"Planning a trip to Florence? April is when the best weather begins — perfect for long walks and exploring without the crowds. It's an ideal spot for a romantic getaway."
We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.
Why Visit Florence?
Florence reigns as the Renaissance's crown jewel, where Michelangelo's David, Brunelleschi's dome, and Botticelli's Birth of Venus remind visitors that this compact Tuscan city of 380,000 birthed the artistic revolution that shaped Western civilization when Medici patronage funded Leonardo, Raphael, and Donatello during the 14th-17th centuries. The Duomo's massive terracotta dome engineered by Brunelleschi in 1436 dominates skylines—its 463 steps climb between inner and outer shells to reach the cupola offering breathtaking 360° panoramas across red-tiled roofs to Tuscan hills. The cathedral complex includes Giotto's 85-meter Campanile (414 steps, less claustrophobic), the Baptistery with Ghiberti's gilded bronze doors Michelangelo called "Gates of Paradise," and Opera del Duomo Museum displaying Michelangelo's unfinished Pietà.
The Uffizi Gallery houses the world's finest Renaissance collection—Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Primavera, Leonardo's Annunciation, Caravaggio's Medusa, requiring 3+ hours and advance booking. Across town, Accademia's David draws crowds who gasp at the 5.17-meter marble perfection carved from a single flawed block when Michelangelo was just 26. Yet Florence transcends museums—its soul lives in daily rituals: morning espresso at historic cafés, strolls across medieval Ponte Vecchio where goldsmiths have sold jewelry since 1565, and discovering artisan workshops in Oltrarno district (literally "beyond the Arno") where craftsmen practice gold-leafing, bookbinding, and frame-making unchanged for generations.
Piazzale Michelangelo offers classic sunset views worth the uphill walk—David's bronze replica overlooks the glowing city. Boboli Gardens provide 111 acres of formal Italian gardens with fountains and Florence views. Pitti Palace houses five museums including the Palatine Gallery's Raphael and Titian in opulent frescoed rooms.
Tuscan cuisine shines—bistecca alla fiorentina (thick T-bone from Chianina cattle, $54–$86), pappardelle with wild boar ragù, ribollita soup, and Chianti Classico wine. Artisanal gelato from Gelateria dei Neri or La Carraia beats fluorescent tourist traps. Markets animate neighborhoods: Sant'Ambrogio where locals shop, Mercato Centrale's produce and food hall, San Lorenzo's leather stalls.
The Arno bisects the compact center, walkable in 30 minutes. Palazzo Vecchio's fortress dominates Piazza della Signoria's sculpture gallery. Santa Croce houses tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli.
Florence birthed modern Italian—Dante wrote in Tuscan dialect that became standard. Day trips reach Siena (90 min), Pisa (1 hour), San Gimignano, and Chianti wine estates. Summer brings crowds and $216+ hotels; spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) offer mild 18-25°C and festivals.
Winter means no lines and truffle season. With a roughly 5-square-kilometre UNESCO-listed historic centre walkable in about 30 minutes, efficient buses, Tuscan cuisine from $11 lunches to Michelin-starred dining, and unmatched Renaissance masterpieces, Florence delivers art history, culinary excellence, and Tuscan beauty where every corner could hang in a museum.
What to Do
Renaissance Florence
Duomo & Brunelleschi's Dome
The cathedral nave is free to enter, but climbing Brunelleschi's Dome requires a ticket—usually via the official Brunelleschi Pass (~$32–$38) which also includes the bell tower, Baptistery, museum, and Santa Reparata over 3 days. Dome climbs are timed, 463 narrow steps with no elevator, so book online at least a week or two ahead in high season. Aim for the first slot of the day to avoid the longest queues. Giotto's Campanile (bell tower) is a slightly less claustrophobic alternative with excellent views of the dome itself.
Uffizi Gallery
One of the world's great art museums—book timed-entry tickets well in advance, especially March–October. As of 2025, standard Uffizi tickets are $27 (with a discounted early-bird ticket at $21 for entry before 8:55am). The first slot at 8:15am or late entries after 5pm tend to be calmer. Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Primavera are in the early Renaissance rooms; plan 2–3 hours minimum and use the official app or a good highlights map instead of overpriced third-party audio guides.
Accademia Gallery (David)
Pre-book to see Michelangelo's David without standing in a huge walk-up line—regular tickets are about $17 plus a small booking fee (around $22 in total via most official channels). David stands at the end of the main hall and is more powerful in person than photos suggest, even if the gallery itself is fairly compact. First and last entry times of the day have fewer tour groups; most visitors spend 60–90 minutes here.
Historic Center
Ponte Vecchio & Oltrarno
The Ponte Vecchio's jewellery shops and crowded views are classic Florence, but don't linger too long in the midday crush. Cross into the Oltrarno district for more local artisan workshops, leather studios and quieter streets. Pitti Palace (from around $17–$21 depending on when you buy) has lavish Medici rooms and connects to the Boboli Gardens; visiting the gardens at golden hour gives you greenery and city views away from the crowds.
Piazzale Michelangelo
Florence's famous postcard viewpoint is free and open 24/7. Climb up from the Oltrarno in about 20 minutes or take buses 12 or 13 most of the way. Sunset and the following blue hour are spectacular but crowded—arrive early if you want a front-row spot. Bring a takeaway aperitivo or picnic like the locals do, and if you want a quieter vantage point, continue a little higher up to San Miniato al Monte.
Palazzo Vecchio
The fortress-like town hall of Florence doubles as a richly decorated museum with Medici-era halls and hidden passages. Museum tickets are roughly $18–$19 for adults, with the Arnolfo Tower climb sold separately for about $14 The tower is a great alternative to the Duomo or Campanile views and is usually less overwhelmed by tour groups. Evening openings on some days add a moody, cinematic feel to the courtyard and Salone dei Cinquecento.
