Is Florence Worth Visiting? 21 Pros & Cons For You To Decide!

If you’re wondering why Florence is worth visiting, I did too!

I spent an incredible eight weeks exploring Italy and had a fantastic time visiting must-visit locations and some off-the-beaten-path spots.

My final stop, before I left Tuscany, was a 3-day visit to Florence. With so much hype around this city, I was excited to check it out.

However, after a few days of exploring the city, I was left with mixed emotions, but overall, I had a great time. It was mostly a positive experience with many highlights, but there were a few things which I didn’t like. 

With this in mind, I wanted to write this article to give you the truth about Florence so you can figure out whether it’s really a place worth visiting for you!  

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Is Florence Worth Visiting?

Overall, Florence is a lovely city to visit. It has some incredible qualities that we love, like the architecture and artistic scene, which are both breathtaking. Florence has a soul and a warm energy, the cuisine is scrumptious, and it’s not too big, so it’s perfect for a weekend getaway and easily walkable. 

On the other hand, we found it to be quite expensive in parts, and we came across a few tourist scams. We also visited a couple of “must-visit” attractions, such as the Gardens of Boboli, which left us disappointed.

That said, I do think Florence is worth visiting. It is a beautiful city with a fascinating history. The positive reasons for visiting outweigh the negatives, and overall, we had a great time exploring this Italian treasure.

Who Will Love Florence?

Florence is excellent for art lovers, European dreamers and history enthusiasts. It’s also perfect for couples as it has a romantic atmosphere, and for those of you looking for a cultural weekend getaway, it’s ideal. 

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Positive Reasons to Visit Florence

Firstly, I want to list all the pros of visiting Florence, why it’s worth seeing and why you’re gonna love it.

1. Interesting History

Florence is a city with a rich and fascinating history, one that we learned more about during a local street food tour from our enthusiastic guide. It was a great experience and a highlight of our time in Florence.

Initially founded in 59 BC by the Romans, Florence became an important centre for trade during the Middle Ages. But it wasn’t until the 14th century that it became one of the wealthiest cities in Europe, thanks to its thriving textile industry. 

We learned about the Medici family, a powerful and influential family in Europe that played a significant role in the city’s history. The family patronised many of the country’s famous artists, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Galileo Galilei, who all called Florence home.

In 1982, Florence became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. Stunning Architecture

Florence is known for its stunning architecture, which is one of the main reasons why it’s worth visiting. It’s home to some of the most breathtaking buildings in Italy, including the iconic Florence Cathedral. The Duomo, as it’s known, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a must-visit in Florence, and it really is a must-visit; it’s stunning. 

⭐ Pro tip: We suggest you pre-book your tickets for visiting the Duomo, especially if you want to climb the dome, even in winter. Both the entrance to the Duomo & Brunelleschi’s Dome with an audio guide are included in this ticket.

We climbed Giotto’s Bell Tower (since the Dome had sold out), and what a view! It was incredible. 

The Duomo is one of multiple notable examples of stunning architecture in Florence. Others include the Palazzo Vecchio, the Basilica of Santa Croce, the Palazzo Pitti, and the Uffizi Gallery. 

Many of these buildings date back to the Renaissance period and are adorned with stunning frescoes, sculptures, and other artworks. Overall, the architecture in Florence is something special and a dream for anyone interested in beautiful buildings.

2. Incredible Sculptures

Florence is home to some of the most famous sculptures in the world, including Michelangelo’s “David” statue, which is considered one of the most iconic works of art in history.

Since Jack and I aren’t massive art fans, we decided not to visit the Gallery. We saw an exact replica of “David” in the Piazza della Signoria for free. Does this make us bad people? Sorry, my art-loving readers, however, we didn’t find it necessary to enter another museum.

⭐ Pro tip: If you do want to visit the original David, it is inside the Galleria dell’Accademia. This priority entry ticket provides a reserved entrance to one of the world’s most iconic artworks.

Other notable sculptures in Florence include “Perseus with the Head of Medusa”, “Hercules and Nessus”, and “Rape of the Sabine Women”. 

