Florence city breaks

With a skyline sculpted by grand cathedrals and palaces, this magnificent city is the place to enjoy art and style. By day, stroll the puzzle of piazzas and designer boutiques, then meander the manicured Boboli Gardens before making a pit-stop at Badiani for the best gelato in town. Art lovers, you’re in for a feast at the world-famous Uffizi. And no visit would be complete without marvelling at Michelangelo’s David. Although try the Gucci Museum if you’re more about modern art. By night, the Duomo’s big brick dome glows brightly and the Ponte Vecchio twinkles with the jewellery shops that line it. Settle in at a riverside restaurant for Florentine steak and a bottle of Chianti to soak it all up.

The cradle of the Renaissance

Florence is credited with being the birthplace of one of the most significant cultural revolutions the world has ever seen. The city is overflowing with Renaissance treasures, from Italy’s most famous art galleries to piazzas, palazzos and the historical bridge, the Ponte Vecchio. It’s just spellbinding.

World-renowned wine region

Tuscany is famous for many things, but its exquisite wines feature pretty highly. When you’re in the city, you’ve simply got to sample some of the fine Cabernet Sauvignons and the delicious Chianti the area has to offer. There are lots of lovely side streets with hidden squares and hole-in-the wall bars where you can try them.

Explore by night

As the sky becomes darker, Florence’s famous attractions start to glow. See the Duomo lit up in its full glory or watch the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo, one of the city’s highest points. Though the only way to the end the day in this city is with aperitivi, pre-dinner drinks. Buzzy bars aren’t hard to come by here.

MH Florence Hotel & Spa

Florence City, Florence

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Based on 486 reviews

Roof terrace with stunning views
Light and modern interiors
1.3km from the Accademia Gallery
Stylish rooms
Relaxing spa

Hotel Spadai

Florence City, Florence

Our rating

Based on 2580 reviews

Excellent central location
Panoramic views
Luxurious boutique hotel
200m from the Duomo
400m from the Accademia Gallery

NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa

Florence City, Florence

Our rating

Based on 2761 reviews

Charming historical building
130m from the nearest bus stop
700m from the Duomo
Great for sightseeing
Lobby with beautiful stained glass ceiling

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Accademia Gallery

Florence

The Accademia is much more than its astonishing huge marble sculptures, even if Michelangelo's David and his unfinished Slaves are stand-out. Give yourself time to appreciate the sublime Botticelli paintings...

Basilica di Santa Croce

Florence

Chiefly known as the burial spot of many of Florence's most famous residents including Michelangelo and Machiavelli, this Franciscan church, the largest in the world, is breathtaking. Wander the 16 chapels to...

Boboli Gardens

Florence

One of Florence's most famous gardens, the Boboli is a huge maze of green lawns and pathways that starts from the Piazza de Pitti. You'll find tree-lined walkways, statues, ponds and fountains, a rose garden...

Language

Italian

Currency

Euro

Time difference

+1hr

Cost of a beer

£4 / €4.55

Bus day card

£4 / €4.55

Three course meal

£35 / €40

Sightseeing

Climb to the top of the Duomo for unrivalled cinematic city views. Staring out, you’ll catch a glimpse of Florence’s six bridges and some very verdant gardens. Europe’s oldest art gallery puts some incredible Italian masterpieces under the spotlight, while the Basilica of Santa Croce has a whopping 16 chapels.

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Eating and drinking

You’ll get a true taste of Italy in Florence. The birthplace of the Renaissance is also an inspiration for dining out – try Florentine Steak served chargrilled and rubbed with fresh garlic. Italian flavours continue with ribbon-cut pasta with wild boar, perfectly paired with some fine Tuscan wine!

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Shopping

Florence boasts the Gucci Museum in the designer’s native town. The two main thoroughfares are Via Roma for designer labels, and Piazza della Repubblica, where the main department stores sit. For discounted designer clothes, you’ll find outlet malls about 30 minutes outside of Florence teeming with stores including Alexander McQueen, Prada and Yves Saint Laurent.

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Getting around

A direct train service links pretty Pisa with fabulous Florence, so it’s an excellent option for exploring both cities without the hassle. Florence’s medieval streets and squares are usually car-free, making chilled-out city strolls on foot even more enjoyable and the pace of life really relaxing, too.