Welcome to Florence, one of Italy's (deservedly) most popular cities. Florence is so chock-full of attractions that it sometimes feels like a theme park. The Uffizi, the Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio may be the best known of these, but the charms of Florence easily extend beyond this trio of sights. There are so many ways to approach a stay in Florence. A week could be spent simply tracing the influence of Michelangelo on the city, for example. Architectural tours of Florence allow the city's history to seep through. And Florence by night is an inviting beast, classy and refined and wild at once.
Florence City Guide Introduction
Special Note: Timing and Schedules in Florence
In Italy, everyone believes in nice long vacations, and Florence is no exception to this rule. Many Florentines are out of town from the end of July through August, and loads of shops and restaurants close for summer holidays. But there's no need to fret, Cheapos! Most businesses in central Florence are heavily dependent on tourism and remain open throughout the year. So if you've scheduled a mid-August Tuscan adventure, carry on boldly!
Year round, you'll find that many small shops outside of the commercial heart of Florence close for lunch and remain closed long enough for workers to rest up at home or do errands. If you encounter one of these small shops during the mid-day break, be sure to check posted opening hours. More often than not, you'll discover that these shops will reopen in the afternoon.
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Florence articles
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- Expect to Spend: Florence
- Florence Budget Tips
- Florence Car Rentals
- Florence Cheap Eats
- Florence City Guide Introduction
- Florence Day Trips
- Florence Hotel Overview
- Getting Around Florence
- Getting Into Florence
- Pre-book Museum Tickets in Florence
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From our Florence blog
What’s not to love about Florence? In one small city, you have the famous Duomo, the renowned Uffizi Gallery Museum, and of course, incredible food. Maybe the crowds can be a little overwhelming at times, but with ... read
As the capital of Tuscany, Florence is known for Renaissance art and architecture, a vibrant cultural scene, delicious food and wine, and… crowded streets packed with tourists. In fact, during the high season, ther ... read
Florence is a city rich in history, art, music and yes, amazing food. The good news is: You do not have to be rich to eat well. Whether you are visiting Florence or living here on a budget, here are some simple ways to s ... read
Whether you are scoping out the best meals in the city or making your way to the Duomo, Florence has a little something for everybody. Not to mention a plethora of cheap hotels in the city center and beyond. That being s ... read
When planning a vacation in Italy, it’s tempting to want to see and do it all. It’s very easy to over schedule your trip, especially on a tight time frame like a 10-day visit. To really get into la dolce vita, it’s ... read
