Italy
Florence
Italy
Florence
Updated Feb 12, 2025
Overview
Florence captivates with its blend of history and vibrant culture. Beyond the Uffizi and Duomo, explore the artisan workshops of Oltrarno, savor local wines in hidden enotecas, and stroll through the peaceful Bardini Gardens. Don't miss the panoramic views from Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset. For an authentic experience, join locals at bustling markets like Sant'Ambrogio or indulge in aperitivo at a neighborhood bar.
Best time to visit. Visit Florence in late spring (May-June) or early fall (September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. These shoulder seasons offer ideal conditions for exploring outdoor attractions and enjoying al fresco dining, with comfortable temperatures and lower hotel rates.
City stats
Population
382,258
Land area
40 sq. mi.
Currency
Euro
Year founded
59 BCE
Official langauge
Italian
English speaking
Somewhat spoken, esp. in hospitality
State/Province
Tuscany
Timezone
Central European (UTC+1)
Driving side
right
Website
Google Maps link
Quick links
How to get there
Neighborhoods
Getting around
Where to stay
Day trips
Cities within 8 hours
Active pursuits
Leisure activities
Bars, pubs and nightlife
Breakfast and brunch
Lunch and snacks
Dinner restaurants
Laptop friendly places
Where to stay for work trips
Work trip activities
Average weather
Country holidays
Major annual events
Cultural tips
City details
Hotels
Nearby
Nearby
Things to do
Food & restaurants
Work friendly
| Month | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 52°F - 37°F | 50°F - 33°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:45 am | 5:00 pm | 9 days 2.4 in | 1 days 0.2 in | 7 mph |
| February | 55°F - 39°F | 53°F - 35°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:15 am | 5:40 pm | 8 days 2.5 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| March | 61°F - 43°F | 59°F - 40°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:30 am | 6:15 pm | 9 days 2.5 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| April | 66°F - 48°F | 65°F - 46°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:30 am | 7:00 pm | 10 days 3.1 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| May | 75°F - 55°F | 75°F - 54°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:45 am | 8:30 pm | 8 days 2.8 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| June | 82°F - 61°F | 84°F - 61°F | Sunny | 5:30 am | 9:00 pm | 6 days 2.3 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| July | 88°F - 65°F | 91°F - 65°F | Sunny | 5:45 am | 8:45 pm | 4 days 1.4 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| August | 88°F - 65°F | 91°F - 65°F | Sunny | 6:15 am | 8:15 pm | 5 days 2.2 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| September | 81°F - 60°F | 81°F - 59°F | Sunny | 6:45 am | 7:30 pm | 6 days 3.1 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| October | 71°F - 52°F | 70°F - 50°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:15 am | 6:30 pm | 9 days 3.4 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| November | 61°F - 45°F | 59°F - 42°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:00 am | 4:45 pm | 10 days 4.5 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| December | 54°F - 39°F | 52°F - 35°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:30 am | 4:30 pm | 9 days 3.2 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Celebration of the new year with fireworks, parades, and family gatherings. | Avoid travel, most places closed. | ||
| Epiphany | January 6 | Christian holiday commemorating the visit of the Magi to baby Jesus. | Limited services, but festive atmosphere. | ||
| Easter Sunday | Varies (March/April) | Christian celebration of Jesus' resurrection with church services and family meals. | Many closures, religious observances. | ||
| Easter Monday | Day after Easter Sunday | Extended Easter celebration with outdoor activities and picnics. | Some closures, but lively atmosphere. | ||
| Liberation Day | April 25 | Commemoration of Italy's liberation from Nazi occupation in World War II. | Patriotic events, some business closures. | ||
| Labor Day | May 1 | Celebration of workers' rights with parades and demonstrations. | Many closures, possible transportation issues. | ||
| Republic Day | June 2 | National holiday celebrating the birth of the Italian Republic with parades. | Patriotic events, some business closures. | ||
| Assumption Day | August 15 | Catholic observance of the Virgin Mary's ascension to heaven. | Many closures, religious processions. | ||
| All Saints' Day | November 1 | Catholic holiday honoring saints and deceased loved ones. | Some closures, solemn atmosphere. | ||
| Feast of the Immaculate Conception | December 8 | Catholic celebration of Virgin Mary's conception without original sin. | Some closures, religious observances. | ||
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Christian celebration of Jesus' birth with religious services and family gatherings. | Avoid travel, nearly everything closed. | ||
| St. Stephen's Day | December 26 | Extension of Christmas celebrations honoring the first Christian martyr. | Limited services, festive atmosphere. |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firenze Rocks | Mid-June | Major rock music festival featuring international artists at Visarno Arena in Florence | Great time to visit for music lovers | ||
| Calcio Storico | June 24 | Historic Florentine football match combining soccer, rugby, and wrestling in costume | Unique cultural event, but crowds | ||
| Estate Fiesolana | Late June to Late July | Summer arts festival in nearby Fiesole with music, theater, and dance performances | Enjoyable cultural addition to visit | ||
| Festa di San Lorenzo | August 10 | Celebration of Florence's patron saint with free lasagna and watermelon in piazzas | Fun local experience, but crowded | ||
| Rificolona (Festival of Lanterns) | September 7 | Traditional lantern festival with parade and paper lantern competition for children | Charming event, good for families | ||
| Biennale Internazionale dell'Antiquariato | Late September - Early October (odd years) | Prestigious biennial antiques fair showcasing high-quality art and antiques | Ideal for art and antique enthusiasts | ||
| Florence Biennale | October (odd years) | Contemporary art biennial featuring international artists and emerging talents | Great for contemporary art lovers | ||
| River to River Florence Indian Film Festival | Early December | Annual festival showcasing Indian cinema and promoting cultural exchange | Interesting cultural event for film buffs |
1 | Italians take their food seriously. Don't ask for modifications to dishes or cut pasta with a knife. Respect local dining customs and enjoy meals as they're traditionally served. |
2 | Dress modestly when visiting churches. Cover shoulders and knees, and remove hats. Some popular sites may refuse entry if you're not dressed appropriately. |
3 | Learn basic Italian phrases like 'grazie' (thank you) and 'per favore' (please). Locals appreciate the effort, even if you're not fluent. It shows respect for their culture. |
4 | Embrace the Italian concept of 'la dolce vita' (the sweet life). Slow down, savor your meals, and enjoy leisurely strolls. Don't rush through experiences like locals don't. |
5 | Tipping isn't expected in Italy like in North America. Many restaurants include a service charge. If not, rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip is appreciated but not mandatory. |
6 | Be aware of 'coperto,' a per-person cover charge in restaurants. It's standard practice, not a tourist trap. It usually covers bread and table setting. |
7 | Avoid loud behavior in public, especially on public transport. Italians generally speak softly in public spaces and appreciate when tourists do the same. |
8 | Don't drink cappuccino after 11 AM. Italians consider it a breakfast drink. Opt for an espresso after meals instead to blend in with local customs. |
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