I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been to Florence. As a serial solo visitor and — ahem — not in the first flush of youth, I’ve got the first-hand knowledge you need to plan your trip with confidence.
Below you’ll find the best things to see, tips on where to stay and eat, how to get around and practical safety advice for women travelling alone.
If you’re wondering how long to spend: three days is ideal for a first visit. My 3-day Florence itinerary walks you through it day by day.
New to Italy or looking for broader inspiration? Take a look at my guide to solo travel in Italy first.
Some articles on this website contain affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read the full disclosure here.
Florence is sublime, but it’s not perfect
Florence is all about art and history.
This is the birthplace of the Renaissance and it is home to arguably the finest works of art in the world. An afternoon spent with Michelangelo’s sculptures and Raphael’s Madonnas will ignite a flame inside you.
The story of the mighty Medici, who once strode across the city’s cobbled pavements, is entwined with that of Florence itself. Wherever you go, the sense of history is almost tangible.
An architecturally beautiful city, Florence’s landmarks are famous across the globe.
Now for the but.
This is one busy city. Trust me; you quickly become weary of swerving around massive groups of disinterested teenagers on school trips, and bumping elbows with others paying their respects to David.
And this popularity hits your holiday budget. Florence is one of the most expensive cities in Tuscany, especially when booking a bed for the night.
According to a few locals I chatted to, Florence is pretty inward-looking and over-reliant on tourism.
But despite all this, it is still a phenomenal city.
My favourite things to do alone in Florence
There’s more to see here than any single trip can cover. I’ve broken the highlights into two lists — think of it as a loose framework for your plans. For a step-by-step breakdown, take a look at my 3-day Florence itinerary.
Essential highlights
Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell’Accademia) – Home to Michelangelo’s buff biblical shepherd as well as his unfinished Prisoners or Slaves.
The Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore) – Florence’s Renaissance Ground Zero featuring Brunelleschi’s gravity-defying red dome and a 270-foot campanile (Giotto’s Tower).
St. John’s Baptistery – Admire the copy of Ghiberti’s famous golden “Gates of Paradise” on the eastern side of this 12th-century building.
Piazza Signoria – Florence’s political and social heart since the days of the Medici. Here you’ll find Palazzo Vecchio, the monumental Fountain of Neptune and Loggia dei Lanzi. It’s Florence’s free open-air sculpture gallery.
Uffizi Galleries (Le Gallerie degli Uffizi) – Housing the greatest collection of Renaissance art in Florence, if not the world. Unmissable. See my guide to Renaissance paintings at the Uffizi before you go.
Ponte Vecchio and the River Arno – This is the oldest of Florence’s bridges and an icon of the city.
Piazzale Michelangelo – Climb to the upper reaches of the Oltrarno for one of the best panoramic views of Florence. See my roundup of the best views in Florence for more.
Other things to see
Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti) – One of Europe’s finest palaces, the former home of Cosimo I de’ Medici is the place to see exquisite Raphael Madonnas and Titian portraits.
Boboli Gardens – The elegantly landscaped gardens of the Pitti Palace stretch over 11 acres and feature Renaissance sculptures, a grotto and tinkling fountains.
Duomo Museum (Museo dell’Opera del Duomo) – For a show-stopping recreation of the original façade of Florence Cathedral, Ghiberti’s North and East Doors of the Baptistery and exquisite sculptures from Donatello and Michelangelo.
San Marco – A former monastery with the finest collection of frescoes by the early Renaissance master Fra’ Angelico (1395 – 1455).
Bargello Museum (Musei del Bargello) – Displays some of the greatest sculptures in Florence, including those by Michelangelo, Donatello and Giambologna. See my guide to famous sculptures in Florence for more.
Santa Croce – Contains the tombs of the great and good of Florence, including Michelangelo, Dante, Galileo, Machiavelli and Rossini. It is also famous for its fresco cycle by Giotto.
Church of Santa Maria del Carmine – The Brancacci Chapel is decorated with sublime frescoes by Masaccio, the first great painter of the Italian Renaissance.
Basilica of Santa Maria Novella – For outstanding artwork and peaceful cloisters
Practical information
Getting there
Peretola Airport (FLR) is the closest airport to Florence, six miles from the city centre, with a regular bus into town (around 10 minutes). That said, it is served by relatively few airlines and fares tend to be high. Many people fly into Pisa Galileo Galilei (PSA), Rome Fiumicino (FCO) or Milan Malpensa (MXP) and connect to Florence by train.
Florence has excellent rail connections to Rome, Naples, Bologna, Milan, Venice and Turin via Trenitalia and Italo. You can interrogate both of these operators’ timetables here.
Getting around
Your own two feet are the best way to get around Florence. This is a very walkable city.
Most of Florence’s main attractions lie on the north bank of the River Arno. Pretty much anything you want to see is within a 20-minute walk from the cathedral, Santa Maria Novella train station or the Ponte Vecchio.
Florence has an extensive bus network, run by Autolinee Toscane. Buy your ticket at a kiosk, Tabacchi or from a machine and validate it when you board (don’t risk a fine). The main time you’ll want a bus is for Fiesole or Piazzale Michelangelo (routes #12 or #13).
