Florence holidays

Good to know for Florence holidays

Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, is a city that captivates with its rich history, unparalleled art, and exquisite cuisine. Planning a holiday here offers a journey through time, alongside modern comforts and amenities.

How to reach Florence

• Flight Time: Direct flights to Florence's Amerigo Vespucci Airport (Peretola) from Dublin typically take around 2 hours 30 minutes. There are also connecting flights from Shannon and Cork via European hubs like Amsterdam or Frankfurt.

• Transfer Time to the City Centre: The airport is roughly 6 km from Florence city centre. A taxi takes about 15–20 minutes, with fares around €20–€25. The Tramvia T2 line also connects the airport to the city centre in about 20 minutes, costing around €1.50.

• Price of Different Transport Options: Besides taxis and trams, buses are a cost-effective option for getting around, with a single ticket costing about €1.50.

Weather and best time to visit Florence

The ideal time for your Florence holiday depends on your expectations, with each season offering its own charm.

• Spring (March to May) sees the city bloom, with average temperatures of 11°C to 21°C, ideal for enjoying the outdoor sights without the summer crowds.

• Summer (June to August) is high season, characterised by hot temperatures (average 18°C to 31°C) and a bustling atmosphere, perfect for those who don't mind the heat and crowds.

• Autumn (September to November) offers milder weather (average 10°C to 25°C) and fewer tourists, making it a great time to explore the city at a leisurely pace.

• Winter (December to February) is low season, with cooler temperatures (average 1°C to 13°C) and occasional rain, but fewer tourists mean more space to enjoy indoor attractions like museums and galleries.

Practical information for Florence holidays

• Spoken Languages: Italian is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, making communication relatively easy.

• Local Habits and Customs: Florentines appreciate politeness. A simple "buongiorno" (good morning) or "buonasera" (good evening) can go a long way. Remember to dress modestly when visiting churches and religious sites.

• Tips: Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. In restaurants, a service charge is often included, but leaving an extra 5–10% is a nice gesture.

• Security: Florence is generally safe, though pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas. Always be mindful of your belongings.

• Health: Tap water in Florence is safe to drink. Irish travellers should carry a valid EHIC/GHIC card and consider additional travel insurance.

• Currency: The Euro (€) is the currency. ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in most establishments.

• Getting Around: Florence is best explored on foot, but there's also an efficient network of buses and a tram line. The historic centre is largely pedestrianised.

• Electricity/Plugs: The standard voltage is 230V, with type F and L plugs. Irish travellers will need a continental adaptor.

• Time Zone: Florence follows Central European Time (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of Irish time. Daylight Saving Time is observed from late March to late October.

Best things to do in Florence

Widely regarded as the jewel in the crown of Tuscany, Florence never ceases to enchant and delight visitors. Take a journey through its rich art, history and culture with these must-see experiences:

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Piazzale Michelangelo: Head to this spot for the best panoramic views of Florence, day or night. Spot the impressive duomo, Ponte Vecchio and majestic Arno River, while the backdrop of rolling Tuscan hills frames the scene.

• Fiesole: Take a short bus ride from the city centre to this hilltop town, which not only offers a slice of Etruscan and Roman history, but spectacular views back towards Florence too.

The best districts

• Historic centre: The UNESCO World Heritage-listed centre of Florence is brimming with visual references to the city's fascinating history. Stroll through the winding streets and discover architectural marvels at every twist and turn.

• Oltrarno: Known for its traditional artisan workshops and altogether more bohemian vibe, this district is perfect for those seeking a more authentic side to Florence.

Parks and gardens

• Boboli Gardens: Situated behind the Pitti Palace, these manicured gardens are a green oasis within the bustling city. Statues, fountains and hidden grottos make it the perfect spot for a leisurely walk or picnic. The gardens are open throughout the year, with varied closing times depending on the season.

• Giardino delle Rose (Rose Garden): A lesser-known tranquil retreat showcasing over 400 varieties of roses. Visit during May or June to admire the best blooms, or simply enjoy the stunning views of the city. The Rose Garden is easily accessible and free to enter.

Historical monuments

• Duomo di Firenze (Florence Cathedral) The city's most iconic landmark, known for its elaborate marble faşade and Filippo Brunelleschi's huge dome – an incredible feat of engineering. Brave the climb to be rewarded with incredible views of the city and Tuscan countryside beyond.

• Ponte Vecchio: The oldest and most famous bridge in Florence. Crossing the Arno River and lined with art and jewellery shops, it's a picture-perfect reminder of the city's medieval history.

