Your ultimate guide to visiting Florence
Written by
Emma Harrison
•
5 min read
Why you should visit Florence
Florence is a feast for the senses, where every corner reveals something awe-inspiring, from its mouthwatering cuisine to its breathtaking scenery and its centuries-old landmarks. Best explored on foot, this compact city invites you to wander through its enchanting streets, each one steeped in rich history and vibrant culture.
Florence's allure lies in its unparalleled collection of art, history, and architecture, with over 50 museums to explore. As the birthplace of the Renaissance, it attracts around 10 million visitors each year, drawn to its majestic palaces and iconic landmarks. Art lovers can marvel at the masterpieces housed in world-class museums like the Uffizi Gallery and the Academia, where works by Michelangelo and Botticelli continue to captivate.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history aficionado, or someone simply seeking to immerse yourself in Italy’s timeless charm, Florence offers an experience that lingers long after you've left.
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Immerse yourself in the Uffizi Galleries to experience masterpieces by Michelangelo, Da Vinci, and Botticelli, marvel at the breathtaking architecture of the Duomo, and make the short but rewarding hike to Piazzale Michelangelo for an unforgettable sunset view over the city. However, the true magic of Florence lies in taking your time, so the more time you can spend here, the more you’ll discover and appreciate.
Plot out what you want to see in advance and add everything you want to see to your Florence Pinboard. If you are looking to add a true hidden gem to the ‘See & Do’ section of your Pinboard, add the Bargello Museum to your travel itinerary. It is a paradise for sculpture and decorative arts lovers. While Donatello's David is the standout piece, the collection is a hidden gem, featuring exquisite marble sculptures, intricate ceramic roundels, and breathtaking Islamic tiles.
Where to stay in Florence
We absolutely adore the 25hours hotel in Florence, it’s a sublime blend of hipster cool and quirky charm. Inspired by the Divine Comedy; each of the rooms belongs either to Paradiso (Heaven) or Inferno (Hell) with the latter rooms being emblazoned in hot red hues. Throughout the hotel you will find a staggering array of retro pieces, bold graphics and inspiring artwork.
The hotel is just a five-minute walk from Via Tornabuoni, a street lined with designer boutiques, with the Duomo only a short walk away. The Santa Maria Novella church and train station are also within walking distance, while the Uffizi Gallery and Piazza della Signoria are just ten minutes away. A three night stay in September is coming in at around £880 and don’t forget you can book your flight via the Pogo app with our trusted partners Skyscanner too! We found flights from London for just £170 per person from London which means you will definitely have more pennies on enjoying yourself when you arrive in the ‘Cradle of the Renaissance’.
TOP TRAVEL TIPS
Here are our top three travel tips when planning a trip to Florence:
Book Museum Tickets in Advance: Florence is home to some of the world’s most famous museums, and they can get crowded, especially during peak seasons. To avoid long lines, it’s a good idea to book tickets for places like the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia online in advance. Add all the things you want to see and do to your Florence Pinboard and upgrade your travel planning experience to Pogo Plus where you can get your very own AI-powered travel itinerary to help you make the most of your time in Firenze!
Take time out to explore the hidden gems of Florence: While landmarks like the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio are travel itinerary must-sees, don’t miss out on Florence's lesser-known treasures. Wander through the Oltrarno district for artisan workshops, peaceful gardens like the Boboli Gardens, or enjoy the view from the lesser-visited San Miniato al Monte.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: Florence is best explored on foot, with cobblestone streets and plenty of walking to do. Make sure you pack comfortable shoes to fully enjoy wandering through the city’s narrow streets, piazzas, and hidden gems. Open up Pogo Pocket and create your very own Florence packing list!
