Things To Do
THINGS TO KNOW
A few practical tips to help you make the most of your time in Florence: MUSEUMS: Most are closed on Mondays. Plan your sightseeing accordingly. TICKETS: Book the Uffizi, Accademia, and Duomo in advance. They sell out fast in May. CURRENCY: Italy uses the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted but carry some cash for markets and small purchases. TIPPING: Not expected, but a small tip for exceptional service is appreciated. Many restaurants include a coperto (cover charge) in the bill. SHOES: Florence's streets are cobblestone, so comfortable shoes are a must. TAXIS: Cannot be hailed on the street. Use a taxi stand or apps such as AppTaxi or TaxiMove. DAY TRIPS: Trains from Santa Maria Novella Station make day trips throughout Tuscany easy and convenient.
Florence Highlights
A few of our favorite spots in the city worth adding to your itinerary:
Chiesa di San Salvatore in Ognissanti
Come see where we'll exchange our vows. Ognissanti is a historic church dating back to the 13th century, home to frescoes by Botticelli and Ghirlandaio, and the burial place of Botticelli himself. Free entry.
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Florence's iconic cathedral and one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. Climb Brunelleschi's dome for some of the best views in Florence (463 steps). Book tickets in advance, as spots fill up quickly in May. Cathedral entry is free.
Uffizi Galleries
Home to Botticelli's Birth of Venus and works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. One of the world's most celebrated art museums. Book in advance, as tickets often sell out.
Ponte Vecchio
Florence's famous medieval bridge lined with jewelry shops, overlooking the Arno River. One of the most iconic spots in the city.
Piazzale Michelangelo
A hilltop square on the south side of the Arno overlooking Florence's skyline. One of the best spots in the city to watch the sun go down. Free to visit, accessible by foot (about 20 minutes from the city center) or by bus (Line 12 or 13).
Piazza della Signoria
Florence's historic heart, surrounded by remarkable architecture, sculptures, and lively cafés. A wonderful place to wander and soak in the atmosphere of the city.
BABAE Wine Window
Florence's buchette del vino date to the 1600s, when nobles sold wine through tiny street-facing hatches. BABAE revived theirs and it's one of the few still open today. Order a Chianti or spritz and enjoy it streetside. A uniquely Florentine experience.
Boboli Gardens
A sprawling Renaissance garden with fountains, cypress paths, and rooftop views, with far fewer crowds than the museums. Closed the first and last Monday of each month.
Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze
Home to Michelangelo's David. Advance reservations are recommended.
Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence
Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli are buried here, with Giotto frescoes to match. Fewer crowds than the Duomo.
Eat & Drink
BISTECCA ALLA FIORENTINA: The city’s most iconic dish. A thick-cut T-bone steak served rare, a must for meat lovers. SCHIACCIATA SANDWICHES: Freshly baked schiacciata bread filled with prosciutto, pecorino, truffle cream, and other local ingredients. GELATO: A daily essential. Pistachio, hazelnut, and stracciatella are local favorites. APERITIVO: One of Italy's best traditions. Order a spritz, glass of wine, or cocktail before dinner and enjoy complimentary snacks while you relax and people-watch. MERCATO CENTRALE: A great spot for a casual lunch, local specialties, and a variety of Tuscan food vendors under one roof.
Restaurants & Bars
Florence is home to incredible restaurants, wine bars, and trattorias. We are currently curating our favorite recommendations and will have them posted soon. Check back closer to the wedding for our picks!
Things to Do
WINERY: We highly recommend visiting a local Chianti winery during your stay. We will be sharing our top recommendations soon! COOKING CLASS: Florence has some wonderful cooking classes worth exploring. We will be sharing our favorite picks soon! BOAT RIDE ON THE ARNO: See Florence from a different perspective aboard a traditional wooden boat on the Arno River. A relaxing way to take in the city's historic landmarks from the water.
Explore Tuscany
Florence is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding region. Some nearby destinations we recommend: CHIANTI (45–60 minutes): Tuscany's most famous wine region, known for its wineries, olive groves, and historic hill towns. Villa Corsini is located in the heart of the region. IMPRUNETA (20 minutes): The village where Villa Corsini is located, known for its terracotta pottery and local traditions. FIESOLE (20 minutes): A hilltop town overlooking Florence with Roman ruins and beautiful views of the city. SIENA (1.5 hours): A medieval city known for the Piazza del Campo and one of Italy's most remarkable cathedrals. SAN GIMIGNANO (1.5 hours): Known for its medieval towers, local wines, and views of the surrounding countryside. LUCCA (1.5 hours): A walled city known for its walkable streets, cafés, and Renaissance-era city walls.
Beyond Tuscany
For guests extending their travels beyond Florence: PISA (1 hour): Home to the iconic Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli. FORTE DEI MARMI (2 hours): A seaside town known for its beaches, boutiques, and beach clubs. CINQUE TERRE (3 hours): Five colorful villages along the Ligurian coast, connected by scenic hiking trails and train routes.
