Take a look at our guide for everything including planning the basics, hotel information, food, shopping and when to go. Florence, known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, is a beautiful city – so start here for planning your trip!

Florence History

The city of Florence, called Firenze in Italian, is centrally located in Italy in the Tuscany region. As of June 2016, the population is 383,083, and over 1,520,000 in the metropolitan area. This makes it the largest city in Tuscany. Florence is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, and has been called “the Athens of the Middle Ages”. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982.

Why is it called Florence?

When the present city of Florence was founded in 59 BC by Julius Caesar, it was named Fluentia, owing to the fact that it was built between two rivers, which was later changed to Florentia which means “flowering”.

What is Florence well known for?

Florence is known for being the “cradle of the Renaissance” (la culla del Rinascimento) for its monuments, churches, and buildings. Some of the best known sights and works in Florence include:

  • The Duomo, otherwise known as the Santa Maria del Fiore, which was built over 600 years ago
  • Ponto Vecchio (Old Bridge) spans over the Arno River with multiple shops on it
  • Uffizi, important hub for Florence civil and government work for centuries
  • Piazza della Signoria, infamous for the point of origin for the Florentine Republic, and contains the Palazzo Vecchio
  • Boboli Gardens is a park with sculptures dating back to the 16th century

When was the city of Florence founded?

The city of Florence was founded in 59 BC. but with some controversy! The most common story is that Julius Caesar founded Florentia by making a strategic garrison on the narrowest crossing of the Arno river and thus controlling the Via Flaminia linking Rome to northern Italy and Gaul (France).

However, there is earlier archeological evidence to support an earlier village founded by the Etruscans around 200 BC.

For more information, read about the history of Florence here.

What is the population of Florence Italy?

As of June 30, 2016, the current population of Florence is 383,083, and over 1,520,000 in the metropolitan area.

Why was the city of Florence important during the Renaissance?

Florence was incredibly important in the Renaissance due in large part to the Medici family. The Medici family and its influence on the Italian Renaissance was mainly between 1397 to 1495, although the Italian Renaissance continued until 1550.

As the center for the European wool trade, the merchants leveraged there power politically in the city. The merchants competed against each other by commissioning artists to build and create grand works of art. This competition augmented the fervor with which the city entered into the Renaissance.

The Medici family played a large role in the Renaissance, starting with Giovanni de Medici. Giovanni was banker to the Papal Court, and housed his headquarters in Florence. For almost a century, the Medici family controlled Florence throughout much of the Renaissance, played a large part in the patronage of the arts and the political development of the city.

For more information, read up on the SparkNotes on the Italian Renaissance here.

Florence Transportation

What airport do you fly into for Florence?

The Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola (FLR), formally the Amerigo Vespucci airport, is located approximately 4km from the city centre. The other main airport in the Tuscany region is the Galileo Galilei International Airport (PSA) in Pisa.

How far is Florence airport from city Centre?

The Florence airport (FLR) is approximately 4km from the city centre.

What is the name of the airport in Florence Italy?

The name of the airport in Florence is the Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola (FLR), formally the Amerigo Vespucci airport. It is one of two main airports in the Tuscany region, the other being in Pisa.

Which airport is best for Florence?

For traveling in to Florence, the he Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola (FLR) may be your best option as it is only 4km from the city centre. There’s another international airport for the Tuscany region located in Pisa. Depending upon your origin, it may make sense to compare airports for price and flight times.

How many airports are there in Florence?

There is one main international airport located in Florence, the Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola (FLR), formally the Amerigo Vespucci airport.

Which airlines fly to Florence?

The biggest airlines flying into Florence, with direct flights, include: British Airways, Vueling, and CityJet. Other airlines include:

  • KLM
  • Air France
  • Lufthansa
  • SWISS
  • Air Berlin
  • Iberia
  • Brussels Airlines
  • Alitalia
  • bmi regional
  • Austrian Airlines
  • Blue Air

For more information, check out Skyscanner’s site here.

Which airlines fly to Pisa from UK?

The biggest airlines flying into Pisa, with direct flights, include: British Airways, Ryanair, and easyJet. Other airlines include:

  • Jet2
  • KLM
  • Lufthansa
  • Vueling Airlines
  • Alitalia
  • germanwings
  • Turkish Airlines
  • Norwegian
  • Norwegian Air International
  • eurowings

For more information, check out the Skyscanner’s site here.

What is the name of the main train station in Florence?

