Florence: Cradle of the Renaissance - Guide 2026
Florence, where the Renaissance was born and the world changed forever. This Tuscan city is an open-air museum where every street, square, and building tells the story of geniuses like Leonardo, Michelangelo, Botticelli, and the powerful Medici family.
💡 Viajesline Tip
The Firenze Card (€85/72h) includes skip-the-line access to Uffizi, Accademia, Duomo, and transportation. You'll get your money's worth in 3 visits and avoid queues of up to 3 hours.
Top 10 Must-See Attractions
1Uffizi Gallery
Botticelli, Da Vinci, Raphael
2Cathedral (Duomo)
Brunelleschi's Dome
3Michelangelo's David
Accademia Gallery
4Ponte Vecchio
Medieval bridge with jewelers
5Palazzo Pitti
Medici residence
6Piazzale Michelangelo
Panoramic city views
7Basilica Santa Croce
Tombs of Galileo and Michelangelo
8Mercato Centrale
Authentic Tuscan gastronomy
9Boboli Gardens
Renaissance gardens
10San Lorenzo
Medici Chapels
Recommended Itineraries
🗓️ 2-Day Itinerary: The Essentials
Day 1: Art & Architecture
Accademia Gallery (David) → Duomo + Dome climb → Baptistery → Piazza della Signoria → Uffizi Gallery → Ponte Vecchio at sunset
Day 2: Oltrarno & Views
Palazzo Pitti → Boboli Gardens → San Miniato al Monte → Piazzale Michelangelo (sunset) → Dinner in Santo Spirito
Day Trips from Florence
Val d'Orcia & Chianti
Rolling hills, vineyards, medieval villages, and wine tasting. Full-day excursion.
From €89/person
Pisa & Lucca
Leaning Tower + walled city. Perfect half-day combination.
From €55/person
Best Time to Visit
✅ Ideal Season
April-May & September-October: Perfect weather (18-25°C), fewer tourists than summer, ideal light for photos.
⚠️ Peak Season
June-August: Very hot (35°C+), long museum queues. Book tickets weeks in advance.
Practical Tips
- Book Uffizi online: Mandatory in high season. Skip the 2-3 hour queue.
- Accademia early: David has fewer crowds at 8:15am (opening time).
- Wear comfortable shoes: The center is 100% pedestrian with cobblestone streets.
- Dine in Oltrarno: Less touristy neighborhood with authentic trattorias and local prices.
Ready to discover Florence?
We design your perfect Tuscan journey: priority museum access, private wine tastings, and exclusive routes through the Tuscan countryside.