Florence
Plan Florence with Haqqi Tours: day tours, private airport transfers, attraction tickets and packages, run by our own team and confirmed on WhatsApp in Arabic or English.
Step out of your hotel in Florence early and the city is still yours: church bells over terracotta roofs, the clatter of a café shutter on Via dei Calzaiuoli, the smell of fresh schiacciata from a bakery oven. Turn a corner and Brunelleschi's dome fills the sky, its red tiles and white-and-green marble almost too large for the narrow street that frames it.
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Florence at first sight
Florence is where the Renaissance was born. Under the Medici family, bankers became patrons and painters, sculptors and architects such as Giotto, Botticelli, Michelangelo and Leonardo reinvented how the Western world sees beauty. The compact historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, holds more masterpieces per street than almost anywhere on earth, and the green hills of Tuscany begin just beyond its gates.
Why include Florence in your itinerary?
- Florence holds the densest concentration of Renaissance art in the world. The Uffizi Gallery, Michelangelo's David at the Accademia, the Bargello and the Pitti Palace sit within a short walk of one another in a single compact centre.
- The city itself is a living lesson in architecture. Brunelleschi's dome, Giotto's bell tower, the Ponte Vecchio lined with goldsmiths and the stone palazzi of the Medici shape every view across the Arno.
- Florence is the perfect base for Tuscany. Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano, Lucca and the rolling hills of the Val d'Orcia are all within easy reach for a day, by train or with a private driver.
Signature experiences in Florence
The Duomo, Uffizi and David
The iconic Florence day links three wonders. Climb the 463 steps inside Brunelleschi's dome for views across the city, then step into the Uffizi to stand before Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Primavera. End at the Accademia, where Michelangelo's David rises beneath a skylight. Entry to all three is by timed reservation, so the tickets we issue and our guided day tours spare you the long queues and add the story behind each masterpiece.
Mercato Centrale and Florentine Flavours
At the Mercato Centrale near San Lorenzo, stalls overflow with Tuscan olive oil, pecorino, porcini and ruby tomatoes. Try a lampredotto sandwich from a street kiosk, ribollita soup, pappa al pomodoro and, for the hungry, a thick bistecca alla fiorentina grilled over coals. Finish with gelato from a traditional gelateria and a strong espresso standing at the counter. Our guided day tour of the city stops here for local flavours and the stories behind each dish.
Oltrarno: Artisans Across the River
Cross the Ponte Vecchio into the Oltrarno, the quarter to wander. Here, in the streets around Santo Spirito and San Frediano, craftsmen still gild frames, bind leather journals, restore antique furniture and hand-marble paper. Visit the Pitti Palace and the terraced Boboli Gardens, then climb at sunset to Piazzale Michelangelo or the quiet church of San Miniato al Monte. Our guided day tours open workshop doors you might otherwise pass by.
Pisa, Siena and San Gimignano
The classic day trip from Florence ventures into the Tuscan countryside. See the Leaning Tower and the marble Field of Miracles in Pisa, walk the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo in Siena, and wander the medieval towers of San Gimignano with saffron gelato in hand. Our guided day tour with trusted local partners links them comfortably, while train tickets we issue make Pisa or Siena easy to reach independently.
The Val d'Orcia by Private Car
South of Siena, the Val d'Orcia is the Tuscany of postcards: cypress-lined lanes, golden wheat fields, stone farmhouses and hill towns such as Pienza, famous for pecorino cheese, and Montepulciano. Distances and narrow roads make a private car with driver arranged by our team the ideal way to explore, stopping for photographs, olive oil tastings and a long countryside lunch at your own pace.
Neighbourhoods and quarters to know in Florence
Duomo and Centro Storico
The beating heart of Florence, around the cathedral, Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi. Everything is on your doorstep, the streets are pedestrianised and the area feels safe day and night, though busy in high season. Stay here on a first visit to step out of your door straight into the Renaissance and return easily to your hotel between museums.
Oltrarno and Santo Spirito
Across the Arno, this neighbourhood feels more local and relaxed, with artisan workshops, the Pitti Palace, quiet piazzas and family trattorias. Santo Spirito's square buzzes with a morning market and evening strolls. It is safe and charming, ideal for travellers who want authenticity within a ten-minute walk of the Ponte Vecchio and the main museums.
