Florence is nothing if not historic. The birthplace of the Renaissance pulls some 10 million visitors each year for its frozen-in-time palaces and legendary attractions, to say nothing of its tourist-friendly Tuscan cuisine and gelato stands. These are the things that also made the city take a hit in recent decades—as the tour groups, buses, and crowds grew, it felt like Florence’s own residents began to disappear. There's a reason, though, that this city has thrived in one way or another since the 14th century. Ever up for reinvention, Florence is modernizing. You can see it on the dining scene, where younger, well-traveled restaurateurs and chefs are loosening some of the stricter culinary rules alongside the enduring trattorie, and in the bar scene, where attention to a properly made cocktail in a swinging barroom is as common as a wine bar. It's evident in new markets and museums, and behind those classic facades, be it hotels or boutiques, where you'll find smart design and influential spaces. Still dreaming of your last visit there 20 years ago? It's time to go back—there's plenty more to see.
Florence Travel Guide
Plan Your Florence Trip
U.S. Tourists Can Now Travel to Italy without Quarantining
As of Monday, American tourists can travel to Italy for the first time in over a year.
By Jessica Puckett
Florence's Uffizi Gallery Is Spreading its Art Around Italy
The move will help disperse overcrowding in Florence and allow travelers to see famous works in a new light.
By Meredith Carey
Featured
How I Travel: Debi Mazar Sometimes Has to Buy New Luggage to Get Her Souvenirs Home
We peek into the airport routines and bizarre quirks of the world's most well-traveled people.
By Kaitlin Menza
5 New Hotels in Italy Worth Planning a Trip Around
From a 13th-century Venetian palace to a reopened classic in Sicily.
By Kasia Dietz
What U.S. Travelers Should Know About Italy's New Airline
New York, Boston, and Miami will be among Italia Trasporto Aereo’s first long-haul destinations.
By Jessica Puckett
20 Best Hotels in Florence
There's a new renaissance in Florence—this time of incredible hotels.
By Nicky Swallow and Erica Firpo
Editor Hotel Recommendations
- The Social Hub Florence$ | Italy, Florence, Viale S. Lavagnini 70-72Read full reviewOffering great facilities, a young vibe and a location that is in easy reach of the central sights, this well-priced spot is not just for students.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- Portrait Firenze$$$ | Italy, Florence, Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli, 4Read full reviewThis slick and stylish hotel—think 21st century Italian—is on the Ponte Vecchio, away from the crowds.Readers Choice Awards
Hot List Gold ListPowered By: Expedia - Four Seasons Hotel Firenze$$$ | Italy, Florence, Borgo Pinti, 99Read full reviewSlightly off the tourist trail in the Gherardesca gardens, this is unlike any other Four Seasons for its amazing and historic location.Readers Choice Awards
Gold ListPowered By: Expedia - Hotel La Gemma$$$ | Italy, Florence, Via Dei Cavalieri 2CRead full reviewWhat happens when a high-style Italian family puts their heads together on a hospitality project.Powered By: Booking.com
- Brunelleschi Hotel$$ | Italy, Florence, Piazza Sant'Elisabetta, 3Read full reviewThis centrally located hotel, with its medieval stone building and gorgeous tower, is a place that drips with history and has excellent views of the Duomo.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- Milu Hotel$ | Italy, Florence, Via de' Tornabuoni, 8Read full reviewThis capsule design hotel, made up of two removated 15th-century palazzos, is a favorite among fashion editors during Pitti Uomo for its ideal location on Via Tornabuoni.Powered By: Expedia
- The St. Regis Florence$$$ | Italy, Florence, Piazza OgnissantiRead full reviewRenovated grandeur on the banks of the Arno, and a favorite among Marriott-SPG Rewards loyalists.Readers Choice Awards
Gold ListPowered By: Marriott - Hotel Savoy, A Rocco Forte Hotel$$ | Italy, Florence, Piazza della Repubblica, 7Read full reviewA central location, five-star service, and lovely recent renovation—not to mention unbeatable views—help keep the Savoy among the top picks in Florence.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- Ottantotto Firenze$$ | Italy, Florence, Via dei Serragli, 88Read full reviewA chic, historic reno in the Oltarno.Readers Choice Awards
Hot ListPowered By: Expedia - Helvetia & Bristol Firenze – Starhotels Collezione$$$ | Italy, Florence, Via dei Pascioni 2Read full reviewMere steps from Piazza della Repubblica, this hotel blends Old World charm with a location by the heart of the action.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- Ad Astra$$ | Italy, Florence, Via del Campuccio, 53Read full reviewThis gorgeous private apartment on the first floor of an aristocratic urban villa—in the middle of Florence—feels like a little-known Florentine secret.Powered By: Expedia
- Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni 1$$ | Italy, Florence, Via de Tornabuoni 1Read full reviewThis medieval tower in the heart of Florence is within five minutes of the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, and Ponte Vecchio.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
The Best Things to Do in Florence
- 10 Best Museums in FlorenceThe city has been making art lovers of us all for centuries.