The name of the main train station is Florence Santa Maria Novella. It is one of the busiest train stations in Italy.

How long is the train journey from Florence to Pisa?

The average time between Florence and Pisa Centrale is 1 hour and 5 minutes and the fastest journey time is 45 minutes. There are many different train options to catch, running as frequently as 82 trains per train making this very route!

How do you get from Florence to Siena?

For getting from Florence to Siena, there’s two options: bus or train.

The bus options is a bit harder to find as it is in front of the SMN train station, but down a short side street and hidden within the block. The map address is: Via Santa Caterina da Siena. There are two buses to Siena: the Rapida (the fast one) and the Ordinaria (the slower one). The Rapida, line 131R, is a non-stop ride between Florence and Siena, lasting about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The Ordinaria, line 131O, stops in two villages along the way and takes 1 hour and 30 minutes. The bus will place you at the Piazza Gramsci/Viale Tozzi, and there is a bus ticket station to buy your return tickets.

By train, there are two trains per hour that leave for Siena. The direct train option will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The other train option takes you to Empoli, and you will have to make a transfer for Siena, which totals 1 hour and 45 minutes for the whole trip.

It’s important for both the bus and train tickets to always remember to have them validated before getting on your transport. If not, you can be fined for traveling with a validated ticket.

For more information, check out this site on traveling between Florence and Siena.

How much is the train from Rome to Florence?

Train tickets from Rome to Florence average from $20-50 on this route, and vary with different train speeds. Tickets on the lower end of the range often come with travel times of up to four hours, so the high-speed trains are usually the best option.

Florence Climate

What is the climate of Florence Italy?

The climate in Florence is a humid subtropical climate, slightly tending to Mediterranean. The summers are known to be hot with light rainfall, and the winters damp with cold rainfall.

Although the city may see snow flurries, it does not accumulate on the ground. November is known to be the wettest month with an average of 102mm of rain.

What is the weather like in Florence in July?

July is the hottest month in Florence with an average temperature of 25°C (77°F). This is also the month with the most hours of sunshine.

What is the weather like in Italy all year round?

The weather in Italy is a humid subtropical climate, slightly tending to Mediterranean. The summers are hot and dry while the winters are cool and humid.

If you’re visiting the Southern Peninsula of Italy, the summers can get quite hot, with high nocturnal temperatures of usually 28-33°C, but sometimes even 40°C. Thunderstorms are common throughout the summer and into the early fall months.

What is the average temperature in Italy?

The annual average temperature in Italy is 13.5°C (taken from 196 cities over 33 years). It ranges from January, the coldest, with an average of 5.6°C all the way to the month of July, the hottest, with an average of 22.3°C.

For more information, check out this page on the average temperatures recorded in Italy and focus on all the cities.

Florence Sights

What are the best Florence sights and attractions?

The best sights and attractions in Florence depends on what you want to see! There are a few top ranked sights, including:

For more top sights, check out the Visit Florence Sights page.

What to do in Florence in 1 day?

If you only have one day in Florence, these are a few of the famous sights that you may want to consider seeing:

  • Uffizi Gallery – The Uffizi houses an immense collection of international and Florentine art works. It is one of the top sights that visitors see when they visit not only Florence but all of Italy!
  • The Duomo, Florence’s Cathedral – This cathedral, also known as the Santa Maria del Fiore, is the best-known site in Florence and built by Filippo Brunelleschi. The nearby Campanile and the Baptistery are also highlights. The dome, 600 years after its completion, is still the largest dome built in brick and mortar in the world.
  • Accademia Gallery – This is where the famous Michelangelo sculpture of David is housed, along with other works of art.
  • The Ponte Vecchio, or the Old Bridge – Another infamous landmark, it was originally built by the Etruscans, the current bridge was rebuilt in the 14th century. It is known for the many shops built upon its edges which are held up by stilts.
  • Check out the Restaurants section for a variety of spots for lunch and dinner!

When you have only 24 hours in a city, it’s always good to plan advance to know which sights are open or closed, if it’s better to buy tickets online, etc.

You may also want to balance your day with a variety of sights, for example: 1-2 museums, lunch, 1-2 churches or landmarks, and rounding up the day with a delicious dinner.

Finally, if you only have one day: wake up early! Pick one of the most popular destinations and go there first, regardless of getting tickets online in advance, to avoid the crowds.

What to do in Florence in 3 days?

