Florence Travel & Vacation Guide

This masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture is most famous for what it’s missing—a roof. The abbey was built in the late 1100s and has been a dramatic-looking ruin for centuries. It’s open to the sky now, but still feels grand in a stripped-back kind of way. Just up the hill, the Rotonda di Montesiepi is worth a quick stop too—inside you’ll find a sword embedded in stone, tied to the story of Saint Galgano.

If you’re up for a bit of a hike (or a bus ride), San Miniato sits above Piazzale Michelangelo and has some of the best views over Florence, without the crowds. The church itself is one of the oldest in the city, boasting a distinct Romanesque style and a peaceful, yet slightly eerie, crypt worth exploring. It’s also where Florence’s first martyr, Saint Minias, is said to be buried.

If you want a break from the city’s streets, the Boboli Gardens offer plenty of green space along with a good dose of history. Spread out behind the Pitti Palace, the gardens are filled with sculptures from the 16th to 18th centuries—and a few pieces dating back to Roman times. While you’re there, don’t miss the Porta Romana nearby, an old city gate with its own story.

Behind the Basilica di San Lorenzo, the Medici Chapels are a major stop for anyone interested in Florence’s history. Built to honour the Medici family—patrons, rulers, and power players—the chapels hold some of the most impressive tombs in the city. The Sagrestia Nuova (New Sacristy), designed by Michelangelo in the 16th century, is the standout, mixing sculpture, architecture, and a fair bit of Medici pride.

The largest of the Tuscan islands, Elba is best known as the place Napoleon was exiled to in 1814—but its history goes much deeper, with Etruscan and Roman roots. These days, people come for the clear water, quiet coves, and easygoing beach towns. There’s good hiking inland, a few thermal baths, and some surprisingly interesting museums about Napoleon’s stay. Ferries run from Piombino, and once you’re there, a car makes it much easier to get around.

You can’t really miss it—Florence’s cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore) dominates the skyline with that massive red-brick dome. Construction began in the 13th century and continued for nearly 150 years, which is evident in the diverse styles. The outside is covered in pink, green and white marble—oddly beautiful up close. Inside, check out Vasari’s Last Judgment fresco under the dome. If you’re up for the climb (and it is quite a climb), the view from the top is worth the leg burn.

Best known for Michelangelo’s David, this gallery is a must for anyone interested in Italian art, from Renaissance sculpture to paintings and even some old musical instruments. Besides David, you’ll find works by Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, Pontormo, and others.

Tucked into the hillside just outside Cortona, Le Celle is a small Franciscan hermitage dating back to the 13th century. It’s peaceful, simple, and still run by monks today. Saint Francis stayed here briefly, and you can actually see his old cell. The hermitage is a sight in itself, but also benefits from beautiful surroundings.

Don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you—Archea Brewery is one of Florence’s favourite spots for craft beer lovers. With a rotating selection of Italian and international brews on tap, the bar draws a mix of regulars and curious travellers. It’s casual, welcoming, and all about the beer, which speaks for itself.

From morning espresso to late-night drinks, Bar Impero is a lively all-day spot in the heart of Siena. Sleek and contemporary, it’s a favourite among locals for both its coffee and cocktails—not to mention the tempting pastries and desserts. Whether you’re after a quick nightcap or a relaxed post-dinner treat, it’s an easy choice.

In the heart of Porto Azzurro on Elba Island, Barkollo has carved out its own niche by blending the relaxed vibe of a pub with the sophistication of a wine bar—hence the name 'Winepub'. The result is a warm, welcoming spot where you can enjoy a glass of wine or craft beer alongside tasty small plates, paninis, or even a full meal.

What’s better than a beach club to enjoy a hot Tuscan summer? Not much, really. Beach Club Versilia might be a bit on the pricey side, but the stunning setting makes it worth it. The good news? It’s open all year round, serving coffee, drinks, and food from morning until late night (or early morning, depending on your vibe). Expect chic cocktails, a bistro-style menu, DJ sets, and a stylish deck with loungers right on the sand.

If you're in the mood for a quiet evening with friends or a romantic moment with your other half, Bistrot Cafè 19.26 sets the tone with its cosy cushions, low lighting and relaxed atmosphere. This café-meets-wine-bar is great for a break any time of day, whether you're stopping in for an aperitif or sipping a glass of Italian wine to the sound of live music.

Tucked just a short stroll from the beach on Elba Island, El Curandero is a breezy, welcoming spot that keeps things playful and fresh. Cocktails come with quirky names and are packed with seasonal fruit, served up by a cheerful team that clearly enjoys what they do.

Right in the heart of Lucca, Franklin 33 feels like a well-kept secret with serious charm. The atmosphere channels the spirit of an old-school American jazz club—vintage decor, moody lighting, and the occasional live set. It’s relaxed and welcoming, with a carefully curated menu of classic cocktails and a few inventive house creations.

Step into the Mayday Club and you’ll find yourself surrounded by vintage radios, telegraphs, and retro furniture — a perfect backdrop for enjoying expertly crafted cocktails. Nestled in the heart of Florence, this popular spot is loved by both locals and visitors alike. With an inventive cocktail menu and a welcoming vibe, it’s a fantastic place to meet up and soak in some authentic Tuscan nightlife.

Far from the heavy grandeur of traditional Florentine fashion, Antico Setificio Fiorentino crafts delicate, colourful silk creations with timeless elegance. The historic workshop still uses original looms and techniques, and the showroom alone is worth the visit—it might just tempt you into taking home a piece of their shimmering Ermisino silk or Chantilly-inspired fabrics.

