No trip to Italy would be complete without adding a Florence day trip and some memorable Tuscany tours to your Florence itinerary! From the gorgeous Tuscan countryside to the bustling Ponte Vecchio, Florence is one of Italy’s most picturesque regions. This Florence travel guide will introduce you to the best of Florence and Tuscany to help you create an unforgettable trip!
I will include sections on the Top 11 Things to Do in Florence, Getting Around Florence, Where to Stay in Florence, Where to Eat in Florence, Best Tuscany Tours and Florence Day Trips, and more!
Florence Map
Also See: Italy Itinerary; Amalfi Coast Itinerary; Rome Itinerary; Venice Itinerary; Milan Itinerary
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Top 11 Things to Do in Florence
1. Tuscany Tours from Florence
A beautiful and peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Florence and just a short ride from the city, Tuscany tours make for perfect Florence day trips. Defined by rustic farmhouses, lush rolling hills, and age-old vineyards and olive groves, you should definitely add the Tuscan countryside to your Florence itinerary.
If you’re wondering what to do in Tuscany, a tour will give you the most comprehensive and enjoyable taste of all that this stunning region has to offer, even if you’re only taking a day trip. Whether you’re looking for Tuscany wine tours or Tuscany cooking classes, Tuscany tours from Florence will offer you an unforgettable experience.
Consider taking a Tuscany bike tour to experience the best Tuscany destinations. During your tours, you’ll be delighted by the smaller towns along the Tuscan countryside, like Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano, and Lucca. Experience the rich culture with a Tuscany wine tasting of fine Chianti wine and olive oil the Tuscany region is known for when you visit some of the best wineries in Tuscany!
My picks for the best Tuscany tours from Florence: Top Tuscany Wine Tasting Tours; Tuscany Top Tours and Activities; Tuscany in One Day Sightseeing Tour from Florence
Renowned as one of the world’s most distinguished art galleries, you will certainly want to add the Uffizi Gallery to your Florence itinerary! Located in the Palazzo Pitti, or the Pitti Palace, This gallery holds important pieces of Renaissance art, including the works of acclaimed artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Michelangelo, and more. If you’re on a tight schedule, you’ll want to be sure to make time for the Uffizi Gallery! I would recommend taking an Uffizi Gallery tour, where you’ll experience rich Florentine history, a fascinating and important part of world heritage.
*Note that the gallery is CLOSED ON MONDAYS!! You’ll want to purchase your Uffizi Gallery tickets and Uffizi Gallery tours online before you go. This will ensure availability and will give you the opportunity to skip the line, which you’ll definitely want if you’re only on a short trip.
My picks for best Uffizi Gallery tours: Skip the Line: Florence Accademia and Uffizi Gallery Small Group Tour; Uffizi Galleries (Gallerie degli Uffizi) Tours
The Ponte Vecchio is one of the most iconic sites in Firenze and should undoubtedly be added to your Florence itinerary. One of the many bridges that cross the Arno River, you’re sure to recognize the segment of bustling vendor booths that characterize this famous bridge.
Enjoy a stroll across the bridge while you search for classic Italian souvenirs and artwork. The Ponte Vecchio will be included on most Florence day trips, along with the city’s other iconic sites like the Duomo, the Florence Cathedral.
My picks for best Florence walking tours: Florence Walk & Talk – On the Medici’s Footsteps; Florence Sightseeing Walking Tour with a Local Guide; Top Florence Walking Tours
4. Duomo
As is typical of many Italian cities, the Duomo di Firenze, or the Florence Cathedral, is the true city center of Florence. Though most major cities in Italy have their own duomos, the Florence Duomo is particularly breathtaking.
Enjoy a tour of the cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo it’s located in. The Duomo is located close to the city’s major tourist attractions, including the Uffizi Gallery, so you’ll definitely want to check it out during your Florence day trip.
*Tip: Don’t forget to bring a shawl or sarong to cover your shoulders and chest when entering the Duomo and any other churches or holy sites you visit in Florence!
My picks for best Florence Duomo tickets: Skip-the-Line Florence Duomo with Brunelleschi’s Dome Climb; Florence Duomo (Cattedrale di Santa Maria dei Fiori) Tours
The Piazzale Michelangelo is my absolute favorite place in Florence and you should undoubtedly add it to your Florence itinerary! A stunning plaza overlooking the city, the Piazzale Michelangelo is a wonderful place to watch the sunset (or sunrise, if you want to avoid crowds of tourists!), listen to live music, have a wine picnic, and take in stunning views.
If you’re just taking a Florence day trip, this is one place you should be sure to visit. Don’t be discouraged by the climb to get to this lovely plaza, embrace the stairs and burn off some of the pizza, wine, and gelato you’ve been enjoying in Florence!
*Tip: If you’d rather avoid the climb, take a taxi or book a tour which includes the Piazzale Michelangelo and you’ll arrive at the top by vehicle!
