Find out how to enjoy yourself in Florence and where to go on day trips.

Sights and history

Florence’s number one attraction is, of course, its sights. Florence is an open-air gallery, and you’ll never tire of its beauty.

The city is one of the most historically significant in the world, and despite its modest size, you can easily spend several days visiting its sights. We describe the most interesting sights in detailed mini-guides.

• Ponte Vecchio
• Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral
• The Bell Tower
• Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens
• Palazzo Vecchio
• Fountain of Neptune

Visit the famous galleries

Palaces, churches and historic squares are complemented by famous museums and, in particular, art galleries.

Florence is home to no fewer than two galleries that rank amongst the very best in the world.

• The Uffizi Gallery
• Galleria dell’Accademia

Book a hotel in the centre of Florence

Florence from a bird’s-eye view

Enjoy a cocktail on one of Florence’s many terraces and viewing spots with stunning views, just like a true Florentine. And which bars offer the best views?

Piazza Michelangelo

Florence’s most famous viewpoint is situated on the south bank of the River Arno and offers the sort of views you’ll recognise from postcards.

You can find detailed information, photos of the views and directions on how to get there here – Piazzale Michelangelo.

Duomo

A landmark of the city, the Duomo offers magnificent views of the city from its very heart. The dome, designed by the architect Filippo Brunelleschi, can be reached via 463 steps, which can be quite a challenge even for fit individuals. But the effort is well worth it!

You can find detailed information, photos of the views and directions on how to get to the viewing platform here – the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.

La Terrazza Lounge Bar

The terrace at the Hotel Continentale offers magnificent views of the city’s most famous landmarks, the Ponte Vecchio and the Palazzo Vecchio.

However, you’ll have to dig a little deeper into your pockets to enjoy this stunning view. Wine here costs around 12 eur and a cocktail nearly 20 eur.

• Prices and availability – Hotel Continentale ****

Caffe La Terrazza/La Rinascente

La Rinascente, a luxury department store, boasts a magnificent terrace with a 360° view of the Duomo and the Palazzo Vecchio.

The shopping centre is open daily from 10.00 to 21.00.

Caffetteria delle Oblate / Oblate Public Library 

The Oblate Municipal Library is situated just behind the cathedral and, like La Rinascente, offers magnificent views of one of the city’s most famous landmarks.

In the café here, you can enjoy not only coffee but also light refreshments and aperitifs. Numerous cultural events take place on the terrace.

The café is open from Wednesday to Saturday from 9.00 am to 10.30 pm, on Mondays and Tuesdays only until 7.00 pm, and is closed on Sundays.

Food and drink

Travelling is all about discovering the local culture, and what better way to get to know a country than through its cuisine? This is doubly true of Italy! During your stay, be sure to try the following Florentine specialities:

• [translate=none]Bistecca alla Fiorentina– Avid meat-lovers shouldn’t miss the local speciality, the Florentine steak, which is well-done on the outside but wonderfully tender and juicy on the inside. 
• Papardelle al Cinghiale – Thick, long pasta is traditionally served with wild boar in Florence, but you can also find versions with hare, goose or rabbit. 
• Tagliatelle Funghi Porcini e Tartufo – Tagliatelle with porcini mushrooms and truffles can be found on every corner in Florence, and we have to say, they’re absolutely fabulous!
• Crostini – A typical local starter, crostino, consists of light Tuscan bread topped with various sauces, vegetables, ham and pesto. 
• Ribollita – Tuscan tomato soup, made from bread, tomatoes, green beans and other seasonal vegetables, is served cold, just like gazpacho, but unlike the Spanish speciality, it isn’t quite as runny.
• Tuscan bread– The bread is baked entirely without salt. This recipe dates back to the reign of the Medici family, when the city of Pisa cut off salt supplies to Florence, forcing the local population to adapt and start baking bread without salt. The recipe has endured for centuries, and the bread is still baked without salt to this day. Italians simply love their traditions.
• Schiacciata – Do you like focaccia? If so, don’t hesitate to try the Florentine variation of this traditional Italian bread. The Tuscan version of focaccia is saltier and richer. Schiacciata is eaten on its own before dinner or as an afternoon snack. It’s also a staple in many sandwiches. Several varieties are available, including those with olives, cheese or sprinkled with herbs. 
• Cantuccini – This classic Florentine dessert, famous throughout the world, is served with the dessert wine Vin Santo. Almond (or hazelnut or pistachio) biscuits are dipped into the wine to soften them slightly.

Shopping

Florence is brimming with shops of all kinds, and of course there is no shortage of luxury boutiques. Among the most popular souvenirs are traditional local delicacies and wines, as well as gold jewellery and leather goods.

For leather goods, head to the open-air markets in San Lorenzo and Piazza del Mercato Nuovo.

You’ll find high-quality jewellers on the historic Ponte Vecchio, the ‘Bridge of Goldsmiths’. Fresh vegetables, olive oil, pasta and much more can be bought at the markets in San Lorenzo and Sant’Ambrogio.