Santa Croce
Grouped around the great Franciscan basilica where Michelangelo and Galileo rest, Santa Croce is lively and atmospheric, known for leather workshops, the Sant'Ambrogio market and cosy restaurants. It is central and safe, slightly less crowded than the Duomo area, and perfect for travellers who like to wander side streets, shop for crafts and eat where Florentines eat.
Santa Maria Novella and San Lorenzo
The district around the main train station, the Dominican church of Santa Maria Novella and the Mercato Centrale. It is practical for day trips by train, with many hotels of every category and a lively market atmosphere. The area is busy and generally safe; the streets nearest the station can feel hectic late at night, so choose a hotel a few blocks in.
How long to stay in Florence and how to pair it
Recommended stay
Plan three to four nights in Florence. Two full days cover the Duomo, Uffizi, Accademia and Oltrarno, a third allows a day trip to Pisa, Siena or San Gimignano, and a fourth leaves time for the Val d'Orcia or simply slow mornings in the piazzas. Art lovers will happily stay longer.
How to pair it
Florence sits at the centre of the classic Italian loop. In seven days, combine three nights in Rome with three in Florence and a final night in Venice, all linked by fast trains we can ticket. In ten days, add Milan and Lake Como or Verona. For fourteen days, continue south to Naples, Sorrento and Capri, or fly to Sicily for Palermo and Catania.
Best time to visit Florence and the rhythm of the day
Best months
The best time to visit Florence is April to early June and September to October, when days are warm, light is golden and the countryside is green or harvest-gold. July and August are hot and crowded, so book museums early. November to March is cool and quieter, with shorter queues, softer light and a calm, local mood in the streets.
The daily rhythm
Florence wakes early with espresso at the counter and a pastry. Mornings are for the big museums before crowds build, and lunch is long and unhurried. Many small shops close in the early afternoon, then reopen as the light softens. Evenings belong to the passeggiata along the Arno, gelato in hand, before dinner around eight in a trattoria.
On-the-ground logistics in Florence
Arrival
Florence Airport, Peretola, is small and close: the transfer to the historic centre takes about twenty minutes. Many international travellers arrive via Pisa Airport, around an hour away, or by high-speed train at Santa Maria Novella station. Our private airport transfer meets you on arrival and drives you to your hotel, even when it sits within the restricted traffic zone.
Getting around
Florence's historic centre is compact and best explored on foot; most sights lie within twenty minutes' walk. Small electric buses and trams serve outer districts, and licensed taxis wait at ranks rather than cruising. Ride-hailing apps are limited. For day trips into Tuscany, a private car with driver arranged by our team is the most comfortable choice, while trains cover Pisa and Siena well.
Local etiquette tip
Florence protects its monuments carefully. Eating or sitting on church steps and in some historic streets can bring fines, so enjoy your panino on a bench or in a café. In churches cover shoulders and knees, keep voices low and respect signs that forbid flash or photography. A polite buongiorno when entering a shop is always appreciated.
Must-do things in Florence
- Climb Brunelleschi's dome for a sweeping view over terracotta rooftops
- Stand before Botticelli's Birth of Venus inside the Uffizi Gallery
- Meet Michelangelo's David beneath the skylight of the Accademia
- Cross the Ponte Vecchio past the gleaming goldsmiths' windows
- Watch sunset over the Arno from Piazzale Michelangelo
- Taste lampredotto, ribollita and gelato around the Mercato Centrale
- Explore artisan workshops in the Oltrarno and Santo Spirito
- Stroll the terraces and statues of the Boboli Gardens
- Take a day trip to Pisa, Siena and San Gimignano
- Drive through the cypress-lined hills of the Val d'Orcia
Do’s and don’ts in Florence
Do
- Reserve timed entries for the Uffizi, Accademia and Duomo climb
- Wear comfortable shoes for cobbled streets and many stairs
- Cover shoulders and knees when visiting churches
- Greet shopkeepers with buongiorno or buonasera
- Carry a reusable bottle and refill it at public fountains
Don’t
- Do not eat or sit on church steps or monument stairways
- Do not drive into the restricted traffic zone in a rental car
- Do not order a cappuccino with lunch or dinner and expect no smiles
- Do not touch artworks or use flash where it is forbidden
- Do not buy goods from unlicensed street sellers
Florence at a glance
Plan Florence with Haqqi Tours
Every option is confirmed by our team on WhatsApp before you pay, and delivered by our own people or by trusted local partners we work with in every city. Because we send travellers from all over the world, our partners give us special rates and priority, so you always receive the best. Prices are per person unless marked per vehicle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask most about Florence.
