Florence

Travel to Florence

Elisabeth Bertrand

Written by Elisabeth Jane Bertrand and our editorial team from personal experience in Italy.

The city is at its most beautiful at sunset, in the diffuse evening light. In this tag page we will take you to the most beautiful places in the city of Florence. A walk along the Arno offers a romantic view that has not changed much in the last 700 years. The Piazza del Duomo is always crowded with tourists and requires patience. Not to be missed is the Uffizi Gallery, home to the world's finest collection of Italian Renaissance art. Florence, the city of the Medici, has art and museums on every street corner, charming shops and delicious restaurants serving good food at reasonable prices, especially the famous Florentine steak.

Florence
The Piazza della Signoria in Florence

What's Florence's best kept secret?

It is difficult to say what the best kept secret is, as it often depends on what someone finds interesting or exciting. Some might say that Florence's best kept secret is the hidden labyrinth beneath the city, a network of tunnels and catacombs dating back to Etruscan times.
Others would say it is the hidden rooms and treasures in the city's great museums, such as the Uffizi and the Bargello, which are accessible only to scholars and specialists.
It is also possible that Florence's best-kept secret is its hidden gardens and parks, often known only to locals, which offer an oasis of peace and tranquillity amidst the hustle and bustle of city life.

What is there to see on the Ponte Vecchio?

The Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) is a well-known and iconic monument in Florence. Built over the Arno River, it is one of the oldest bridges in the city. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Florence and has much to offer visitors. There are several buildings on the Ponte Vecchio, including shops and galleries. The bridge is best known for its jewellery shops, which have been on the bridge for centuries. Visitors can buy jewellery and other luxury goods. The Ponte Vecchio also has a small church called the Chiesa di Santa Trinita. This church dates back to the 16th century and is a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture. Visitors can enter the church to admire its beautiful interiors and artwork. Overall, the Ponte Vecchio is a must see for anyone visiting Florence. It offers a unique combination of history, architecture and shopping and is one of the city's most impressive sights. New in 2022 is the secret passage, the Corridoio Vasariano.

How far is it to Prato and what can I do when I get there?

Prato is about 20 km from the centre of Florence. It is the third largest city in the region after Florence and Pisa. Prato is best known for its textile industry, which dates back to the Middle Ages. Many famous brands are still produced in Prato today. In the market you can often buy genuine branded clothing at very reasonable prices. The city was also an important centre for the wool trade and has a rich cultural and historical heritage in textiles.

What does Fiesole have to offer?

Fiesole is a town in the Tuscany region of Italy, situated on a hill above Florence. It is best known for its beautiful views over the city of Florence and for its rich history and cultural heritage. Fiesole and the village of Pratolino were originally an Etruscan settlement and later became an important centre of Roman civilisation. It is the birthplace of many famous artists and scholars, such as the philosopher Marsilio Ficino and the painter Domenico Ghirlandaio. Today Fiesole is a popular tourist destination for its historical sites, such as the Roman Temple and the Etruscan Museum.

What is the pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella?

The Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy is a historic pharmacy in Florence. It is the oldest pharmacy in the world still in use and is named after the nearby Cathedral of Santa Maria Novella. The pharmacy was founded in the 13th century by the Dominican monks of the cathedral and was used to make medicines and perfumes according to ancient recipes. The pharmacy is still in use today and offers a wide range of products, from traditional medicines to modern personal care products. It is a popular destination for tourists interested in the history of pharmacy and Florentine culture.

Where can I find Michelangelo's Statue of David?

The Statue of David by Michelangelo can be found in the Galleria dell'Accademia in Florence, Italy. It is one of the most famous works of Renaissance art and was created by the famous artist Michelangelo Buonarroti. Created between 1501 and 1504, the statue represents the biblical hero David with a sling over his shoulder. The statue is about 4.3 metres high and is made of marble. In the Piazzale Michelangelo, which offers panoramic views of Florence, there is a bronze replica of David. It's a popular spot for tourists to take photos with the cityscape in the background. The copy was made by the artist Michelangelo Pistoletto and stands on a hill overlooking the city.

 What have we written about Florence?

Find great hotels nearby

Browse hotels on the map and see which ones are perfectly located for your trip.

Read about Florence

Venice - San Marco

Italy Tourist Tax Explained (2026): Venice, Rome, Florence, Milan and More

IN Travel Journals Nelleke Pruys

There are few things travellers dislike more than unexpected charges. Yet every year, visitors to Italy arrive believing they have already paid for their accommodation, only to discover an extra fee waiting for them at reception and it can add up, depending on the number of occupants per room. Welcome to Italy’s tourist tax, known in Italian as the Contributo di Soggiorno.

