Florence has a wide variety of hotels, all walkable and centrally located (see our 'travel' tab for hotel recommendations) For those traveling with more than 2 people, Airbnb is a convenient and affordable option! For centrally located accommodation search within the 'Historic City Centre'
Florence's historic city center is a compact and predominantly pedestrian-friendly area. Walking is the most efficient way to navigate the core, as major attractions are typically within a 15–20 minute walk of each other. For longer distances - taxies are a reliable alternative Please keep in mind that the historic center has uneven cobblestones so bring comfortable shoes for sightseeing!
Visiting Catholic churches and museums in Italy requires strict adherence to respectful, conservative dress codes and etiquette -Dress Code: Shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women (no sleeveless tops or shorts) -Hats must be removed upon entering -Tips: Carry a shawl or scarf to cover up if needed
Attractions in Florence can get very busy, so book skip-the-line tickets in advance, especially the Duomo Cathedral tours, Galleria dell'Accademia to see Michelangelo's David, & the Uffizi Gallery GetYourGuide is a great app for discovering and booking tours, activities, and entry tickets to museums!
In Florence the dining scene breaks down by formality and focus -Osterias and Trattorias are casual, rustic spots focusing on wine and traditional regional food -Ristorantes are formal, high-end dining, and Enotecas are wine-focused shops serving light bites Avoid eating near popular landmarks. While the places around Piazza del Duomo are beautiful, they can be very touristy (and pricey) instead walk into the side streets for hidden gems and more authentic/ local dining experiences See ‘things to do” tab for our personal favorites!
Shopping in Florence offers a mix of high-end luxury, artisanal leather shops, unique traditional & vintage shops Popular shopping areas include Ponte Vecchio, Via de' Tornabuoni, and the San Lorenzo market For us non residents shopping in Florence we can receive a VAT refund (claimable at the airport) and is typically between 10–14% on purchases over 150€ so make sure to keep your receipts!