Florence trips and vacations

If you only see one bit of Renaissance art on your holiday in Florence make sure it’s Michelangelo’s ‘David.’ This enormous marble masterpiece is one of the world’s most famous statues. You’ll find him standing in the Accademia Gallery. It’s a popular place, so book the first or last slot of the day for smaller crowds.

Visiting the Cathedral will be the high point of your trip to Florence. Known as the ‘Duomo’, the church is a monument to Renaissance architecture. You’ll need to pay if you want to climb the dome, but the views are worth the price. If tickets are sold out, enjoy the vistas from the Palazzo Vecchio’s Arnolfo Tower instead.

For dreamy skyline sunsets, head to Piazzale Michelangelo, a pretty square south of the river with sweeping city views. From here you’ll see the glowing terracotta rooftops with the Tuscan mountains in the distance. The piazza is one of the most popular stops on trips to Florence, so arrive an hour before sunset to secure a good spot.

Home to iconic attractions like the Duomo and the Uffizi Gallery, the historic heart of the city is the best neighborhood to stay in Florence for sightseeing. Hang out with locals at wine bars and browse the jewelry shops on Ponte Vecchio. For the best photos of this famous landmark, stand on the nearby Ponte Santa Trinita bridge.

Good for: Bars, historical landmarks, restaurants

The ultra-cool Oltrarno district is a great area to stay if you want a more bohemian vibe. It’s just across the river from the Old Town, so you’re still close to the action. Enjoy a stroll in Boboli Gardens, shop in artisan boutiques, and eat your way through the trendy restaurants.

Good for: Artisan boutiques, gardens, restaurants

It’s easy to decide where to stay in Florence if you want a good night’s sleep. San Niccolo is a peaceful neighborhood in the southeastern part of the city with elegant riverside walks, tree-lined avenues and art galleries. There’s plenty of culture here too, with Museo Bardini and Palazzo Serristori to explore.

Good for: Art galleries, museums, restaurants

Kids love getting hands-on with construction at the Leonardo da Vinci Interactive Museum. For fun science without the crowds, pop into the Museum of Illusions. There are lots of food-themed things to do with family in Florence too, like workshops for making pasta and gelato. Finish the day with a bit of calm on Piazza della Repubblica’s merry-go-round.

Florence is known for its leather, so you’ll want to leave plenty of room in your suitcase. Pick up soft gloves at San Lorenzo Market, or treat yourself to an artisan bag at the Santa Croce leather school. Head to Via Tornabuoni for high-end fashion, or stop by Porcellino Market for the best souvenir shopping in Florence.

The museums in Florence are the reason many people visit the city. Admire iconic Renaissance paintings by Da Vinci and Botticelli in the Uffizi Gallery. Discover the secrets of the Medici family, and see if you can spot Dante’s death mask at Palazzo Vecchio. Head to Santa Croce Church to see the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo.

Nightlife in Florence is all about swanky clubs, cocktail lounges and cozy jazz cellars. Start the evening with an aperitif and free snacks in the Santo Spirito bars, then drink Tuscan wine with the locals in Sant’Ambrogio. For lively pubs and clubs, Santa Croce is the place to party into the early hours.

Restaurants in Florence are as tempting as the city’s architecture, with family-run ‘trattorias’ (casual restaurants) and ‘enotecas’ (wine bars) lining the streets. For gourmet riverside dining Borgo San Jacopo offers tasting menus with Ponte Vecchio views. Or head to the San Lorenzo market for cheap eats like pizza and the famous Florentine tripe sandwiches known as ‘lampredotto’.

If you’re traveling on a budget you’ll find lots of free things to do in Florence. There’s no charge to enter the Duomo or see the ‘Last Supper’ fresco in the San Salvi monastery. To see free Renaissance art without the crowds, the outdoor sculpture gallery at the Loggia dei Lanzi building features statues by Michelangelo and Cellini.