If you have 3 days in Florence, you can spread out top sights and attractions to see over a longer period of time. However, it’s still important to plan ahead for a short trip to avoid museums and restaurant closures, and avoid lines by purchasing tickets in advance.

When you have 72 hours, you can structure your days by specific neighborhoods to avoid wasting time walking from sight to sight.

One suggestion is to break up your days like this:

Day 1: Piazza della Signoria

In this area, check out the Duomo, also known as the Santa Maria del Fiore, first to avoid the crowds. Make sure to visit both the Cathedral and the Baptistery – and you can walk all the way up to the Dome, if you’re adventurous!

After lunch, go to the Uffizi and spend hours browsing through the magnificent art. For a more detailed approach on what art to see, check out the Visit Florence guide to browsing the Uffizi with a time limit.

Finally, cross the Ponte Vecchio at sunset to enjoy the view and grab some dinner – and gelato. 😉

Day 2: Piazza San Marco

First, start out by visiting the Accademia with the very popular Michelangelo’s David sculpture.

After lunch, you can head over to San Lorenzo to see the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, and the Medici Chapels. If you have time, check out the Santa Maria Novella with its museum and all the hidden treasures. Finally, grab some much deserved dinner!

Day 3: Left Bank of Florence aka Oltrarno

For the final day, do not miss out on the Oltrarno neighborhood on the other side of the River Arno. Start out with the Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens. The Pitti Palace contains 5 museums and the Boboli Gardens behind it are extensive! You’ll have to be selective with what you see here since it would be impossible to see them all in this last day.

After lunch, go to the San Miniato al Monte for a view of the city and observing a working monastery. Afterwards, make sure to go to the Piazzale Michelangelo for one of the best 360 degree views of Florence.

Finally, make you way back to the Piazza Santo Spirito and enjoy a delicious local dinner. If you still have energy, explore some of the local nightlife.

If you’re staying longer and are seeing several museums and landmarks, it may make sense to purchase the Firenze Card. The cost is €72 so it does depend on what you will see and if it pays off the initial cost. For more information, read up on the Firenze Card here.

For more information, check out the Visit Florence guide for their excellent references on sights to see in 72 hours.

What are free things to do in Florence?

Traveling to Florence on a budget? Don’t fret, there are many free sights to see in Florence!

  • San Miniato Al Monte – This beautiful and still working monastery has a gorgeous view of the city and surrounded by medieval walls. Forewarned, it’s up a hill but certainly worth the hike!
  • Piazza della Signoria – One of Florence most famous piazza’s and perfect for people watching!
  • Mercato Centrale – This market is perfect for finding gifts and sampling the local Tuscan cuisine. Entrance to the market is free!
  • Duomo – If you just want to see the inside of the Duomo Cathedral, it is actually free! You do need tickets to see almost all the sights within the Cathedral, such as the dome or the Campanile.
  • Ponte Vecchio – This infamous bridge with the shops built up on stilts is free to walk and browse upon.
  • Piazza Michelangelo – For the best 360 views of the entire city, this piazza is 100% free to visit! Don’t miss the sights here.

Florence Culture & Arts

What was Florence like during the Renaissance?

During the Renaissance, Florence had a surge in artistic, literary, and scientific investigation that occurred around the 14th-16th centuries, and was precipitated by Florentines’ preoccupation with money, banking and trade and with the display of wealth and leisure.

What are the famous sculptures in Florence?

A few of the most famous sculptures in Florence include:

  • The David, Michelangelo (The Accademia)
  • Saint George, Donatello (The Bargello)
  • Perseus, Benvenuto Cellini (In the Piazza della Signoria)
  • The Slaves, Michelangelo (The Accademia)
  • The Florentine Pieta, Michelangelo (In the Museo del Opera del Duomo)

What are the famous paintings in Florence?

Florence houses many famous paintings, including the following:

  • The Virgin and the Child, Arnolfo di Cambio
  • Porta del Paradiso, Lorenzo Ghiberti
  • The Birth of Venus, Sandro Botticelli
  • Primavera, Sandro Botticelli
  • Annunciation, Leonardo da Vinci
  • Trinity, Masaccio
  • The Annunciation, Fra Angelico
  • Madonna della Seggiola, Raphael
  • Procession of the Magi, Benozzo Gozzoli

In Florence, paintings are not just located in museums but also in churches and other historic monuments.

What are the artists in Florence?

