Highlights
-
There are probably street musicians in every major city. But in the city of fine arts, only highly talented artists get a permit. In the evenings, you can enjoy the music in Piazza della Signoria, Piazza delle Repubblica and Ponte Vecchio. Join the other listeners on the steps of Piazzale Michelangelo and enjoy the special magic in the open air, crowned by a fantastic view of the sunset. Be sure to take a bottle of Chianti with you and end the evening "dolce vita".
-
Florence is the city of gardens. The famous Boboli Gardens are one of Florence's greatest sights. Right next to it is the Giardino Bardini, a jewel, somewhat more intimate and with a magnificent view of the city. In spring, an impressive carpet of wisteria covers the large pergola. Speaking of flowers: don't miss the rose garden, which blossoms in May. This also applies in particular to the iris garden on the left bank of the Arno. Over 2,500 varieties of this noble flower, which has been a symbol of the city of Florence since 1251, bloom here.
-
The Vasari Corridor, made famous by Dan Brown's bestseller "Inferno", runs right through the old town of Florence. It begins in the Uffizi Gallery, the world-famous collection of paintings. There, a small, inconspicuous wooden door opens and you find yourself in the middle of the Medici's secret escape corridor with more than 700 paintings on the walls. The corridor leads in part at lofty heights over the Arno to the Pitti Palace.
Frequently asked questions
-
The cost of a night train to Florence depends mainly on the season, when you book, the day of travel and the class of travel. The season has the greatest impact, as holiday periods and months in high demand lead to higher prices. Booking early is also usually cheaper than a last-minute decision, whilst the day of travel and class of travel also influence the price.
-
Yes, Florence is well worth a visit, as the city boasts a wealth of art, architecture and historical sights. As the heart of the Renaissance, Florence brings together significant buildings and museums within a compact area, including the Uffizi Gallery and the cathedral with Brunelleschi’s dome. Landmarks such as the Ponte Vecchio, along with historic squares and palaces, characterise the cityscape and make Florence a major tourist destination.
-
Yes, there are direct overnight train services to Florence. The ÖBB Nightjet runs from Munich to Florence without any changes, stopping at several towns in northern Italy along the way. From other regions, Florence can only be reached overnight with a change.
-
There is no single ‘best’ month to visit Florence, as the ideal time depends largely on your personal interests. In spring and autumn, temperatures are generally pleasant and visitor numbers are lower, making it a good time for sightseeing. The summer months are often very warm and busier, whilst winter is quieter and better suited to visiting museums and shorter stays.