Florence stays in the memory for a long time: Renaissance architecture, the smell of Italian coffee, homemade pasta and a skyline that has barely changed in centuries. It suits a three-day city break just as well as a base for a longer trip around Tuscany, and for the 2026/27 season it is as easy to reach as ever, provided you pick the right airport and pack sensibly.
This guide has been updated for the 2026/27 season. It covers the best time to go, flights and airport transfers, where to sleep, what to see, how to pack and which suitcase to take, plus safety, health and local customs. Prices and timetables change, so treat the figures below as a guide and check them before you book.
When to go to Florence: weather and seasons
The climate is temperate, with hot summers and a mild, sometimes rainy winter. The right date depends on what you want: quiet strolls, long museum days or day trips into the countryside.
Spring (April–June)
One of the best periods. Temperatures sit between 15°C and 25°C, the gardens are in bloom and the city is lively without being overrun. April can bring light rain, while May and June are usually sunny and ideal for walking up to Piazzale Michelangelo or eating dinner outdoors.
Summer (July–August)
Temperatures often pass 35°C and many places in the centre have no air conditioning. Sightsee in the morning, take breaks in the shade and carry a hat, sun cream and water.
Autumn (September–October)
Grape harvest, warm colours and pleasant weather. September is around 25°C and less stuffy than August. October cools down and brings the odd shower, but the city is calmer and the food is excellent, from truffles to seasonal vegetables.
Winter (November–March)
The quietest time, with temperatures of 5–10°C and damp, grey weather in January and February. The Uffizi and the Accademia are easy to visit without long queues, and flights and hotels are cheaper.
The best months overall are May, June, September and October. If you want to save money and avoid crowds, choose winter. Summer is only for people who cope well with heat.
Flights, layovers and cheap tickets
Florence has a small airport, Florence Peretola (FLR), about 5–6 km from the centre, and direct flights are limited, especially out of season. Several alternatives are often cheaper and more flexible.
- Pisa (PSA) — about 80 km away, 1–1.5 hours by train. Very popular with low-cost airlines.
- Bologna (BLQ) — about 100 km away, 40–60 minutes by fast train.
- Rome (FCO) — over 250 km away, but with excellent rail links. Worth considering if the flight is very cheap.
Typical layovers run through Munich, Vienna or Milan. Look at arrival times as well as price, and avoid itineraries that force a night at the airport.
When to buy tickets
The best fares usually appear two to three months ahead. Midweek departures (Tuesday to Thursday) are normally cheaper than weekends, and school holidays and long weekends are the most expensive. Set price alerts and check regularly: if fares rise week after week, buy; if they stay flat, they may still drop. Flexibility about dates and the landing airport brings the biggest savings.
Low-cost fares often include only a small cabin bag, so check what your ticket allows. Our guides on Ryanair cabin baggage and how to avoid baggage fees will help you avoid surprises at the gate.
How to get from the airport to the centre of Florence
All three main airports have simple connections. Fares below are the ones we had when this guide was updated, so check current prices before you travel.
| Airport | Best option | Time | Approx. cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florence (FLR) | Tram T2 to Santa Maria Novella station | about 20 min | 1.70 EUR |
| Florence (FLR) | Taxi, fixed fare to the centre | 15–20 min | 22 EUR by day, 25 EUR at night, plus luggage fees |
| Pisa (PSA) | PisaMover to Pisa Centrale, then train to Firenze S.M.N. | 50 min to 1 h 20 min by train | 5 EUR + from 9 EUR |
| Pisa (PSA) | Direct bus | 70–80 min | 11–16 EUR |
| Bologna (BLQ) | Aerobus to Bologna Centrale, then fast train | 20 min + 35–45 min | 6 EUR + 9–20 EUR |
| Bologna (BLQ) | Direct bus | about 1 h 20 min | about 20 EUR |
The T2 tram runs every 5–10 minutes and tickets must be validated before boarding. Pre-booked private transfers start at around 30 EUR. From Pisa, trains leave about every 30 minutes; from Bologna, the direct bus runs about every two hours.
Where to stay in Florence
Choices range from luxury hotels with a view of the cathedral to flats in old townhouses and small guesthouses. Book early, especially in the tourist season.
Best districts
- Historic centre (Duomo, Uffizi, Piazza della Signoria) — everything within a few minutes on foot. Higher prices and plenty of tourists.
- Santa Croce — calmer, with a beautiful square, local restaurants and boutiques, still very close to the centre.
- San Frediano / Oltrarno — across the Arno, with craft workshops and a less touristy feel. About 10–15 minutes on foot to the centre.
- Campo di Marte — residential and well connected, with lower prices.
Hotels come in every category, apartments give you a kitchen and independence for longer stays, guesthouses and B&Bs are homely and affordable, and hostels suit solo travellers on a budget.
A view of the Duomo costs more, and silence is easier to find in side streets or across the river. The best compromise is Oltrarno or Santa Croce. Florence is compact, so even the more distant districts are 20–30 minutes from the centre on foot.
What to see in Florence
The classics
- Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral (Duomo) — climb Brunelleschi's dome for the view over the city, then add Giotto's bell tower and the baptistery.
- The Uffizi Gallery — Botticelli's The Birth of Venus and Leonardo da Vinci's Annunciation. Book tickets in advance.
- Ponte Vecchio — the bridge lined with jewellery shops, the only one in Florence to survive World War II.
- Palazzo Vecchio — the former seat of the city's rulers, with monumental halls, frescoes and a tower overlooking Piazza della Signoria.
Less obvious places
Walk through Oltrarno and Piazza Santo Spirito, relax in the Boboli Gardens behind the Pitti Palace and visit the Medici Chapels at the Basilica of San Lorenzo, decorated by Michelangelo.