By Bridget Arsenault
- How Not to Look Like a Tourist in FlorenceIt’s easy to get lured into an overpriced tourist experience in the most popular city in the world, so follow these tips to ensure a more authentic stay in Florence, Italy.
By Jinna Yang
Editor Recommendations
- Medici ChapelsItaly, Firenze, Piazza di Madonna degli Aldobrandini, 6Read full reviewShould be the entry point to your history tour in Florence.
- Curious Appetite: Craft Cocktail and Aperitivo TourItaly, Florence, Piazza della RepubblicaRead full reviewDrink your way through the history of Florentine cocktails.
- Gucci GardenItaly, Florence, Piazza della Signoria, 10Read full reviewThe Gucci museum opened on the 90th anniversary of the fashion house, and charts the evolution of the Italian juggernaut.
- Giardino BardiniItaly, Florence, Costa S. Giorgio, 2Read full reviewA break from all the museums in a beautiful natural setting.
- Bargello MuseumItaly, Florence, Via del Proconsolo, 4Read full reviewItaly's first national museum dating to the middle of the 19th century.
- Explore Florence: The Oltrarno, History + ArtisansItaly, Florence, Piazzo Santo SpiritoRead full reviewA look at classic Florentine craftsmanship.
- I Renaioli - Sunset Boat RideLungarno, Piazza Francesco Ferrucci, No. 4Read full reviewIf you thought Florence was romantic before…
- Museo di San MarcoItaly, Florence, Piazza San Marco, 3Read full reviewLovers of Renaissance art are continually drawn in for the beautiful frescoes.
- Museo GalileoItaly, Florence, Piazza dei Giudici, 1Read full reviewThis tour is great if you're interested in the science of the Renaissance, especially for families with kids.
- Museo dell'Opera del DuomoItaly, Florence, Piazza del Duomo, 9Read full reviewThe best place to see sculpture in Florence.
- Giotto's Bell TowerItaly, Florence, Piazza del DuomoRead full reviewWorth the climb for the city views.
- Palazzo StrozziItaly, Florence, Piazza degli StrozziRead full reviewRight in the heart of the city, this is the best place in Florence to see contemporary art and traveling international exhibitions.
- Uffizi GalleryItaly, Florence, Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6Read full reviewOne of the world's most famous museums is renowned for its collection of art from the Middle Ages on.
- FèlsinaRead full reviewThis slice of Tuscany is perfect for a midday adventure and a traditional Chianti wine-tasting experience.
The 36 Best Airbnbs Across Italy
Where to feel at home in Rome, Tuscany, Florence, Milan, and more.
By Madison Flager and Caitlin Morton
The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Florence
- 21 Best Restaurants in FlorenceThere’s never been a better time to dine out in Tuscany’s capital.
By Nicky Swallow
- 11 Best Gelato Shops in FlorenceWhether you're a staunch traditionalist or a fan of fresh, new flavors, the city has you covered.
By Bridget Arsenault
- 12 Best Wine Tours and Tastings in FlorenceBecause who are we kidding? A trip to Florence means a trip to Tuscan wine country.
By Erica Firpo
- The Best Gelato in ItalyJust because you’re eating gelato in Italy doesn’t automatically mean it’s authentic—or even any good. Unfortunately, many gelato shops continue to pass off subpar, factory-made junk as the real deal. That said, Italy still abounds with artisans who serve up fresh, handmade, all-natural gelato daily. Here, we’ve picked the places where you’ll find the best gelato in Italy, from Rome to Milan to Florence (where gelato was created). This gallery was originally published in 2014. It has been updated with new information.
By Kris Fordham
Editor Restaurant and Bar Recommendations
- Saporium$$$ | Italy, Florence, Lungarno Benvenuto Cellini, 63/REven the strictly vegetarian fare leaps off the plate.Hot List
- Mimesi$$$ | Italy, Florence, Via della Scala 72With three tasting menus and a calm, cool elegance, this is a place for a special treat.
