Located in the heart of Tuscany, Florence – or Firenze in Italian – is home to countless historic buildings and churches, while its galleries house some of the most beautiful and famous works of art in the world. Whether you spend your weekend in Florence exploring galleries or wandering around the narrow, cobbled streets of the Old Town, you'll surely be impressed by this stunning Tuscan city.
What to know before visiting Florence
A number of UK airports offer flights to Florence, one of Italy's most popular destinations for travellers from around the world. You can fly to Florence from London and regional airports including Manchester. Located around three miles outside the city centre, Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR) is named after the famous explorer. Catch the regular shuttle bus to get to historic quarter.
UK citizens won't need a visa for city breaks in Florence. The currency in Italy is the euro, and Italian is the main language. However, many people working at hotels, restaurants and visitor attractions speak some English. Florence is one hour ahead of the UK.
When is the best time to visit Florence?
No matter what time of year you choose to take package holidays in Florence, you'll likely experience pleasant weather. Florence can be very warm during the summer months, and in winter, the area can see temperatures of up to 15°C.
What to do in Florence
Take a stroll through the winding streets of the Old Town to enjoy the scenery and bustling life of this colourful city. Package holidays in Florence wouldn't be complete without a walk over the unusual Ponte Vecchio on the River Arno, which was traditionally where the city's jewel merchants sold their wares and is still home to jewellery shops. Make sure to check out the outdoor San Lorenzo Market, where you can buy local food, leather items and souvenirs.
Food and wine are important parts of life in Tuscany, and Florence is no exception. Expect to spend most of the evening enjoying your meal on city breaks in Florence – when so many of the restaurants have such great views, why would you want to finish your meal quickly, anyway?
Places to visit in Florence
Florence is an art lover's and history buff's paradise. Make sure you spend some time exploring the city's fascinating buildings.
The city's historic cathedral, the Duomo, is a must-see on weekends in Florence. If you have the energy, why not climb the bell tower next door to enjoy the view over the city's rooftops?
The cathedral isn't the only church worth visiting, however. Get a glimpse into the lives of Florence's powerful Medici family by visiting their chapel, complete with sculptures by Michelangelo.
Florence is also home to Michelangelo's David, one of the most famous statues in the world. See it at the Galleria dell'Accademia. As this museum is hugely popular, you'll want to get there early to beat the crowds.
Art lovers should also visit the Uffizi Gallery, housed in an old palace. It contains works by Botticelli, Caravaggio and Michelangelo.
If you also have time to explore the surrounding area, you can also rent a car in Florence.
What should you eat in Florence?
While pizza and pasta are widely available at most restaurants, there are also plenty of traditional Tuscan dishes worth trying while in Florence. Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a cut of T-bone steak named after the city, is ideal for those with big appetites, while ribollita, a typical peasant dish made with stale bread, tomatoes and vegetables, has risen to restaurant-standard cuisine and can be found in many eateries.
Tuscany is famous for its wines, so while eating out on your weekend in Florence, make sure to order a local bottle of Chianti if you're a red wine drinker, or Vernaccia di Sam Gimignano if you prefer white.
What to bring back from Florence
Souvenir shoppers have lots of options to choose from in Florence, from miniature Michelangelo's David statues to handmade jewellery from the traditional shops on the Ponte Vecchio and boutiques in the winding streets of the Old Town. Florence is also famous for its perfume and paper industries, and the city is home to many stores selling handmade perfumes and soap and handbound books. Stop in to pick up a special souvenir of your trip to Tuscany.
Explore other destinations
Planning on flying to Italy? If a city break in Florence doesn't quite convince you, why not explore other exciting cities in Italy ? Check out our amazing flight and hotel packages for your next holiday adventure!