The Duomo as shot from the Bell Tower - The premium shot

Why Italy’s most beautiful places now come with photo fees

IN Travel Journals Elisabeth Jane Bertrand

There was a time, not so long ago, when the Dolce Vita was a reasonably spontaneous affair: find a Vespa, locate a view of the Arno, order a Negroni, and point your phone at the nearest piece of Baroque architecture. Today, the Roman sunset increasingly comes with a QR code, and the Florentine skyline has become, in administrative language at least, a ticketed commodity.

Passengers disembarking at the Bay of San Fruttuoso  2-5-2026 - Photo credit : Pinar Avici

The Country That Became a Queue: Italy’s Tourism Breaking Point

IN Travel Journals Elisabeth Jane Bertrand

There is a tension running through Italy right now, and it is not the romantic kind. It is the tension between what the country looks like on a screen and what it actually feels like to stand in it at two in the afternoon in August, surrounded by 35,000 other people who had exactly the same idea.

The Sisley Spa at Romeo Roma, a fluid, cocoon-like space designed by Zaha Hadid Architects where Roman stone meets sculptural modernism.

Italy’s New Hotels for 2026: A Quiet French Takeover

IN Travel Journals Elisabeth Jane Bertrand

There is a distinct, perhaps slightly wearying, sense of déjà vu along the Italian peninsula this season. One might call it the French renaissance. From Venice’s canals to the hills above Florence, the story is less about tricolour kitsch than about who signs the cheques: LVMH, Airelles, Michel Reybier Hospitality, Accor. The Grand Tour has been rebranded as French-inflected art de vivre. Alain Ducasse lands in Rome; Guerlain lands in spa menus from Giudecca to Fiesole. Italy still supplies the stone and the frescoes. The operating playbook, increasingly, arrives from over the Alps.

Castello Sammazzano

Castello di Sammezzano in Tuscany finally being restored

IN Travel Journals Nelleke Pruys

In Leccio, a small town better known for its “Mall” - the large designer outlet near Florence - stands a castle, a remarkably beautiful and unexpected place. Castello di Sammezzano, originally built in the early 17th century by the Spanish nobleman Ximenes of Aragon, was already an elegant residence in the hills south of Florence.

Fra Angelico returns to Florence

Beato (Fra) Angelico returns to Florence

IN Travel Journals Shirley Cottaar

From September 26 to January 25, 2026, Florence will host an exhibition dedicated to the artist Beato Angelico (c.1395–1455). Dolcevia spoke with Florentine art historian Dr. Elisabetta Digiugno about the event. Also known as Fra Angelico, the painter is celebrated for his masterful use of color. Italy’s head of state, Sergio Mattarella, earned wide public admiration last week when he took the train to visit the exhibition - without the usual entourage.

Matcha in Italy

Matcha in Italy: A Taste of Japan with an Italian Twist

IN Travel Journals Nelleke Pruys

You don’t expect to find a bamboo whisk in an Italian café, yet here it is — right next to the espresso machine, frothing something bright green and faintly grassy. Matcha has arrived in Italy, and like all foreign guests, it’s been given a distinctly Italian welcome.

Italy Summer 2025: Heatwaves, Strikes & Traffic Chaos

Summer Travel in Italy: Weather Alerts, Traffic and Overtourism Tips

IN Travel Journals Nelleke Pruys

Better safe than sorry, right? The summer is a wonderful time to travel, but let’s face it - busy roads and crowded destinations are a given, especially when school holidays overlap. There are three things you should really keep an eye on in the summer: weather warnings, transport strikes and traffic bottlenecks. I’ll break them down for you below so you can stay one step ahead. The heat’s been relentless the past few years, with temperatures soaring into the mid-30s and beyond across Italy’s coastlines and inland towns.

Farmacia Santa Maria Novello in Florence

A labor of Love: natural products from abbey gardens in Italy

IN Travel Journals Nelleke Pruys

In today's world, we're all searching for miracle remedies to enhance our health, beauty, and happiness—preferably organic and environmentally friendly. 'Natural' and 'natural products' have become the buzzwords of our time. Traditional abbeys, with their centuries-old expertise in natural remedies, are perfectly positioned to meet this demand. Their transition into modern commerce is a natural evolution of their historical practices.

Reflections Lago Bilancino

Beautiful Bilancino Lake in the Mugello

IN Travel Journals Nelleke Pruys

On a warm day heading north or south, you could veer off the A1 motorway, (Autostrada del Sole)  for a refreshing swim in the lake Bilancino. Over 150 years ago, major Tuscan cities like Florence and Prato faced a critical challenge: they desperately needed to expand their water supply. The drinking water situation in these two largest Tuscan cities had become dire, yet a proper solution wouldn't arrive until 1999.

Palazzo Davazati in Florence

Davanzati, a medieval palazzo in the center of Florence

IN Travel Journals Nelleke Pruys

If you're wandering through Florence's historic center along Via Porta Rossa, you'll stumble upon Palazzo Davanzati, a striking medieval palace that rises tall and proud across from its namesake piazza. While some might say its narrow facade is a bit unusual for Florentine architecture, what lies behind those stone walls is a treasure trove of medieval and Renaissance life.

