The Ultimate Florence Travel Guide for a Brit
For Renaissance art lovers and Tuscan wine connoisseurs, Florence is the golden destination for an Italian excursion you won’t forget.
With an abundance of authentic alleyway eateries, world-class museums, and architectural bliss, it’s no surprise that thousands of Brits visit the city all year round.
However, amongst the city’s initial golden buzz and picturesque Tuscan backdrops, how do you ensure that your fleeting Florence trip is packed full of unforgettable moments?
Stick with us as we dive into travel tips, restaurant recommendations, and the key landmarks to check when visiting the city known as the Jewel of the Renaissance.
Travelling To Florence
There are plenty of ways to reach Florence from the UK. Whether you opt for train hopping or an early airport dash, travel prices vary depending on the season you choose to visit.
If you’re travelling on a budget, consider the cooler months, such as January and February, for a wintery walk around ancient streets. This is typically off-season for Florence tourism, and you could secure a return flight from London for just £46.
For peak-time school holiday travellers, the city truly shines. However, the average cost to travel to Florence from the UK during the summer months can exceed £250 for the same return flight.
Our advice is to consider arriving in a nearby city, such as Pisa’s Galileo Galilei airport, just a bus ride away. As a much larger airport, you can find more European connections from Ryanair, EasyJet and WizzAir, which tend to offer cheaper rates during peak season.
Where To Stay?
So you’ve reached the city, and you’re looking for the ideal place to call home for the next few days.
Ideally, it’s best to gravitate towards the Centro Storico. Every street is bursting with the city’s historic beauty, and you’re right in the centre of Florence’s most talked-about attractions.
(Image Source: Centro Storico: Visit Italy)
While you’ll likely pay a premium to be surrounded by Giotto’s bell tower, the finest pizzerias and design-conscious B&Bs, you’re instantly within walking distance of everything on your city bucket list for the whole trip.
Our second choice for a successful stay in Florence is in one of the city’s stunning suburbs.
From Riva Lofts Florence to Villa Cora, there are plenty of places to discover relaxing outdoor gardens and rooftop pools for those interested in retiring away from the busy centre.
(Image Source: Riva Lofts Florence)
For Brits on a budget, just a short bus away from some of the best attractions, make sure to also check the Centro Storico’s periphery for the best budget hotels.
What To Taste?
Following the likes of the capital Rome, Florence’s restaurant scene continues to thrive in 2024. With a variety of cuisines to choose from, you’ll taste more here than just pasta and pizza.
If you check out the Mercato Centrale, you’ll find a snacker’s paradise. As a marketplace packed full of European tapas, Tuscan wines, homemade gelato and Neoplitan-style pizza, this is a great place to fill up during the day while you’re on the move.
(Image Source: Mercato Centrale)
For a true taste of Tuscany in the evening, however, head to the Santo Spirito district. Here, you’ll find restaurants overlooking the Tuscan countryside, ready to serve the staples of Florentine cuisine.
Some of our favourite restaurants include Osteria dell’Enoteca and Gurdulù Gastronomia, for a true taste of luxury.
How To Make The Most Of The Attractions
Now for the most important part of your Florence excursion. The attractions. Here are some of the ways to make the most of the city in just a few short days.
Purchase a Firenze Card
If you’re an art history buff, then look no further. A Firenze Card is a pass that grants access to all of the city’s museums for 72 hours.
Starting at €85, it may not sound cheap, but you certainly get more for your money if you plan on enjoying every inch of Renaissance remains.
Michelangelo’s David
It is the figurehead of the city; most tourists in Florence flock to the centre for one particular masterpiece: Michelangelo’s David.
(Image Source: Accademia Gallery)
This towering figure, found in the centre of the city, is one of the most famous sculptures in the world. In fact, Florence loved him so much that there is a replica of the statue in front of Palazzo Vecchio and another one in Piazzale Michelangelo.
Why not head on a free walking tour in Florence and tick all three David’s off on your Florence bucket list?
To see the original, you need to book tickets, which are sometimes sold out months in advance. So ensure that you plan ahead to view the key sights of the city.
Visit Brunelleschi’s Dome
If you’re looking for an instagrammable spot in the city, look no further than Brunelleschi’s Dome. Known as the largest brick-based dome in the world, this sits right at the top of Florence’s stunning cathedral.
Measuring 45m across and standing more than 54m from the ground, you’re unlikely to miss this sight.
(Image Source: Brunelleschi’s Dome)
Its gothic features and golden embellishments are illuminated by the sunshine, and if you can hack the 463 stair climb, you also get a stunning view of the city below.
Head On A Tuscan Wine Tour
Tuscany is the home of some of the best wines in the world, so if you’re an oenophile, it would be rude not to check out some of the most beautiful vineyards Italy has to offer.
The Tuscan countryside is just a small bus ride away, so we recommend booking a whole day out of the city for this boozy excursion.
Why not try cheese and wine tasting in Val D’Orcia or follow a wine expert guide on an exclusive afternoon Chianti wine tour?
For those looking to learn more about Tuscany’s history, you can also hop on the Pienza and Montepulciano guided wine tour, a full-day trip that includes wine tasting and explores medieval Tuscan villages.
Finish Off Your Trip With the Perfect Sunset Spot
No trip to Italy is complete without the ultimate sunset goodbye. If you’re heading home in the morning, finish off your stay with a bottle of wine, some Italian gelato and the view from Piazzale Michelangelo.
Here you can see many testaments to Michelangelo, Florence’s David replica in a golden glow and most importantly, the Tuscan hills rolling in a shadowy countryside.
It’s no secret that Florence is one of the most picturesque cities Italy has to offer, so ending your trip with a sunset view of its best attractions will bring your holiday and our guided tour to a whimsical end.
By Rebecca Barnatt-Smith
