WHY VISIT FLORENCE?  

Filled with lots of amazing art, Florence is historically significant as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance.  It’s also a smaller and more manageable than Rome and great to combine with a deeper dive into Tuscany.

Check out the Travel Honey FLORENCE PHOTO GALLERY.

View the ITALY COUNTRY OVERVIEW for everything else.

WHERE TO STAY IN FLORENCE?

Unless you have other motivation than sightseeing, it makes sense to stay in Florence’s city center. From there, you can get to most attractions in less than a 30 minute walk. Besides the awesome recommendations in the Travel Honey itineraries, below are some other favorites in Florence.

*Get the key to $, $$, $$$ and $$$$ in the Travel Honey Pricing Guide.

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Maps of Florence, Italy

Hotel Brunelleschi ($$$$) Stylish architectural gem in heart of Florence with friendly, helpful staff.

Residenza D’Epoca ($$$) Elegant and family friendly, this hotel  is centrally located in Piazza della Signoria in a 15th century building with original frescoes and wood ceilings.

Hotel Milu ($$$) Colorful, modern design in a 14th century building in the heart of Florence.

Hotel Del Corso ($$) Centrally located and in a 15th century palace, the rooms are simple, modern and affordable.

Luce Florence ($$) Eat your breakfast on a beautiful terrace and stay in stylish, simple, and affordable rooms in a great location.

WHERE TO EAT IN FLORENCE?

*Get the key to $, $$, $$$ and $$$$ in the Travel Honey Pricing Guide.

La Bottego Del Buon Caffe ($$$$) Delicious, Michelin starred spot.

Coquinarius ($$$) A hip wine bar/bistro close to the Duomo with a good selection of seasonal antipasto and pasta options with good prices.

Osteria de L’Ortolano ($$)  A small, cozy, family-run casual restaurant with delicious traditional Tuscan fare.

Il Chicco di Caffe ($$) A hidden gem run by a mother/son team that is popular with the locals for it’s cheap homemade pasta, tasty meats and quality veggie side dishes.  Go to eat like a local.

Da Nerbone ($) Located in a stall in the central market, this place is known for tasty Tuscan fair. It’s favored by locals and tourists so there may be a line and the few seats may be taken.

WHERE TO GO AT NIGHT IN FLORENCE?

Art Bar ($$) Spectacular mint gimlet. Other drinks are garnished with large amounts of fruit.

Beer House Club ($) Huge variety of craft beers in a chill setting.

l’Margaritaio ($) Giant, sloppy frozen margaritas and flaming shots. Rowdy nights start here.

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The Duomo and Piazza Santa Croce in Florence, Italy (from 9 day itinerary to Rome, Florence and Positano with Rachel)

BEST INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS FOR FLORENCE?

Brazilian architect living in Florence @lelaschneider

Locals @igers_firenze and @ig_firenze_

English speaking newspaper in Florence @theflorentine

HOW TO GET TO FLORENCE?

If you plan to only visit Florence, it’s easiest to arrive by train.  The express is less than 1.5 hours and $30-$45, the regional is a bit longer, but you can stop at cute towns along the way and it’s cheaper.  You can also drive, but tourists are not allowed to drive in the city center and parking is expensive.

HOW TO GET AROUND FLORENCE?

Once in Florence, walking is your best bet.  There are also cabs and Ubers if your legs get tired.