City Break to Florence: Tips and Info - Cities to travel

city break to Florence

City Break to Florence: Tips and Info

Published on 29 October 2025 Citie to Travel Comments Off

A city break to Florence is on many people’s bucket list. This is not surprising as it is one of the most popular Italian cities and is known for its art, architecture and atmospheric streets. In this blog, I tell you whether a visit to Florence is really worthwhile. I will also give you handy tips on what to see, how to get there and what to look out for during your trip.

Is Florence a nice city?

Florence is the capital of Tuscany and personally I find it a very nice city with many sights and a rich history. Everywhere you look, you can see traces of the past. In addition, the city has an attractive center with many squares, old buildings, small streets and beautiful gardens. It is also a place where you can enjoy delicious pasta, pizza and street food.

How many days do you need to visit Florence?

If you want to take a city trip to Florence, I recommend spending at least two to three days in the city. In that time you can see the main sights and also take a leisurely stroll around the city. Personally, I usually stay four to five days so I can also visit a few neighborhoods outside the center, such as Oltrarno, where you can find the Basilica di Santo Spirito and Piazzale Michelangelo.

What must you definitely have seen in Florence?

During your city break to Florence, there are a number of sights that you should definitely not miss. Below are the top 5 most popular sights in the city:

1. Florence's Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore).

Florence Santa Maria del Fiore city break to Florence

The Santa Maria del Fiore, also called the Duomo, is not only the city’s most famous building, but also one of the largest cathedrals in the world. You can visit the inside of the cathedral for free, but you can also climb the dome for a fee. To do so, you have to climb up 463 steps, but the view is well worth it.

2. Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio in Florence city break to Florence

The Ponte Vecchio is the oldest bridge in Florence. On the bridge you will find mostly jewelry stores. From here you have a beautiful view of the city, especially at sunset the view is really impressive.

3. Uffizi Museum

Uffizi Museum in Florence city break to Florence

The Galleria degli Uffizi is one of the most famous art museums in the world. The museum has more than 45 rooms and you will find famous masterpieces by great artists of art history, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Rembrandt.

4. Piazzale Michelangelo

Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence city break to Florence

From this viewpoint you have one of the most beautiful views of Florence. It is especially special here at night. You look out over the river Arno, the surrounding hills and the city with its impressive cathedral.

5. Palazzo Vecchio
Palazzo Vecchio in Florence city break to Florence

This beautiful medieval town hall is located in Piazza della Signoria, near the Galleria degli Uffizi. It used to be one of the most important palaces in Florence. Today it serves as a town hall and museum, where part of the Medici’s art collection is on display. Outside, in the pleasant Piazza della Signoria, you can admire several historic statues.

Where is Florence located?

Florence is located about 270 kilometers north of Rome and 250 kilometers south of Milan. This makes the city easily accessible by train, car or plane.

What is the best way to travel to Florence?

From European countries, it is best to fly to Florence Airport (Peretola). The flight takes an average of one and a half to two hours. From England (for example, London), a flight takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes. If you come from outside Europe, then flying to Florence Airport is also the best option, but the flight will obviously take longer.

Is it safe for tourists Florence?

Yes, Florence is generally a safe city, but there are a number of places where people will walk around making a friendly chat and then offer you a bracelet or something else. When you accept this, they will then ask for money. So don’t do this and don’t accept anything.

In addition, as in other tourist places, pickpockets are active, especially in crowded places such as the Ponte Vecchio or the train station. It is wise to keep a close eye on your belongings and not carry valuables visibly.

Is Florence worth it?

I myself have been to Florence many times, and it remains a beautiful city to visit. It is like a museum you walk through. The city has extraordinary art, interesting museums and a beautiful historic city center. In addition, many popular sights are within walking distance, making it almost unnecessary to take a cab or public transportation. You can also enjoy delicious Italian food in Florence for a much lower price than in Rome, for example. In short, a city trip to Florence is definitely worthwhile.

My tips for visiting Florence

In closing, I have a few helpful tips for those planning a city break to Florence:

1. Visit popular attractions early in the morning

The popular sights in Florence are often crowded. In my experience, it is often quieter if you visit these places early in the morning, when there are almost no long lines to get in anywhere.

2. Reserve tickets for museums in advance

I cannot repeat this often enough: reserve tickets for museums in advance, especially for the Uffizi and the Duomo, because they fill up quickly. During my first city trip to Florence, I thought I could arrange this on the spot in the city, but everything was fully booked. As a result, I was unable to visit these museums, which was a real disappointment at the time.

3. Wear comfortable shoes

Florence, like Rome, has a lot of cobblestones and stairs, so good shoes are a must. Personally, I like to walk in good athletic shoes during a city trip to Florence or Rome, and that usually suffices.

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Edward

Hi, I'm Edward, and I love city breaks and everything that makes them so special. On Cities To Travel, I share my best tips and recommendations for your next city break!

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