Today's capital city of Tuscany was once the hub of European culture. Opera and the Italian Renaissance both originated here. Renaissance architecture dominates the skyline of the center, which is crowned by the iconic dome of St Maria's Cathedral. Wandering through splendid gardens and parks or beside the River Arno is an ideal way of enjoying Florence's heady ambience. The city is no slouch when it comes to shopping as it hosts a great collection of designer outlets and jewelry stores. The choice of restaurants, pubs and cafes provides something that will satisfy all tastes.
Key attractions
Florence's draws are primarily art and architecture, which can be best appreciated with a trip to the cathedral. The Cathedral Museum's diverse exhibits include works by Michelangelo and Donatello. The Madonna and da Vinci's Annunciation are among the masterpieces in the Uffizi Gallery's vast art collections. Boboli Gardens, adjacent to the Pitti Palace, is a surreal expanse of greenery inlaid with sculptures and Roman monuments. The reward for climbing Giotto's Tower is a commanding view of the city's principal sights. The medieval Ponte Vecchio, an enclosed stone structure, spans the River Arno and is a Florence icon.
Having fun
Florence's classical music heritage is celebrated annually with a concert and opera season which runs between October and the spring. The Toscana Orchestra is a permanent attraction at the Teatro Verdi. Pop and jazz bands, and concerts, are a staple at a number of clubs, cafes and arenas. The Viper Club and downtown cafes are the best places to check for these events. Wine bars and trattorias abound, and visitors will find they are never more than a few minutes' walk from one serving tasty local fare. The maze of streets around the cathedral (duomo) is a favorite with night owls for its contemporary discos and bars. Oltrarno, across the River Arno from the city centre, is an alternate precinct for a night out.
Shopping
Via Roma leads from Cathedral Piazza before changing into Via Calimala, which leads to Ponte Vecchio. Luxury brand names, such as Gucci, as well as department and international chain stores are located on this thoroughfare. Via Tornabuoni is home to an exclusive collection of fashion and designer stores. Shops on Ponte Vecchio sell an eclectic selection of custom-designed jewelry. Oltrarno is a traditional artisan's quarter and its workshops have a dizzying array of handicrafts on offer. San Lorenzo street market is the place to head when looking for souvenirs and cheap clothing and accessories.
Nearby
Opportunities for daytrips from Florence are plentiful. Pisa and its landmark Leaning Tower are only a one-hour drive away in light traffic. Florence is at the heart of Tuscany's draws. It provides easy access to Chianti wine-producing country. The Chianti town of Greve is served by a regular bus service from Florence which takes around one hour. Impruneta is closer and features a majestic 11th century basilica and a rejuvenating spa. Piazzale Michelangelo is a hilltop location a few miles east which has walking trails and nice views over Florence.
Our recommendations in Florence
Hotel Palazzo Ognissanti
Located in Florence's Santa Maria Novella neighborhood, Hotel Palazzo Ognissanti is near a train station. Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Vecchio are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Nelson Mandela Forum or Visarno the Hippodrome. Our guests appreciate the hotel's central location.
Plus Florence
Located in Florence's San Lorenzo neighborhood, Plus Florence is in the city center and near the airport. Palazzo Vecchio and Uffizi Gallery are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower and Piazza del Duomo. Florence Botanical Gardens and Boboli Gardens are also worth visiting.
Hotel Botticelli
Located in Florence's San Lorenzo neighborhood, Hotel Botticelli is near a train station. Palazzo Vecchio and Uffizi Gallery are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower and Piazza del Duomo. Florence Botanical Gardens and Boboli Gardens are also worth visiting. Our guests appreciate the hotel's quiet location.
Gallery Hotel Art - Lungarno Collection
Located in Florence's Duomo neighborhood, Gallery Hotel Art - Lungarno Collection is in the historical district and near a train station. Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Vecchio are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria. Traveling with kids? Consider Florence Botanical Gardens, or check out an event or a game at Nelson Mandela Forum.
Room Mate Luca
Located in Florence's San Lorenzo neighborhood, Room Mate Luca is in the city center. Palazzo Vecchio and Uffizi Gallery are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower and Piazza del Duomo. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Nelson Mandela Forum or Coverciano.
NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa
Located in Florence's Duomo neighborhood, NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa is in the city center and connected to a shopping center. Palazzo Vecchio and Uffizi Gallery are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include Piazza della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's going on at Nelson Mandela Forum. Our guests love the hotel's location for the sightseeing.
Hotel California
Located in Florence's Duomo neighborhood, Hotel California is near a train station. Palazzo Vecchio and Uffizi Gallery are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower and Piazza del Duomo. Florence Botanical Gardens and Rose Garden are also worth visiting.
Orto De Medici Hotel
In the city center, Orto De Medici Hotel is in Florence's San Lorenzo neighborhood, an area with great shopping. Palazzo Vecchio and Uffizi Gallery are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower and Piazza del Duomo. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Nelson Mandela Forum or Coverciano. Our guests love the hotel's quiet location.