Things to do in Florence: activities and tours

Planning your Florence visit

When to go?

While there’s never a bad time to visit Florence, spring and autumn will let you enjoy the city at its very best. The weather is sunny without being too hot, attractions are busy without being packed, festivals are afoot and piazzas gently buzz with activity. Summer is still enjoyable, but the city becomes sweltering hot, tourist numbers hit their peak, accommodation prices (naturally) go up and restaurants tend to close, especially those outside the centre. We recommend the winter over the summer months. The weather is colder, but attraction queues will most certainly be shorter. You’ll also get to enjoy various Christmas markets and see the city decked out in cosy lights and festive decorations.

How many days should you spend?

Florence is a bite-size city, so if you’re just looking to see the main attractions, you’ll more than fit them in over a weekend. That said, Florence’s charms could easily be stretched over four to five days, giving you time to indulge a bit more in the hearty Tuscan food, people-watching at the piazzas and languid way of life. And if you ever find yourself with nothing to do, use the city as a take-off point for exploring Tuscany and its idyllic towns such as Siena, Lucca and San Gimignano, to name a few.

How to get there?

Just 4km north-west of the city centre lies the city’s main airport, Florence Airport. From here it’s a 10- to 15-minute shuttle (€6 one way) or tram ride (€1.50) to the central Stazione Santa Maria Novella. Otherwise, a taxi costs €22 fixed price to the city centre. Depending on where you’re arriving from, it may make more sense to fly into Pisa Airport. Trains and buses run regularly to Florence’s main train station, Stazione Santa Maria Novella. They cost between €11 to €15 one way and take from 60 to 90 minutes.

How to move around the city?

Florence is a small city and it’s easy to get around by foot. Most attractions are within walking distance from one another. It’s also possible to get around by bike in the centre. Keep in mind that all forms of motorized non-resident traffic (ie cars, scooters and motorcycles) are banned in this area. The public transport system is also quite efficient and comes in handy when you want to get up the hill to Piazzale Michelangelo. A one-way ticket costs €1.50 and is valid for 90 minutes. Other ticket options include a 10-trip carnet for €14 or a monthly travel pass for €35.

Where to shop?

Florence’s unique mix of old-world charm, high-end boutiques and quaint artisanal workshops make it a pleasure to shop. Via de Tornabuoni is the city’s most glamorous street, dedicated to luxury fashion houses, including those that famously made their names here: Emilio Pucci, Salvatore Ferragamo and Gucci. Otherwise, if you’re looking for something a little less upmarket, Via Roma and Via dei Calzaiuoli offer more mainstream brands and the Rinascente shopping centre. Instead head to Via del Parione if you want to see Florence’s artisanal side. Leather accessories marbled stationary and locally designed jewellery can all be found here. The street is also home to some cool modern boutiques and vintage stores.