The Tuscan capital of Florence is a city made by art lovers for art lovers. The Renaissance took its first steps here in the 15th Century, painting the city with architectural wonders like the Palazzo Pitti and Uffizi gallery.
Climb to the top of Florence cathedral – Il Duomo – to admire a skyline sculpted from the Gothic towers, domes, and terracotta rooftops. That’s where you’ll also discover how small Florence is. Best explored by foot, you can easily wander the UNESCO-listed city centre in a day.
Had your fill of Michelangelos and Da Vinci’s? It’s time to explore Florence’s other love – cibo, or food. Finish off your day with a Florentine steak or settle down with a glass of Chianti sourced straight from the Tuscan countryside.
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As the capital of Tuscany, Florence is the perfect way to kick off a road trip around this picturesque region. Pair it with cities like Siena or Montecatini, or head further south to the more remote Val d’Orcia.
THINGS TO DO:
UFFIZI GALLERY – This impressive gallery is home to over 1,800 pieces of artwork with some of the most important pieces from the Renaissance period.
FLORENCE CATHEDRAL – Dominating Florence's skyline, the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore is best known for the iconic dome designed by Brunelleschi.
ACCADEMIA GALLERY – Accademia is best known for housing Michelangelo’s David but there’s so much more than this, making it a must-do experience.
BOBOLI GARDENS – Funded by the Medici family, these lovely gardens are home to impressive statues and monuments as well as dramatic lagoons.
PONTE VECCHIO – One of the world’s most famous bridges is filled with stalls selling some of the finest jewelry in the city and has a rich history.
WHERE TO EAT:
MERCATO CENTRALE – Just five minutes from the station, this market offers the chance to try an array of Tuscan delicacies from bread and cheese to fresh pasta and steak.
GRAND HOTEL BAGLIONI – The rooftop restaurant of this hotel is one of the best places in the city to enjoy an aperitivo and panoramic city views.
GUCCI OSTERIA – Michelin-starred chef Massimo Bottura oversees this fine-dining restaurant, a first from fashion-brand Gucci.
REGINA BISTECCA – One of the newest additions to the city’s dining scene, this Florentine steak restaurant is full of charm, has a central location and fantastic cuisine.
PERCHE’ NO – Gelato in Florence is a must and this is one of the best places to go. This all-natural gelateria is one of the oldest in the city and is popular with both tourists and locals.
WHERE TO STAY IN FLORENCE:
Grand Hotel Minerva
The Grand Hotel Minerva boasts a prime location in the centre of Florence, right on the edge of the popular Piazza di Santa Maria Novella. This contemporary 4-star hotel boasts spacious guest rooms and fantastic amenities including a popular rooftop bar where you can enjoy an aperitivo with panoramic views over the city.
With its friendly and enthusiastic staff, it’s hard to believe that parts of what is now one of the best 4-star hotels in Florence were apparently a prison!
It’s in an enviable sightseeing location just 50metres from the Duomo and 100-metres from the Uffizi Gallery. There’s a quiet courtyard where you can relax after a hard day’s exploration although you must allow time to visit the hotel’s own unique museum. In the original Byzantine tower, you’ll find one of the best restaurants in Florence, the Santa Elisabetta, for a unique dining experience.
Facilities include a bar, courtyard, two restaurants Santa Elisabetta and the less formal Osteria della Pagliazza offering typical Tuscan cuisine and where guests on half board dine; fitness room with Technogym equipment; free w-fi throughout. All the guest bedrooms are beautifully furnished and extremely comfortable. Superior rooms have double beds only.
This charming little hotel is part of a historical building with painted vaulted ceilings and a delightful terrace overlooking the rooftops of Florence – a great base for visiting all the sights of Florence.
An Italian gem in a great location, the Hotel Helvetia & Bristol is part of the Starhotels Collection and delivers luxury and opulence on a grand scale.
Classed as one of the places to stay in Florence its central location ensures you are only a short walk from all the city has to offer. The rooftop bar and restaurant lift you above the hustle and bustle of the city and allow you to enjoy views across the city and the surrounding area.
This family-run hotel is part of a 19th-century palazzo that has recently been upgraded to create a stylish 4-star hotel complete with antiques and with a contemporary twist. An added bonus is the rooftop terrace with views of the rooftops and all the way to the hills of Fiesole. The Cellai is centrally located near the San Lorenzo market and just a short walk from the Duomo – perfect for taking in all the sights.
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