- La Ménagère$$ | Italy, Florence, Via de'Ginori 8/rOne of Florence’s coolest, day-into-night hangouts offering a little bit of everything—in terms of both menus and crowds.
- Gurdulù$$ | Italy, Florence, Via delle Caldaie 12/rAn under-the-radar gem with astonishingly good food and keen prices.
- Gunè San Frediano$$$ | Italy, Florence, Via del Drago d'Oro 1rThis combo cocktail bar/restaurant is gaining a reputation as one of the city’s more interesting dining spots.
- Borgo San Jacopo$$$ | Italy, Florence, Borgo San Jacopo, 62/RMichelin-starred food with Ponte Vecchio views.
- Cantinetta Antinori$$$ | Italy, Florence, Piazza degli Antinori, 3Housed in the vaulted ex-cellars of 15th-century Palazzo Antinori, this upscale, elegant restaurant breathes aristocratic Old Florence.
- Trattoria Sergio Gozzi$The sort of no-frills trattoria where time seems to have stood still for several decades
- Essenziale$$$ | Italy, Florence, P.za di Cestello, 3RThis isn’t a place to simply refuel—it is a serious restaurant, with menus and prices to match.
- Trattoria Cibrèo$$ | Italy, Florence, Via dei Macci, 122rA casual and more affordable (though just as tasty) alternative to big sister Ristorante Cibrèo.
Walking Around in Florence
One of our top Travel Specialists and @butterfieldtravel experience designer, Courtney Mundy shows us what a day in Florence looks like as Italy slowly reopens. “In some ways, it feels like the city has been reclaimed by its residents. It’s a really special time to be with our families, to be together and enjoy this magical city.” Watch @courtneyinflorence and her family on our first episode of “Walking Around In…”
More from Florence
Destinations
Off Season Italy: Florence Comes Alive in Fall, According to Italy Segreta Founder Marina Cacciapuoti
Hearty soups, crowd-free bike rides, and plenty of aperitivi await in the colder months.
By Noo Saro-Wiwa
Style & Culture
Jonathan Groff Came Out to His Brother After One Look at Michelangelo's David
The actor was traveling solo in Florence when he found courage.
By Charlie Hobbs
Places to Stay
My Favorite Airbnb: A Luxury Apartment in Florence With a Romantic Private Terrace
This bright and airy apartment is walking distance from the Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio.
By Meaghan Kenny
Food & Drink
In an Italian Cooking Class, I Finally Learned How to Nourish Myself
After years of grappling with an eating disorder, I returned to the place where I'd healed my relationship with food—this time, to learn how to make it.
By Leila Milgrim
News & Advice
Italy Is Reopening in Bits and Pieces—Here's What It Feels Like
Stage two brings a few new freedoms, but plenty of uncertainty, too.
By Nicky Swallow
Food & Drink
Florence's Newest Outdoor Drinking Trend Is Also Its Oldest
Look out for the return of buchette del vino, or wine windows.
By Erin Florio
Destinations
What to Do in Florence This Spring
Here's what's happening in the city in April, May, and June 2019.
By Katharine Sohn
News & Advice
What Travelers Need to Know About Italy's Free Museum Weeks
Visitors across Italy can get into the country's state museums for free—if they plan accordingly.
By Meredith Carey
Inspiration
2018 Readers' Choice Awards: The Top Hotels in Florence
When 429,000 of you speak, we listen.
By CNT Editors
News & Advice
Florence Just Banned Snacking on Certain Streets
More than ten million people visited Florence last year.
By Katherine LaGrave
Inspiration
Beyond the Basics: Florence
Plan your trip to Florence with Condé Nast Traveler’s guide to the best hotels, restaurants, and things to do.
Shopping
Florence Launches Campaign Telling Tourists How to Behave
Dubbed #EnjoyRespectFirenze, the initiative looks to crack down on disrespectful visitors.
By Julia Buckley
Shopping
The Florence Most Travelers Never See
The Florence Cathedral, Ponte Vecchio, and the Uffizi are just the beginning. Two local tastemakers dish on what you really need to see and do in the beautiful Tuscan capital.
By Kris Fordham
Style & Culture
Pitti Uomo: Where to Find the World's Most Fashionable Men
Twice a year, the Pitti Uomo menswear show—and a gang of preening global influencers— transform Florence into an all-city runway for classic gentlemen’s style.
By Darrell Hartman
Inspiration
Where to Shop in Florence
Our favorite places to find anything from flowers to Tuscan must-haves.
By Ondine Cohane
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