Florence is the capital of Tuscany, a region considered to be the most beautiful in Italy. It is also the most touristic city in the country with Rome and Venice! So it would be unfortunate to miss out on a trip like this, at the heart of the Renaissance, just a few hours' flight from France. There is so much to see in Florence that it will take you more than a weekend to discover all the riches of this Tuscan town!
Admire the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Duomo
A wonder to see in Florence, visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the 4th largest cathedral in the world. Gothic in style, this cathedral designed by Arnolfo di Cambio took a century to be built! You will have the opportunity to see some works, including the frescoes in the Dome. Everyone recognizes Florence thanks to its famous dome which covers the city's cathedral. The dome was completed under the Medici, the great patron family of the Republic of Florence.
The cathédrale Santa-Maria Del Fiore
Climb Giotto's Campanile
The Campanile is also located very close to Florence Cathedral. This tower rises to 84,70 meters in height. You can climb the 416 steps and thus access one of the most beautiful panoramas of the city of Florence!
Giotto's Campanile
Traverser le Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio is one of the most famous bridges in the world. This exceptional bridge, which spans the Arno, had a very useful function for the Medici: it made it possible to go from the Uffizi Gallery to the Pitti Palace or to the Vecchio Palace in complete safety. Today it is famous for its boutiques, ideal for shopping. Indeed, they have the particularity of housing very many jewelry stores on each side of the path that joins the two banks. The Tuscan region prospered on the gold it managed to extract during the Renaissance. It is therefore a long tradition that jewelers came to settle in Florence.. Since the Medici, they have regrouped on the Ponte Vecchio. Take a look there, and maybe you will find the rare pearl that will please those around you!
Ponte Vecchio in color
Visit the Palazzo Vecchio
Another wonder to see in Florence: the Palazzo Vecchio. In the Middle Ages, it was at the heart of political life. Today it houses the Town Hall, but a large part remains open to the public. Located in Piazza della Signoria, its architecture will catch your eye with its buildings adorned with battlements and its superb tower 94 meters high: the Torre d'Arnolfo, which offers a superb view of the city. Inside are gathered an incredible amount of Renaissance works. Through the various salons and chapels, you can admire, among other things, paintings by Michelangelo, Vasari or Donatello.
Michelangelo's David
If you stroll on the Piazza della Signoria
The nerve center of the city, Piazza della Signoria is a must-see stopover in Florence. Under Emperor Hadrian, a large spa complex was built on the current square. It was then a residential area in the Middle Ages, before becoming the political center of the city with the construction of the Palazzo Vecchio. Around the Fountain of Neptune, it is the heart of Florence that beats: throughout the year, and especially on summer evenings, locals and tourists gather here to watch the artists sing along or put on a show to the public.
The Fountain of Neptune in the Piazza della Signoria
Discover the Palatine Gallery at Palazzo Pitti
The Palazzo Pitti was the home of the great Medici: Côme, Pierre le Gouteux or Laurent the Magnificent. Their palace now hosts the Accademia Gallery (Palatine Gallery), a museum containing the most beautiful paintings of the Florentine Renaissance. Major museum of the city, its visit is a delight from the simple presence of the famous "David " by Michelangelo.
The Pitti Palace
Marvel at the Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is an exceptional museum, a must see in Florence. Art museum, it exhibits many works from the 14th century and the Renaissance: Masaccio, Fra Angelico, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michel-Angel and many others. These immense Italian artists will meet you at the Uffizi Gallery, also in the company of Vasari, Rubens or El Greco. It is especially in this museum that you will see "The Birth of Venus" by Botticelli.
The galerie des Offices
Stroll in the Boboli Gardens
Located right in the heart of the historic center, the Boboli Gardens is a must see in Florence. True green lung of the city, it is the ideal place to take a break between two visits. Its 45 hectares of greenery are adorned with historical wonders. Among the most emblematic, you will find the old amphitheater which was erected by Ramses II before being transported to Florence by the Medici family. Throughout the walk, you will also be able to see a number of fountains, marble statues, caves, etc. Without rushing, plan at least 3 hours of visit!
Boboli garden
Shopping at the San Lorenzo market: the Mercato Centrale
Florence also has many markets that take place in streets or in Florentine squares. The most famous of these is undoubtedly the San Lorenzo market, located in the historic district of the city. Next to San Lorenzo Church, the Mercato Centrale is the largest in Florence, and the most popular too. Here you will find mainly leather, ideal for bringing back souvenirs of your stay. However, you will also find fine gastronomic products to eat in or take away. Success guaranteed when you return!
Central Market
Take to the heights of Place Michel-Ange
At the end of your trip to Florence, a short tour of the heights of the city will offer you an exceptional panorama. Place Michelangelo overlooks the Arno and allows you to appreciate Florence from a new angle.. To eat or have a drink, several bars line the square. A well-deserved break after hours of walking!
View from Michelangelo Square view
Useful information
Want to go to Florence? To make your stay a success, we provide you with practical information and tips:
- Accommodation: Florence retains an important tourist role. This is evidenced by its extensive hotel base, where there are many inexpensive accommodations, on the other hand, there are superb 5-star palaces at a much higher price! Although rooms are plentiful in the city center, it is better not to book at the last minute in high season, so many hotels are stormed by tourists from all over the world.
Don't forget that you will also find apartment rentals in Florence, for convenient and economical accommodation. And for an even more pleasant stay, luxury villa rentals in Tuscany also offer great possibilities around Florence.
- Saint-Martin Tourist Office : The website of the tourist office will also give you good information about the city.
- Getting to Florence: It is located northwest of the city. In addition to taxis, shuttles provide regular connections to the city center.
- Getting around Florence: Florence city center is a hell of a car. The ideal way to cover it is therefore on foot. However, sometimes the bus network can save time. So don't hesitate to borrow the orange buses of the company ATAF, which crisscross the center of Florence. Please note, tickets cannot be bought on the buses, but rather from vending machines or in tobacco bars.
- Museums: To avoid the endless queues at the entrance to museums, we advise you to book a skip-the-line ticket. These are on sale on the websites specific to each museum.
- Trendy bars and restaurants: Florence, and especially its city center, is full of places to taste Italian dishes. On the banks of the Arno for a quick and inexpensive dinner, or in the streets of the center for more elaborate menus. L’option « aperetivo » (all-you-can-eat buffet with a drink) is also very interesting and friendly. Especially since once the buffet schedule is over, these restaurants often turn into trendy bars or nightclubs.
- Luxury: Many luxury brands have a store in Florence: Gucci, Armani, Versace for the most famous. You will find all of these great designers on Via dei Tornabuoni.
The essentials of Florence… and after?
Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. This jewel of Tuscany will take you back in time, especially in the heart of the Renaissance. And if you plan to explore Tuscany, or even to explore Italy, do not hesitate to consult our guides who will be of great help to you during your stay. Essentials for a successful trip!