Prefer something different? An e-bike tour of Florence is a brilliant way to cover more ground, and the reviews are consistently excellent.
Where to stay
Choosing the right hotel can make or break a solo trip to Florence.
Comfort, safety and value are the three things I prioritise. I’ve put together a full guide on where to stay in Florence, but here’s the short version.
Luxury hotels
Casa Howard Firenze – Residenza d’Epoca – This boutique hotel, located near Santa Maria Novella station, offers rooms with antique furnishings. It’s reportedly quiet, considering its location, and provides first-class service.
Hotel Lungarno – Lungarno Collection – If you’ve ever dreamt of having a Room with a View – my favourite of the many movies about Italy – then book a room at this swanky 5-star hotel on the north side of the Arno River. Home to a Michelin-starred restaurant, the most expensive of Hotel Lungarno’s elegant rooms overlook the river.
Mid-range hotels
Hotel Davanzati – Located close to the Uffizi Galleries, this small 3-star property offers air-conditioned rooms, including a single room for solo travellers.
Hotel Globus – This modern 4-star hotel that is just a few steps from the Church of San Lorenzo has keenly priced single rooms and reviews are very good.
Budget hotels
Guest House Bel Duomo – This 3-star guest house offers air-conditioned rooms in the heart of Florence. Upgrade to a room with a balcony for a sensational view of Brunelleschi’s dome.
B&B Lorenzo de’ Medici – This 3-star bed and breakfast on the doorstep of Mercato Central has attracted rave reviews. It offers a range of rooms, including a spacious single room.
Where to eat
Eating out alone in restaurants is one of the toughest challenges a solo traveller faces. Whilst solo dining no longer brings me out in a cold sweat, I won’t pretend it’s something I relish.
But thanks to Florence’s wide choice of dining options, solo dining need not be an ordeal.
For a casual lunchtime snack grab the best sandwich in town at All’Antico Vinaio (Via dei Neri or Via Ricasoli), or head to Mercato Centrale and sit at one of the shared tables — ideal for solo diners.
For a sit-down meal, here are a few restaurants that I tried and enjoyed.
- Francesco Vini (Borgo dei Greci) – Their risotto with pecorino, truffle and pear was worth the cost of the airfare. My best meal in Florence and the staff were very welcoming to me as a solo diner.
- Osteria Vecchio Vicolo (Via Lambertesca) – Super friendly service in a cosy space and one of the best glasses of wine of my life (a Brunello, since you’re asking).
Fed up with dining alone? A street food tour of Florence is a great way to eat your way around the city in the company of others.
Staying safe in Florence as a female solo traveller
I’ve visited Florence as a solo traveller on multiple occasions. Even walking its streets after dark on weekdays, I felt safe. For broader advice, take a look at my guide to solo travel safety for women.
Nimble-fingered pickpockets pose the biggest threat. The risk of bag-snatching in the city centre and on public transport is high.
As with any big city, a little bit of common sense goes a long way. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep your belongings close and use the safe at your accommodation if there is one
Organised activities: a great way to meet other travellers
Loneliness is a real concern for solo travellers, and joining an organised activity is one of the best ways to meet people. See my guide on how to meet people while travelling alone for more ideas.
Pasta Cooking Class – Unlimited wine and companions included. Hugely popular and always sells out.
Chianti Wineries Tour from Florence – Visits to two vineyards with up to five wines tasted at each. An absolute bargain.
My final Florence solo travel tips
- Visitors to Florence make a beeline for the Duomo, Uffizi Galleries and the Accademia. To avoid standing in long queues – or, worse still, not getting in – buy your tickets in advance.
- Many of Florence’s main attractions are closed on Mondays (a notable exception is the Duomo). Some places have reduced opening hours on Sundays.
- Check opening hours carefully before you visit. Some of Florence’s churches, museums and galleries have hours that verge on the Byzantine, and the websites don’t always reflect reality. The Tourist Information Office at Piazza del Duomo is handy for up-to-date information
- Dress modestly when visiting Florence’s churches. Always respect worshippers and never use flash.
- Toilets are scarce in Florence and public loos typically charge up to €1 per pee. Make good use of toilets in bars, restaurants and in any museum that you are visiting.
More Florence guides to help plan your trip:
- How to Spend 3 Days in Florence, Italy
- Where to Stay in Florence, Italy: The 7 Best Areas
- 20 Famous Statues & Sculptures in Florence
- 30 Paintings for Your Florence Art Bucket List
I’VE WRITTEN THIS ITALY SOLO TRAVEL GUIDE!
A 100+ page ebook to inspire and equip solo travellers with the confidence and knowledge to explore Italy independently
- Plan Your Trip – with curated itineraries, budgeting and how to get around
- Explore Awesome Destinations – guides to the must-see cities of Rome, Florence, Venice and Naples
- Stay Safe as a Solo Traveller – practical safety advice, empowering you to confidently navigate Italy and avoid common pitfalls
- Enjoy Eating Out in Italy – essential tried-and-tested solo dining tips
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.