During the Renaissance, Florence was the hotspot for artists to work on their art. Here is a quick list of the artists who found their lodging and inspiration in Florence:

  • Filippo Brunelleschi
  • Lorenzo Ghiberti
  • Nanni di Banco
  • Donatello
  • Fra Angelico
  • Paolo Uccello
  • Masaccio
  • Filippo Lippi
  • Piero della Francesca
  • Andrea del Castagno
  • Andrea del Verrocchio
  • Sandro Botticelli
  • Pietro Perugino
  • Domenico Ghirlandaio
  • Leonardo da Vinci
  • Michelangelo
  • Raphael
  • Andrea del Sarto
  • Pontormo
  • Benvenuto Cellini

For more information, check out the Wikipedia list of Renaissance artists here.

What is the must see art in Florence?

As mentioned above, there is an abundance of “must-see” art in Florence. In fact, art is practically everywhere you look in this beautiful city! Here are a few of the top recommended works of art to check out while you’re there:

  • Michelangelo Buonarotti, the great artist, has several pieces in the Bargello and the Galleria dell’Accademia. Michelangelo’s most famous piece, the sculpture of David, is located in The Accademia – along with copies in the Palazzo Vecchio and the Piazzale Michelangelo.
  • Sandro Botticelli, who painted the infamous “The Birth of Venus,” has this and many other works in the Botticelli room in the Uffizi Gallery.
  • Donatello, the famous sculpture, has several works in the churches of San Lorenzo and Orsanmichele, along with other areas in Florence.
  • Lorenzo Ghiberti, another famous sculpture, has his work highlighted on the North and East doors of the Baptistery. Many originals of his works are also in the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo.
  • Filippo Brunelleschi created one of the most famous landmarks of Florence, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (aka il Duomo). He also had his hand in the design and creation of the Basilicas of San Lorenzo and Santo Spirito.

These are just a few of the great artists and their artistic works housed in Florence. There are dozens more, and you can find more information at this website highlighting Florentine Art here.

Florence Food & Drink

Where are places to eat in Florence?

While eating in Florence, there are endless options ranging from authentic, family-run restaurants to Michelin star, experimenting options. With such a wide range and budget, it’s important to decide what you want to eat, and if you want to splurge.

Let’s focus on one area.The Oltrarno neighborhood hosts a variety of food, both in taste and budget, to satisfy the tourist who wants to get some local flavor. For the perfect evening, here’s a few recommendations:

For some other options, check out the Eater Guide to Florence for some of the more recent recommendations.

What are the most romantic restaurants in Florence?

Florence is a romantic city, and there are plenty of restaurant options for a special occasion. Here are a few:

  • La Loggia – Situated with a view of the city next to the Piazzale Michelangelo, this restaurant is on the expensive side but has an extensive wine list for the region and delicious pasta.
  • Gurdulu – On the Oltrarno side, this creative restaurant has fun with its food and cocktails.
  • Borgo San Jacopo – This Michelin star restaurant has a mostly seafood but creatively driven menu. It’s located right along the River Arno next to the Ponte Vecchio with a terrace view – if you can reserve it! Definitely a recommendation for a very special evening.

Finally, do not forget about gelato! A personal favorite during every trip to Florence is the Gelateria la Carraia right by the river.

What are restaurants in Florence with a view?

With so many beautiful sights in Florence, there are many options for finding a restaurant with a view! Read more here:

  • Golden View Open Bar – This restaurant overlooks the River Arno with a view of the Ponte Vecchio for one of the best dining views. The restaurant focus mostly on seafood and delicious aperitivos. It will cost extra to dine here – with the amazing view and all – but worth it for the unique location.
  • Borgo San Jacopo – This Michelin star restaurant has a mostly seafood but creatively driven menu. It’s located right along the River Arno next to the Ponte Vecchio with a terrace view – if you can reserve it! Definitely a recommendation for a very special evening.
  • SE-STO on the Arno – This restaurant is on the 6th floor (hence the name) has a 360 degree view of the city. Along with its breathtaking views, it has two terraces with one for the restaurant and one for the bar.
  • There are a couple rooftop bars in hotels, including Three Sixty Rooftop Bar – Hotel Minerva, La Terrazza Lounge Bar – Hotel Continentale and Se-Sto – Westin Excelsior.

What is the best pasta in Florence?

