A bustling market in the heart of the city, offering a variety of local produce, meats, cheeses, and other goods. It's also home to several eateries serving traditional Tuscan cuisine.

The Central Market, also known as Mercato Centrale, is a food lover's paradise located in the heart of Florence. The ground floor is a bustling marketplace where local vendors sell a variety of Tuscan products, including fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, cheeses, and much more. The upper level, on the other hand, is a modern food hall where you can find a variety of eateries serving everything from traditional Italian dishes to innovative culinary creations. /n The market is not only a place to shop and eat but also a place to immerse yourself in the local culture. The sights, sounds, and smells of the market offer a sensory experience that is quintessentially Florentine. Whether you're a food lover looking to sample local delicacies, a shopper in search of unique souvenirs, or a tourist seeking an authentic Italian experience, the Central Market is a must-visit destination when in Florence.

A bustling hub of food vendors, the Central Market is a must-visit for food lovers.

The Duomo, officially known as the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, is the main church of Florence, Italy. It is one of the most iconic buildings in the city and a major tourist attraction. The cathedral complex includes the Baptistery and Giotto's Campanile, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Duomo, officially known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Florence, Italy. This magnificent cathedral is renowned for its stunning architecture, intricate frescoes, and religious significance. /n The cathedral's dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, is a masterpiece of engineering and a symbol of the city. The cathedral's interior is equally impressive, featuring a beautiful mosaic pavement and a stunning fresco of the Last Judgment by Giorgio Vasari. The cathedral also houses a number of important works of art, including a statue of St. John the Baptist by Donatello and a crucifix by Brunelleschi. /n The Duomo is not just a place of worship, but also a symbol of the city's rich history and cultural heritage. It is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Florence, offering visitors a unique insight into the city's past and its enduring beauty.

The Duomo is Florence's most iconic landmark, known for its stunning architecture and religious significance.

One of the world's most famous fine art museums with collections of Renaissance paintings and sculptures.

The Uffizi Gallery is one of the world's most famous fine art museums, located in Florence, Italy. It is known for its outstanding collections of ancient sculptures and paintings, from the Middle Ages to the Modern period. /n The galleries contain some of the most celebrated masterpieces of Western art including works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Caravaggio. A visit to the Uffizi is an opportunity to get up close to the works of the masters of the Italian Renaissance.

A Renaissance palace that was once the residence of the Medici family, now a large museum complex.

The Pitti Palace, also known as Palazzo Pitti, is a grand Renaissance palace located on the south side of the River Arno, a short distance from the Ponte Vecchio. The palace was originally built in the 15th century for the Pitti family, a wealthy Florentine banking family. Over the centuries, it has served as a residence for the Medici family, a power base for Napoleon, and a royal palace for the Kings of Italy. /n Today, the Pitti Palace is home to several important museums, including the Palatine Gallery, which houses an impressive collection of Renaissance art; the Royal Apartments, which showcase the luxurious living quarters of the Medici family; and the Silver Museum, which displays a vast collection of precious objects from the Medici treasury. The palace is also surrounded by the beautiful Boboli Gardens, which are considered one of the greatest open-air museums in Florence. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and priceless collections, the Pitti Palace is a must-visit attraction for any visitor to Florence.

Pitti Palace, a grand Renaissance palace, is home to several important museums.

Historic park that houses a collection of sculptures and offers beautiful views of the city.

The Boboli Gardens are a historical park in Florence, Italy. Created as a grand ducal garden for the Pitti Palace, it is now one of the most important examples of the Italian Garden in the world and a public park. /n The gardens are home to a collection of sculptures dating from the 16th through the 18th centuries, with some Roman antiquities. The gardens also offer some of the best views of the city, making them a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

A historical park home to a collection of sculptures and some of the city's best views.

A square with a panoramic view of Florence, known for its bronze statue of David.

Piazzale Michelangelo is a square located in the Oltrarno district of Florence, Italy. It's best known for its panoramic views of the city, including the Duomo, the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Arno River. /n The square is also home to a bronze replica of Michelangelo's David, as well as several other sculptures. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and is a must-visit for anyone wanting to take in the beauty of Florence.

A popular square with a bronze statue of David and panoramic views of Florence.

Experience the heart of the Renaissance in Florence, Italy. This city is a treasure trove of art and architecture, home to masterpieces like Michelangelo's "David" and Brunelleschi's Dome. Wander through the Uffizi Gallery, stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, and marvel at the grandeur of the Florence Cathedral. Don't miss the chance to taste authentic Tuscan cuisine, especially the famous Florentine steak. Explore the local markets for unique souvenirs and enjoy the panoramic view from Piazzale Michelangelo. Florence's compact size makes it perfect for walking tours, allowing you to soak in its rich history and vibrant culture at your own pace. Whether you're an art lover, a foodie, or a history buff, Florence promises an unforgettable journey.

Central Market

Duomo

Start your day with a visit to the bustling Central Market, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and buy fresh produce, local cheeses, and traditional Tuscan products. It's a great place to get a feel for the city's culinary scene.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local trattoria. Try traditional Tuscan dishes like ribollita, a hearty vegetable and bread soup, or bistecca alla fiorentina, a T-bone steak cooked over a wood fire.

