Step back in time in San Giovanni, where Florence's soul beats strongest around the magnificent Duomo cathedral. The neighborhood's pedestrianized streets invite exploration of Renaissance masterpieces and artisan workshops. Traditional trattorias serve authentic Tuscan cuisine between medieval stone buildings. Mornings offer peaceful moments before crowds gather at the octagonal Baptistery with its gleaming golden mosaics. Climb Giotto's soaring bell tower for panoramic views across terracotta rooftops. The Museo dell'Opera del Duomo houses original sculptures once adorning these iconic structures.
Santa Croce captures the essence of Florence's artistic soul. The neighborhood's cobblestone streets lead to the magnificent Gothic basilica where Michelangelo and Galileo rest eternally. Leather artisans keep ancient traditions alive in workshops tucked between Renaissance palaces. Locals gather in the vibrant piazza as church bells mark the passing hours. Explore this walkable district to discover hidden museums and charming cafes serving traditional Tuscan cuisine. Many streets are pleasantly car-free, allowing visitors to wander medieval lanes at their own pace. The Arno River lies just minutes away, offering stunning views of Florence's timeless beauty.
Across the Arno River, Santo Spirito captivates with its authentic Florentine charm and artistic soul. Brunelleschi's magnificent Renaissance basilica stands proudly in the bustling piazza where locals and visitors mingle. Medieval streets reveal artisan workshops crafting traditional leather goods and ceramics. The neighborhood balances historic grandeur with contemporary flair. Trendy cafés and traditional trattorias serve delicious Tuscan cuisine throughout the day. Wander the cobblestone streets to discover hidden palazzos and vibrant squares away from Florence's more touristy center.
Santa Maria Novella puts you at the heart of Florence's transport network. The magnificent basilica showcases Renaissance art treasures while the world's oldest pharmacy offers unique herbal products. This walkable district sits just minutes from Florence's iconic Duomo and Uffizi Gallery. Cafés and shops line the bustling streets around the central train station. Art lovers will appreciate the neighborhood's museums and religious masterpieces. With excellent tram connections and train service to Rome and Tuscan towns, Santa Maria Novella makes exploring Italy remarkably easy.
San Lorenzo captures the essence of Renaissance Florence with its magnificent Medici Chapels and unfinished facade of the Basilica di San Lorenzo. The bustling Mercato Centrale draws food lovers with aromatic stalls selling Tuscan delicacies. Narrow medieval streets house leather artisans crafting traditional goods by hand. This walkable district puts Florence's treasures at your fingertips. The San Marco Convent showcases Fra Angelico's heavenly frescoes just steps from traditional trattorias serving ribollita and bistecca. Tram stops connect you easily to other parts of the artistic city.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Florence
Piazza di Santa Maria Novella
9.4/10 (7,027 reviews)
This elegant Renaissance square frames the stunning marble facade of Santa Maria Novella basilica. Relax at a café terrace and admire the 16th-century obelisks that once marked the path for chariot races.
Florence's oldest bridge houses glittering jewelry shops where butchers once stood. Stroll across at sunset for golden views of the Arno River and centuries of Florentine history beneath your feet.
Florence's spiritual heart showcases Renaissance masterpieces like Brunelleschi's dome and Giotto's Campanile. Climb the bell tower for breathtaking panoramic views across the terracotta-roofed cityscape.
Home to masterpieces by Botticelli and da Vinci, the Uffizi Gallery showcases the evolution of Italian Renaissance art. Book a morning visit to appreciate its extensive collection with fewer crowds.
Brunelleschi's dome crowns this Renaissance masterpiece with its intricate marble façade. Climb 463 steps for breathtaking panoramic views of Florence's terracotta rooftops and surrounding hills.
Florence's historic center showcases Renaissance masterpieces in an open-air museum setting. Admire the replica of Michelangelo's David, the Palazzo Vecchio, and enjoy the ambiance at surrounding cafés.
Perched on a hilltop, Piazzale Michelangelo offers Florence's most spectacular panoramic views of the Duomo and Arno River. Arrive at sunset to watch the city transform into a golden canvas.
"Really liked the hotel, the location was excellent. Room size was a generous size, the added twin-sized couch was nice to have so as not to spend all the time in the room on the bed. Friendly staff, nice breakfast, good value for price."
"L’hôtel est bien situé, tout près des trains. Le petit déjeuner était très varié et excellent. La chambre était assez grande. Le personnel très gentil et attentionné."
"The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. The breakfast was delicious. The place is very clean but there is an overwhelming smell of cleaning product which dissipates when you open a window."
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
In Florence, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Central Market and Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio, both bustling with local produce and unique souvenirs. For vintage finds, Pitti Vintage is a must-visit. If you're up for a drive, explore shopping malls like The Mall, offering luxury brands just outside the city.
