Florence: attractions, restaurants, itineraries

Florence

Florence – a historic city with a poetic name and past, situated in the picturesque region of Tuscany in northern Italy. It is like a set for a movie about the life of Italian doges, steeped in history, mysteries, and mysticism.

At one time, Florence was home to such great figures as Leonardo da Vinci, Dante Alighieri, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Galileo. Just these few names are enough to understand that the city deserves special attention. In the "Cradle of the Renaissance," as many call Florence, immortal creations of masters are preserved, and the opportunity to stroll along the very streets where the aforementioned artists, scientists, and writers once walked is truly breathtaking.

Listing all the attractions of Florence is impossible, but there are a few defining places that you simply must visit: the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Uffizi Gallery, the Ponte Vecchio bridge, and Piazza della Signoria. This city is so inspiring and uplifting with its atmosphere, it's no wonder that Fyodor Dostoevsky finished his novel "The Idiot" here.

When to go?

Florence is beautiful any time of year, although winter is not the best time for long walks outdoors, and in mid-summer, the city experiences exhausting heat. The peak tourist season falls in April-May. This is the ideal time when the temperature stays at around +20°C, and the streets are filled with the colors of fresh greenery and flowers.

It is also worth visiting Florence in September-October. During this period, the weather is still quite comfortable for walks and relaxation, and the golden leaves on the trees add a special charm to this Italian city. If you plan to visit Florence in winter, try to come during the Christmas holidays when the whole city shines with festive lights.

What to buy?

First and foremost, Florence is famous worldwide as a city of jewelers. To purchase a unique handcrafted piece of jewelry, steer clear of the posh jewelry shops in Florence and head towards the Ponte Vecchio bridge. Right on the bridge, you can find several jewelry stores offering exclusive items.

If you're on the hunt for antiques, visit the Delle Pulci market, where every Sunday antiquarians from all over the city gather to sell their treasures. The variety of antiques here is vast—ranging from coins and postcards to paintings and jewelry.

Fashion shopping in Florence is also thriving. In the nearby suburbs, you can find outlets with a wide selection of designer clothing at discounted prices. The most luxurious boutiques of world-renowned brands are concentrated on Via dei Tornabuoni.

What to try?

The culinary symbol of Florence is the Florentine steak. It’s hard to fully convey its taste and appearance in words, so it’s best to come and enjoy it for yourself. The Florentine steak is a kilogram of beef with a delicious crust and a juicy center. This meat dish is served in many restaurants throughout Florence.

Like any other city in Italy, Florence offers excellent pizza and pasta, but there are also unique local dishes whose recipes have been passed down through generations. One such dish is lampredotto—a cow’s stomach stewed with tomatoes. It is prepared in various ways; for example, it’s often sold as street food in sandwich form.

All Florentine dishes embody the spirit of Tuscany. For starters, order bruschetta with prosciutto ham. Then delight in the aromas and flavors of the panzanella salad, which includes pieces of ciabatta bread, onions, ripe tomatoes, and olive oil. Complement your meal with traditional drinks like Chianti, limoncello, and Campari.

Where to stay?

You can book a hotel in Florence on the booking website. The portal offers hundreds of accommodation options — from budget hostels to luxurious hotels. The most popular hotels are located in the center of Florence, and many of them are housed in historic buildings. Rooms in these hotels fill up quickly, so it's best to arrange your stay in advance.

Look for budget 2-3 star hotels in the outskirts of the city and in residential areas. However, if it's essential for you to be within walking distance of the main attractions but your travel budget is limited, hostels in the center of Florence will come in handy, as there are plenty of them.

Florence, Italy

Florence

When to go?

What to buy?

What to try?

Where to stay?