As you walk around the city, you’ll notice many outdoor sculptures located in public squares and gardens. The Piazza della Signoria is the best-known and most superb place to see sculptures; there is also the famous water feature here, “Fontana del Nettuno”.

4. Unbelievable Art Scene

Florence is well-known as being the birthplace of the Renaissance, a period of outstanding cultural and artistic achievement that lasted from the 14th to the 17th century and is home to some of the most famous and impressive museums in the world. 

This is what makes Florence great because even if you’re not that into art (like Jack and me), the sheer scale of craftwork and skill here will impress even the most unknowledgeable of sightseers.

There are a handful of museums and galleries you should consider visiting during your trip. These include the Uffizi Gallery, which is home to an incredible collection of Renaissance art; the Accademia Gallery; the Palazzo Pitti, which is an impressive palace; the Bargello Museum; and the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo.

Although we didn’t visit them all, our favourite, surprisingly, was the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, as the atmosphere inside was relaxing. These are just a few of the many museums and galleries in Florence, but no matter if you’re a serious art lover or just appreciate beautiful works of art, Florence is definitely worth a visit.

4. Great Weekend Getaway

Florence is excellent for a weekend away because it’s a relatively small city and is easily reachable from locations within Europe. These features make it an ideal city to explore in just a few days, making it perfect for long weekends and city escapes.

Since it’s also filled with incredible art, architecture, and history, it becomes the perfect destination for a cultural weekend away with family, friends and couples. 

The cuisine is also delicious, with plenty of restaurants and cafes to try out. Don’t forget to visit the Ponte Vecchio, the famous jewellery bridge. It’s a famous place to purchase jewellery.

Overall, Florence has a warm and welcoming energy that will make your weekend getaway an unforgettable experience.

5. Delicious Food & Drink

I’ve mentioned it already, but let’s delve a little deeper into Florence’s foodie scene. We love our food, and Italian cuisine is the best, so we decided that a street food tour would be perfect.

The food tour was a highlight of our visit to Florence and an activity we recommend doing while you’re there. As for Florence, the city has a range of traditional Tuscan dishes and local wines to try, such as the famous Florentine steak.

Before we started the food tour, we had already tried a few specialities; by the end, we had experienced dishes such as pappa al pomodoro (a tomato and bread soup), crostini di fegato (chicken liver paté on toast), “cuddles”, and lampredotto (a sandwich made with tripe – Jack tried this one, as it’s not for me). 

For dessert, you can’t miss out on trying gelato, which is a speciality in Italy, and Florence has some of the best gelaterias around!

In terms of drinks, Tuscany is known for its wine, and Florence is no exception. We visited the Chianti region, just south of Florence, which is renowned for its wines, especially the Chianti Classico.

Would you believe that after spending two weeks on a road trip around the Chianti Valley, I realised I don’t actually like Chianti Classico!? It sounds like something we would do, but that doesn’t mean you won’t.

⭐ Pro tip: For those of you who love Chianti wines, this half-day tour from Florence visits two authentic wineries in the beautiful Chianti Hills.

6.  It’s A Walkable City

Another positive reason for visiting Florence is that it’s a walkable city, a positive feature that I think makes it worth visiting. I’m not a fan of huge cities where it takes ages to visit attractions; I like things around one central hub.

Anyway, because it’s not too big and most of the main attractions can be found within a relatively small area, and due to the age of the city, the historic centre of Florence is easily walkable.

It’s full of narrow streets and alleys, and many of them are pedestrian-only, meaning you can easily explore the city on foot without worrying about traffic or getting lost. The city is also relatively flat, making it easy to walk around and enjoy the sights. 

We also noticed that there were plenty of benches, cafes, and gelato shops, so you can take a break whenever you need to. Overall, Florence is a great city to explore on foot, and walking is definitely the best way to experience its beauty and charm.

⭐ Pro tip: This guided walking tour of Florence includes visits to the iconic Duomo complex and picturesque Ponte Vecchio. Join a local guide and be taken to hidden gems and see behind-the-scenes Florence.

