Travel to Florence

Travel to Florence

Bursting with Renaissance art and architecture, the city of Florence is a cultural delicacy for visitors. Amazing collections can be found in the Bargello and the Museo dellOpera del Duomo, which rules Florences skyline with its multi-coloured dome.

Transportation to Florence

Florence boasts two airports. Galileo Galilei is closer to Pisa and services international flights from London, Paris, Munich and major Italian cities; while Amerigo Vespucci is closer to Florence and best reached by domestic flights. Both have regular shuttle connections to the city.

By car, the A1 comes from Bologna and Milan in the north or Rome and Naples in the south. Local roads travel west to the coast or northeast to Venice. Rail is a popular method of transport, with direct service from Milan, Venice, Trieste, Verona, Bologna and Pisa.

What to see

Florence is probably best known for Michelangelo, perhaps Italys most dominant creative figure during the 16th century. You can see his works at the marble statuary of Cappelle Medicee, the Accademia and San Lorenzos Biblioteca Laurenzia.

Renaissance enthusiasts can savour the expressiveness of Brunelleschi's architecture, especially the churches of San Lorenzo, Santo Spirito and the Cappela dei Pazzi. Also worth seeing are the stunningly decorated chapels of Santa Croce and Santa Maria Novella. Of course, no trip to Florence would be complete without a visit to the world famous Uffizi Gallery, housing masterpieces from Botticelli, Titian, Michelangelo and Piero della Francesca, among others.

Day trips

There is much to see in the surrounding area, including lavish palaces like the Pitti Palace, Strozzi Palace, Rucellai Palace and Pazzi Palace. A drive northeast to the hill-village of Fiesole and to the nearest of the various Medici villas is worthwhile.

The neighbouring towns of Prato and Pistoia are just 30 minutes to the northwest. Both offer lovely art and historic architecture and can be visited on daytrips. You can head off to see the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa at Leonardo da Vincis birthplace to the west. Nearby, the hilltop town of San Miniato provides sweeping views of the valley below.

Activities and leisure

It is enjoyable to just stroll around Florence and shop at the outdoor market. You can also cross the Arno River by way of the Ponte Vecchio. This renowned 14th century bridge is lined with jewellery shops and is featured on all Florentine postcards. The nightlife in Florence is good, with a wide selection of bars and exciting nightclubs.

Safety issues

Be careful when exploring Florence and the surrounding area. Visitors are more prone to accidents when in an unfamiliar environment and on holiday; remain vigilant at all times. Pickpockets can be a problem in Florence, especially around crowded tourist areas. When visiting the city, we strongly recommend you take out travel insurance for you and your family.

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