Florence

Florence is known for its history, culture, art, cuisine, shopping and incredible architecture. It has an interesting charm – it has a big city feeling blended with that of a small town. Some of the most popular sites in Florence include ‘il Duomo‘ (Cathedral), the Baptistery, Ponte Vecchio,  Pitti Palace, Accademia (where David lives!), Uffizi and Boboli Gardens. 

Florence is the capital of Tuscany and is often referred to as the art capital of Italy. Around 60% of the world’s most important works of art are located in Italy and almost half of these are in Florence. The Accademia and Uffizi houses a large percentage of these.

Those looking to get ‘off the beaten’ track should head over the River Arno to Oltrarno, to visit some of the many artisan shops. And those looking to find some green space, should head to the Boboli Gardens and enjoy a family stroll.

Is Florence a great destination for families with kids

Florence is not necessarily the most kid-friendly of cities (especially for little-little ones), as it has so many tourist attractions and is a small but busy city. But if planned correctly, taking into consideration the ages of the children, and the families needs and expectations, it can be fun, exciting and culturally rich. It is however a ‘perfect’ destination for teens and up.

How many days should you spend in Florence?

How many days you choose to spend in Florence depends on your entire itinerary.  How long are your visiting Tuscany for?  Is Florence just a day visit, 2 to 3 days, or are your only stopping as a connection to your next destination? If you have fallen in love with Florence, like we have, or you have the time and are visiting Florence for the first time, I would say three days would be perfect. Three days would give you the opportunity to visit a few museums, enjoy a number of excursions, partake in some self-guiding and, of course, some high-end shopping.

For first time visitors to Italy, I would stay in Tuscany and visit Florence on a few occasions – the key to this will be the location of your accommodation. Our preference is to position a client in an agriturismo* in Tuscany, allowing clients to spend a day or two traveling to Florence, and some of the other cities and towns in Tuscany on subsequent days.

If you only chose to stay in Florence as your base and wanted to visit the surrounding areas like, Siena, Lucca, Pisa this is easily achievable as the transport connections are excellent.

*An agriturismo translates loosely to an independently-owned farm that the owners have decided to use partially for accommodation purposes, often restored to very high levels.

Must-see places in Florence

There are many wonderful attractions to choose from in Florence:

1. Il Duomo
2. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
3. Battistero di San Giovanni
4. Piazzale Michelangelo
5. Uffizi
6. Galleria dell’Accademia
7. Piazza della Signoria
8. San Lorenzo and Michael Angelo’s Medici Tombs
9. Palazzo Vecchio
10. Santa Croce
11. Ponte Vecchio
12. Mercato Centrale
13. Palazzo Pitti
14. Santa Maria Novella
15. Boboli Gardens
16. Giotto’s Bell Tower
17. Museo Galileo
18. Museo di Leonardo da Vinci

Top things to do in Florence with kids

Our top things to do in Florence with kids are in no particular order. For us these have been super fun personally and we have got fantastic feedback from our clients and friends after partaking in these.

• Making Pizza and Gelato
• Drawing classes for children
• Enjoy an Uffizi Treasure Hunt
• Go on a family Secrets, Stories and Legends Walking Tour
• Take a Boat ride on the Arno River
• Rent or take a Bike Tour around the city
• Visit to the Duomo Rooftop
• Go on a Scavenger Hunt in Boboli Gardens
• Take on a Spy Mission at the Uffizi
• Visit Galileo and the Power of Inventions
• Take a Vespa Tour of Florence

Best Family friendly hotels in Florence

Looking for a family friendly hotel in Florence? Here are our choices based on those we have visited, and feedback from our clients.

Grand Hotel Minerva

This first-class, 4-star hotel located in Florence’s historic city centre, with its 97 refurbished luxurious rooms, is the ultimate choice when visiting Florence. Their scenic rooftop terrace and pool with snack bar, located on the sixth floor, will leave you breathless. Perfect for family vacations and romantic getaways.

Hotel Savoy, Rocco Forte

Florence’s sophisticated Hotel Savoy is housed in a 19th-century building, with its stunning décor. Its prime location in Piazza della Repubblica, just two minutes from the Duomo, makes it the perfect place from which to explore the unending marvels of Florence. The hotel, which offers 80 rooms, is known for its impeccable service and its fusion of rich Florentine tradition, with contemporary luxury.

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

Stroll into the city’s biggest private garden – a tranquil haven of statues, fountains and centuries-old trees – or retire to your suite, where frescoes line the walls, amid original architectural features. This historic hotel, with its Michelin-starred Italian restaurant, and a locally inspired Spa, where you can spend afternoons in pure indulgence, is just steps away from the cultural heart of Florence.

Villa Cora

Villa Cora is located in a centuries-old park that overlooks the Boboli Gardens, on the hills just outside the historical center of Florence. The villa is an aristocratic residence built at the end of the 19th century. It is dominated by a strong eclectic decor, that provides the villa with different, sometimes even bizarre, artistic styles.

Hotel Lugarno

Lungarno has been completely renewed and reopened its doors after six months of renovation. Without sacrificing its charm, boasting 65 luxury rooms and suites, many with beautiful terraces overlooking Renaissance masterpieces. The hotel is within walking distance of the city’s most renowned boutiques – granting you the possibility to breath in the magic of Florence.

Best Family friendly restaurants in Florence

• Da Benvenuto – Very centrally located with great classic Florentine food for everyone in the family. Friendly to locals and tourists alike and the place for a real Florentine steak. 

• La Bussola – Great neighborhood trattoria, not far from the Piazza della Repubblica. Excellent grilled stuffed squid, tuna and other fish dishes, as well as grilled meats. Up front is a more casual section serving delicious wood-fired oven pizzas. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

• Il Pizzaiuolo – Great pizzas, seafood, and other dishes, but it’s the pizza everyone lines up for. Arrive first thing when it opens, or be prepared to wait. 

• Osteria del Caffè Italiano – An osteria with a warm, rustic atmospheric serving reliable Tuscan cuisine and pizzas. Reasonably priced. Good looking and casual ambiance. Good for families. 

• La Spada – Trattoria in the historic center of Florence, just a few meters from Santa Maria Novella and the Duomo.

• La Goistra – wonderful restaurant for dinner or a special occasions, varied menu and excellent wines.

• MaMMaMia Pizzeria – very relaxed, wonderful to sit outside, good service, great atmosphere, varied menu.

• Cibreo – enjoyed by the locals. There is a wonderful Trattoria or you can make a reservation at the more formal restaurant.

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Florence is on our doorstep and we often take a day trip to Florence or spend a cheeky weekend there. Our teenagers love the freedom of the city, we love them having their freedom and we get to relax while enjoying good food and wine.

We believe we are in the best position advise and help you to plan a memorable vacation. Let us assist you by taking advantage of our vacation consulting or itinerary development services. Working to your budget we’ll discuss the best locations, present you with the best family accommodations, family focused tours/excursion/activities and work out the logistics for you, taking all the stress of planning away.

So, if you are planning a vacation to Florence and you need some help then drop us a line. We’ll set up a time to call you and let you know how we might help.

Still unsure on whether you should stay in Florence, and what there is to do for the family and kids especially? Here are some articles and resources that will help you….