My picks for best Piazzale Michelangelo tours: Piazzale Michelangelo Tours; Florence Vespa Tour: Tuscan Hills and Italian Cuisine; Florence City Hop-on Hop-off Tour
No trip to Florence is complete without a visit to the infamous David sculpture created by Michelangelo. Sure to be one of the more memorable parts of your visit, prepare to be blown away by David.
You’ll want to purchase a VIP ticket online and make note that the Accademia Gallery which houses David is CLOSED ON MONDAYS!!! You might also consider adding a tour of David and the rest of the gallery to your itinerary, which will give you deeper insight into this spectacular work of art.
My picks for David Florence tours: Skip the Line: Florence Accademia and Uffizi Gallery Small Group Tour; Michelangelo’s Statue of David (Il Davide di Michelangelo) Tours
View from the Piazzale Michelangelo
7. Florence Markets: Leather Market and Central Market
The Florence Leather Market and the Florence Central Market are located next to each other in the heart of the city and are a perfect way to spend a day in Florence! Wander through the rows of vendors selling top quality leather products and find yourself an Italian leather handbag to commemorate your trip!
Afterwards, head over to the first floor of the Central Market to explore authentic Italian products from regional fruits to fresh flowers. Add the top floor of the market to your Florence itinerary to enjoy lunch from any of the gourmet vendors selling typical Italian fare as well as international options. You can easily spend an entire day wandering through these markets, though if you’re short on time you might prefer a tour which will show you the highlights.
My picks for best tours of Florence markets: Florence Central Market (Mercato Centrale) Tours
If you’re taking more than just a Florence day trip, you’ll absolutely want to add the Santo Spirito neighborhood to your Florence itinerary. Located just on the other side of the Arno River from the frenzy of central Florence, the Santo Spirito neighborhood is a bit more relaxed, authentic, and less touristy.
Because it’s a short walk from the rest of Florence, Santo Spirito tends to be a little less expensive and will give you a true feel for typical Florentine life. This area also has some awesome restaurants and a few fascinating historical sites, including the Boboli Gardens. The Santo Spirito neighborhood is also one of the best areas to stay in Florence, which I’ll talk a bit more about later.
My picks for best Santo Spirito tours: Authentic Florence Walking Tour: Oltrarno Great Art, Hidden Crafts and Santo Spirito Basilica; Santo Spirito Tours
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9. Florence Nightlife
Florence nightlife is a big part of Florence travel and you’ll definitely want to spend at least one night out in the city! Whether you’re looking for a massive nightclub or more of a low key bar, Florence has got you covered. Head to one of the city’s many rooftop terrace bars, like La Terrazza or The Westin Excelsior and try a traditional Aperol Spritz. End your night by searching for Florence’s infamous secret bakeries, locations of which you’ll need to find on your own!
10. Boboli Gardens
The Boboli Gardens are gorgeous, serene gardens with a rich history. Originally designed for the notorious Medici family, you’ll want to add a tour of the gardens to your Florence itinerary to uncover their fascinating story! Buy your skip-the-line tickets ahead of time to ensure availability.
My picks for best Boboli Gardens tours: Boboli: Gardens of the Royal Palace and Their Hidden Messages; Pitti Palace, Palatina Gallery and Boboli Gardens Small Group Tour
11. Florence Classes, Tours, and Shopping
Consider adding some fun Florence tours and classes to your itinerary to experience the best of this exciting city! Take a Florence Vespa tour, a Florence walking tour, Florence food tour, or Florence cooking class during your trip.
Be sure to visit to the Via de’ Tornabuoni to shop at the city’s highest end shops and boutiques. If you’re on a tighter budget, there are plenty of other great opportunities for shopping and authentic souvenirs in Florence as well.
My picks for best Florence classes and tours: Top Florence Cooking Classes; Florence Vespa Tour: Tuscan Hills and Italian Cuisine; Taste of Chianti: Tuscan Cheese, Wine and Lunch from Florence
Florence Duomo during a Florence walking tour
Check out the Best Florence and Tuscany Tours for Florence Day Trips
The best way to experience all that this region has to offer is by adding some fun tours to your Florence itinerary! Tuscany is the perfect destination for Florence day trips, and Florence walking tours will help you make the most of your visit.
Tuscany Tours:
Tours for Florence Day Trips:
Day Trip from Florence to Cinque Terre
Tuscany tours from Florence
Where to Stay in Florence
My picks for where to stay in Florence: Hotel Monna Lisa; Hotel La Scaletta; Archi Rossi Hostel; Hotel Calimala
Where to stay in Florence will largely depend on what you plan to spend the majority of your time doing. If it’s your first time visiting, the best areas to stay in Florence will be around the Duomo and near the Ponte Vecchio. These neighborhoods are centrally located and will be the best areas to stay in Florence to access the city’s main sites and top tourist attractions.
The Santo Spirito neighborhood is perfect for travelers looking for a more authentic experience or budget travelers wondering where to stay in Florence. Just across the Ponte Vecchio, the Santo Spirito neighborhood is a bit cheaper and is still relatively close to everything you’ll want to see during a Florence day trip. This area is also rich with history and is located nearby the Boboli Gardens.
