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Florence

Florence travel guide

Largest city in Tuscany, Italy

Flights from$781 round trip
Things to do244 experiences
Best time to visitJune
Nearest airportFLR · 4 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC+2
Population360,930

About Florence

Florence is the capital and most populous city of the Italian region of Tuscany, and, as of 2026, with a population of 361,625, the 8th most populous city in the country. It is also the capital of the eponymous metropolitan province, which counts 988,494 inhabitants, while Eurostat estimates that 696,767 people live in the urban area of Florence. The Metropolitan Area of Florence, Prato and Pistoia, constituted in 2000 over an area of roughly 4,800 square kilometres (1,850 sq mi), is home to 1.5 million people.

Cheap flights to Florence

The lowest round-trip fare found by Destina Holidays travellers in the last 30 days was $781 from New York, travelling 25 Nov – 9 Dec. These are the cheapest fares from the most searched cities.

Cheapest month to fly

$781 Oct $781 Nov $781 Dec $781 Jan $781 Feb $781 Mar $881 Apr $983 May $1,240 Jun $1,121 Jul $904 Aug $866 Sep

Airlines travellers compared most often: ITA Airways, Swiss International Air Lines, Finnair, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa.

Prices are per adult in US dollars, taken from searches between 20 Sep and 20 Oct 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.

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Places to visit in Florence

  1. Florence Cathedral

    Florence Cathedral

    Religious

    The Duomo, with Brunelleschi's great brick dome, dominates the city skyline. Climb the dome or Giotto's bell tower for views, and see the Baptistery opposite with its gilded bronze doors.

  2. Uffizi Gallery

    Uffizi Gallery

    Museum

    A world-class collection of Renaissance art, with works by Botticelli, Leonardo, Michelangelo and Raphael. Booking a timed entry helps avoid long lines, and the rooftop cafe has close views of the Palazzo Vecchio.

  3. Galleria dell'Accademia

    Galleria dell'Accademia

    Museum

    This gallery is the home of Michelangelo's original marble David, displayed beneath a skylit tribune alongside his unfinished Prisoners. It is a compact visit that most first-timers make a priority.

  4. Ponte Vecchio

    Ponte Vecchio

    Landmark

    The medieval bridge over the Arno, lined with jewelry shops that hang over the water. The enclosed Vasari Corridor runs above it, and the bridge is best photographed from its neighbors.

  5. Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens

    Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens

    Park

    The vast Medici palace across the Arno contains several museums, including the Palatine Gallery. Behind it, the terraced Boboli Gardens have fountains, grottoes and city views.

  6. Piazzale Michelangelo

    Viewpoint

    A hillside square on the south bank with a bronze copy of David and a classic panorama of the Duomo and the river. Especially popular at sunset.

  7. Basilica of Santa Croce

    Basilica of Santa Croce

    Religious

    A Franciscan church holding the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli, plus frescoes by Giotto. The adjoining Pazzi Chapel, reached through the cloister, is a Renaissance gem.

  8. Piazza della Signoria

    Piazza della Signoria

    Landmark

    Florence's political heart, home to the fortress-like Palazzo Vecchio and the open-air sculptures of the Loggia dei Lanzi. It is a natural place to start a walking tour of the center.

Things to do in Florence by type

244 tours, tickets and experiences across 12 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.

How long
  • 1-3 hours 54
  • Over 6 hours 35
  • 3-6 hours 25
  • Up to 1 hour 8
  • Flexible 5
Good for
  • Senior 12
  • Couples 12
  • Youth 11
  • Families 8
Ways to go
  • Private 42
  • Small group 41
  • Skip the line 12
Browse all things to do in Florence

Top experiences in Florence

Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 244 available.

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Where to stay in Florence

Popular hotels in Florence, out of 969 properties you can book.

