The cradle of the Renaissance fits in a pocket. Walk Florence from the Duomo to the workshops of the Oltrarno, between masterpieces, gelato and sunsets over the Arno.
ounded by the Romans in 59 BC, Florence became a medieval powerhouse of banking and wool. In the 15th century, the Medici family sponsored artists: Brunelleschi raised the Duomo’s dome, Botticelli painted the Birth of Venus and Michelangelo carved the David.
The historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982, has kept its palaces, churches and artisan workshops. Florence is also a city of good food: bistecca alla fiorentina, lampredotto and Chianti wines from the nearby hills.
Find your bearings
For a first stay at the heart of it all: the cathedral, baptistery, central market and Medici palace. Very busy by day, calmer at night.
For artisan workshops, Palazzo Pitti, the Boboli Gardens and Piazza Santo Spirito. Authentic and lively at night, five minutes from the Ponte Vecchio.
For the basilica, the Sant’Ambrogio market and the bars around the square. Central and lively at night with students.
For the climb to Piazzale Michelangelo and San Miniato, small restaurants and peace and quiet. A village at the foot of the hills, ideal for a calmer stay.
A first visit
A starting point to adapt to the weather, your energy and opening hours.
Morning at the Uffizi (book ahead), then Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio. Lunch at the central market. Afternoon: climb the Duomo’s dome (booking required) and see the David at the Accademia.
Cross the Ponte Vecchio to Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens. Wander through the Oltrarno workshops. Late afternoon, climb to Piazzale Michelangelo and on to San Miniato for sunset.