Recreation
The Nelson Mandela Forum offers a tranquil environment for relaxation and wellness, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. For an energetic vibe, visit Stadio Artemio Franchi, where you can engage in various sports activities. Lastly, Teatro Verdi provides a cultural escape filled with romance and captivating performances.
Adventure
Experience the thrill of FiesoleBike Day Tours, where you can explore the stunning landscapes around Florence on two wheels. For a scenic hike, trek the trails of Parco di Montececeri, located 4.8km away, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Tuscany with Tuscany MTB Guide, situated 8.0km away.
Nightlife
In Florence, experience vibrant nightlife at Il Fiaschetto, a charming drinking pub located 20.9km from the city centre. This venue offers a romantic atmosphere and lively entertainment, perfect for enjoying a delightful evening with friends or a special someone.
Find the best attractions in Florence
Florence, a captivating city in Tuscany, Italy, is ideal for cultural, city, and family-themed vacations. Visitors can explore iconic attractions such as piazzas, churches, and art museums, all rich in history and artistic heritage. A must-see is the magnificent Florence Cathedral, which adds to the city's charm. With its diverse offerings, Florence caters to all types of travellers seeking a unique cultural experience.
Uffizi Gallery: Renowned as one of the most important art museums in the world, the Uffizi Gallery houses masterpieces by artists like Botticelli and Michelangelo. The stunning architecture and rich cultural atmosphere make it a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore: This iconic cathedral, with its magnificent dome designed by Brunelleschi, is a symbol of Florence. The intricate façade and the breathtaking interiors offer a remarkable insight into Renaissance architecture and artistry.
Palazzo Vecchio: As Florence's town hall, this historic building boasts impressive medieval architecture and stunning frescoes. Explore its grand halls and learn about the city’s political history in a culturally vibrant setting.
Best time to go to Florence
The best time to visit Florence can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Florence falls in July and August. August has average visitor numbers and sunny weather. The coolest average temperature in Florence falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.
Tips to save on your trip to Florence
Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Florence.
Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically January to February and November) for more affordable package holidays to Florence.
Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Florence vacation package cost?
Offering excellent value package deals on Expedia, you'll be surprised at how little a vacation to Florence costs! Expedia's packages mean less travel planning for you and greater savings.
What are the cheapest months to go to Florence?
December, January and February are great times to look for cheap Florence vacation packages. Traveling in less busy periods means you can generally find reduced prices on flights and accommodations.
How many days is enough for Florence?
To fully enjoy your Florence vacation, we recommend staying for 3 days. Divide your time between visiting Palazzo Capponi, Palazzo Antinori and other leading sights, in addition to exploring neighborhoods like Historic Center - Downtown and Santa Maria Novella. If you've got some time to spare, add a day trip to your Florence vacation itinerary.
Is it worth booking a vacation package to Florence?
Popular for its shopping, views and walking trails, a Florence vacation is a hit with all kinds of travelers. Be sure to check out main sights like Ponte Vecchio and Historic Center - Downtown, and consider renting a car for day trips to discover even more.
How to find the best Florence package deals?
Landing a cheap Florence package deal is easy with Expedia. Once you've entered your trip dates and destination under our "Packages" tab, set your budget range, apply a few filters and browse what's available. You can personalize your search by "Amenities," "Property type," "Guest rating" and more. Sort the results by "Price: low to high" to discover the most wallet-friendly Florence package deals. Want a simple trick to get even more savings? Have some flexibility with your departure dates and consider traveling on a weekday, when prices are generally lower.
Is it cheaper to book a Florence vacation as a package?
Expedia vacation packages are designed to help you keep more money in your pocket. Bundle your hotel, car rental and flight into one great-value price and enjoy significant savings. You'll typically land a better deal than booking each component individually. And you'll still have the freedom to create a personalized Florence vacation by choosing your preferred accommodation type, airline and car class.
When to book a vacation package to Florence?
Secure amazing discounts by reserving your flights early with Expedia. If being spontaneous is more your style, snap up one of our last-minute deals for a spur-of-the-moment Florence getaway.
How to plan a trip to Florence?
Pick your travel dates: What you plan to do in Florence and your preferred season can help you decide when to travel.
Work out your budget: Ensure you have enough money to cover everything from transportation and dining out to activities and flights. Your accommodations will likely be the largest expense during your trip to Florence.
Work out your trip length: Consider how much time you'd like to spend discovering Florence. Plan your days so you can get to all the experiences and attractions you're interested in without rushing.
Bundle your bookings: With your travel dates in place, you can combine your flights, car rental, hotels and more into a tailored Florence vacation package.