The best pasta in Florence is always debatable – and if you ask anyone, it may be their Mom’s own homemade cooking! But for getting an authentic taste of some amazing pasta, check out these options:

  • Osteria del Gatto e la Volpe – Situated in the Santa Croce neighborhood, this osteria has some of the most unique and delicious pasta dishes.
  • Osteria dei Centopoveri – This restaurant serves up pasta on the traditional side, and has some of the best dishes in the city!
  • Quattro Leoni – This restaurant has more elaborate pasta dishes, and may be suited for those who want more innovation in their pasta dishes.

For more recommendations, check out this site on some of the best pasta restaurants in Florence.

Florence Shopping

Where do the locals shop in Florence?

If you want to shop like a local, there are a variety of options and neighborhoods that cater less to tourists, and more to the local Florentines.

For fashion, you will find the most international brand names and department stores near Via Calimala. For high fashion, Italy truly is the home of high end fashion and luxury brands, particularly along Via Tornabuoni.

On the other side of the River Arno, the Oltrarno neighborhood, the shopping is overall more local. This will include stores to purchase groceries, toiletries, and other common household items. The larger grocery and toiletry items chain is called Conrad.

These are just a few of the local options for shopping in Florence.

Where is the best shopping in Florence?

Florence has amazing shopping ranging from fashion to art to leather and other goods. If you’re looking to shop, Florence is a great city for that!

One of the best outdoor flea and food markets is the Mercato Centrale in the San Lorenzo district. In this market, you will find fantastic food stalls, selling meats, cheeses, olives, breads, and countless goodies to fill up a picnic basket. Vendors of clothing, leather goods, ceramics, etc., reside in the stalls outside of the market.

Leather is a big industry for the local Florence artisans and shopping scene. For the more scenic options, the open air markets in Florence such as San Lorenzo and Piazza del Mercato Nuovo, between the spacious Piazza Repubblica and Hard Rock Cafe and the lovely Ponte Vecchio are great for leather.

If you’re a wine drinker, Tuscany is famous for their wines! Even going to a local grocery store or wine market will display Italian wines at prices far cheaper than overseas.

Where are the shopping outlets in Florence?

If you’re interested in local Italian brands and fashion, the shopping outlets are great for finding them all in one location and often at a great price.

The main Florence shopping outlets are:

  • The Mall – The most famous shopping outlet in the region, and the oldest one. The shops are mainly high fashion, luxury brands. There are local buses from Florence that can take you there. It is located at Via Europa 8, Leccio – Reggello (Florence).
  • The Smart Gallery – Recently opened in a2011, this shopping outlet is focused on high end, luxury fashion and contains twenty boutique outlets. It’s located near The Mall, and is at Ruota al Mandò – Reggello (Florence).
  • The Barberino Designer Outlet – This is a newer option and contains over a hundred different stores ranging from high fashion to cosmetics to electronics. There is also a shuttle bus that goes nearby. It is located very close to the A1 Barberino di Mugello highway exit.

For more information, read the Visit Florence section on Shopping Outlets here.

Where do you buy leather goods in Florence?

Leather is a big industry for the local Florence artisans and shopping scene.

For the more scenic options, the open air markets in Florence such as San Lorenzo and Piazza del Mercato Nuovo, between the spacious Piazza Repubblica and Hard Rock Cafe and the lovely Ponte Vecchio are great for leather.

Florence Hotels & Where to Stay

What is the best place to stay in Florence?

The best places to stay in Florence depend on if you want to be closer to the tourist sites, or in a more local neighborhood. As long as you stay within the city center, Florence is mostly walkable.

Some of the top recommended spots include:

  • Antica Dimora Firenze – If you’re looking for a guesthouse, this beautiful and private 6 bedroom house is located a quick 10 minute walk away from the Duomo. For more information, check out their website here.
  • Four Seasons Hotel Firenze – If you’re looking for a high end option, this beautiful hotel was originally commissioned in 1490. It has 11 acres of gardens, fountains, a swimming pool and other amenities to enjoy during your visit. For more information, check out their website here.
  • St. Regis Hotel Florence – This hotel is housed in an 18th century palace with a beautiful view on the River Arno. For more information, check out their website here.

What is the best Florence neighborhood to stay?

As long as you stay within the city center, Florence is a fairly walkable city.

If you want to be right in the center of Florence, you can stay anywhere between Piazza San Marco to the north, Piazza Santa Croce to the east, Ponte Vecchio and the Arno to the south and Piazza Santa Maria Novella to the west. However, this is the same area that will see the most tourists during the day and peak seasons. For another option, there is the Oltrarno to the south of the Arno river to be among the artisan workshops, antique furniture galleries and to the Pitti Palace and Boboli gardens – but you won’t be out of the historical center.