Where should first-time visitors stay in Florence?
First-time visitors to Florence should stay in the historic centre near the Duomo or Piazza della Signoria, where most sights are a short walk away. The Oltrarno offers a quieter, more local feel, and Santa Croce adds lively streets and markets. Our team can suggest hotels that suit your style and pace.
Can Florence be done as a day trip, or does it need an overnight stay?
Florence can be glimpsed as a day trip from Rome or Venice by fast train, and we issue those train tickets. Yet the city deserves at least two nights: the Uffizi, the Accademia, the Duomo climb and the Oltrarno need time, and evenings along the Arno are among Italy's finest moments.
What is the dress code and etiquette in Florence?
Dress is relaxed but neat. In churches, including the Duomo and Santa Croce, cover shoulders and knees. Do not eat on church steps or monuments, as fines apply in some areas. Greet shopkeepers on entering, keep your voice low in museums and churches, and respect photography rules in each gallery.
Is Florence tourist friendly?
Florence is very tourist friendly. The compact centre is easy to walk, English is widely spoken in hotels, museums and restaurants, and signs are clear. Florentines are proud of their city and welcome curious visitors. Our team and trusted local partners support you throughout your stay by WhatsApp.
Is it safe to travel to Florence now?
Florence is generally a safe city for travellers, with the usual need to watch for pickpockets in crowded places such as the Duomo square, stations and markets. Before departure, check the official travel advice of your own government, keep valuables close, and keep our WhatsApp line handy for help.
What are the must-do things in Florence?
The must-do things in Florence are climbing the Duomo, visiting the Uffizi and Michelangelo's David, crossing the Ponte Vecchio, watching sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo, exploring the Oltrarno's workshops, tasting Tuscan food at the Mercato Centrale and making a day trip to Pisa, Siena or San Gimignano.
How many days do you need in Florence?
Three to four days is ideal in Florence. Two days cover the main museums, the Duomo and the Oltrarno, a third allows a Tuscan day trip, and a fourth gives time for the Val d'Orcia or a slower pace. Combined with Rome and Venice, it builds a complete first Italy itinerary.
What can I book in Florence with Haqqi Tours?
Day tours, attraction tickets, private airport transfers, flight tickets and train tickets, including Tuscany Day Trip from Florence: Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa & Farmhouse Lunch, Florence Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour and Arno River Cruise under the Ponte Vecchio with Live Music Florence. Each has its own page, and the WhatsApp desk combines any of them into one plan with one written price.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel in Florence?
Florence Peretola Airport (FLR) is tiny and only about 5 km from the Duomo - one of the shortest airport transfers in Europe, though the centre beyond is a restricted ZTL zone. Our private transfer meets you at arrivals with a name board, tracks your flight and takes you door to door at a fixed price for the whole vehicle; the transfer pages list every route.
Is there public transport from the airport to Florence?
The T2 tram links Florence Airport with Santa Maria Novella station in about 20 minutes, a good option for one traveller, but the centre beyond is a ZTL zone where only permitted cars enter and cobbles fight suitcases; from Pisa the Pisamover and train take an hour with a change, so a car direct to the hotel is the usual choice. With luggage, a family or a late flight, the private car is the simpler choice.
Which tours are available in Florence?
Among them: Tuscany Day Trip from Florence: Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa & Farmhouse Lunch, Florence Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour, Arno River Cruise under the Ponte Vecchio with Live Music Florence, Cinque Terre & Pisa Day Trip from Florence and Pisa Half-Day Trip from Florence with Optional Leaning Tower Climb. Each page says whether the day is private or small-group, what it includes and how long it lasts.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Both exist, and each tour page says which. A private tour has a vehicle and guide for your party alone; the desk can make most group tours private on request.
How do I book?
Fill in the form on any page or message us on WhatsApp with the date, the number of travellers and the hotel. A member of our team confirms the price and the details in writing within minutes.
Are the prices fixed?
Yes - every price is agreed in writing on WhatsApp before you travel and does not change on the day.
Do the drivers and guides speak Arabic or English?
It depends on the city and the day, so we do not promise a particular language; tell us your preference and we do our best. The WhatsApp desk always works in Arabic and English.
Can I change or cancel a booking in Florence?
Yes, in the same WhatsApp conversation. The terms depend on the product and on how close to the date the change comes; the desk states them before you pay.