What to do in Florence? The perfect city guide

'Firenze' to the locals, the Italian city of Florence can create fire-like emotions for any visitor. The long River Arno running through its center lends itself perfectly for a relaxing stroll, and it is sporadically adorned with unique bridges, each adding their own intrigue and history. We recommend staying in one of our hotels in Florence, such as the NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa (or the nearby NH Firenze), close to its banks. You are surrounded by many of the highlights this incredible city has to offer. Our guide on what to do in Florence takes into account the monuments that you can not miss during this trip. These are memories you’re unlikely to lose anytime soon…

'Must see' in Florence

We’d suggest a trip across the most iconic bridge of the city, and one of the most famous in Italy. Five minutes by foot from the NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa hotel sits the medieval Ponte Vecchio, literally the Old Bridge. It’s not often you’ll find a crossing point that has houses and shops built along it and during the day you can watch, or directly interact, as the goldsmiths and jewelers go about their business. 

As you wander over the Arno, consider that you are stepping on the only bridge in Florence that did not crumble under the heavy bombing in World War II, and it has also withstood flooding over the years. 

On the other side of the river you will be met by the very attractive Giardino di Boboli. In a city that is filled with grand buildings and lined with statues and monuments, these luscious gardens are a delightful escape and offer a picturesque spot to plan the rest of the day’s activities. 

Continuing with the list of what to do in Florence, we recommend you visit the gardens that sit on the grounds of the Palazzo Pitti, a palace with a long history and now home to four separate museums across two floors. Although retracing your steps will give you another chance to snap some more pictures at Ponte Vecchio, an alternative path via the Basilica di Santo Spirito will lead you across the Ponte Santa Trinita right back to our doors.

Exploring the heart of Florence 

Slightly north of the Ponte Viecchio is the glorious Piazza della Signoria, a square that has been the city’s political center since the Middle Ages and is home to magnificent buildings that are worth a look. Other things to see in Florence are the imposing statues in the square and maybe find a way to use the copy of Michelangelo’s David or Bandinelli’s Hercules and Cacus, both erected as symbols of defiance and strength. 

If you don’t want to wait in long queues, Firenze Card offers the opportunity to enter the city’s top attractions and skip the line tickets. It also allows you to use public transportation. 

On we go to another important square, Piazza della Repubblica, which you’ll immediately identify with the huge column that stands in its center. The structures that adorn the huge rectangle are not as they once were, however, the square is a hubbub of activity including mini shows from a variety of street artists. Caffé Gilli is arguably the most famous coffee house in the city. 

With an added boost, pick up your things and continue north to Piazza del Duomo. Florence knows how to do magnificent historical squares and this one is where the city’s glorious cathedral grabs much of the attention. There is an option to climb the 463 stairs of this huge Gothic building, although maybe this could be used as a challenge for the more athletic people. The next stop on the list of what to do in Florence is the Basilica of San Lorenzo, the oldest church in the city.

Around from the Basilica is the giant iron and glass structure of the famous Mercato Centrale, which opened its doors to the public in 1874. The market’s red metal frame and aqua-colored roof make it easily identifiable from any high spot you find yourself at, but it’s what lies within that will be of most interest.

As you’ll notice on arrival, there are many street vendors around this building offering you the chance to purchase clothes, leather goods, and souvenirs. Once you enter, you’ll be met with the sights and smells of the traditional Italian food stalls, selling a wide variety of meat, fish, cheese and the likes. You’ll also be able to pick up one of the local tripe dishes. 

After enjoying the market, wander down Via Sant’Antonino in a westerly direction. You’ll pass by the Palazzo dei Cartelloni en route to the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella, one of the most special things to see in Florence. Less well known than others, this Gothic church is well worth seeing, but for the fact that it is the only one that still has its originally planned marble façade. Inside, the museum is home to many great artworks, but it’s in the cloisters that you can find some peace and quiet. From the church it’s just a five-minute walk south back to the hotel.

Enjoy Florentine gastronomy

Best breakfast in town 

It would be remiss of us to ignore one of NH Hotel Group’s offering to get the day off to a perfect start. Choose from our lavish fresh buffet to give your body a healthy burst of enthusiasm and prepare you for what’s ahead. Alternatively, if you’re already out and about, and like a sweetness to your morning bite, pop into Caffè Concerto Paszkowski on Piazza della Repubblica for some delicious profiteroles and a warm latte. 

Snack on the run 

In this short guide on what to do in Florence, this city provides numerous eateries where speed is of the essence, and taste is not the opportunity cost. Panini was an Italian invention for just such occasions and Panini Toscani will give you a true Tuscan taste wrapped in toasted bread. It sits near the Duomo and your firm decision to choose this place out of the myriad options will impress anyone you’re with. 

An Italian meal 

If a sit-down lunch is required, why not go for the trattoria experience. Eat well, eat comfy, and eat like a local, with the movie-scene checkered cloths hanging off the tables, waiting staff buzzing around each of them, and wonderful plates of food being delivered to eager Italians. Trattoria La Casalinga is one such venue to take your team for a lunch where the atmosphere will carry your emotions.

Best dinner restaurants 

Clearly you still want to take in some traditional Florentine cuisine so head along to Mamma Gina and encourage others to join you in ordering a bistecca all Fiorentina, aka the T-bone steak. This restaurant is not far from Ponte Vecchio and welcomes you in as if you’re a long lost friend. 

If you prefer a more elegant dinner, go to Borgo San Jacopo, also known as BSJ. Overlooking the Arno River this stunning restaurant offers you a menu of variety and comes with Michelin star credentials. Need we say more?

The Florentine nightlife

The night is a further opportunity to explore and complete this list on what to do in Florence. Get yourself to Santa Croce and the East and pick from their wide selection of house cocktails. As part of the redeveloped Palazzo Concini, there’s a real classy feel to this bar and plenty to catch the eye as you do your own version of switching off. 

Alternatively, forget cocktails and music, and instead wander through the streets admiring statues and buildings under the moonlight. At night there is a very different feel to the city, one that cannot be captured well enough by a camera, but that will stay in your mind for years to come. 

We have provided you with just a taste of what lies in wait for you in the Tuscan capital. Be sure to take any opportunity that is open to you to experience one of the world’s truly magnificent cities.