Florence – the city of a thousand sights

Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich cities in Italy.
With its stunning architecture, world-famous artwork, and a history that dates back to Roman times, Florence is an essential destination for anyone visiting Italy.

The history of Florence

Florence was founded by the Romans in 59 BC and developed into one of the most important commercial and financial metropolises in Europe in the Middle Ages. In 15. and In the 16th century, the city experienced its heyday as the center of the Renaissance.
During this period, wealthy families such as the Medici promoted art and science and attracted artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Botticelli.

Art and culture

The heart of Florence beats in art.
The city is home to some of the most famous works of art in the world.
A visit to the Uffizi Gallery is an absolute must.
This world-famous museum houses masterpieces such as Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” and da Vinci’s “The Annunciation.”
Not far from the Uffizi Gallery is the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s David – an impressive must-see sculpture.
The sight of the 5.17-meter-high marble statue is simply overwhelming and a highlight of any trip to Florence.

Architectural masterpieces

Florence is an open-air museum of architecture.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the Duomo, dominates the city’s skyline.
Brunelleschi’s impressive dome is a marvel of engineering and offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding Tuscan countryside.
Another highlight is the Palazzo Vecchio, the town hall of Florence.
This medieval building is not only architecturally impressive, but also houses a museum where you can learn more about the history of the city and the Medici family.

Culinary delights

Florence is also a paradise for gourmets.
Tuscan cuisine is known for its simplicity and quality of ingredients.
Be sure to try a bistecca alla Fiorentina, a succulent T-bone steak traditionally grilled on charcoal.
A glass of Chianti, the famous wine from the region, goes perfectly with it.
For a sweet temptation, visit one of the city’s many gelaterias.
Florentine ice cream is known worldwide and offers an endless choice of flavors – from classic vanilla to exotic creations such as fig and rosemary.

Experience Florence

Florence is a city that is best explored on foot.
Get lost in the narrow streets, discover hidden squares and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city.
Visit the Mercato Centrale, a large indoor market where you can buy local specialties and fresh produce.
A walk across the Ponte Vecchio, the famous bridge over the Arno, is also a must.
This historic bridge is lined with jewelry stores and offers scenic views of the river.

Questions about Florence?

What is the climate of Florence?

Florence is located in a temperate climate zone with very warm summers and cold, humid winters.

What are the sights?

The historic city centre was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. Due to its artistic and architectural heritage, Forbes Magazine has selected Florence as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. One of the most famous sights is the cathedral “Santa Maria del Fiore”, the fourth largest cathedral in the world. Michelangelo’s statue “David” can be admired in the “Galleria dell’Accademia”, while Botticelli’s painting “The Birth of Venus” and da Vinci’s “The Annunciation” are exhibited in the Uffizi Gallery.

The “Palazzo Vecchio” is the most important civic building in Florence. The frescoes inside and the colonnade in the courtyard are worth seeing. The Renaissance palace “Palazzo Pitti” houses museums and galleries. In the “Galleria Palatina” the private collections of the Medici can be admired. In the “Basilica of San Lorenzo”, the main church of the Medici, there are works by Donatello, Rosso Fiorentino, Desiderio da Settignano and Bronzino. The old sacristy by Brunelleschi and the new sacristy by Michelangelo, as well as the funerary chapel of the Medici family, were added to the church. The tombstones of the Medici family were designed by Michelangelo before he went to Rome . The museum displays fantastic examples of goldsmithing.

Nightlife Tips

The atmospheric restaurant “Dondino”, with a view of the church “Santa Croce”, offers draft Italian or Belgian beers. Reservations are recommended in the “Empireo”, the rooftop bar of the Hotel Lucchesi. The restaurant offers a beautiful view of the old town, the cathedral or the Palazzo Vecchio. A meeting place for the rich and beautiful is the club “Flo Firenze”. Here, people celebrate in the open air on a hill in Piazzale Michelangelo. Elegant attire and reservation is recommended. The “Joshua Tree Irish Pub” or the “La Terrazza”, the rooftop bar of the Hotel Continentale, are also popular places to go. In addition to two huge discos, “Central Park” and “Meccano”, Florence offers a large number of clubs where all genres of music can be found. Jazz fans meet at the “Jazz Club”, a very well-known venue in the scene.

