Florence: Renaissance Art, Booked Ahead
Description
Florence is a walkable city of museums, domes and markets. The Uffizi, the Accademia and the Duomo all run on timed tickets, so the trip is easy if you book them first.
The centre fits inside a 20-minute walk. The big three are the Uffizi Gallery (about EUR 23 and up for a timed ticket), the Accademia with Michelangelo's David (from around EUR 27) and the Duomo complex, where the climb up Brunelleschi's dome starts at roughly EUR 37 with the combined ticket. Combined Uffizi and Accademia tickets save a little, and early or late slots are less crowded.
Plan the rest around the river and the hills: the Ponte Vecchio, Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset, the Boboli Gardens and the Mercato Centrale for lunch. Pisa, Siena and Chianti are all easy day trips by train or bus. For vegetarians Florence is one of the easiest Italian cities, with several fully vegetarian restaurants near the Duomo.
Activities
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Uffizi GalleryThe great Renaissance collection: Botticelli's Birth of Venus, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Caravaggio. A timed ticket starts around EUR 23; book weeks ahead in season.Book
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Accademia Gallery and DavidHome of Michelangelo's David. Priority entry tickets start around EUR 27; the visit takes about an hour.Book
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Florence Duomo and Brunelleschi's DomeThe cathedral, baptistery, bell tower and the climb up the dome. A combined ticket with dome access starts at about EUR 37; reserve a time slot.Book
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Ponte VecchioThe medieval bridge lined with jewellers; free to cross and best at sunset.Free
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Piazzale MichelangeloA hilltop terrace with the classic view of the Duomo and the Arno; free, a 20-minute walk or short bus ride from the centre.Free
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Top things to do in Florence
Gallery
Where to eat
Mid-range La Buchetta Food & Wine Restaurant
A traditional menu is matched by an extensive wine list at this cozy, old-timey bistro.
Vegetarian options- 310 m from Palazzo Vecchio
- 310 m from Uffizi Gallery
Mid-range Libreria Brac
A former bookshop turned vegetarian restaurant with well-priced plates and an art-book library.
Vegetarian options- 240 m from Palazzo Vecchio
- 240 m from Uffizi Gallery
Mid-range Konnubio
Creative Italian food, cocktails & a long wine list in a stylish, intimate setting.
Vegetarian options- 240 m from Mercato Centrale
- 260 m from Florence Duomo and Brunelleschi's Dome
Mid-range Quinoa
A well-reviewed vegetarian restaurant in the centre, known for creative organic dishes.
Vegetarian options- 230 m from Florence Duomo and Brunelleschi's Dome
- 280 m from Duomo
Mid-range Il Vegetariano
A dedicated vegetarian and vegan restaurant with Italian and Mediterranean dishes and gluten-free choices.
Vegetarian options- 440 m from Galleria dell'Accademia
- 460 m from Accademia Gallery and David
Mid-range Ruth's
Kosher vegetarian restaurant near the Great Synagogue, with falafel, hummus and Eastern Mediterranean dishes.
Vegetarian options- 680 m from Accademia Gallery and David
- 700 m from Galleria dell'Accademia
Mid-range ORA Ristorante Vegetariano
Creative vegetarian cuisine pairs with regional wines in a colorful, modern space with a terrace.
Vegetarian options- 480 m from Galleria dell'Accademia
- 500 m from Accademia Gallery and David
Mid-range Ditta Artigianale
Popular artisan cafe famous for signature coffee creations and gourmet breakfast bowls.
Mid-range Antica Trattoria da Tito
Lively historic spot serving thick Florentine steak and wild boar pasta.
Budget All'Antico Vinaio
Now, we're in front of Atlantico Bino, the famous Florence sandwich shop.
Where to stay
Hotel La Fortezza
YellowSquare Florence
Bright dorms & rooms in a trendy hostel featuring a cafe/bar, a communal kitchen & a rooftop pool.
Hostel Archi Rossi
Laid-back hostel with simple rooms & dorms, plus complimentary Wi-Fi & breakfast.
Hotel Spadai
B&B HOTEL Firenze Laurus al Duomo
Elegant hotel featuring a cafe & a wine bar with a terrace, plus cathedral views & free breakfast.
Porta Rossa Hotel Firenze, Colbert Collection
Understated rooms & suites in an elegant hotel offering a cafe/bar & a restaurant, plus free Wi-Fi.
San Firenze Suites & Spa
The St. Regis Florence
Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
Opulent venue with plush accommodations featuring 3 restaurants & bars, plus a spa & fitness center.