7. Fantastic Shopping

Florence is an excellent place for shopping; it is Italy, after all, the birthplace of fashion, or was that France? Either way, the city offers a range of high-end designer boutiques, artisanal shops, and local markets. 

It’s known for its leather goods, so you’ll find plenty of shops selling leather jackets, bags, and accessories, although many of these are poor quality and not to be trusted (see tourist scams below).

If you’re looking for high-end designer boutiques, head to the Via de’ Tornabuoni, which is often referred to as the Rodeo Drive of Florence. You’ll find stores like Gucci, Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Bulgari, among others. 

For something a little more unique, check out the Santo Spirito neighbourhood, which is on the other side of the Ponte Vecchio. There are plenty of artisanal shops selling handmade ceramics, jewellery, and textiles; this is where you should look to purchase leather goods. 

Overall, Florence offers an outstanding shopping experience, with something for every taste and budget.

8. Perfect For Couples

Another great thing about Florence is that it’s a popular holiday destination for couples for many reasons. I’ve already spoken about how the city is filled with beautiful art and architecture, but I didn’t mention how this makes it an excellent place for romantic walks and sightseeing. 

It’s got world-class cuisine, with many restaurants offering delicious Italian dishes that are perfect for romantic dinners; did I mention Italian is my favourite cuisine? I was in my element exploring the food culture in Florence.

We found the city has a lively nightlife scene, with plenty of rooftop bars to enjoy, and since it’s a relatively small city, it’s easy to explore over a weekend trip.

Visiting as a couple, we enjoyed strolling around the city and along the river and trying the local cuisine more than seeing the museums!

⭐ Pro tip: Enjoy making one of Italy’s famous dishes, Pasta! Join a local chef and learn how to make Italy’s iconic dish with a glass of wine in this pasta-making class.

 9. Stunning Cityscapes

The best place to see the city views is from the top of the Duomo’s Dome or Bell Tower. Unfortunately, when we visited, the Dome was fully booked, so we grabbed tickets for the Bell Tower.

We had a fantastic climb and were rewarded with stunning panoramic views over Florence; this was good enough for us. We also strolled along the Arno River, which is a perfect location for catching shots of the scenery along the river, including the Ponte Vecchio. 

Although we didn’t visit these locations, I’ve read that the Piazzale Michelangelo offers stunning views of Florence’s skyline, and another popular spot is the Tower of Palazzo Vecchio, which provides a bird’s eye view of the city’s historical centre. 

10. Unbelievable Markets

One activity we enjoyed in Florence was visiting the markets. Visiting local markets is an activity we enjoy in most places as it gives a feel for what local life is like. In Florence, however, it felt like the markets were geared towards tourists, and so may not be as authentic as those we visited in the Tuscan countryside. 

However, they were still fantastic, and our guide told us that locals still shop at a few of them, including the Mercato Centrale, which is a large covered market selling everything from fresh produce to local cheeses and wines. 

The Mercato Centrale was excellent and also filled with food stalls with free samples and specialities, and great for picking up snacks for the road. 

Just outside is the famous San Lorenzo market. However, our guide told us that some of the products could have been of better quality, so you have to be careful. 

Another famous leather market is the Mercato Nuovo (Mercato del Porcellino), which is located near the Ponte Vecchio and features Il Porcellino, the lucky bronze fountain of a boar. 

11. Great Base For Exploring

Florence is a great base for exploring the Tuscan countryside because of its central location and excellent transportation connections. 

We were fortunate to have spent a couple of weeks in Tuscany before we arrived in Florence, so we didn’t think about it too much beforehand, but we realised how well-connected it was when researching tours from Florence.

Many of Tuscany’s famous attractions, such as the picturesque hilltop towns and vineyards, are just a short drive or train ride away from Florence. 

⭐ Pro tip: Discover Tuscany and visit its medieval sites on this guided excursion from Florence, where you can explore the World Heritage Site of San Gimignano, Pisa, and Siena.

The city is also well-connected to other major cities in Tuscany, such as Siena (which we loved), Pisa (surprisingly enjoyable), and Lucca, making it easy to explore the region’s landscapes and cultural heritage. 