Local Florence
Mercato Centrale & Food Tour
On the ground floor, Mercato Centrale is still a real market where Florentines shop for meat, fish and produce—go in the morning for peak local life. The upper floor is a modern food hall: touristy but genuinely tasty. Don't miss lampredotto (tripe sandwich) from street carts outside (around $5); Da Nerbone inside is a classic if you can handle the queue. Avoid the 12:30–2pm peak if you dislike crowds.
Santo Spirito & Oltrarno Life
Piazza Santo Spirito is the heart of local nightlife in the Oltrarno—casual bars, students and very few tours. The basilica itself showcases Brunelleschi's architecture and is usually free or donation-based. Come for aperitivo, then wander Via Santo Spirito and surrounding streets to peek into artisan workshops, tiny wine bars and low-key trattorias that feel a world away from the Duomo crush.
San Lorenzo Market & Leather
The outdoor San Lorenzo stalls are famous for leather goods, but quality varies wildly. Expect to haggle—starting at 40–50% of the first price isn't unusual. Check stitching, zips and lining carefully and look for genuine 'Made in Italy' labels. For higher-end, more reliably crafted pieces, head to Scuola del Cuoio (Leather School) behind Santa Croce where prices are fixed but workmanship matches.
Gelato (The Real Stuff)
Skip the towering neon-colored mounds on the main piazzas—those usually signal artificial ingredients. Authentic gelaterias keep gelato in covered metal tubs or modestly piled trays with natural colors. Great picks include Gelateria dei Neri, La Carraia and Vivoli (one of Florence's oldest). Expect roughly $3–$4 for two scoops; pistachio and hazelnut are good tests of quality.
Gallery
Travel Information
Getting There
- Airports: FLR
- From :
Best Time to Visit
April, May, September, October
Climate: Moderate
Visa Requirements
Schengen Area
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12°C | 3°C | 6 | Good |
| February | 14°C | 4°C | 9 | Good |
| March | 15°C | 5°C | 11 | Good |
| April | 20°C | 7°C | 8 | Excellent (best) |
| May | 24°C | 13°C | 10 | Excellent (best) |
| June | 26°C | 15°C | 11 | Good |
| July | 31°C | 18°C | 4 | Good |
| August | 32°C | 20°C | 7 | Good |
| September | 27°C | 16°C | 7 | Excellent (best) |
| October | 19°C | 10°C | 18 | Excellent (best) |
| November | 16°C | 8°C | 6 | Good |
| December | 11°C | 5°C | 19 | Wet |
Weather data: Open-Meteo Archive (2020-2025) • Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0) • Historical avg. 2020–2025
Travel Costs
Per person per day, based on double occupancy. 'Budget' reflects hostels or shared accommodation in high-cost cities.
💡 🌍 Traveler Tip (January 2026): Best time to visit: April, May, September, October.
Practical Information
Getting There
Florence Peretola Airport (FLR) is small, 4km northwest. Tramvia T2 connects to Santa Maria Novella station ($2 ~20-25 min). Taxis cost $22–$27 Uber $16–$22 Most visitors arrive by train—high-speed from Rome (1h30min, $32–$54), Venice (2h, $32–$54), Milan (1h40min, $38–$59). Trains arrive at central Santa Maria Novella station.
Getting Around
Florence's compact historic center is entirely walkable—most sights within 30 minutes on foot. Buses (ATAF) serve outer areas ($2/90-minute ticket). No metro. Taxis are expensive ($11–$16 short rides). Rent bikes for Cascine Park but avoid historic center (crowded, cobblestones). No need for cars—ZTL traffic zones fine tourists. Walking is the best way to discover hidden gems.
Money & Payments
Euro (EUR). Cards accepted at hotels, restaurants, and chain stores, but many small trattorias, gelaterias, and markets prefer cash. ATMs widespread—avoid Euronet. Exchange $1 ≈ $$1. Tipping: coperto (cover charge $1–$3) often included, but leave 5-10% for great service or round up. Service charge may be included—check receipt.
Language
Italian is official, with distinct Tuscan accent. English spoken in hotels, tourist restaurants, and main museums, but less so in neighborhood trattorias and markets. Learning Italian basics (Buongiorno, Grazie, Scusi) enhances interactions. Florentines appreciate attempts to speak Italian. Menus often have English in tourist areas.
Cultural Tips
Dress modestly for churches—shoulders and knees covered. Many close 12-3pm for lunch. Book Uffizi and Accademia months ahead. Lunch 12:30-2:30pm, dinner 7:30-10pm. Gelato: avoid neon colors and mountains of cream (signs of artificial). Sit-down cafés charge more than standing at bars. Learn difference between ristorante (formal), trattoria (casual), and osteria (rustic). Aperitivo hour 6-8pm offers free nibbles with drinks. Shops close Sundays and Monday mornings.
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Perfect 3-Day Florence Itinerary
Day 1: Renaissance Highlights
Day 2: Art & Views
Day 3: Tuscan Excursion
Where to Stay in Florence
Historic Center (Duomo area)
Best for: Main sights, museums, shopping, central hotels, Renaissance landmarks
Oltrarno
Best for: Artisan workshops, authentic trattorias, Pitti Palace, local atmosphere
Santa Croce
Best for: Nightlife, markets, basilica, leather shops, younger crowd
San Frediano
Best for: Hipster bars, vintage shops, local life, aperitivo scene, authentic
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Florence
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why you can trust this guide
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- Official tourism boards and visitor guides
- GetYourGuide and Viator activity data
- Booking.com and Numbeo pricing data
- Google Maps reviews and ratings
This guide combines personal travel experience with comprehensive data analysis to provide accurate recommendations.
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