Best hotels & accommodations in Florence

About Florence

Florence, the city of love and Renaissance art, is also known as the city of churches. It’s no wonder, given that there are around 130 of them dotted throughout its historic center. In this small area, visitors can find many of Florence’s most famous landmarks: Piazza del Duomo, with the cathedral and Baptistry; Piazza della Signoria, with its famous Loggia; and Piazza Santa Croce, home to the famous Basilica di Santa Croce. With so many sights to see and things to do in Florence, it can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. This ultimate guide will help you plan your trip to this beautiful city as efficiently as possible.

The city has been described as the “Athens of the Middle Ages.” The city attracts millions of tourists and visitors annually, and the historic center of the city was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the year 1982.

Before you go: Prepare for your trip by deciding what to pack. Florence is a popular tourist destination, so it’s best to dress in layers and bring comfortable walking shoes. Florence also has a wide range of weather, often changing from one day to the next, so be sure to pack clothes for both warm and cold days. Your guidebook will provide information on what museums are open when and which churches are free to enter. Remember that many museums charge an entrance fee, but admission is usually discounted with purchase of a Firenze Card or Firenze Pass; these cards offer discounts on many attractions as well as free public transportation while they’re valid. If you plan on visiting more than three museums or churches on your trip, consider purchasing the Firenze Pass or the Firenze Card (or the Firenze Card Plus). These passes offer unlimited admission to all the aforementioned attractions for 48 hours or 72 hours respectively at a discounted rate. Florence offers plenty of places where you can grab some food if you want a break from Italian food—from Indian cuisine at Indicus to Mediterranean fare at Bibi’s Cafe (pictured). The latter has great vegetarian options as well as meat dishes like lamb couscous.

The Duomo is the stunning cathedral of Florence, built in the 13th century. The interior is breathtaking, with a coffered ceiling and many sculptures. But the exterior is just as beautiful: it has a Brunelleschi dome and is adorned with statues from Giovanni Pisano and Donatello. There are actually two baptistry buildings in Florence: the octagonal Baptistry of Pisa, designed by Nicola Pisano, which houses a round skylight; and the square Baptistry of San Giovanni, which has an elaborate domed roof. Both are worth visiting, but it is important to note that you can visit only one of these buildings on each visit to Florence.

The Museum of the Opera del Duomo is one of the most famous museums in Florence and has a vast collection of Renaissance art. The museum spans over 14 rooms, each with a different focus. The first room is filled with sculptures, paintings and architectural models of churches which are typical in the city. There is also an installation called “The Baptistery” which was created by Mario Merz that is worth checking out. In the second room you can enter through Giovanni’s doors. These doors were specifically made for the church San Giovanni Battista, or John the Baptist, to celebrate the birth of Christ. The third room displays works from masters like Giotto and Donatello as well as a statue of David by Michelangelo that was made from marble he sculpted back in 1501-1504 when he was 27 years old. There are many things to do in Florence including visiting museums so it might be worth setting aside at least half a day for this particular museum alone!

One of the most notable landmarks in Florence is the Duomo, or cathedral. It features a dome that dominates the skyline and can be seen from miles away. Visitors can climb up to the top of the dome for a breathtaking view of Florence from above. As you climb, you’ll also see Michelangelo’s famous frescoes on each of the four sides of the dome.

The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels was built in 1260. It is located in the heart of Florence, not far from the Duomo. It has a great view of the city and its architecture is supported by columns that create a magnificent perspective. If you are visiting Florence for the first time and want to see something different from all those churches, this museum might be perfect for you. It’s worth a visit, especially if you’re interested in Medieval art.

The Museum of Orsanmichele is an artistic gem in Florence. In fact, it’s one of the oldest museums in Italy, dating back to the 13th century. Located in a former grain warehouse near Piazza della Signoria, this museum houses many important art works from the time when Florence was at the height of its Renaissance power.

One of Florence’s most famous sights, the Galleria dell’Accademia houses the famous marble David by Michelangelo. Make sure to book your ticket in advance; tickets are much easier to obtain at this popular museum. After you visit the Galleria dell’Accademia, consider stopping by Palazzo Medici-Riccardi to see the collection of Renaissance paintings and sculptures.

Want to get to know the city a bit better? Check out our guide about where to stay in Florence, it includes recommendations about the best areas, museums, attractions and other things to do.

If you like our list of the best hotels and hostels in Florence, then you should also check out our selection of recommended hotels in Rome or the best hotels in Milan.