Florence: Latest 2025 Travel Guide
🌟 Editor's Guide: Must-See Attractions in Florence
1️⃣ Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo di Firenze / Santa Maria del Fiore)
- Florence's most iconic landmark, the giant red dome designed by Brunelleschi is breathtaking.
- I recommend climbing the dome or Giotto’s bell tower (Campanile di Giotto) to overlook the red roofs of the city, which is super stunning!
2️⃣ Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi)
- One of the most important art museums in the world, it houses masterpieces by masters such as Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus", Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo.
- Editor's reminder: Be sure to book your tickets online in advance, otherwise you will waste a lot of time queuing on site.
3️⃣ Palazzo Vecchio & Piazza della Signoria
- The political center of the city, outside the Old Palace there is a replica of Michelangelo's "David".
- The square is lined with sculptures, making it a true "open-air sculpture museum."
4️⃣ Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens
- The Medici family lived in the palace, which contains galleries and royal apartments.
- The Boboli Gardens at the back are a great place for a relaxing stroll.
5️⃣ Ponte Vecchio
- The medieval stone bridge across the Arno River is lined with gold and jewelry shops on both sides.
- The editor recommends coming at dusk, as the old bridge looks most romantic under the setting sun.
6. Piazzale Michelangelo
- The best viewpoint in Florence, overlooking the entire city.
- The night view is also very beautiful. I think it is a must-visit "check-in holy place" in Florence.
🍴 Editor's Recommendation: Must-Try Food in Florence
Tuscan cuisine
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Florentine Steak (Bistecca alla Fiorentina) 🥩
- Thick-cut T-bone steak, grilled over charcoal until medium-rare, charred on the outside and tender on the inside. The portion is super large, a must-try!
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Tuscan Ribollita 🥦🥖
- Use vegetables, beans and rye bread to make a thick soup, which is delicious and healthy.
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Lampredotto
- The king of Florentine street food, slow-cooked with tripe and served with bread, it has a unique taste.
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Prosciutto & Salame Toscano 🐷
- Paired with cheese and red wine, it is simple but super delicious.
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Tiramisu/Gelato 🍦🍰
- There are so many famous ice cream shops in Florence (such as Gelateria dei Neri), I think one ice cream a day is enough to complete the itinerary!
🍷Drink recommendations :
- Tuscan red wines, such as Chianti, are a perfect pairing with steak.
🚆 Editor's Transportation Tips: Click to Go & Click to Go Within the City
Go to Florence
- From Rome : Take the Frecciarossa/Italo high-speed train, about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- From Milan : High-speed train: approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
- From Pisa : Regional train: approximately 1 hour.
City transportation
-
Walking 🚶♀️
- The attractions are concentrated in the city center, and you can walk to all the major attractions.
-
Bus (ATAF) 🚌
- Suitable for visiting places a little further away, such as Boboli Gardens and Piazzale Michelangelo.
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Bicycle/Electric Scooter🚲🛴
- There are rental services in the city, which are suitable for short trips.
📝 Editor's Summary
I think Florence is a perfect city that combines art, architecture and food .
- As for attractions , there are the Cathedral, the Uffizi Gallery, the Ponte Vecchio, and Piazzale Michelangelo;
- As for food , there are giant Florentine steaks, street tripe buns, and authentic Tuscan red wine;
- In terms of transportation , attractions are concentrated in the city center, so you can easily visit them on foot.
In one sentence: Florence is a city where you can feel happy no matter how hard you try❤️
📅Itinerary: 2 days and 1 night
🗓 Day 1: Renaissance Art and City Landmarks
morning
- 🏛 Duomo di Firenze
- Explore the interior and climb the Dome or Giotto's Bell Tower for breathtaking views over Florence's red rooftops.
- 🏛Baptistery of St. John (Battistero di San Giovanni)
- Admire the famous bronze relief of "Gate of Heaven".
noon
- 🍴 Lunch recommendation: Try the Lampredotto , a classic street food.
afternoon
- 🎨Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi)
- Collect works such as Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus", Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo.
- Editor's reminder: Be sure to book your tickets in advance.
- 🚶♀️Piazza della Signoria
- Admire the sculptures in the square and the Palazzo Vecchio.
dusk
- 🌉Ponte Vecchio
- Dusk is the most romantic time, and you can also visit the gold and jewelry stores.
night
- 🍴 Dinner recommendation: Florentine steak (Bistecca alla Fiorentina) , paired with Tuscan red wine Chianti .
- 🏨 Check into a city center hotel and explore Florence at night along the Arno River.
🗓 Day 2: Garden and Panoramic Romance
breakfast
- ☕Espresso + Italian dessert (we recommend trying a tiramisu or croissant).
morning
- 🏰Palazzo Pitti
- Visit the Royal Galleries and Rooms.
- 🌳 Boboli Gardens (Giardino di Boboli)
- Stroll through the gardens and admire the sculptures and city views.
noon
- 🍴 Lunch recommendation: Tuscan Ribollita or Salami Platter , simple yet authentic.
afternoon
- ⛰Piazzale Michelangelo
- The best viewing point in Florence, overlooking the entire city, a must-see.
- 🛍 If you have time, go to the San Lorenzo Market (Mercato di San Lorenzo) to buy local cheese, olive oil, and leather goods.
evening
- 🧳 Return to the train station and proceed to your next destination (e.g. Rome/Milan).
📝 Editor's Tips
- Tickets : Reservations are required for the Uffizi Gallery and the Dome of the Cathedral.
- Transportation : Attractions are concentrated in the city center, and you can basically walk to get there; you can take a bus or taxi to Piazzale Michelangelo.
- Food : The Florentine steak is a generous portion and is best shared between two people.
- Shopping : Florence is famous for its leather goods, so you can buy handbags and belts as souvenirs.
🧭 Editor's Summary
This 2-day, 1-night Florence itinerary gives you:
- Day 1 : Explore the Cathedral, Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio, and experience the atmosphere of art and history.
- Day 2 : Visit the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens, and finally climb to Piazzale Michelangelo to put a perfect end to the journey.
The editor believes that Florence is a city worth visiting no matter where you go . Every corner is full of art and romance.