Florence City Guide

Sights and Attractions:
Florence is set on the banks of the Arno below the wooded foothills of the Apennines; this beautiful city is easily enjoyed on foot and encourages discovery. Visit palaces, museums and galleries or be drawn in amongst the grand architecture that crowds the narrow cobbled streets. Stroll around the elegant buildings and piazzas, and you'll quickly understand why Florence inspired 'so many' great artists. There's much to see, so plan your sightseeing time well.

(1) The Uffizi Gallery:
Visit the Uffizi Gallery located in the former palace next to the Palazzo Vecchio; it's one of the oldest galleries in the world. Collections include some of the greatest works of the Renaissance, (commissioned in part by the Medici family). Works include Botticelli's (Birth of Venus), plus works by Raphael, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, and Titian. Entrance to the Uffizi is often sold out - so book your tickets in advance or take advantage of The Florence Pass, which allows you to skip the queues with priority entrance.

(2) Galleria Dell' Accademia:
Visit the Galleria Dell' Accademia The Galleria Dell' Accademia is located in Ricasoli and was opened in the 1780s as a teaching facility for students at the Academy of Fine Arts. The Accademia Gallery displays seven sculptures by Michelangelo, including the original and very impressive 5-meter (17-foot) tall David; the gallery is home to the largest collection of works by the famous Italian sculptor, painter and architect.

The gallery is also known for its Hall of the Prisoners - the hall showcases Michelangelo’s unfinished slave sculptures. The gallery is also home to many masterpieces of Renaissance art, including paintings by famous artists such as Botticelli, Domenico, Ghirlandaio and many others.

(3) The Duomo of Florence:
(Santa Maria del Fiore) The Duomo of Florence is a majestic structure and landmark. The Duomo of Florence has become the most recognisable symbol of Florence - an absolute masterpiece of architecture - with a stunning exterior covered in a decorative mix of pink, white and green marble. The magnificent Duomo dominates the skyline and provides magnificent views of Florence from its 115-meter Cupola; and the opposite end Giotto's Bell Tower.

To experience the stunning views from the top of the dome, you must first climb its 463 steps (there's no elevator). The climb takes you close inside the dome, where you can admire Giorgio Vasari's frescoes of the Last Judgment (1572-9).

(4) Stroll and Explore:
Stroll across the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge, Florence's most famous bridge over the Arno. The bridge is best known for its shops which are located along the bridge. Across the Arno, you'll find the Pitti Palace & Galleria Palatina, the former palace is now an art and clothes museum, and the lovely & relaxing Boboli Gardens are to be found directly behind it. For the best views of the city, visit Piazzale Michelangelo and then onto San Miniato al Monte to visit one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in Italy.

(5) Sightseeing saving tips:
When visiting the magnificent sights, museums and galleries of Florence, consider purchasing the Florence Pass. The pass can save you time and money; it gives you Priority access to Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery and the Florence Duomo, all in one ticket. Access to Brunelleschi's Dome includes 'skip the ticket lines' - saving you precious time. The Florence Pass includes a downloadable audio guide, providing excellent commentary triggered in real-time as you walk past famous landmarks.

(6) Eating out in Florence:
Florence has many restaurants serving Tuscan and international cuisine. Some of the best eateries are the small friendly trattoria around the Piazza Santa Maria Novella. Top Tip: Try a Florentine Steak served chargrilled and rubbed with fresh garlic & Italian herbs, washed down with a good local Tuscan (Chianti) wine.

Climate: Florence and the Italian region of Tuscany; are generally mild with a transitional Mediterranean climate - with relatively mild winters and hot, sunny summers.

Florence Public Transport Options

Florence is relatively compact, so best discovered on foot. However, there are reliable bus, tram or train services - with the 'City Line' providing bus routes through the city and past most of the main tourist attractions. Bus services include the Hop-on & Hop-off double-decker 'open top bus' that serves the main tourist hot spots.

The Florence public bus network is divided into two segments with the city centre network called 'Le City Line de Firenze", a small network of 4 routes servicing a small area around the historic centre. You should buy your bus tickets in advance from authorised sales points (coffee shops, tobacconists, newsagents etc) as buying directly from the driver is more expensive, and often change will not be given.

To activate your ticket, you need to validate it by inserting your pre-purchased ticket into the validating machine (after you have boarded the bus); the date and time will then be printed on the ticket.

The Florence City Tour: Start your sightseeing adventure with this tour; it will help you get your bearings and operates for most of the year. The 16km route takes just 1 hour to complete as it snakes through the city centre with 15 stops along the way - from Santa Maria Novella station to Piazzale Michelangelo.

Popular Tours away from Florence:

(1) The Pisa Afternoon tour. This tour includes a trip to the site of Italy's famous leaning tower. Plus Piazza dei Cavalieri, Piazza dei Miracoli and the Cathedral and Baptistry.
(2) The San Gimignano and Siena: This tour consists of a full-day excursion lasting approximately 9 hours which takes you through the picturesque Tuscan countryside to the mediaeval hilltop village of San Gimignano, then onto Siena, the venue for the Palio horse race.
(3) Chianti Wine Tour: A popular tour visiting the Chianti countryside with a visit to a castle farm for wine tasting and a snack.

Shopping in Florence: Italian fashion can be found at the Via della Vigna Nuova. Try the flea market of Piazza Ciompi for bargains; also visit the large street market at San Lorenzo. The medieval Ponte Vecchio is famous for hand-crafted jewellery and traditional goldsmiths.

Florence Amerigo Vespucci International Airport (IATA: FLR). The airport is situated on the northwest outskirts of Florence, just 4 miles (8km) from the city centre.

Pisa Airport Galileo Galilei (IATA: PSA). The airport is located 85km (50 miles) from Florence.

Airport Transport and Shuttle Services:
Florence Airport: The Tram is the public transport of choice; the shuttle tram runs from the airport to the centre of Firenze. This new tram service, the T2, runs from the airport to the Unita stop close to the central station. The shuttle tram runs every five to ten minutes, ticket prices start at € 1.50 per person.

The Florence Airport Bus Shuttle is called Volainbus and operates approximately every 30 minutes between the Airport and a bus stop close to Santa Maria Novella train station, located just outside the city centre.

Pisa Airport Monorail and train, the shuttle monorail departs Pisa airport for Pisa central; from Pisa central train station, you catch a direct train to Florence.

The Pisa Airport Bus Shuttle is called Caronnatour and is a direct service to Florence. The journey time is approximately 1 hour and runs 10 times a day; the arrival point in Florence is at the Guidoni tram stop and at night at Santa Maria Novella. From the Guidoni stop, you can take the T2 tram to the centre of Florence.

Taxis are available, but it is advisable to pre-book in advance; however, the 85km taxi journey can be very expensive.

Car Hire: All major car rental companies are represented at Florence & Pisa airports, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt.