Florens
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08:34
Florens
Florence, the regional capital of Tuscany, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy. It is acknowledged by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and stepping onto its historic cobbles, it is easy to see why. Cradled between the surrounding hills, the city hosts some of the most famous works of art on the planet, and the whole of the city centre is packed with stunning palaces, churches, and monuments. The surrounding countryside is well-known for its rolling hills and its wine, particularly the Chianti area between Siena and Florence.Hitta resa
Florence's main church stands in the city with its magnificent Renaissance dome, designed by Brunelleschi. The cathedral was built on the ruins of the 7th-century church of Santa Reparata. On its right side, you can admire Giotto's Bell Tower, whereas the Baptistery of San Giovanni stands opposite the cathedral entrance. This remarkable historic landmark can be considered a summary of the entire city as the point of convergence of the greatest artists of the glorious Italian Renaissance period.
Palazzo Vecchio — literally 'the old palace' — was the ducal residence in Piazza della Signoria, but today, it is the town hall of Florence. It houses a large collection of paintings and sculptures, and on the square just in front of the building, you can admire several amazing statues: one of them is a copy of the famous 'David' by Michelangelo. In fact, this was where the original sculpture was located before it was moved to the Accademia Gallery in 1873.
This gallery is mostly famous for its sculptures by Michelangelo: The Prisoners, St. Matthew and, above all, the magnificent statue of David. Accademia houses works by the greatest Italian artists, such as Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, Pontormo, and many others. A great part of the collection belonged to the powerful Medici family, who, at the end of their domination, donated it to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany so that this treasure could be preserved and enjoyed by everyone.
Uffizi Gallery is one of the biggest museums in the world. It houses important masterpieces dating back from the 13th to the 19th century. Among its works, it boasts Botticelli's "Birth of Venus", probably the most famous painting in the history of art, after the Mona Lisa. The museum is also historically important for being one of the first to open its doors to the public during the 18th century.
Museo degli Innocenti – Hospital of the Innocents – is the headquarters of a charitable institution that has provided care for children and infants for more than 500 years. The structure houses a gallery and a museum exhibiting famous paintings of Italian artists, such as "Madonna with Child" by Botticelli and "Adoration of the Magi" by Ghirlandaio. Even the building itself, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture.
Discover Florence's most famous landmarks on a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Select a 1-, 2- or 3-day pass and travel around the city's top attractions, hopping on and off as you like. See the panoramic views from Piazzale Michelangelo, the burial spot of Galileo and Machiavelli at Santa Croce church and much more.
The Pitti Palace houses different types of museums and temporary exhibits. The basis of the current palace dates back to 1458 when it was the residence of the powerful bank man Luca Pitti. It was then bought by the Medici family one century later and employed as the official residence of the ruling family of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. In connection with Palazzo Pitti, you will find the Boboli Gardens, which are among the most beautiful and ancient royal gardens in Italy.
This cathedral is the great masterpiece of Michelangelo in Florence. Here, you will find the New Sacristy, some sculptures that Michelangelo made for Lorenzo and Giuliano de' Medici's tombs, and fine examples of Mannerist architecture in the Biblioteca Laurenziana, which is the building annexed to the cathedral. In addition, the edifice also houses the splendid Old Sacristy by Brunelleschi.
Florence's main church stands in the city with its magnificent Renaissance dome, designed by Brunelleschi. The cathedral was built on the ruins of the 7th-century church of Santa Reparata. On its right side, you can admire Giotto's Bell Tower, whereas the Baptistery of San Giovanni stands opposite the cathedral entrance. This remarkable historic landmark can be considered a summary of the entire city as the point of convergence of the greatest artists of the glorious Italian Renaissance period.
Palazzo Vecchio — literally 'the old palace' — was the ducal residence in Piazza della Signoria, but today, it is the town hall of Florence. It houses a large collection of paintings and sculptures, and on the square just in front of the building, you can admire several amazing statues: one of them is a copy of the famous 'David' by Michelangelo. In fact, this was where the original sculpture was located before it was moved to the Accademia Gallery in 1873.
Leather, leather, leather! It is almost a guarantee to leave Florence with a beautiful bag or a lovely pair of shoes when visiting the city. There is also plenty of lovely home and furniture lines. Florence has a long history of working with hides, skins and leather, which is why you can find real high-quality works of art made according to tradition.
The Mercato Centrale is the indoor part of the San Lorenzo Market. The two-floor building is mostly dedicated to food. Here, the very best specialities that Florence and Italy have to offer can be found. On the second floor, there is a food court where you can relish high-quality meals while soaking in the vibrant and lively atmosphere of the market.
Jewellery in Florence is a real art, made with traditional methods in combination with technical perfection and creativity. If you are interested in original gold or silver jewellery, head to Ponte Vecchio and its tiny "botteghe orafe" (craftwork shops). Here, you can find the most renowned and ancient goldsmiths in the city.
San Lorenzo Market is the largest street market in Florence, with hundreds of stalls selling clothes, souvenirs and leather goods. Located just around the corner from the central square Piazza della Signoria, here you will find whatever you are looking for. The market is divided into two parts. The first, indoor, is mainly dedicated to food (Mercato Centrale). The second, outdoor, part is set up among the ancient streets of the city centre around the central market building.
The Mercato del Porcellino (literally Market of the Little Pig) is located in the ancient loggia in Piazza del Mercato Nuovo. It owns its name to the Piglet Fountain which is actually a "wild boar" in bronze, a 17th-century copy of a work from the Roman era now stored in the Uffizi Gallery. The lodge was built during the 16th century and it was originally intended to sell silk and precious objects. Today you will find leather and hide objects.
UB is a store specialised in vintage, housed in an ancient wallpaper laboratory in the city centre. This shop has a mystical atmosphere, created by an impressive amount of antique objects ideal to decorate a modern house, but also stocks second-hand clothes in perfect condition. Let yourself be captivated by the charm of the beautiful items and by their stories.
Is the cologne a French invention? No, it is Italian. More precisely, it was invented in Tuscany and only later Caterina de Medici exported it to France. Hence, you cannot miss a visit to one of the age-old perfumeries of Florence. Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is the most ancient perfumery and herbalist shop in Italy. Most of the products are made after ancient receipts inherited by the monastic tradition. Here, you will find perfumes, cosmetics and candles.
This is the ideal street for fashion victims and haute-couture lovers. A luxurious avenue in the city centre where you will find the most famous Italian (and international) boutiques, such as Bulgari, Prada and Gucci, but also super-deluxe artefacts of various kinds. If you are looking for a place where to do high-quality shopping, this street will not let you down!
Leather, leather, leather! It is almost a guarantee to leave Florence with a beautiful bag or a lovely pair of shoes when visiting the city. There is also plenty of lovely home and furniture lines. Florence has a long history of working with hides, skins and leather, which is why you can find real high-quality works of art made according to tradition.
The Mercato Centrale is the indoor part of the San Lorenzo Market. The two-floor building is mostly dedicated to food. Here, the very best specialities that Florence and Italy have to offer can be found. On the second floor, there is a food court where you can relish high-quality meals while soaking in the vibrant and lively atmosphere of the market.
Florence’s international airport Peretola, formally Amerigo Vespucci Airport, is around 4 kilometres from the city centre, located on the northwest outskirts of Florence. The city centre can be reached in about 15 minutes by taxi, and about 20 minutes by bus. A special bus called “Vola in bus” gets you to the city centre, to S. Maria Novella railway station (SMN) in 20-25 minutes. The bus runs daily, including Sundays and holidays. The bus departs from the airport every 30 minutes between 5:30am to 12:30am. Tickets can be bought directly when boarding the bus, but be aware only one-way tickets are available from the driver. Round-trip tickets must be purchased before boarding the bus from ATAF and Li-nea resellers or from newsagents. To take a taxi from the airport to central Florence takes about 15 minutes and you will find a taxi stand in front of the terminal. When taking a taxi, make sure to read the display with price information inside the vehicle so that you pay the correct price.
Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter Italy, only a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must hold a valid passport and, starting in late 2025, will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation online before travelling. For those requiring a visa, such as travellers from some Middle-East, African or Asian nations, a Schengen visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay.
The best way to get around Florence is on foot. The city centre is not very large and is full of monuments and amazing things to see. The local transport companies are ATAF and LI-NEA. A ticket can be bought at newsstands, tobacconists, or any shop with an "ATAF" sticker in the window, and it is valid for 90 minutes. Always remember to validate your ticket by stamping it when boarding the bus.
In Italy, taxis are not usually flagged down as they pass you along the street. You should instead call a taxi or head over to one of the taxi stands. You will find taxi stands in most of the major squares. The main taxi companies in Florence are Taxi 4242 and Taxi 4390.
Stamps can be bought from authorised tobacconists or directly at the post office. You can send letters and postcards using the mailboxes scattered all around the city.
Pharmacies in Italy generally do not stay open during lunch time, and they are closed on Sundays. In rotation, pharmacies of each town/city/area provides Sunday and night services. Details are displayed at the pharmacies or on the websites of the town.
Country code: +39 There is no area code but in Florence, all phone numbers start with 055. Do not omit the zero.
Italy uses the Type F electrical sockets with two round holes, the same as in many countries in Continental Europe. You will also encounter Type L sockets with three round holes arranged in a line. A “universal“ socket, that accepts Type C, E, F and L plugs, is commonly used in Italy. The standard voltage is 230 volts, but some hotels have special plugs for 110 or 120-volt shavers.
Florence’s international airport Peretola, formally Amerigo Vespucci Airport, is around 4 kilometres from the city centre, located on the northwest outskirts of Florence. The city centre can be reached in about 15 minutes by taxi, and about 20 minutes by bus. A special bus called “Vola in bus” gets you to the city centre, to S. Maria Novella railway station (SMN) in 20-25 minutes. The bus runs daily, including Sundays and holidays. The bus departs from the airport every 30 minutes between 5:30am to 12:30am. Tickets can be bought directly when boarding the bus, but be aware only one-way tickets are available from the driver. Round-trip tickets must be purchased before boarding the bus from ATAF and Li-nea resellers or from newsagents. To take a taxi from the airport to central Florence takes about 15 minutes and you will find a taxi stand in front of the terminal. When taking a taxi, make sure to read the display with price information inside the vehicle so that you pay the correct price.
Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter Italy, only a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must hold a valid passport and, starting in late 2025, will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation online before travelling. For those requiring a visa, such as travellers from some Middle-East, African or Asian nations, a Schengen visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay.
