Is Florence Worth Visiting? Definitely Yes! Here’s Why.

Florence is a beautiful, historic city that has captured the hearts of travelers for centuries. With its stunning architecture, world-renowned art, and absolutely ~exquisite~ cuisine, Florence is a destination that truly has something for everyone.

I absolutely fell in love with the city when I spent 4 days in Florence during a trip to Italy. Out of everywhere I visited in Italy, Florence was easily one of my favorites.

It’s hard to explain, but Florence has a certain charm to it that is hard to put into words. Maybe it was the fewer crowds, maybe it was the cohesive architecture throughout the city that I truly could not take my eyes off of, or maybe it was delicious food. Actually, it was all of it!

But, is Florence worth visiting? I would say yes, but I might have a different travel-style and priorities than you. Let’s explore the top reasons to visit Florence, and why I believe it is a must-visit destination!

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Table of Contents

Top Reasons for Visiting Florence

1. Fantastic art and cultural history

Florence has some of the best art and cultural history in all of Europe. With some of the world’s most famous renaissance masterpieces housed in its museums and galleries, Florence is a destination for art and history lovers.

The Uffizi Gallery, home to works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci, is a must-visit for art lovers.

The Accademia Gallery is home to Michelangelo’s David, one of the most famous sculptures in the world.

Additionally, Florence has many stunning churches and palaces, such as the Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio, that showcase the city’s rich history and architectural heritage.

2. Incredible, authentic Italian food

Florence is a food lover’s paradise, with its traditional Tuscan cuisine and world-class dining options.

Some of my favorite are their ribollita soup, bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine steak), or even a simple ravioli! No matter your taste buds, there’s no shortage of delicious dishes to try.

The city’s major markets, such as Mercato Centrale and Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio, offer an array of fresh produce, meats, and cheeses. And let’s not forget about gelato – Florence is home to some of the best gelaterias in Italy!

3. Beautiful piazzas and architecture

Wandering through Florence’s charming streets and piazzas is an experience in itself. The city’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a maze of narrow alleys, stunning architecture, and markets.

The Basilica of Santa Maria, with its impressive statues within the sidewall of the building, is somewhere you could spend hours just sitting at and enjoying.

Some of the best piazzas to visit in Florence include:

Piazza del Duomo: This is the main square in Florence and home to the Douro, also known as Florence Cathedral, Giotto’s Campanile, and the Baptistery of San Giovanni. The square is a great place to take in the breathtaking architecture of the city.
Piazza della Signoria: This is another iconic square in Florence, located in front of the Palazzo Vecchio, which is the town hall of Florence. The square has with numerous statues and is a popular spot for both tourists and locals to gather!
Piazza Santo Spirito: This is a more laid-back square located in the Oltrarno neighborhood. It’s a great place to relax, enjoy a coffee, and people-watch. There’s also a market here on certain days of the week.
Piazza Santa Croce: This square is home to the Basilica of Santa Croce, which is the largest Franciscan church in the world.
Piazza della Repubblica: This is a large square in the center of Florence that was built on the site of the ancient Roman Forum. It’s a great place to shop, dine, and enjoy views of the city.

4. Central to other destinations in Tuscany

Florence is the perfect base for exploring the rest of Tuscany. As one of the top destinations for wine lovers in Italy, Tuscany is the perfect day trip from Florence to explore!

Renting a car or joining a guided tour is a great way to explore this picturesque landscape. The region’s charming hilltop villages, such as San Gimignano and Montepulciano, offer stunning views and a taste of traditional Tuscan life. Or, you could visit the stunning and historic towns of Lucca and Pisa, that are also within easy reach.

5. Easily walkable

Florence is a very walkable city. You most likely will not need a car if you are staying within Florence, as most of the major attractions are within blocks of each other.

Just be warned, that public transportation is not incredibly timely in Florence. There are buses that connect major attractions throughout the city, but you should factor in additional time to ensure you arrive at your destination in time.

6. Connected to other major cities in Italy

Italy’s train network is one of the best in Europe. Trains connect all of the major cities in Italy, making it easy to get from one destination to the other.

You can get from Rome to Italy in less than 2 hours, making it an easy day trip from Rome! Or, if you are spending anywhere from 1-2 weeks in Italy, you should absolutely stop into Florence if traveling through Italy by train!

With so many amazing cities in Italy to explore, some travelers have a hard time deciding what cities to add to their itinerary. Thankfully, because of Italy’s robust train system, you won’t have as much trouble building an itinerary to visit each city you hope to see!

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7. Shopping in Florence

Florence has tons of shopping options. Many of the side streets in Florence have local markets that you can buy Italian goods from.

The city is known for its leather goods, and you’ll find everything from handbags to jackets in the shops around the Santa Croce church! Florence is also famous for its gold jewelry, and the Ponte Vecchio is lined with jewelry shops that have been in business for centuries.

8. The friendly atmosphere

Last but not least, the people of Florence are warm, welcoming, and passionate about their city. Whether you’re chatting with a local in a cafe or admiring the work of a street artist, you’ll find that the atmosphere in Florence is amazing, and the locals are eager to share their love of the city with visitors.

Cons for Visiting Florence

While Florence is a beautiful and culturally rich city, like any destination, it has its drawbacks. Here are some potential cons to visiting Florence that I want you to be aware of.

Crowded for certain tourist attractions: Florence is a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer months. This means that many of the city’s attractions, such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo, can get very crowded. Long lines and crowded streets can detract from the experience for some visitors.
Higher prices than other European countries: Florence is known for its high prices, especially in the city center. Accommodation, dining, and shopping can be expensive, particularly in the more touristy areas. Budget travelers may find it challenging to find affordable options.
Pickpockets and scams: Like many tourist destinations, Florence has its share of pickpockets and scams. Visitors should be vigilant and take precautions to protect their belongings, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.
Limited parking in the city: If you’re planning to drive in Florence, be aware that parking can be difficult to find and expensive. Many hotels do not offer parking, and street parking is limited and often restricted to residents.
Limited public transportation: While Florence does have a public transportation system, it is limited compared to other European cities. Buses and trams are the primary modes of public transportation, and they can be crowded during peak hours.
Hot in the Summer: Florence can get very hot in the summer, with temperatures often reaching 90°F (32°C) or higher. The heat can be uncomfortable for some visitors, especially those who are not used to it. But, can avoid this by visiting Florence during a different season! I suggest visiting Florence on one of the shoulder seasons (Spring or Fall). Or, you could visit Florence in the winter, which offers beautiful festivals and markets that make for a perfect holiday.

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So, Should You Visit Florence?

My answer: a resounding yes!

Florence is more than worth visiting. With its rich history, stunning art, delicious food, and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a city that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, a foodie, or simply looking for a beautiful place to explore, Florence has something for everyone.

So, if you’re considering a trip to Italy, be sure to add Florence to your itinerary. You won’t be disappointed!