Florence

Explore Florence

Step into a living breathing museum. Welcome to the cradle of the Renaissance. Walk in the footsteps of the Medici, Machiavelli, Dante and Galileo. Gaze on works of Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli. Wander without aim through lane after beguiling lane of miraculous buildings, any of which would be the crowning glory of most normal cities. Florence is magical and it is possible to come here without getting stuck in tourist crowds.

Getting here and around

Florence airport is the gateway to the city, it has connections to many European hubs and is only 20 minutes from downtown. Rome and Milan offer alternative international options and both are just a short high-speed train journey away, around 90 minutes. The most rewarding way to see Florence is on foot. Almost every corner and lane hides a historical wonder. For exploring the countryside a chauffeur-driven car is the most convenient but for the more adventurous/confident can rent a car or even a Vespa.

Climate & seasons

Winter can be cold and summer incredibly hot. Many locals escape the city heat and crowds of the 2nd half of June, July and August, so some restaurants, bars and local shops can be closed. We highly recommended the months of April, May, 1st half of June and September for a pleasant temperature and thinner crowds.

Where to go

Climb the winding steps to the top of The Duomo – the largest dome built in brick and mortar in the world – and look over the topographic majesty of this city. Marvel at collections beyond compare housed in the stunning surroundings of the Uffizi Gallery and the Palazzo Pitti. Cross the Ponte Vecchio, over the Arno River and wander the sculpted calm of the Boboli Gardens. If sightseeing is your goal then a central hotel like the Portrait Firenze is ideal. If Florence is a stop on a Tuscan driving holiday, maybe opt for accommodation on the outskirts, as navigating the lanes of the ancient city by car can be a little stressful at times.

What to do

Sightseeing, few, if any, cities on the face of the earth are as rich with art and architecture as Florence. There are museums and galleries galore. The joy, however, is that you don’t actually have to even enter a museum to be engulfed in world-class art. The city itself is a living museum, one that comes with high-end boutiques and a wide range of fantastic local restaurants – many boasting 1, 2 and even 3 Michelin stars such as Enoteca Pinchiorri. When you tire of constantly being amazed by the city, escape to the countryside. Florence is the gateway to the famed rolling valleys, hilltop villages, sunflower fields and cypress-lined lanes of Tuscany.