What to do in Florence
The centre on foot, the craftsmen of the Oltrarno and the hills a step away.
Florence can be crossed on foot in twenty minutes, and that is its luxury: you sleep in the centre and go out without taking anything. The advice we give all our guests is to book the museums well ahead and keep half a day free for the Oltrarno, the part of the city where Florentines actually live.
In town
The Duomo and the domeSanta Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s bell tower and the baptistery all stand in the same square. Climbing Brunelleschi’s dome needs a timed ticket: book it ahead.
The Uffizi and Palazzo VecchioTwo hours at the Uffizi are enough for the main rooms. Palazzo Vecchio, next door, has a tower with a view almost nobody expects.
The OltrarnoAcross the Ponte Vecchio the pace changes: Santo Spirito, San Frediano, craft workshops and trattorias where you eat without queueing.
Piazzale MichelangeloWalk up the ramps or take the bus: the city from above at sunset is the picture everyone takes home.
Nearby
FiesoleTwenty minutes by bus and you are in the hills, between the Roman theatre and the view over Florence. A good idea for the early afternoon.
ChiantiVineyards, villages and wineries half an hour away: Greve, Panzano, Castellina. You need a car, or an organised tour.
Siena and San GimignanoBoth work as day trips, and Siena is reachable by train. Two towns unlike Florence and unlike each other, to be taken slowly.
Lucca and PisaAn hour by train: Lucca with its walls to cycle around, Pisa with the Piazza dei Miracoli. Both fit into one day.
When to come
Spring and autumn are the right seasons: good weather and beautiful light. August is hot but the city is emptier and easier in the evening. November and January are the quietest months, with almost no queues at the museums.
Where to stay
3 homes in town
Homes chosen and cared for by us, with online check-in and support every day.
Other destinations