Spend your afternoon exploring the historic city center. Visit the iconic Duomo, stroll through the picturesque streets, and shop for leather goods and jewelry in the artisan workshops.

Have dinner at a family-friendly pizzeria. Try a classic Margherita or a pizza topped with local ingredients like Tuscan sausage and pecorino cheese.

End your day with a gelato from a local gelateria. Walk along the Arno River and enjoy the beautiful views of the city at night.

Exploring the Culinary Scene and Historic City Centre

Uffizi Gallery

Pitti Palace

Boboli Gardens

Piazzale Michelangelo

Start your second day with a visit to the Uffizi Gallery, one of the world's most famous art museums. Here, you can see works by artists like Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci.

Have lunch at a local enoteca, where you can sample a variety of Tuscan wines and pair them with local cheeses and cured meats.

Spend the afternoon exploring the Oltrarno district, known for its artisan workshops and antique shops. Don't miss the chance to visit the Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens.

Enjoy a traditional Tuscan dinner at a local osteria. Try dishes like pappardelle with wild boar sauce or roasted rabbit with olives and rosemary.

End your trip with a visit to Piazzale Michelangelo, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Florence at sunset.

Art, Wine, and Shopping in Florence

Daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March, ends last Sunday in October

UTC+1

Florence is a compact city with most of the major attractions located in the city center. Walking is often the best way to get around, especially in the pedestrian-only zones.

Florence is a bike-friendly city with many bike rental services available. It's a quick and eco-friendly way to get around the city.

The public bus system in Florence is extensive and can take you to most parts of the city. Tickets can be purchased at tobacco shops, newsstands, and some cafes.

Florence has a modern tram system that connects the city center with the suburbs. It's a quick and efficient way to travel longer distances.

Taxis are readily available in Florence. They can be hailed on the street, found at taxi stands, or booked in advance.

Ridesharing services like Uber are available in Florence. It's a convenient option for getting around, especially if you're traveling with a group or have a lot of luggage.

Renting a car can be useful if you plan to explore the Tuscan countryside. However, driving in the city center can be challenging due to the limited traffic zones and narrow streets.

Florence's main train station, Santa Maria Novella, offers connections to other Italian cities and towns. It's a good option if you plan to do day trips outside of Florence.

A large, thick cut of T-bone steak that is grilled over a wood or charcoal fire, seasoned with salt, sometimes with black pepper, and olive oil, applied immediately after the meat is retired from the heat. This dish is closely tied to the identity of Florence.

Bistecca alla Fiorentina

A Tuscan chopped salad of soaked stale bread, onions and tomatoes that is popular in the summer. It often includes cucumbers, sometimes basil and is dressed with olive oil and vinegar. It is a staple of Florentine cuisine.

Panzanella

A thick Tuscan bread soup typically prepared with fresh tomatoes, bread, olive oil, garlic, basil, and various other fresh ingredients. It is usually made with stale or leftover bread, and can be served hot, room temperature, or chilled.

Pappa al Pomodoro

A famous Tuscan soup, a hearty potage made with bread and vegetables. There are many variations but the main ingredients always include leftover bread, cannellini beans, lacinato kale, cabbage, and inexpensive vegetables such as carrot, beans, chard, celery, potatoes and onion.

Ribollita

A typical Florentine dish, made from the fourth and final stomach of a cow, the abomasum. It is a popular street food in Florence and it is served in a bun with green sauce and spicy oil.

Lampredotto

Also known as Biscotti di Prato, Cantucci are almond biscuits that originated in the city of Prato. They are twice-baked, oblong-shaped, dry, crunchy, and may be dipped in a drink, traditionally Vin Santo.

Cantucci

A fluffy, orange-flavored cake that is traditionally made and served in Florence during the Carnival period. It is usually sprinkled with powdered sugar and a cocoa image of the Florentine lily.

Schiacciata Fiorentina

A red wine that ranges from light-bodied to almost full-bodied, named after the Chianti region in central Tuscany. It is one of the most popular wines in Italy and it pairs well with many traditional Florentine dishes.

Chianti

A style of Italian dessert wine. Traditional in Tuscany, these wines are often made from white grape varieties such as Trebbiano and Malvasia. It is typically served with cantucci at the end of a meal.

Vin Santo

A popular Italian cocktail, made of one part gin, one part vermouth rosso, and one part Campari, garnished with orange peel. It is considered an apéritif and was invented in Florence, Italy.

Negroni

A type of coffee preparation method and an important part of Italian culture. In Florence, like in the rest of Italy, espresso is a staple and is often enjoyed multiple times throughout the day.

Espresso

A firm-textured ewe’s milk cheese produced in Tuscany. Since 1996 it has enjoyed protected designation of origin (PDO) status. It can be enjoyed as a table cheese or used grated in many traditional Florentine recipes.

