Florence & Pisa 5-day Itinerary
Italy
Where to go and what to see in Florence to get the most from your trip – a 5-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Nicky Swallow.
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Overview >Bucket list experience:
Florence’s must-see Renaissance architecture
Florence, Tuscany, Italy
The Duomo
Last updated: 19 November, 2022
Florence is known as the cradle of the Renaissance and is home to a wealth of buildings belonging to that era. Lavish Romanesque and Gothic styles were fashionable in the 11th – 13th centuries, before an early Renaissance style emerged in the early 15th century.
The centre of Florence is filled with palaces, churches and monuments defining this movement which was characterised by a classical sensibility with pilasters, columns, arches and pediments and strictly mathematical proportions.
The three architects who dominated the period were Brunelleschi, Michelozzo and Alberti while Michelangelo became one of the most important architects of the High Renaissance.
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Destination Guide >Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
Florence 3-day Itinerary
Italy
Where to go and what to see in Florence to get the most from your trip – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Nicky Swallow.
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Overview >Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
The tourist office has information on all the monuments and sights mentioned here.
The best way to soak up all this architecture is simply to wander the streets; the centro historico is very small and you will see a whole host of different architectural styles within a small radius.
When to do it
During high season (June-August) when it can get very hot and very crowded in the city centre, the best time to explore is very early in the morning. But an evening stroll is also very romantic and the golden light is glorious.
Experience
Baptistery of St. John
Florence, Tuscany, Italy
Believed to be one of Florence’s oldest buildings, the Romanesque green and white marble Baptistery is famous for its glittering mosaics and three sets of bronze doors although the ones you see today are copies.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
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Experience
Basilica of San Miniato al Monte
Florence, Tuscany, Italy
This hilltop church, a glorious example of Florentine Romanesque style, has a magnificent marble façade crowned by a glittering mosaic, and an unusual interior layout with a raised choir built over the crypt. Look out for the intricate marble intarsia floor with zodiac motifs.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
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Experience
Basilica of Santo Spirito
Florence, Tuscany, Italy
Brunelleschi’s last (and arguably best) work with its iconic blank façade was mostly completed after his death in 1446. The vast, serene interior with its grey and white colour scheme, ranks of columns and semi-circular chapels is a magnificent example of Renaissance style.
Best for ages: 18+ | £2
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Experience
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Florence, Tuscany, Italy
One of the city’s most popular sights, Florence’s cathedral (duomo) is topped by Brunelleschi’s iconic cupola, a marvel of Renaissance engineering that contains some four million bricks. Miraculously, it was built without the support of scaffolding.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
AdAstra
Florence, Tuscany, Italy
An aristocratic mansion set in a magnificent private garden, AdAstra offers 16 beautiful rooms filled with antiques, up-cycled retro pieces and quirky design touches.
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Hotel Continentale Florence
Florence, Tuscany, Italy
Cool, edgy Ferragamo-owned design hotel by the Ponte Vecchio in the heart of the city – the perfect base for sightseeing.
Official star rating:
Four Seasons Florence
Florence, Tuscany, Italy
A superb heritage hotel with impeccable facilities and services that occupies a frescoed Renaissance palazzo and former convent. Set in a majestic 11-acre park, 20 minutes from Florence’s historic centre.
Official star rating:
Grand Hotel Minerva
Florence, Tuscany, Italy
A centrally-located 4-star hotel with comfortable modern rooms, a rooftop pool, and rooftop bar which is an unbeatable spot for sunset cocktails.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Florence
Tuscany, Italy
A heady mix of incomparable Renaissance art, gorgeous palazzos, Tuscan cuisine and home-grown haute couture.
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