What about security in Florence?

In Florence, you will regularly encounter patrols of the Carabinieri and the Guardia di Finanza throughout the city, which ensure peace and order. Caution is advised when buying counterfeit branded goods offered at improvised stalls. The purchase of such goods is strictly forbidden and entails very high penalties!

Out and about with children

Florence is a cultural city with many sights. It is not so easy to find the right program for children, but of course there are some activities that are also fun for the little tourists. Interesting and at the same time instructive is the pasta production in the “Mercato Centrale”. Ice cream is always a hit with children, two of the most famous ice cream parlors in Florence are “Edoardos” in Piazza del Duomo and “Grom” on Via del Campanile. The huge, wooden carousel at Piazza della Reppublica not only makes children’s eyes shine. 20 horses and two gilded carriages invite you to ride along to Neapolitan ballads on the accordion.

Sports activities

Boat or canoe trips on the Arno can be booked in one of the numerous canoe clubs, in the summer months you can cool off in one of the many outdoor pools. Another good way to do sports is to go on bike trips to Tuscany.

More things to do in Florence

Exciting pastimes are offered by horse races in the “Ippodromo del Visarno” or a visit to one of the numerous escape rooms. “Joyvillage” is an entertainment center with video games and arcades. “Treasure Hunt” is a scavenger hunt through Florence. Painting courses can be attended in the “Florence Studio”, and the latest films can be experienced in the city’s cinema centres.

Theatre and dance

The “Teatro della Limonaia” organizes the “Festival Intercity” in addition to performances of national and international comedies. This festival offers foreign artists the opportunity to present their contemporary theatre contributions for 3 weeks every year. The “Teatro della Pergola” offers a varied programme, and exhibitions are organised in the “Teatro Studio di Scandicci”. Modern dance associations from all over the world meet at the “Florence Dance Festival”, organized by dance schools in Florence.

How do I get around Florence in terms of transport?

Tourists are prohibited from entering the historic center by car, unless they want to go to a hotel or parking garage within the zone. It is recommended to park outside the centre and take the bus or tram to the centre.  

Holidays in Florence: the most important information

Important telephone numbers

• Emergency call (police, fire brigade, ambulance): 112
• Police: 113
• Fire brigade: 115
• Ambulance service: 118
• German Embassy in Rome: +39 06 49213

German Doctors

• Dr. Andreas Graf: Via delle Porte Nuove 10, 50144 Firenze, +39 055 353013
• Dr. Helmut Hofmann: Viale dei Mille 3, 50131 Firenze, +39 055 578348

Opening hours

• Shops: Usually Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Many shops close at noon for a siesta.
• Supermarkets: Usually daily from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Restaurants: Lunch from 12:30 to 14:30, dinner from 19:30 to 22:30.
• Banks: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Airport

• Florence-Peretola Airport (FLR): The main airport in Florence, about 10 km northwest of the city center.

Post / Stamps

• Post offices: In all major districts and towns. Florence Central Post Office: Via Pellicceria 3, 50123 Firenze.
  Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Stamps: Available at the post office, tobacconists (tabacchi) and kiosks.
• Costs for letters and postcards to Germany: Standard letter up to 20g: approx. 1.10 EUR; Postcard: approx. 1.10 EUR

Safety

• Crime: Florence is considered relatively safe, but tourists should be wary, especially of pickpockets in busy tourist areas and markets.
• Emergency number: 112

Current

• Voltage: 230 volts
• Sockets: Type C, F and L (Type F as in Germany, Type L Italian standard)

Tip

• Restaurants: 5-10% of the bill amount, often included in the bill. An additional tip is welcome if the service is good.
• Taxis: Round up the amount
• Hotels: 1-2 euros per day for cleaning staff

Customs

• Allowances within the EU: No customs restrictions on personal belongings.
• Alcohol: Maximum 10 liters of spirits, 20 liters of alcoholic beverages with less than 22%, 90 liters of wine, 110 liters of beer.
• Tobacco: 800 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 200 cigars, 1 kg of tobacco.