Florence is a must-visit destination for a rich cultural immersion in Italian art and history.
Contemporary art curated by Liquid Art System adds a touch of modernity to the otherwise classic decor.
Dont miss an aperitivo in the Winter Garden.
Credit:Evgeniya Vlasova/Travel + Leisure
No wonder this hotel ranked the fourth best in Florence in the 2023 Worlds Best Awards.
Best Things to Do
Admire incredible art at the Uffizi Gallery.
Must-see paintings include BotticellisBirth of Venus, RaphaelsMadonna of the Goldfinch, and CaravaggiosBacchus.
Courtesy of Four Seasons
Learn about Brunelleschis masterpiece at the Opera del Duomo Museum.
The Duomo is Florence’s most recognizable landmark with its symbolic red terracotta tiled roof and Gothic facade.
However, many of the great artworks created for it now reside in the nearbyOpera del Duomo Museum.
Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure
Visit the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella.
It was the official perfumer of Catherine de Medici and officially opened its doors to the public in 1542.
Stroll through the Boboli and Bardini Gardens.
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Explore Markets like the Mercato Centrale and the Mercato di SantAmbrogio.
Theres also a flea market nearby in Largo Annigoni.
Head to the shop near the Duomo to watch the artisans at work and buy a unique piece.
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They also work on commissions to make inlaid marble tables and other beautiful objects.
Book in advance if you want a spot at thissmall al fresco baroverlooking the Arno River.
Its incredibly atmospheric for a sunset aperitivo.
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Cibreo
TheCibreo family of restaurantsencompasses five locations in Florence.
When Gray used to teach travel writing to university students, she sometimes brought them to Cibreo Caffe.
This is still one of my favorite ways to spend a special morning out in Florence, she maintains.
Evgeniya Vlasova/Travel + Leisure
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Florence for fewer crowds is November through March.
Summer is hot and crowded.
Gray says, A real low season in Florence isnt much of a thing anymore.
Evgeniya Vlasova /Travel + Leisure
Maggio Musicale Fiorentino is one of Italys oldest music festivals.
It typically starts mid-April and runs through mid-June, with classical music concerts, operas, and other performances.
Its also easy to get to Florence by train from elsewhere in Italy.
Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure
High-speed Frecciarossa trains run frequently from major cities like Rome, Milan, Bologna, and Venice.
The central train station is Firenze Santa Maria Novella.
Beware of the stalls selling fake leather or souvenirs made in China.
Oltrarno:Literally across the Arno, Oltrarno is a more laid-back, slightly bohemian area.
How to Get Around
The historic center of Florence is compact and very walkable.
Much of it has been pedestrianized or is part of a limited traffic zone.
Autolinee Toscane:Autolinee Toscaneruns the buses and trams that connect Florence with the greater metropolitan area.
Taxi:There are two taxi companies in Florence:Taxi4242andTaxi4390.
Use theitTaxiapp to hail a taxi.