Pecorino Toscano

New Year's Day

Epiphany

Easter Sunday

Easter Monday

Liberation Day

Labor Day / May Day

Republic Day

Assumption of Mary

All Saints' Day

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Christmas Day

St. Stephen's Day

Pisa

Known for its well-preserved Renaissance walls

Lucca

A city known for its medieval brick buildings

Siena

Famous for its wine and beautiful landscapes

Known for its medieval architecture, unique in the preservation of about a dozen of its tower houses

San Gimignano

A string of centuries-old seaside villages on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline

Cinque Terre

A vibrant and historic city known for its rich food, twin towers and beautiful porticoes

Bologna

Known for its beautiful canals and architecture

Venice

The capital of Italy, known for its rich history and architecture

Rome

Known as a global capital of fashion and design

Milan

Amalfi Coast

Bergamo

Bolzano

Brescia

Lake Como

Pompeii

Sicily

Tuscany

Medieval stone bridge Ponte Vecchio over Arno river

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo)

Florence is a city that is best explored on foot, so pack comfortable walking shoes.

The city can be quite crowded, especially during the peak tourist season (April to October), so be prepared for crowds.

The local currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash.

Tipping is not mandatory in Italy, but it's customary to leave a small amount if you're happy with the service.

The official language is Italian, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Florence is in the Central European Time Zone (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+1).

The city has a Mediterranean climate. Summers (June to August) can be hot, with temperatures ranging from 86°F to 95°F (30°C to 35°C). Winters (December to February) are mild, with temperatures ranging from 32°F to 50°F (0°C to 10°C).

Florence is known for its leather goods, so consider visiting the local markets for a unique souvenir.

The tap water in Florence is safe to drink.

Public restrooms can be hard to find, and many charge a small fee for use.

Florence is generally safe, but like any major city, it's wise to be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.

The city has strict laws against eating or sitting on steps and public buildings, so be mindful of where you take a break.

Smoking is banned in all indoor public places in Italy, including bars and restaurants.

Florence has a ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone) in the city center, which means that only authorized vehicles can enter.

Public transportation in Florence is reliable and efficient. The city has a network of buses and trams that can take you around the city.

Many museums and attractions in Florence require advance booking, so plan your itinerary ahead of time.

Florence is known for its cuisine. Don't miss out on trying local dishes like Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine Steak) and Gelato.

Florence has a tourist tax that is charged per person, per night for stays in the city. The amount varies depending on the type of accommodation.

It's customary in Italy to say 'Buongiorno' (Good Morning) or 'Buonasera' (Good Evening) when entering shops and restaurants.

Most shops in Florence close for a few hours in the afternoon for 'riposo' (rest), so plan your shopping accordingly.

January is the coldest month in Florence with occasional snowfall. It's a good time to visit museums and indoor attractions.

February is still chilly, but the city starts to warm up slightly. It's a great time to explore the city without the crowds.

March sees the arrival of spring with warmer temperatures and blooming flowers. It's a good time for outdoor activities.

April is a pleasant month with mild temperatures. It's a great time to visit the gardens and parks in Florence.

May is a beautiful month with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. It's an ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

June is the start of the summer season with hot temperatures. It's a perfect time for beach trips and outdoor dining.

July is the hottest month in Florence. It's a great time to enjoy gelato and cool off in the city's fountains.

August is another hot month, but the city is less crowded as locals go on vacation. It's a good time to visit popular tourist spots.

September is a pleasant month with mild temperatures. It's a great time to visit the vineyards and enjoy the wine harvest.

October sees the arrival of autumn with cooler temperatures. It's a good time for hiking and enjoying the fall foliage.

November is a cool month with occasional rain. It's a good time to visit museums and enjoy the local cuisine.

December is a festive month with Christmas markets and lights. It's a good time to enjoy the holiday spirit in Florence.

Florence, Italy, is a city that experiences a humid subtropical climate. This means that it has hot, humid summers and cool, damp winters. 

If you're planning to visit during the summer months (June to August), be prepared for high temperatures that can reach up to 86°F (30°C). It's advisable to pack light clothing, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Also, ensure to stay hydrated and take breaks in shaded areas when sightseeing.

In contrast, the winter months (December to February) can be quite chilly with temperatures dropping to around 32°F (0°C). Therefore, pack warm clothing, including a heavy coat, scarves, gloves, and hats. Despite the cold, winter can be a great time to visit as the city is less crowded and the lines for major attractions are shorter.

The shoulder seasons, spring (March to May) and fall (September to November), offer more mild and comfortable temperatures, ranging from 50°F (10°C) to 77°F (25°C). These periods are often considered the best times to visit Florence, as the weather is pleasant and the city is less crowded than in the summer.

Regardless of when you visit, always remember to check the local weather forecast before your trip to pack appropriately. Also, keep in mind that weather can be unpredictable, so it's always a good idea to pack a compact umbrella or a light rain jacket. 

Lastly, Florence is a city best explored on foot, so regardless of the season, comfortable walking shoes are a must. Enjoy your trip to this beautiful Italian city!

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2-Day Family Food, Wine & Shopping Adventure in Florence, Italy

About Florence, Italy