Many people decide to rent a car while they are visiting Florence, and from our personal experience of exploring Tuscany in our van, we know this is a great idea.

Tuscany is stunning, and the landscapes are breathtaking, so taking a rental for a little zoom around the hills is something to consider while visiting Florence!

12. Buzzing Nightlife

The nightlife scene in Florence is also one of the reasons why it’s worth visiting. We aren’t big drinkers but enjoy a tipple or two, and Florence is a vibrant and lively place. We found lots of trendy bars and cosy wine bars with live music.

Check out rooftop bars, as this is one of the best ways to enjoy the charming scenery of Florence while sipping a glass of wine or a cocktail.

Keep in mind Florence is also home to many cultural events and festivals throughout the year, which often take place in the evenings, so it’s worth checking the Florence Tourism Board for any upcoming celebrations that might coincide with your trip.

13. Easy To Plan A Trip 

Planning a trip to Florence is relatively straightforward, which is a positive reason for visiting. The city has a well-developed tourism infrastructure, with plenty of resources available to help you plan your trip. 

The city is well-connected to other major cities in Italy and Europe, with excellent air, train, and bus connections. It makes it easy to plan a trip, whether you’re travelling from within Italy or from further afield.

14. Authentic Italian Vibes

The authentic Italian vibes are definitely one of the pros of visiting Florence. The city has a unique character that is quintessentially Italian, and it is a great place to experience traditional Italian culture. 

We enjoyed wandering around the lively streets, markets and bustling piazzas. We felt that Florence has a positive and authentic atmosphere that can be hard to find in other tourist destinations. 

You can indulge in delicious Italian cuisine, sip on some of the world’s best wines, and enjoy the local music and art scene from literally a foot outside your hotel. Florence captures the essence of Italy, and it’s a must-visit for anyone looking to experience authentic Italian vibes and culture.

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Reasons Not to Visit Florence

Now, onto the cons of visiting Florence, which, in all honesty, are few, but they are worth noting.

15. It’s A Busy City

We visited Florence in early November, and it wasn’t too busy, although we still had to queue for the main attractions. We spent one morning in a queue for an hour to enter the Duomo, which, in all honesty, isn’t all that great. The outside of the cathedral is gorgeous, and the views from the top are astounding, but as for the inside, well, you let me know! 

November is the low season, so I can only imagine what it would have been like during the summer period. Unless summer is the only time you can visit, I would recommend aiming for the low season or the shoulder months. 

Shoulder months fall between the end and start of any busy period. Florence’s shoulder months are September/October and April/May. But, even these months are becoming popular now. It’s also worth considering a mid-week trip, as weekdays will be quieter.

16. Pre-Booking Is Essential 

It’s essential to pre-book for the main attractions, even in winter, something Jack and I are not great at doing. We enjoy more spontaneous holidays, which sometimes leads to disappointment. Since the tickets were sold out, we missed climbing the Dome, and the queue for the Uffizi Gallery was very long, so we decided to skip it.

For us, it wasn’t a huge disappointment, but if you’re going with the intention to enter these attractions, it’s important to pre-book your tickets.

17. Some Attractions Are Overrated

On the other hand, not all the must-visit sites are worth the money. One particular activity everyone raves about is the Gardens of Boboli, which we could have been more impressed by; they were disappointing, to say the least.

After travelling around Italy, we visited some incredible gardens; my favourite is the Villa of Taranto Botanic Garden, which, in comparison, hails greatness.

It could be the time of year; gardens are always better during the warmer months; however, the statues were filthy, the vegetation unkept, and the pathways either overgrown or unfinished, rocky and dangerous in parts. They had the potential to be stunning, but we were left wanting.

The takeaway is that even though Florence is a beautiful city, there may be attractions that are not worth visiting, so prepare yourselves for this, and don’t get disappointed if some things are not as you imagined.

P.S. We heard that the Gardens of Bardini are actually better.