• Uffizi Gallery: This famous gallery is home to the world's greatest collection of Italian Renaissance art. Wander the rooms admiring works by the masters: Botticelli, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.

• Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace): Florence's old town hall offers rich history and an impressive collection of artworks. Climb the tower for yet another stunning panorama.

Day trips in the area

• Siena: Just an hour away, this medieval city rivals Florence in beauty and historical significance. It's famous for the exhilarating Palio horse race, which takes place biannually in July and August. Check out our cheap holiday packages to Siena.

• Pisa: Known worldwide for its leaning tower, Pisa is easily accessible from Florence by train and offers a wealth of architectural and artistic treasures. Discover our great deals on holidays to Pisa.

• Chianti region: No holiday to Florence would be complete without a trip to the surrounding countryside. Explore picturesque villages and rolling vineyards where you can even sample some local wine.

Activities for families in Florence

Florence is a city that delights not just the older art and history buffs, but younger visitors too. Here's how to keep the whole family entertained:

• Interactive museums: The Leonardo da Vinci Museum offers interactive exhibits where kids can engage with the inventions of the Renaissance genius in a hands-on way. An educational and fun activity for curious minds of all ages.

• Aquariums: Take a day trip to the nearby town of Livorno where you'll find the Aquarium of Livorno – one of the largest aquariums in Italy and home to an impressive variety of marine life.

• Historical monuments and sites: Many of Florence's famed sites offer family-friendly tours. Discover the Palazzo Vecchio's secret passages tour, a thrilling experience that offers a new perspective on the ancient city for both children and adults.

• Theme parks and adventure: Situated just outside of Florence, the Parco Avventura Il Gigante is an adventure park with treetop courses suitable for different age groups. It's a perfect way to let the kids expend some energy while enjoying the great outdoors.

Free things to do in Florence

Florence is a city that can be enjoyed immensely on a budget. Here are some of the best activities that'll enrich your experience without costing much at all:

• Free events: Florence hosts a range of free events throughout the year, from outdoor concerts in the summer to traditional festivals like September's Festa della Rificolona, where the streets fill with lanterns and the city celebrates with music and parades.

• Free museums: Certain museums including the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery offer free admission on the first Sunday of each month, giving you the perfect opportunity to see world-class art without the price tag.

• Explore Florence by public transport: While not free, travelling by public buses is an economical way to see the city. A ticket costs €1.50 and is valid for 90 minutes, allowing you to hop on and off across multiple routes as you explore.

• Free guided tours: Look out for free walking tours offered by enthusiastic locals keen to share their knowledge of Florence's rich history. These tours operate on a tips-only basis and cover everything from Renaissance art to hidden gems of the city.

Local dishes in Florence

One of the best things about Florence holidays is the chance to sample the city's culinary specialities. From traditional Tuscan flavours to innovative fusion cuisine, its dishes and dining experiences are sure to delight.

Some typical dishes

• Ribollita: This hearty Tuscan soup made with bread, vegetables and cannellini beans is a comfort food staple, particularly during the cooler months.

• Pappa al Pomodoro: A thick, rustic soup made from tomatoes, bread, garlic and basil, it embodies the simplicity and richness of local ingredients.

Tapas dishes

• Crostini: Typically served as an appetiser, these toasted breads are topped with a variety of spreads, from chicken liver paté to creamy Tuscan beans.

Meat dishes

• Bistecca alla Fiorentina: A thick-cut T-bone steak, usually from Chianina cattle, grilled over a wood fire and simply seasoned with salt, pepper and olive oil.

• Lampredotto: A Florentine street food delicacy made from the fourth stomach of a cow, served in a bread roll with green sauce or spicy oil.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Cacciucco: Though more typical of the coastal areas of Tuscany, this tomato and red wine-based fish stew can be found in Florence's traditional eateries.

Sweets and desserts

Florence and the wider region of Tuscany are known for their delectable sweets.

• Cantucci: A local favourite, these almond biscuits are best enjoyed when dunked in Vin Santo, a sweet dessert wine

• Schiacciata Fiorentina: A light and spongy orange-flavoured cake dusted with icing sugar and finished with a Florentine lily.

Local drinks

• Chianti: Renowned worldwide, this red wine comes from the Tuscan region that surrounds Florence. It pairs beautifully with hearty dishes.

• Vin Santo: This dessert wine offers a sweet finish to any Tuscan meal.

• Negroni: Claimed to have been invented in Florence, this cocktail comprising gin, vermouth rosso and Campari is a common aperitif.