Newsletter december 2024 - Credit : The Duomo of Milan

Newsletter December 2024

IN Italy Newsletter Archive Elisabeth Jane Bertrand

Hi there travel enthusiasts! It's time for another issue of our newsletter, a round up of Italian travel destinations that would make Rick Steves go green with envy!  This winter, we're not just talking about your run-of-the-mill tourist traps. No, no, no. We're diving deep into the magical world of Italian Christmas markets, where handcrafted gifts aren't just souvenirs, they're practically works of art. Imagine walking through Alpine markets in South Tyrol, sipping something warm, feeling like you've stepped into a holiday postcard that's about 1000% more charming than your average...

Can You Still Find Historic Shops in Florence? Credit : Loretta Caponi Florence

Florence Heritage Shops: Saving Artisanal and Culinary Traditions

IN Travel Journals Elisabeth Jane Bertrand

Imagine a city where every corner whispers its own story, with centuries-old restaurants and shops holding the secrets of Florence heritage of the past. Unfortunately this isn't the Florence I visited last week. Florence isn’t just about Renaissance art and breathtaking architecture—it’s a living, breathing museum of culinary and artisanal traditions or at least it was! The heritage shops face an uphill battle for survival, with only those lucky enough to own their properties managing to hold on.

Tuscany Roadtrip: Top Local Eats in the Countryside

Tuscany Roadtrip: Top Local Eats in the Countryside

IN Travel Journals Elisabeth Jane Bertrand

I'm a sucker for a roadside trattoria in Italy, and Tuscany has some exceptional ones. Most of these have been tried and tested by yours truly, but I must admit there are still some I need to visit on my next road trip along the vineyards of Chianti or while exploring those off-the-beaten-path roads that always leave me longing for my next trip to Tuscany. I'll be avoiding the tourist traps here, except maybe for one, a butcher called Dario. So, if you'd like to tag along, I will get started on my favorite pitstops in Tuscany.

Parking in Florence - usefull tips

Driving and Parking in Florence: What You Need to Know

IN Travel Journals Lisa Tucci

Florence, whose historic center holds UNESCO World Heritage status, is a city that feels like an open-air museum, its streets lined with masterpieces and monuments at every turn. To protect this cultural wealth, the city enforces strict rules on traffic and parking, making it a place best appreciated on foot.

Newsletter May 2024 - Photo: Portofino (credit Canva.com)

Newsletter May 2024

IN Italy Newsletter Archive Nelleke Pruys

Hello dear readers!It's been too long since we last sent you a newsletter, and a lot of exciting things have happened since then. Not the least of them is our survival of the Google update, which was not the case for so many of our small publisher colleagues. Meanwhile, we visited many more places in Italy, and we have written about them. So here it is!

Gucci Garden Restaurant Florence

Finding the best restaurants in Florence

IN Travel Journals Nelleke Pruys

Finding a good restaurant in Florence is like looking for a needle in a pile of needles. Since the vast majority of restaurants are committed to quality, you will rarely go wrong. Of course, sometimes things go amiss, and there are undoubtedly restaurants that lure in tourists who are not familiar with the city for the so-called tourist menu. The culinary tourist with a little more knowledge will be on the lookout for those few pins with a gold-knob, meaning above-average, excellent or maybe even ready for a gourmet feast. This is our list of culinary Florence, where we have added the latest...

Today - In Italy

From quiet villages to iconic cities, follow the stories that draw you in.

The Sorrentine Peninsula and the Amalfi Coast have nourished fishermen, cheesemakers and lemon growers for centuries.
The Sorrentine Peninsula and the Amalfi Coast have nourished fishermen, cheesemakers and lemon growers for centuries.

What to Eat on the Amalfi Coast: A Guide to Lemons, Cheese, Seafood and Local Specialities

Author Elisabeth Jane Bertrand
Category Travel Journals
Date 07-02-2026

Discover the authentic food of Amalfi. Explore mountain cheeses, Amalfi lemons, Cetara anchovies, Gragnano pasta, artisan olive oil and the traditions that make the Amalfi Coast one of Italy's finest culinary destinations.

Rome's famous nasoni provide free, continuously flowing drinking water. Carry a reusable bottle—you'll use it far more often than you expect during a Roman summer.
Rome's famous nasoni provide free, continuously flowing drinking water. Carry a reusable bottle—you'll use it far more often than you expect during a Roman summer.

How to survive Italy's 2026 heat dome: An insider's guide

Author Elisabeth Jane Bertrand
Category Travel Journals
Date 06-26-2026

Travelling to Italy? This is what you as a tourist need to know about the 2026 heat dome in Italy. Practical advice from someone living it, not just reporting it - Includes official sources and links.

Read in the Events Section