Ponte Vecchio
Getting Around Florence
Your best option for getting around Florence will simply be to walk! You can access nearly every part of the city on foot and you might be surprised that Florence isn’t actually that big! If you’re in a hurry or don’t feel like walking, you won’t have any trouble catching a taxi. Consider a Florence walking tour to see the highlights of Florence in a day.
If you’re headed to Tuscany from Florence, however, you’ll either need to drive or take the train. Most Tuscany tours from Florence will provide roundtrip transportation, so you won’t need to worry about it if you’re taking a tour.
Ready to book? Book your flight to Florence HERE!
Where to Eat in Florence
If you’re looking for a great meal during your Florence day trip, look no further! Here’s a list of my favorite restaurants in Florence. Don’t forget to make dinner reservations for most restaurants, especially during the summer months which are peak tourist season!
Gelato
Lunch
Central Market: Great for lunch, dinner, or a snack. Try the dumplings, pizza, and gelato here!
Antico Vinaio: A casual lunch place with awesome paninis. If this spot is too crowded, check out Antico Noe or Panini Toscany instead
Trattoria 4 Leoni: Get the pasta!
Pizza Napoli: Great pizza
Dinner
Gustapizza: Iconic pizzeria in Florence
Osteria Santo Spirito: Great restaurant in Santo Spirito plaza with a nice atmosphere. Get the gnocchi!
Trattoria ZaZa: Awesome spot for lunch or dinner
Florence Essentials
World Nomads Travel Insurance: Protect your Florence and Tuscany trip with travel insurance! Whether it’s lost luggage, flight cancellations, or something more serious, WorldNomads.com will have you covered in an emergency. World Nomads allows you to buy and claim online, even after you’ve left home. It’s perfect for Florence, as it’s designed for adventurous travelers with cover for overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities, too.
Italy Power Adapter: It is essential that you bring an Italy power adapter with you to Florence and Tuscany! You’ll need this in order to plug in any of your electronics while in Italy, so you won’t want to leave without it! This Italy Power Adapter is especially great because it works in many different countries, so you can use it on all your future adventures, too!
Osprey Farpoint 55 Travel Backpack: This backpack is my go-to for all my backpacking trips. I personally used this pack on my trip to Florence and Tuscany and it was absolutely perfect! This backpack is durable, comfortable, and includes a detachable daypack with a laptop sleeve which will make your Florence travels so much easier.
Charles Schwab Debit Card: Honestly, getting a Charles Schwab debit card before you leave for Florence is the best thing you can do for yourself. This card will save you SO much money on ATM and foreign transaction fees throughout your trip, and I literally never travel overseas without it.
Check out my Recommended Travel Essentials page for more useful resources for your Florence travels!
Ready to book your flight to Florence? Click HERE to explore the best flight prices and deals on Skyscanner!
Tuscany
Florence Tips and FAQs
Can you drink tap water in Florence?
Yes, the tap water in Florence is safe to drink! However, you still may be offered bottled water at restaurants, so be sure to ask specifically for tap water if you don’t want to pay extra for a bottle.
Don’t leave for your trip without some handy electrolyte packets! These will help you to keep hydrated on long days under the hot Tuscan sun and will revive your wine hangover after enjoying the Florence nightlife!
Is Florence safe?
Yes, Florence is safe for travelers. However, pickpockets are common, particularly in crowded and touristy areas so always maintain your street smarts and avoid walking alone at night.
Some helpful Florence safety tips include bringing a small TSA approved combination lock to secure your luggage and the safe or locker at your accommodation, and bringing an external battery charger to keep on you if your phone dies while you’re out and about. I also recommend keeping a small journal and pen on you to write down your accommodation address and any other vital information you may need.
How many days do you need in Florence?
I would say anywhere from 2-5 days is an optimal amount of time to spend in Florence. If you plan to take Tuscany tours from Florence (which you definitely should!), you’ll want to add a couple of extra days to your Florence itinerary. If you really want to get a thorough feel for Florence and Tuscany, I would recommend staying as many days as you can.
No matter how long you’re headed to Florence for, come prepared with luggage tags to keep track of your belongings, a TSA approved toiletry case to navigate airports with ease, and a travel-size neck pillow for long rides!
My sister and I on the Ponte Vecchio
Traveling Alone or Want to Join a Tour?
An amazing way to experience all that Florence and Tuscany have to offer is by taking an Intrepid Italy Tour! Whether you’re traveling alone and want to join a group or if you and a partner are looking for a stress-free way to experience Florence, Intrepid Travel has got you covered.
I love Intrepid because they employ sustainable travel methods and they offer their travelers truly authentic, local experiences that you just can’t get anywhere else. I have personally traveled with Intrepid and cannot recommend them enough for your Florence and Tuscany tours!
*Please note that some of the above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I make a small commission if you choose to make a purchase. Please know that I ONLY recommend products that I personally use or believe to be helpful to other travelers!