Whether you’re an art lover, a nature lover, a lover of food and wine or simply in love with someone else, board a flight to Florence and immerse yourself in the romance and passion that encompasses this city. Florence’s landscape is what renders people awe-struck, and also why it’s referred to as one of Italy’s most beautiful cities. Draped with vineyards and decorated with art, Florence is simply captivating.
Located in the northwest of Italy, travelers booking flights to Florence will be immediately inspired by the city’s famous surroundings. It’s hard to miss Brunelleschi's cathedral dome crowning along the skyline or the palaces of Michelozzo hidden in the valleys. Florence has an element of elegance that surpasses that of any other Italian city. From its perfectly lined landscape to the picturesque countryside, it’s likely you’ll fall in love with Florence. Don’t be surprised if your inner-artist yearns to break free in Florence – standing among Botticelli’s paintings and Michelangelo’s sculptures might motivate you to capture the character of Florence on your own canvas.
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Florence has a temperate climate with warm, dry summers and cool winters. Spring is warm and dry with temperatures in the teens in April and May. July and August are the hottest months with temperatures are in the high 70s. September cools down to the low 70s, and December through February are usually about zero or just over it. Winter is also the rainy season, but it rarely snows.
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Peak Season:
Florence's peak season runs from April to mid-October, and most travelers book flights to Florence and accommodations in July and August. The evenings tend to be cool and provide relief from the heat and pollution. Easter week is also a very busy time, and busloads of schoolchildren arrive from March to May to visit the museums and historical sights.
Off Season:
Mid-season is April to June and September and October. The weather is pleasant and there are fewer tourists, but if you plan ahead you're likely to find cheap flights to Florence and discounted accommodations before the tourist rush hits the city.
December is cold and crisp, but the rest of the winter tends to be cold and damp.
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Florence is small and compact, a walker’s city. Many of the sights are within a 30-minute walk and some are just a leisurely stroll apart. In the city center, automobile traffic is restricted but mopeds, cyclists, and other tourists create their own traffic.
The ATAF city buses service the center of Florence and provide transport to the airport. Bus tickets can be purchased at tobacconists or vending machines at major bus stops; tickets are sold on a timed basis and you can get one-hour, two-hour, and 24-hour tickets.
It takes an intrepid spirit to cycle in Florence, but bicycles can be rented. Firenze Parcheggi, the public garage authority, has bikes available for a day for free. Mopeds and Vespas are very popular and easily rented. Helmets are mandatory and can also be rented.
Because of the traffic restrictions and one-way streets, driving in Florence is frustrating. Taking a taxi can be equally problematic as the drivers have to maneuver the convoluted routes as well and the fares are not cheap. Parking in the areas surrounding the city center is very expensive. If you have a car, leave it outside the city.
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- Museums, galleries, cathedrals, churches, bridges, shopping and art, art, art: there is so much to do and see in Florence that no matter how long your visit you won’t have time to see everything you’d like to. Don’t rush around trying to fit it all in, but take time out to enjoy the living city. Linger over a cappuccino on a pavement café and watch the city go past.
- Every tourist goes to see the Ponte Vecchio, but take a stroll along the Arno river at the same time. The views down the river – and to the other bridges – are wonderful. Visit at dusk when the sun is setting for a really beautiful view of the city.
- No matter what time of year you visit, be prepared for tourists and long, long lines. This is especially true at the museums, where you can wait in line for up to five hours, especially at the most famous ones. However, it is possible to arrive early in the morning and get a reservation for later on in the day. Definitely recommended.
- Florence is in the heart of Tuscany. If you’ve got time, take a visit to one of the nearby cities and see some of the famed countryside.
- Spend some time researching restaurants before you go out to eat. Because of its popularity as a tourist destination, there are many over-priced offerings with less than genuine Italian fare. If possible, try to avoid the restaurants around the most popular areas and get a recommendation before you go. Most guidebooks list good, authentic places to eat; even better is a suggestion from a local. Wandering the streets and looking for somewhere good can be fun – but you may end up paying through the nose for your meal at the end.
- Don’t miss the passeggiata – a daily Italian ritual. At around dusk Italians take to the streets for a slow walk before supper with family and friends. The perfect opportunity to see and be seen.
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