Destinations: Florence Travel Guide & Flights 

The Duomo:for history 

Begun in 1296 and completed 140 years later, Florence’s celebrated cathedral (or Duomo) is a Renaissance masterpiece. The area around it is packed with historic and cultural sights, with nearby Galleria dell’Accademia housing one of the world’s most famous artworks: Michelangelo’s marble statue of David. You’ll also find the centuries-old Palazzo Vecchio which is part-museum and still the seat of local government.  A few minutes’ walk from the Duomo, at the Leonardo da Vinci Interactive Museum you can see working machines constructed to the great man’s designs. 

The Oltrarno: for artisan workshops 

This atmospheric neighbourhood across the river (its name translates as ‘other side of the Arno’) has been a source of Florence’s formidable artistic output for centuries. The area’s cobbled streets are dotted with boutiques and artisan workshops, as well as home to several iconic buildings, including the glorious Santo Spirito, Palazzo Pitti and Piazzale Michelangelo with its panoramic views over Florence.  

Piazza della Signoria: for art galleries

This single square is considered the cradle of the Florentine Republic – and thus the Renaissance – and still culturally significant today. Here, the fine Uffizi Gallery houses countless priceless Renaissance works, including Leonardo da Vinci’s Adoration of the Magi and Annunciation, and Michelangelo’s Doni Tondo. Not far away you’ll also find the Bargello (or Palazzo del Popolo), home to masterpieces of sculpture.

Michelangelo’s David 

Michelangelo’s masterpiece, perhaps the world’s most iconic sculpture, is the most famous Florentine work of art still remaining in its home city. View the real thing inside the Galleria dell’Accademia – or grab a selfie in front of the full-size replica out in the Piazza della Signoria.  

Il Duomo 

Florence’s famous cathedral is instantly recognisable by its towering cupola and red-tiled roof. The fourth-largest cathedral in the world is just as astonishing inside, featuring exquisite frescoes that are masterpieces in their own right, including Vasari’s The Last Judgement.

Basilica di Santa Maria Novella 

Perhaps Florence’s most famous church after the Duomo, this beautifully preserved building is only new (’novella’) by ancient Florentine standards. It was consecrated in 1420 and holds countless priceless artworks by the likes of Botticelli, Brunelleschi and Vasari.  

Uffizi Gallery 

Sitting in Piazza della Signoria, the colonnaded entrance of one of the world’s leading art galleries leads to a showcase of countless masterpieces from the Renaissance, Dutch masters and more, by artists including Rembrandt, Caravaggio and Da Vinci.  

Palazzo Vecchio  

Florence’s most famous palazzo dates from the early 14th century and has been the seat of Florence’s political power ever since, including during the notorious Medici dynasty. You can step even further into the past with a stroll around the ruins of an ancient Roman amphitheatre deep in the basement.  

Food markets 

In a region as celebrated for its eating as Tuscany, it’s no surprise Florence is home to some truly wonderful food markets. One of the best is the vast two-level San Lorenzo market, made up of indoor Mercato Centrale selling fresh produce and gourmet food stalls, plus outdoor market stalls selling leather, clothing and souvenirs. To shop where the locals go, head to Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio not far from Santa Croce –

or bag the best deals at Mercato delle Cascine near the Arno.

Cookery Classes 

Most of us can fling together some pasta pesto but learning to cook Tuscan dishes in Tuscany is a lovely way to sample regional delicacies and take your kitchen repertoire up a notch. You’ll see cookery classes advertised all over the place in Florence, so do your research.

Gelato 

Ask a friendly Florentine where to find the best ice cream in the city, and everyone will probably give you a different answer! Some like to claim that gelato was originally created here – debatable – but there is definitely a world of luscious flavours on offer across Florence. A good place to start is local legend Badiani on Via dei Mille, which has been welcoming customers since 1932.

Florence CarnivalJan or Feb

A spectacular parade of floats winds through the city in this celebration of Florence’s diverse community. Expect to see characters in traditional costumes, Renaissance-style musicians, riders on horses, marching bands, dancers and giant papier-mâché puppets. 

Scoppio del Carro Easter

Each Easter Sunday, the ‘Explosion of the Cart’ folk tradition sees fireworks loaded on a 15th century cart, which is dragged by white oxen to the doors of the Duomo, then set spectacularly alight. Impressive to see how the cart has survived over 500 years of this! 

Maggio Musicale Fiorentino April - June

Since 1931 this annual classical music festival brings its ‘welcome to spring’ vibe to the city, with a programme of opera, dance, theatre and ballet. 

Florence Dance Performing Arts Festival June - July

Where better to see contemporary dance from leading national and international companies than in some of Florence's most atmospheric spots? It’s truly enchanting to watch dancers in action in spaces including the Roman amphitheatre in Fiesole (on the city outskirts) and the cloisters of Santa Maria Novella church.  

Christmas Markets November - December

Like many European cities, Florence comes alight with traditional markets in the weeks running up to Christmas. One of the prettiest pops up in the piazza in front of Santa Croce basilica, where stalls sell a tempting mix of crafts, food and decorations by local and international exhibitors.