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Best time to visit Florence

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Florence is June, when average daytime highs are around 86°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 39° – 53° 14
Feb 41° – 57° 13
Mar 43° – 61° 17
Apr 47° – 68° 11
May 53° – 73° 14
Jun 63° – 86° 6
Jul 66° – 90° 8
Aug 67° – 92° 8
Sep 59° – 78° 13
Oct 53° – 70° 15
Nov 42° – 60° 10
Dec 37° – 53° 10

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Florence weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 66° 62° 90%
  • Thu 22 Oct 71° 50° 42%
  • Fri 23 Oct 69° 47° 25%
  • Sat 24 Oct 64° 53° 78%
  • Sun 25 Oct 60° 44° 39%
  • Mon 26 Oct 65° 47° 43%

Know before you go

Currency
Euro (EUR)1 US dollar ≈ €0.89
Language
Italian
Calling code
+39
Driving
On the right
Time zone
Europe/RomeUTC+2
Capital
Rome

Upcoming public holidays in Italy

  • All Saints DayTutti i Santi
  • Immaculate ConceptionImmacolata Concezione
  • Christmas DayNatale
  • St. Stephen's DaySanto Stefano
  • New Year's DayCapodanno
  • EpiphanyEpifania

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Florence

These are the airports closest to central Florence. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • FLR Florence Peretola Airport4 mi (6 km) from the city centre
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Getting around Florence

Most of the major tourist sights in Florence are within easy walking distance of each other. It is possible to walk from one end of the historic center of Florence to the other - north-south or east-west - in a half hour. Walking is not only an easy way to get around, it also offers the chance to 'take in' much more of the city life. Be warned though, that electric motor scooters are small enough to fit where cars cannot. They are relatively quiet but quick and in the summer they often travel into the plazas.

By bicycle

There is a bike rental service organized by the city. Bikes can be hired at several points in the city (and returned to the same place). One of the most convenient for tourists is at the SMN Station. There are other locations at many railway stations, but often with restricted opening hours. In addition, some hotels provide their guests with free bicycles. Bike shops also often rent bikes and some of them organize guided bike tours in the countryside.

By taxi

Taxis are available, but it may be best if you have your hotel or the restaurant you are eating at call ahead. When taxis are called by phone, the nearest one available is sent to you through the company's radio system with its meter ticking away. In Florence, it can be difficult to hail a cab from the street curb. You either call for one or get one at the very few taxi stands. One popular taxi stand is at the central Santa Maria Novella Train Station, and there are others in a few major squares.

By bus

Another way of getting around is by using the public buses from AutolineeToscane.

Florence travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Florence?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Florence is June, when average daytime highs are around 86°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.

What is the weather like in Florence?

August is usually the warmest month in Florence, with average highs of 92°F (33°C). December is the coolest, with average lows of 37°F (3°C). The wettest month is typically March, with about 181 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Florence?

Florence Peretola Airport (FLR) is the closest airport, about 4 miles (6 km) from the centre of Florence.

How much are flights to Florence?

The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Florence in the last 30 days was $781 from New York, travelling 25 Nov – 9 Dec. October is currently the cheapest month to fly, with fares from $781.

What currency is used in Florence?

Florence uses the Euro (EUR). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ €0.89.

What time zone is Florence in?

Florence uses the Europe/Rome time zone (currently UTC+2). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Florence?

Most of the major tourist sights in Florence are within easy walking distance of each other. It is possible to walk from one end of the historic center of Florence to the other - north-south or east-west - in a half hour.

What are the best places to visit in Florence?

Top sights in Florence include Florence Cathedral, Uffizi Gallery, Galleria dell'Accademia and Ponte Vecchio. The Duomo, with Brunelleschi's great brick dome, dominates the city skyline. Climb the dome or Giotto's bell tower for views, and see the Baptistery opposite with its gilded bronze doors.

What are the top things to do in Florence?

Popular experiences you can book in Florence include Siena and Its Cathedral, S. Gimignano, Chianti and Pisa, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni and Chianti with Wine Tasting and Lunch and The Heart of Florence – Small Group Walking Guided Tour. Destina Holidays offers 244 tours and activities here.

What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Florence?

The most popular types of experiences in Florence are art & culture (80), day trips & excursions (76), city tours (48) and gastronomy & nightlife (42). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.

Where should I stay in Florence?

Popular areas for hotels in Florence include Florence. Well-reviewed options include Roma and NH Firenze.

How many hotels can I book in Florence?

Destina Holidays currently lists 969 properties in and around Florence, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.