June 8, 2022, 4:37 am | Read time: 5 minutes

Visitors to the city, which is traversed not only by the famous Arno but also by the smaller Mugnone, should ideally choose spring or fall as their travel time. In July and August, temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celsius, making it very hot. However, winter also has its advantages–the city is much more tranquil then.

More tips and inspiration about Florence are provided by Susi from mitsusi.reisen in the following podcast episode of In 5 Minutes Around the World:

Here you can find an overview of all episodes of “In 5 Minutes Around the World.”

Julius Caesar Founded Florence

Florence was founded as early as 59 B.C. by Julius Caesar. Caesar named the city Florentia after the goddess of flowers, likely inspired by the vegetation in the Arno Valley. Initially, Florentia was a military camp and a settlement for veterans. In the 14th century, artists and scholars shaped the city. The names are still world-famous today: Donatello and Botticelli, Galileo Galilei and Machiavelli, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci lived and worked in Florence. Then came the Medici. The wealthy family endowed the city with many charming buildings and contributed significantly to the arts and sciences. Later, the Habsburgs and Austrians played important roles in Florence, which was even the Italian capital for a time.

Magnificent Buildings

Today, the city is a popular vacation destination in Tuscany. Visitors marvel at structures like the Duomo, the Palazzo Pitti, the Ponte Vecchio bridge, or the Santa Croce church. They admire the magnificent artworks in the Uffizi or the Galleria dell’Accademia, stroll through the Boboli Gardens, or simply wander through the narrow streets with their charming old buildings and lovely squares. Here, the ravages of time are particularly decorative on the facades.

Fortunately, little evidence remains today of the damage caused by a devastating Arno flood in November 1966. The Ponte Vecchio bridge withstood it, although the water rose to the shops and swept away some of the balconies.

Also interesting: Wild and Idyllic–A Journey to the Maremma in Southern Tuscany

Luxury Boutiques and Factory Outlets

Of course, one travels to Florence to see the spectacular buildings. But the city is also great for shopping. Via Roma/Via Calimala combines boutiques of well-known labels. Fashion fans will find what they’re looking for at Gucci, Miu Miu, or Luisa via Roma. Fendi, Roberto Cavalli, and Pucci also have boutiques in the city. Gucci and Ferragamo have even established fashion museums in the city.

Insider tip for fashionistas: The labels Fendi and Dolce & Gabbana have factory outlets in Incisa in Val d’Arno and Rignano sull’Arno near Florence, while Prada is located in Montevarchi.

Wine and Cantucci from Florence

The designer pieces you acquire can be perfectly showcased in Florence’s restaurants. If you prefer Michelin-starred luxury, try the Enoteca Pinchiorri. Other good options include Cantinetta Antinori (Piazza Antinori 3), Dei Frescobaldi Ristorante & Wine Bar, or Il Latini (Via dei Palchetti 6).

If you’re looking for souvenirs during your visit to Florence, you can stock up on Tuscan wine at one of the many enotecas. The sweet Cantucci are also typical Florentine specialties that will remind you of your trip for a long time.

Also interesting: €5,000 in Damage! German Tourist Damages Famous Neptune Fountain in Florence

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More Travel Tips for Florence

Safe Parking

Numerous parking spaces at fair prices are available at Amerigo Vespucci International Airport. A bus departs every half hour, comfortably bringing visitors into the city. Several park-and-ride lots with video surveillance are available near the city. You can also park your vehicle safely and easily in Florence’s underground garages. There are plenty of parking options.

Also interesting: Arezzo in Tuscany–The Best Travel Tips

City Tours in Florence

The city tours in Florence mainly focus on the city’s cultural and historical aspects. For example, you can visit the Medici art collection in the Uffizi Palace, where great artworks like Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” or da Vinci’s “Annunciation” can be viewed. These were gifted to the city nearly 300 years ago on the condition that they never leave Florence.

For art enthusiasts, a tour of the Museo Nazionale del Bargello is also recommended. Once a torture chamber, it now houses masterpieces by Michelangelo and Donatello. The architectural highlights are close together and can be easily explored on a city tour of Florence or on your own. Bus tours are also available to explore the entire city.

Exploring Florence Alone

Florence can also be explored independently without major issues, as there are virtually no neighborhoods with a heightened risk of crime. Caution is advised mainly at the most frequented tourist spots, where thefts can occur. These include Piazzale Michelangelo, Piazza Santa Croce, the Ponte Vecchio, and, of course, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.

Tip: Tourists who want to visit many museums in Florence can purchase the so-called Firenzecard for €85. The museum pass allows free entry to numerous museums and is valid for 72 hours.

For independent city exploration, the good public transport network, which offers over 100 affordable bus lines, is recommended. Since 2010, Florence has had a tram network, and the train lines are also recommended as they connect several city stations.

Location of Florence

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(Text: Silke Böttcher, myEntdecker)