If you’re interested in night life, you may like staying near Via dei Benci in the Santa Croce area or near Piazza Santo Spirito in the Oltrarno.

What are the best parts of Florence to stay in?

As mentioned above, some of the best neighborhoods in Florence to stay are right in the city center. If you want to be near the Duomo and other main attractions, stick to anywhere between Piazza San Marco to the north, Piazza Santa Croce to the east, Ponte Vecchio and the Arno to the south and Piazza Santa Maria Novella to the west.

Another option is the Oltrarno to the south of the Arno river to be among the artisan workshops, antique furniture galleries and to the Pitti Palace and Boboli gardens – but you won’t be out of the historical center.

Where do you stay in Florence on a budget?

If you are staying in Florence on a budget, there are plenty of hotels, hostels and B&B’s available.

A few hotel options include:

  • Antica Dimora Johlea – A 19th century building located in the city centre with panoramic views on a rooftop terrace.
  • Palazzo Galetti – Located in a 19th century building on the first floor and the best feature: the Piazza della Signoria is 2,300 feet away!
  • Hotel Davanzati – This stylish hotel is set up on an old street and has a cozy communal breakfast every morning. Also conveniently located in the city centre.
  • More hotel suggestions and information on the listed hotels is available here.

For finding some of the cheapest rates, use your favorite travel booking site or travel agent to find a last minute deal.

What are the cheap hotels in Florence?

As mentioned in the section above, there are a variety of hotel options for those traveling on a budget! Here are a few options to get you started, and sites for further searching:

  • Antica Dimora Johlea – A 19th century building located in the city centre with panoramic views on a rooftop terrace.
  • Palazzo Galetti – Located in a 19th century building on the first floor and the best feature: the Piazza della Signoria is 2,300 feet away!
  • Hotel Davanzati – This stylish hotel is set up on an old street and has a cozy communal breakfast every morning. Also conveniently located in the city centre.
  • More hotel suggestions and information on the listed hotels is available here.

For finding some of the cheapest rates, use your favorite travel booking site or travel agent to find a last minute deal.

What are the hotels with pool in Florence?

If you’re traveling to Florence in the summer or with kids, having a pool at your hotel is vital! This TripAdvisor site shows a search result with all the hotels in Florence with pools, filterable by price and/or location.

What hotels in Florence are near the train station?

If you have a short Florence trip or want to be near the train station for convenience and potential day trips, there are many options for hotels! Conveniently, the train station is also close to many of the main Florence tourist sites. Because of this, there are no shortage of hotels near the train station.

This Booking.com page is designed specifically for finding hotels near the train station based on budget and availability.

Florence Guides

Look at the comprehensive guides below to learn more information about your trip to Florence.

Florence Italy Rick Steves

Rick Steves is a famous American travel writer and television personality. He is best known for his PBS series, Rick Steves’ Europe.

For more information, check out Rick Steves – Florence

Florence Italy TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor is an American travel website that provides both booking and travel-related content and reviews.

For more information, check out the TripAdvisor Florence page.

Florence Italy Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet is the largest travel book publisher in the world, and provides online content and reviews for different travel destinations.

For more information, check out the Lonely Planet Florence section.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/italy/florence/history
http://www.sparknotes.com/history/european/renaissance1/section2.rhtml
https://www.visitflorence.com/getting-to-florence/by-air.html
https://www.trainline.eu/train-times/florence-to-pisa-centrale
https://www.italiarail.com/pages/routes/rome-to-florence

http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/reports/climate/Italy.htm

https://www.walksofitaly.com/blog/florence/one-day-in-florence

https://www.visitflorence.com/itineraries-in-florence/3-days-in-florence.html

http://www.10best.com/destinations/italy/florence/attractions/free-things-to-do/

http://selectstudyabroad.com/2013/05/art-in-florence/

http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20121017-mini-guide-to-art-in-florence

https://www.tripsavvy.com/top-artists-and-must-see-art-in-florence-italy-1547389

https://www.peregrineadventures.com/blog/28/11/2016/the-best-local-shopping-in-florence/

https://www.visitflorence.com/what-to-do-in-florence/shopping/shopping-in-florence.html

http://www.cntraveller.com/guides/europe/italy/florence/where-to-stay

https://www.visitflorence.com/florence-accommodation/where-to-stay-in-florence.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/italy/tuscany/florence/articles/best-cheap-hotels-in-florence/