Florence Travel Guide

Florence is the capital of the region of Tuscany. It is situated on the banks of the Arno river in the middle of the Italian Peninsula.

It is easily accessible as it is connected to the national railway network and is served by the Florence "Vespucci" airport (about 5 km from the city), where both national and international airlines stop. By road, Florence is connected by the A1 motorway to Bologna and Milano in the North and Rome and Naples in the South. The motorway A11 links it to cities such as Pisa, Pistoia, and Lucca. There is also motorway which connects Florence to Siena nearby.

The Chianti area, between Florence and Siena, is a very scenic area well worth visiting by surface transport.

Florence has a population of about half a million people. It is a cultural centre of Italy, and is said to be where the Italian Renaissance started in the 14th century. The climate is temperate, with winters quite cold and windy and summers rather hot.

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Last edited Jan 16, 09 9:47 AM. Contributors: Andrew W.

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Next: Natural Environment

1. Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi)

(49 reviews)

Florence, Tuscany Region, Italy

The Uffizi Gallery is a museum in Florence that has an unparalleled collection of Italian Renaissance works. The building was built by the legendary Medici family in the 16th century and morphed into a gallery for..

2. Piazza Michelangelo

(34 reviews)

Florence, Tuscany Region, Italy

The Piazza Michelangelo is located on a hill across the Arno River in the Oltrarno district of..

3. Duomo Firenze

(74 reviews)

Florence, Tuscany Region, Italy

The Florence Duomo (Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore) is a distinctive feature of Florence's skyline. The cathedral is most known for its dome.

4. Ponte Vecchio

(70 reviews)

Florence, Tuscany Region, Italy

The Ponte Vecchio is one of the world's most photogenic bridges. It was built in 1345 over the Arno River in Florence and was lined with shops that sold gold and silver. Even today, jewelery shops are an important..

5. Florence, Italy

(26 reviews)

Florence, Tuscany Region, Italy

A little overview of Florence and how to spend your time there.

1. Anibal's Tip on Florence

Florence, Tuscany Region, Italy

The art and culture of millenarian times in one place

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2. Jenny's Tip on Florence

Florence, Tuscany Region, Italy

firenze is superb! You really have to visit it once in your life. All the art and the little streets, just marvellous!

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3. Andy's Tip on Florence

Florence, Tuscany Region, Italy

The best views of the city are to be had from the Boboli gardens. Spend at least a half a day here to enjoy the views. Don't miss the rose garden. The views from the top of the Duomo are also well worth the steps.

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4. Gwyneth's Tip on Florence

Florence, Tuscany Region, Italy

Firenze has many amazing views but if you want a really good view and are willing to get out of breath on the climb go to the Cathedral Bell Tower. Its amazing!

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5. Denise's Tip on Florence

Florence, Tuscany Region, Italy

Not a bad thing to be said, get out walk up down the river on both banks. Fiesole to the north, no 7 bus from the train station is fab with breathtaking views of Florence Piazzale Michelangelo to the south. Brilliant. Go to a restaurant I Quattro Leoni, go over Ponte Vecchio, turn right, is up a laneway off Borgo san Jacopo I think turn up at another restaurant Mama's. Best steak order the veg loads of house red wine â¬8/l

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6. Jacqui's Tip on Florence

Florence, Tuscany Region, Italy

If you can afford it, try and stay on an upper floor of one of the better hotels...that way you'll get to look over the old city and marvel at Renaissance architecture...

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7. Natasha's Tip on Florence

Florence, Tuscany Region, Italy

FIRENZE IS THE ITALIAN FOR FLORENCE !

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8. Grant's Tip on Florence

Florence, Tuscany Region, Italy

Florence is a magical place. Don't go with any preconceptions about what you'll experience there, and really take the time to experience the art and history florence has to offer - it's enlightening.

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9. Waisan's Tip on Florence

Florence, Tuscany Region, Italy

Check out a restaurant called Il Latini for its fab roasts. Arrive 15 minutes before opening to queue for a seat. At least that minimises the wait.

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10. Jane's Tip on Florence

Florence, Tuscany Region, Italy

Do not leave your valuables anywhere in sight!!!! Left my handbag on the chair while I paid for my coffee (less than 3 metres away) and lost my purse. Noone of course saw anything. The up side is that when you find the local police (be careful, there are two kinds of police in Italy who deal with different issues) they were delightful. Practice sign language if your Italian doesn't go further than 'lasagne .

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