Hotels in Florence

Exploring Florence

The glorious city of Florence was the birthplace of Europe’s most important cultural movement, the Italian Renaissance, sparked by the city’s incredible wealth and power between the late 13th and 16th centuries. Today it is one of the world’s most popular visitor destinations for its gems of art, culture and architecture. The city’s immense riches, gained through trade, provided the boost which ended the Dark Ages and the finances which created the splendour and industrial development of Europe in the Middle Ages.

Even the Age of Discovery voyages which opened up the Far East and India were financed from Florence, spurred on by the all-powerful Medici family over the several centuries of their dominance of European politics, religion and matters of state. Florence itself is a monument to perhaps the world’s most powerful dynasty, and attracts millions to its magnificence every year. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the old city centre’s famed landmarks and attractions include palaces, mansions, iconic museums, the Duomo cathedral, the fabulous Uffizi Gallery and the Piazza della Signoria, home to sculptures by Donatello, Cellini and Giambologna.

Accommodations in Florence

There is a range of options for all travelers. The most popular hotel in Florence is the Canto degli Scali, which has been booked 5 times from our Hotels.com verified guests. Our guests also highly recommended Canto degli Aranci in Florence as it has been reserved 5 times.

Sightseeing in Florence

- Santa Maria Novella

From the moment you step out into bustling Piazza Santa Maria Novella, the first of Florence’s great basilicas comes into view. Cross the square to the Dominican Santa Maria Novella church and follow its cloisters south to Via degli Avelli towards the Old City where David and the Duomo await. Pass two museums on the way, which depart from Florence’s Renaissance theme and house modern art. Turn right to see Museo Marino Marini‘s equestrian sculptures, or left for Palazzo Strozzi’s contemporary exhibitions.

- Duomo

Narrow streets flanked by palatial Renaissance residences adorned with shutters and balconies open up at Florence’s centrepiece, the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, or Duomo. In the same piazza as Brunelleschi’s terracotta brick-domed cathedral, the marble Campanile di Giotto’s 414-step bell tower is the spot to get city bearings and Tuscan rural views. From Piazza del Duomo, the elegant, pedestrian-only Via dei Calzaiuoli shopping street is the main artery of human traffic south towards the River Arno.

Transportation in Florence

Florence’s international airport is the main air arrivals hub for millions of visitors every year. Links with the city and its hotels are by taxi or bus, with a journey time of around 20 minutes. The ancient centre of the city is totally pedestrianised except for residents with driving permits, but is easy to access via bus or taxi. If you’re planning on staying adjacent to the district, exploring its wonders on foot is perfectly feasible.