup, and lampredotto sandwiches, paired with a glass of Chianti wine. Don’t forget to indulge in a scoop of creamy gelato. 5. Shop Like a Local at San Lorenzo Market This bustling market is the ideal spot to find leather goods, souvenirs, and local delicacies. 6. Join a Tuscan Wine Tour Take a day trip to the renowned wine regions of Tuscany, visiting vineyards, tasting local wines, and enjoying the picturesque countryside views. 7. Capture an Unforgettable Travel Photo Capture the essence of Florence at Piazzale Michelangelo as the sun sets over the city and the Arno River, or climb Giotto’s Bell Tower for a photo of the city’s iconic red rooftops and white walls.

Florence Must-see Attractions

Florence boasts iconic landmarks and museums such as the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and Pitti Palace, featuring Renaissance art, panoramic views, and historical architecture that encapsulate the city’s rich cultural and artistic heritage.

Florence Food Guide

Florence's food scene is rich with traditional Italian flavors, featuring the exquisite T-bone Steak, the local favorite Beef tripe bun, ubiquitous Pizza, and the essential daily Espresso, each offering a unique taste of Tuscany's culinary heritage.

Florence Transportation

Florence is accessible by air through its compact airport or nearby Pisa for low-cost options, with seamless train or bus links to the historic center. High-speed trains and buses connect major European cities. By Air: Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR) – Florence: This small, modern airport is located just 5 km (3 miles) from Florence's city center. To City Center - Tram T2: exit the arrivals area and follow the signs to the tram stop, which is a 5-minute walk away. This tram line connects directly to the main train station, Santa Maria Novella (SMN), as well as the nearby Unità tram stop. Trams run frequently, every 5 to 10 minutes, from 5 AM to 12:30 AM. The travel time is approximately 20 minutes. Tickets are €2 and can be purchased at machines (accepting cash and card) or through the TABNET app. - Bus: from the bus stops outside arrivals, take the Volainbus or ATAF lines to Santa Maria Novella. The bus runs every 30 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the Giunti bookstore in the airport or directly on the bus. - Taxis: Official white taxis are available from the ranks outside arrivals; they operate 24/7 and can accommodate up to 4 passengers. Fixed rates apply for trips to the city center (approximately €22–€26), with additional charges for nighttime, holidays, and luggage. The journey typically takes about 15–20 minutes, depending on traffic. - Ride-Shares: Bolt, Uber, and FreeNow can be accessed from the parking area, as directed by the app. The fare to the city center ranges from €20 to €30 and takes about 15 minutes, with potential surges during peak times. It’s advisable to book your ride after landing. A cheaper alternative to taxis. Pisa International Airport (PSA), also known as Galileo Galilei Airport, is a popular low-cost hub located about 80 km (50 miles) west of the city of Florence. - PisaMover shuttle + train: The PisaMover monorail connects Pisa Airport to Pisa Centrale train station in just 5 minutes. From Pisa Centrale, you can catch frequent trains to Florence's Santa Maria Novella (SMN) station. Regional trains typically take about 50 to 80 minutes for the journey. The total cost for this trip is approximately €15, which includes around €5 for the PisaMover and about €10 for the train ticket. Tickets can be purchased at machines or through the Trenitalia app, and you can pay with cash or a card. This option offers a scenic and reliable route, but make sure to check the schedules. - Bus: You can take either Terravision or Autostradale buses from the stands outside the arrivals section to Santa Maria Novella. The buses will either stop at the "Guidoni" stop on the T2 tram line or at the Santa Maria Novella train station, depending on the service you choose. Tickets usually cost between €15 and €20, and the journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic. Tickets can be purchased online or onboard (cash or card accepted), making it a direct and budget-friendly option. - Taxis or Ride-shares: €150-200 for a taxi to Florence (approximately 60 minutes), available from ranks; service is 24/7. By Train: High-speed and regional trains connect Florence to major cities across Italy and Europe. Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN) is the main train station in Florence, conveniently located within walking distance of most attractions. It offers frequent, high-speed trains from Trenitalia and Italo that connect Florence with Rome in approximately 1.5 hours and Milan in about 2 hours. You can also travel by train from many European cities, usually with transfers in Milan, Rome, or Bologna. By Bus: Long-distance buses offer an alternative to trains for both domestic and international travel, often at a lower cost. You can find FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus services at the Santa Maria Novella or Firenze Guidoni terminals.

Florence Where to Stay

Florence, with its small size and intricate urban fabric, offers a diverse range of accommodation options, primarily condensed in a few key areas that appeal to various types of travelers. These areas, each with unique characteristics, ensure that visitors enjoy the historical, architectural, and cultural delights of Florence while providing convenient access to transport and major attractions.

Florence Best Time to Visit

Florence has a mild Mediterranean climate, with hot and crowded summers; spring and fall offer pleasant weather, blooming foliage, and festivals with moderate crowds. It’s best to avoid winter due to rain and cold, unless visiting for the Christmas markets.

Florence Travel Tips

1. Check Duomo's Closing Days: The Florence Cathedral (Duomo) is closed on Sundays, Christmas Day, and other key religious holidays like Easter. Verify the opening hours and plan your visit accordingly to avoid disappointment. 2. Photography Restrictions in Museums: Many museums in Florence prohibit flash photography and some may not allow photography at all. For instance, the Accademia Gallery prohibits flash, tripods, and videos. The Uffizi Galleries allow non-flash photography for personal use but prohibit tripods and professional equipment. Always check the rules before taking pictures. cobblestone streets can be tough on your feet. Wear comfortable walking shoes to make your exploration more enjoyable. 3. ZTL Zones: Florence has Limited Traffic Zones (ZTL) in the city center. These areas are marked with signs and monitored by cameras. Driving without a permit can result in fines. Park outside the ZTL in designated lots and use public transport or walk. Some hotels may offer permits for guests, so check with your accommodation.

Florence Useful Guide

Italian is the primary language. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, shops, and transportation hubs due to Florence's global popularity. Visitors can easily navigate the city using only English, as most signs and menus are bilingual. While it may be less common to find English speakers among older locals or in non-touristy locations, translation apps can help bridge any communication gaps.