Florence

Renaissance streets, Oltrarno trattorias & jazz cellars

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Florence is one of the most rewarding places to explore, and this local guide brings together the best things to do, where to eat and where to stay in one place. Highlights include Ponte Vecchio, Piazzale Michelangelo and Piazza della Signoria. Food lovers should not miss Jazz Club and Osteria Santo Spirito. Below you will find 13 hand-picked local recommendations across sights, restaurants, hotels and tours, which you can filter by category and budget to plan the perfect trip, whether you have a weekend or a week.

Florence at a glance

Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
Best time to visit: spring and autumn
Highlights: Ponte Vecchio and Piazzale Michelangelo
Where to stay: Centro and Oltrarno
Local picks: 13 hand-chosen recommendations
Getting around: walkable, plus easy public transport

Local tips for Florence

Stories and neighbourhood know-how from our local guides.

Local tipsBest Things to Do in Florence: A Local’s GuideThe best things to do in Florence, chosen by locals: top sights, where to eat, where to stay and the…

Where to stay in Florence

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Santo Spirito

Osteria Santo Spirito

A lively Oltrarno osteria on one of Florence’s best people-watching squares. Book an outdoor table in warm weather and dig into fresh, fairly priced Tuscan cooking – the truffle gnocchi is the decadent house favourite.

★ 4.4

Centro

Piazza della Signoria

An open-air sculpture gallery outside the Palazzo Vecchio.

★ 4.7

Oltrarno

Piazzale Michelangelo

The panoramic terrace with the classic postcard view over Florence.

★ 4.8

Oltrarno

Piazzale Michelangelo

Centro

Ponte Vecchio

The medieval bridge lined with goldsmiths shops arching over the Arno.

★ 4.7

Centro

Portrait Firenze

A polished luxury hotel overlooking the Ponte Vecchio.

★ 4.7

$$$

Oltrarno

Rasputin

Santa Croce

Scuola del Cuoio

Tucked behind the apse of Santa Croce in a Renaissance dormitory frescoed by Ghirlandaio’s school, the Leather School of Florence is where you watch artisans cut, stitch and gold-emboss bags in the open workshop. Why it matters: founded in 1950 by the Franciscan friars of Santa Croce and the Gori family to teach WWII orphans a trade, it still trains new artisans today through the Marcello Gori Foundation, which educates six underprivileged young people in leathercraft each year. Wander the workshop corridor for free, then have a wallet or belt personalized with 22-carat gold initials while you wait. Tip: enter through the garden on Via San Giuseppe rather than paying Santa Croce admission.

Oltrarno

Trattoria dell’Orto

A warm, well-regarded Tuscan trattoria in the Oltrarno, off the tourist track, serving hearty Florentine classics, ribollita, bistecca and handmade pasta, with a lovely garden in summer. Book ahead.

★ 4.4

Centro

Uffizi Gallery

The worlds greatest collection of Renaissance painting.

★ 4.8

$$$

Centro

Uffizi Skip-the-Line Tour

A guided skip-the-line tour through the Uffizis masterpieces.

★ 4.6

Before you go

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Florence travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Florence?

Two to three days is enough to enjoy the highlights of Florence at a relaxed pace.

Where is the best area to stay in Florence?

Stay central and walkable to the main sights for a first visit.

What are the best things to do in Florence?

Browse the local picks above, from top sights and museums to where to eat and stay. Or read our best things to do in Florence guide.

What is the best time to visit Florence?

Spring and autumn usually bring the most comfortable weather and thinner crowds, though Florence is worth visiting year-round.