About Florence

Florence is pure, concentrated beauty. This is the city of Michelangelo's David, Botticelli's Venus, and Brunelleschi's magnificent Duomo. It's a compact, walkable city where art and history ambush you at every turn. But Florence is more than the Uffizi. It's a living city of high fashion, modern artisans, and incredible food. A local plan helps you see the masterpieces with intention, then escape the crowds to the Oltrarno, the "left bank" of the city, to find the real Florentine soul.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April-May) or Autumn (Sept-Oct). The summer heat and crowds can be intense. Visiting in winter (Jan-Feb) is a great local move—it's quiet and clear.

Local Tips

1. See the other David. The Uffizi is overwhelming. A local will tell you to visit the Bargello Museum instead—an incredible collection of sculpture (including Donatello's David) with a fraction of the crowds.
2. Find the other Duomo view. Everyone climbs the main Dome. A local will send you to the tower at Palazzo Vecchio or the nearby San Miniato al Monte for an equally stunning view of the skyline (and the Duomo itself).
3. Eat Bistecca the right way. A local will tell you to never order a Bistecca alla Fiorentina "well-done" and will book you at a family-run trattoria in the San Frediano or Santo Spirito neighbourhoods, far from the tourist menus.