Florence

How many days: 3

Three days covers the main museums and churches without rushing. Two is enough for the highlights if you book entry ahead.

Florence is also a good base for day trips to Tuscan hill towns and wine country by train or bus. Pick one rather than trying several.

What to do in Florence

See the Duomo

The huge cathedral with its red dome dominates the skyline. Climbing the dome gives you a view of the city, but it needs a timed ticket.

Visit the Uffizi Gallery

One of the great art museums in the world, with Renaissance masterpieces. Book a timed ticket in advance on the official site.

Walk across the Ponte Vecchio

The medieval bridge lined with jewellers' shops has crossed the river for centuries. It is best seen from the neighbouring bridges.

See Michelangelo's David

The famous statue stands in the Accademia. Book ahead as the museum is small and popular.

Climb to Piazzale Michelangelo

A terrace across the river with a famous view of the city. Go at sunset, and walk up through the gardens.

Explore the Oltrarno

The quieter side of the river with artisan workshops, small squares and local restaurants. A good place for an evening stroll.

Visit the Boboli Gardens

A large formal Renaissance garden behind a palace, with statues and views. A calm break from the crowded centre.

Visit Santa Croce

A grand church holding the tombs of famous Italians including Michelangelo and Galileo. Its square is a good place to rest.

Browse the Mercato Centrale

A large covered food market with produce downstairs and a food hall above. A good lunch stop near the station.

What to eat and drink

Bistecca alla Fiorentina

A thick T-bone steak, grilled rare over charcoal and meant to be shared. A Florentine classic.

Ribollita and pappa al pomodoro

Hearty Tuscan soups made with bread and vegetables. Comfort food, and a good lunch.

Lampredotto

A sandwich of slow-cooked tripe, sold from street stalls. A local favourite if you want to be adventurous.

Gelato

Florence is a gelato city. Look for places that keep it in covered tubs rather than piled high in bright colours.

Chianti wine

The wine region lies just south of the city. Many restaurants pour local Chianti by the glass.

Schiacciata

A flat Tuscan bread, often split and filled with cured meats and cheese. A simple lunch to eat on the go.

Getting around

The historic centre is compact and closed to most traffic, so you will walk almost everywhere. Comfortable shoes matter, as the streets are cobbled.

Trains from Santa Maria Novella station reach Pisa, Siena, Bologna and Rome easily. Buses cover some of the Tuscan towns.

Taxis are available at ranks rather than hailed on the street.

Good to know

• Book museum tickets and the dome climb in advance, particularly from spring to autumn. Queues can be very long.
• Summer is hot and crowded. Spring and autumn are better for walking and for the light.
• Many churches ask for covered shoulders and knees. Carry a light scarf.
• Pickpockets work the crowds around the main sights. Keep valuables in a secure bag.
• Restaurants near the major sights can be poor value. Walk a few streets away or cross the river to eat.
• Be careful with ticket resellers. Buy tickets directly from the official sites.
• Many museums close on Mondays. Check the day before you plan your route, so you do not arrive at a locked door.