This small town near Siena has been known for its crystal and glassware since the 1300s, and today, it still produces most of Italy’s crystal. You’ll find a few shops and workshops where you can browse everything from classic glassware to more modern designs. It’s worth stopping by if you’re in the area, especially if you’re after something handmade that isn’t mass-produced.

This small roadside workshop doesn’t look like much at first glance, but step inside and you’ll find handmade baskets, chairs, lampshades, and all sorts of home goods crafted the old-school way. Mrs Franca Bartolomei runs it now, keeping the family tradition going with care and skill. Everything’s made by hand using quality materials, and she’s happy to chat about how it’s all done.

Dolci Trame is a small boutique packed with personality—hats, scarves, shoes, bags, and clothing from up-and-coming Italian designers, plus a few international picks.

Housed in an old brick cellar right in the heart of Chianti country, Enoteca Falorni is where you go when you want to try a bit of everything. With over 1,000 regional wines on offer and a smart self-serve tasting system, you can sample at your own pace—whether you're after a bold Chianti or something a bit more off the radar.

La Taverna del Pecorino is a low-key shop offering local cheese, salami, and wine, with an owner who’s quick to provide you with a taste of everything. It’s the sort of place where you end up buying more than you planned, and you won’t regret it.

Housed in a 14th-century chapel, this isn’t your average pharmacy. The rooms feel more like a museum than a shop, each one dedicated to something different—soaps, perfumes, herbal remedies, skincare. Everything’s beautifully packaged and rooted in centuries-old recipes.

About 30km north of Florence, Outlet Barberino has over 120 stores with discounts that can go up to 70%. The layout feels like a small village, with shops lined up in tidy rows, mostly fashion and sportswear brands.

The best time to visit Tuscany truly depends on what kind of trip you're after, but spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) tend to hit that sweet spot. The weather is warm but not sweltering, the countryside is at its most scenic, and popular spots like Florence, Siena and Pisa are lively without being overwhelmed by crowds. Vineyards are in full swing, fields are lush, and many local food and wine festivals—like the Chianti harvest or the white truffle fairs—offer a great taste of Tuscan tradition. Summer (especially July and August) brings high temperatures and plenty of tourists, especially in the main cities, but also a flurry of cultural events, open-air concerts, and medieval festivals in hilltop towns. It’s a festive time, but if you're hoping for a quieter, more relaxed visit, you might prefer the shoulder seasons. Winters are mild and much quieter, with fewer tourists and lower prices—perfect if you're more interested in museums, cosy meals and misty countryside walks.

Citizens of the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter Italy, only a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must hold a valid passport and, starting in late 2025, will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation online before travelling. For those requiring a visa, such as travellers from some Middle Eastern, African or Asian nations, a Schengen visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay.

Tuscany is served by two main airports: Florence Airport (FLR) and Pisa International Airport (PSA). Both offer convenient access to the region, with a range of transport options to nearby cities. Florence Airport – Amerigo Vespucci Located just 6 km northwest of Florence’s historic centre, this is the most convenient airport if you're heading straight to the city. The T2 tram line connects the airport to the city centre in around 20 minutes. Taxis are also available, with small surcharges for luggage or night-time travel. Pisa International Airport – Galileo Galilei About 2 km from Pisa’s centre, this airport is Tuscany’s busiest and offers a wider range of international flights. The PisaMover shuttle takes you to Pisa Centrale station in just 5 minutes, where you can catch regular trains to Florence. The journey typically takes between 50 minutes and 1 hour 20 minutes, depending on the service. Both airports are well connected and easy to navigate, making them excellent entry points to start exploring Tuscany.

Public transportation in Tuscany is reliable and easy to navigate, particularly in cities such as Florence and Pisa. Florence has a modern tram system operated by GEST, with a direct line connecting the airport to the city centre. Pisa, meanwhile, is compact enough to explore on foot, but also offers local buses for covering longer distances. Across the region, Autolinee Toscane runs the main bus services, linking towns, villages and cities throughout Tuscany. Tickets for trams and buses are interchangeable within the same travel window and can be bought from vending machines, tobacconists, or via the official app. Contactless payment is also widely accepted on board. For visitors planning to move around frequently, multi-ride tickets and travel passes are available and worth considering. While Tuscany’s historic centres are often best enjoyed on foot, public transport is a convenient way to reach outlying attractions or travel between towns.

Taxis are easy to find in Tuscany’s main cities, like Florence and Pisa, with plenty of taxi stands near key spots such as train stations and popular landmarks. You can also book rides by phone or through apps like Taxi4242 or Taxi4390. Ride-sharing services like Uber operate in Florence but mainly offer premium rides with private drivers, which tend to be pricier than regular taxis. For a more practical option, the ItTaxi app is popular for booking licensed taxis and is user-friendly for visitors.

Italy uses a standard voltage of 230V with a frequency of 50Hz. The most common power plugs and sockets are Types C, F, and L. Type C plugs have two round pins and are widely used across Europe, while Type F plugs, also known as 'Schuko', feature two round pins with earth clips on the sides. Type L plugs are unique to Italy and have three round pins arranged in a straight line.

Pharmacies in Tuscany (farmacie) are easy to find, especially around town centres and near transport hubs, and are marked by a green cross sign. They generally open Monday to Saturday, with a midday break between roughly 1pm–4pm, and are usually closed on Sundays—though there's always a farmacia di turno (on-duty pharmacy) available for urgent needs, listed on pharmacy doors or online.

Post offices in Tuscany, operated by Poste Italiane, are typically open Monday to Saturday; hours may vary by location. They offer a range of services beyond mailing letters and parcels, including bill payments and banking. For sending postcards or letters, stamps (francobolli) can be purchased not only at post offices but also at tobacconists (tabacchi), identifiable by a white-on-brown 'T' sign.