18. Very Art Based

Having a strong emphasis on art is a defining characteristic of Florence. While it can be a source of inspiration and creative expression for many, it may not appeal to those of you who do not share the same passion for art. 

It’s important to note the city does attract a specific type of sightseer, and if art is not something you enjoy, it’s unlikely you’ll enjoy Florence. 

While some may appreciate and admire it, those of you who don’t might find the city overwhelming or intimidating, and this is fine; Florence is not for you. Therefore, it’s essential to think about whether you really would enjoy an art and culture holiday before booking your trip to Florence, because there is no escaping it!

19. Lots of Tourist Scams

While Florence is generally a safe city, there are still some tourist scams to be aware of. Although minor and unlikely to affect your trip, the most prominent scams are restaurants overcharging by adding smaller items to a receipt and providing tourist menus with higher prices or street vendors selling fake products. 

Another common scam is the oil painting scam, which is where a person will accuse you of standing on one of their paintings and causing damage; they then demand compensation. If this happens to you, firmly tell them you did not and that you know they are trying to scam you, and quickly walk away, ignoring them. 

20. Pickpockets & Beggers

We noticed a lot of pickpockets and beggars in Florence. They generally approach you in the queue and gesture for money, pretending they are hungry or have a family who needs care.

It happened to us a few times. In one scenario, we noticed the lady had four gold teeth, so Jack told her to sell her teeth if she was really in need. She looked at him angrily, covered her mouth with her scarf and moved further down the line.

21. Overpriced Attractions/Restaurants

Finally, we thought that some of the attractions and restaurants were overpriced. The restaurants certainly had different menus for tourists. Although this is a scam, as mentioned above, it’s worth keeping in mind that all restaurants in the immediate areas of main attractions have increased prices. 

To avoid this, walk a few streets over, and you’ll find more authentic, affordable locations to eat. There is also a table charge applied to most bills, called Coperto, which is standard practice, so don’t be shocked if you see this on the bill. 

When Coperto is applied, it’s not necessary to leave a tip.

As for the attractions, we felt that they were expensive. Although Florence is a tourist city, and so they are in line with other similar destinations. 

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Top-Rated Tours From Florence

For the best experience in Florence, I highly recommend booking your tours in advance. These are the top attractions for you to consider pre-booking.

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Where Should You Stay In Florence?

Florence is a lovely city to explore, and with loads of accommodation options, it can get overwhelming trying to find the right location. You want to stay central, and choosing one with breakfast included is helpful as Italians aren’t big on breakfast like we are; think espresso and pastries.

To give you some ideas on where to stay, I’ve researched and found the three options below (since we stayed in a parking lot, we didn’t need a hotel!)

• Top-end option: NH Collection Palazzo Gaddi – Check and review prices on Booking│ Book a room on Agoda.
• Mid-range option: Hotel Orto de’ Medici – Check and review prices on Booking.
• Budget option: 3110 ArtHotel – Check and review prices on Booking│ Book a room on Agoda.

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Helpful Tips For Your Visit To Florence

Finally, here are some visiting tips for Florence:

• Remember to plan as Florence is a popular tourist destination. Book your tickets for popular attractions in advance, and consider visiting during the off-season to avoid peak crowds.

• Get lost in the city to explore Florence’s hidden gems. Take some time to wander through the narrow streets and alleys and explore the local shops and markets.

• Try the local cuisine, including dishes like Florentine steak, pappa al pomodoro, truffle pasta and gelato.

• Take a guided tour for an excellent way to learn more about Florence’s history and culture. Consider taking a walking tour, a food tour, or a wine tour to get a deeper understanding of the city.

• And don’t forget to visit the lesser-known attractions like the Gardens of Bardini for a unique and memorable experience.

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Visiting Florence FAQs

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In Summary: Why is Florence Worth Visiting?

As always, I leave you with some final thoughts about why we think Florence is worth visiting. It is, after all, a beautiful city revered by many with a fantastic history. Its culture, architecture, art, shopping and food are all big winners in reasons for visiting, and even though there are a handful of reasons not to visit, for us, Florence was an enjoyable visit.