Florence is defined by many as an open air museum. The city centre is relatively small and every point of interest is in a walkable distance. It is considered the place of birth of the Renaissance era, and therefore full of paintings, sculptures, architecture master pieces.
The city is easily reachable by plane, for domestic European flights we suggest the Amerigo Vespucci airport (FLR) 5km far from the centre or otherwise the Pisa airport, Galileo Galilei (PSA), extensively used by low-cost companies (1 hour drive far).
In case you are flying from outside Europe, the best way is probably to get a ticket to either Milan or Rome and then arrive at Florence by train. Using high speed trains (expensive but very fast and comfortable) it takes 1 hour and 45 minutes from Milan and 1 hour and 35 minutes from Rome. The train station Santa Maria Novella is less than 2km far from the historical centre. For more information and costs visit the Italian railway company website: www.trenitalia.com
If you are travelling by car, it’s a good idea to book an hotel with parking included. The city is very crowed and so be careful when you are driving and the historical centre is out of bounds for private cars.
I went there by train from Milan with a Frecciarossa (high speed train) and spent €80 for a return ticket. The hotel “Delle Camelie” 800 meters far from the Santa Maria Novella train station represents a great deal, you can reserve a double room for two adults with breakfast for €70.
The main attractions are the Duomo with the bell tower by Giotto, Signoria square (piazza della Signoria), Uffizi Gallery (one of the most famous museums in the world) , Ponte vecchio (beautiful bridge over the Arno river), Palazzo Vecchio (13th century castle) and “David” statue by Michelangelo.
Another attraction not to miss is the local food and cuisine. You have to experience a great informal dinner in a small typical restaurant called “Osteria de’ Pazzi” where you can dine with high quality food for medium prices (around €20 per person). It is advisable to try the Fiorentina, a 600g t-bone steak adding €10.
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