Find out how to have fun in Florence and where to go on excursions.
Sights and history
Florence's number one attraction is, of course, the city's monuments. Florence is an open-air gallery and you won't be able to get enough of its beauty.
The city is one of the most historically valuable in the world and despite its small size, you can spend several days visiting the sights. We describe the most interesting sights in detailed mini-guides.
- Ponte Vecchio
- Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
- Bell Tower
- Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens
- Palazzo Vecchio
- Neptune's Fountain
Visit the famous galleries
Palaces, churches and historic squares are complemented by famous museums and especially galleries.
Florence is home to two of the world's top art galleries.
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 viewpoints with spectacular views like true Florentines. And which bars offer the best views?
Piazza Michelangelo
Located on the south bank of the Arno River, Florence's most famous viewpoint gives you the view you know from postcards.
You can find detailed information, photos of the views and how to get to the viewpoint here - Piazzale Michelangelo.
Duomo
The city's landmark, the Duomo offers spectacular views of the city from the heart of the city. The dome, designed by architect Filippo Brunelleschi, is reached by 463 steps that will give even the fittest a workout. But the effort is worth it!
For detailed information, photos of the views and how to get to the viewpoint, click here - Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.
La Terrazza Lounge Bar
The Continentale's terrace offers spectacular views of the city's most famous landmarks, the Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Vecchio.
However, you'll have to dig deeper into your pocket for a stunning view. Wine here costs around 12 eur and a cocktail almost 20 eur.
Caffe La Terrazza/La Rinascente
The luxury goods department store La Rinascente surprises with a magnificent terrace with 360° views of the Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio.
The shopping centre is open daily 10:00-21:00.
Caffetteria delle Oblate /Oblate Public Library
The Oblate Public Library is located just behind the Duomo and, like La Rinascente, offers spectacular views of one of the city's most famous landmarks.
In the café you can enjoy not only coffee, but also snacks and aperitifs. Numerous cultural events are held on the terrace.
The café is open Wednesday to Saturday from 9:00-22:30, Monday and Tuesday only until 19:00 and closed on Sundays.
Food and drink
Travelling is all about experiencing the local culture and what better way to get to know a nation than through its cuisine. This is doubly true for Italy! Be sure to sample the following Florentine specialties during your stay:
- [translate=none]Bistecca alla Fiorentina - Avid carnivores should not miss the local specialty, the Florentine steak, which is well-done on the outside but wonderfully tender and juicy on the inside.
- Papardelle al Cinghiale - The thick and long pasta is traditionally served with boar meat in Florence, but you can also find variations with rabbit, goose or goose.
- 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 are absolutely fabulous!
- Crostini - The typical local starter, crostino, consists of light Tuscan bread on which various sauces, vegetables, ham and pesto are served.
- Ribollita - The Tuscan tomato soup of bread, tomatoes, beans and other seasonal vegetables is served cold like gazpacho, but unlike the Spanish speciality, it is not as liquid.
- Tuscan bread - The bread is baked completely without salt. This recipe dates back to the reign of the Medici family, when the city of Pisa cut off the salt supply to Florence and the local population had to adapt and start baking bread without salt. The recipe has lasted for centuries and the bread is still baked without salt to this day. Italians simply love tradition.
- Schiacciata - Do you like focaccia? If so, don't hesitate to try the Florentine version of the traditional Italian bread. The Tuscan version of focaccia is saltier and greasier. Schiacciata is eaten alone before dinner or as an afternoon snack. It is also found in many sandwiches. Several variations are sold, with olives or cheese or sprinkled with herbs.
- Cantuccini - The classic Florentine dessert, famous all over the world, is served together with Vin Santo dessert wine. Almond (or hazelnut or pistachio) biscuits are soaked in wine to soften them slightly.
Shopping
Florence is brimming with shops of all kinds and, of course, there is no shortage of luxury boutiques. The most popular souvenirs include traditional local delicacies and wines, as well as gold jewellery and leather goods.
For leather goods, head to the outdoor markets in San Lorenzo and Piazza del Mercato Nuovo.
Fine jewellery shops can be found on the ancient Ponte Vecchio, the bridge of goldsmiths. For fresh vegetables, oil, pasta and much more, visit the markets in San Lorenzo and Sant'Ambrogio.