Art lovers should add Michelangelo's David in the Accademia Gallery and Botticelli's Spring in the Uffizi.
How to pack for Florence: a practical list
Pack comfortable, practical clothes that still look put together.
Clothes by season
- Spring (March–May): light jacket, thin sweaters, jeans or fabric trousers, something warmer for the evening.
- Summer (June–August): breathable dresses, linen shirts, shorts and T-shirts in light colours.
- Autumn (September–November): jeans, hoodies, a light coat or transitional jacket.
- Winter (December–February): warm jacket, scarf, sweaters, long trousers. Snow is rare, but evenings are damp and windy by the Arno.
Style, shoes and layers
Locals dress with care even on an ordinary day, so choose a casual but tidy look: midi dresses, shirts, chinos. Add a dress, blazer or loafers for the evening.
Cobbled streets and hills demand broken-in shoes: sneakers by day, loafers for dinner, and supportive sandals or light boots depending on the season. Choose cotton, linen or viscose in summer and layers in spring and autumn.
Accessories, cosmetics and documents
- Sunglasses, a hat or cap, and an umbrella for autumn and winter showers.
- A scarf or shawl: warmth in the evening, shade for the neck in summer, and shoulder cover for churches.
- Mini toiletries up to 100 ml if you fly carry-on only, UV-filter cream, antibacterial gel and wipes, lip balm.
- ID card or passport (an ID card is enough for EU citizens), EHIC card, travel insurance, payment cards and a little cash for small shops and markets.
- A socket adapter if your plugs differ from Italian ones.
For more checklists, see our practical guide to packing a suitcase and the list of most frequently forgotten items. If you are heading to Italy's capital as well, read what to take on a trip to Rome.
Which suitcase for Florence? Which Peli model for which trip
Florence is compact, so a weekend only needs carry-on luggage: you skip the baggage carousel and can walk straight from the station. Longer trips, couples and shopping for ceramics, leather and wine call for a larger case or a check-in bag. Every model below is sold in our shop; dimensions and weights come from the product pages.
| Model | Best for | Size and weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peli Air 1535 TRVL | City break with a cabin-only bag, fragile souvenirs | 55.8 × 35.5 × 22.8 cm, 4.7 kg, TSA locks | €421.00 |
| Peli Air 1535 Carry-On Case | Cameras and kit that must stay in the cabin, IP67 and MIL-SPEC | cabin size, HPX² shell, pressure valve | from €296.00 |
| Peli ATX HC22 | 3–5 day trip in the overhead bin | 55.9 × 35.6 × 23.1 cm, 30 L, 4.8 kg | €504.19 |
| Peli ATX HC25 | Week-long trip for two, checked | 66 × 45.7 × 26.9 cm, 70 L, 8.39 kg | €672.26 |
| Peli ATX HC30 | Long trip, lots of shopping, checked | 76.2 × 50.8 × 30.7 cm, 90 L, 9.93 kg | €756.29 |
| Peli Aegis HY22 | Soft rolling duffel for cobbles and stairs | 36.6 × 26.9 × 55.9 cm, 47 L, 3.32 kg | €252.09 |
| Peli Aegis HY32 | Maximum capacity for clothes and gear | 40.6 × 38.1 × 76.2 cm, 115 L, 4.76 kg | €420.16 |
| Peli Aegis PX18 | Daypack with laptop or camera | 27 × 16 × 46 cm, 1.22 kg | €168.06 |
| Peli Aegis PX25 | Daily backpack and cabin extra | about 25 L | €210.08 |
Peli Air 1535: the cabin case
The Peli Air 1535 meets the carry-on size requirements of most major airlines and is built from HPX² polymer, which is up to 40% lighter than traditional hard-case materials. The base case is IP67 waterproof and MIL-SPEC certified, with an automatic pressure equalization valve, and comes in four interior options. The TRVL edition adds two TSA-approved combination locks and spinner wheels. Always check your airline's own cabin limits, because they differ from fare to fare.
The black TRVL is €421.00, as are the blue and burgundy versions.
Peli Air 1615: for the hold
For a longer stay or a trip for two, the Peli Air 1615 (from €454.00) is the larger sibling in the same HPX² series: crushproof, dustproof, IP67 and MIL-SPEC certified, with a pressure valve and stainless steel padlock protectors.
Peli ATX: hard-shell suitcases without zips
The ATX range uses Peli Armor construction in a polypropylene blend, a sealed shell with integrated TSA locking latches instead of a zip, and Hinomoto 360-degree spinner wheels. The HC22 fits the overhead bin, the HC25 and HC30 are check-in sizes. Note the weight: the HC30 is 9.93 kg empty, so budget for it against the airline limit. See also our guide on which suitcase material is best and how to buy a suitcase that lasts for years.
Peli Aegis: bags and backpacks
The Aegis range combines a Peli Shield EVA front panel with Cordura fabric. The HY22 and HY32 are rolling duffels that can be carried or rolled over cobbles, and the PX18 and PX25 are protective backpacks for a laptop or camera on day trips.
Safety and health on the trip
First-aid kit
Pack painkillers and fever reducers, stomach remedies, antihistamines, plasters, disinfectant, after-sun gel and your regular medication, with a copy of your prescription if you have a chronic condition.
Pickpockets and valuables
Crowded sights and Ponte Vecchio attract pickpockets. Keep wallets and phones out of back pockets, documents in an inside pocket, and split cash and cards between different places. Luggage insurance that covers theft is worth having.
Healthcare: EHIC and private insurance
EU citizens can use public healthcare in Italy on the same terms as Italians with the EHIC card. Private travel insurance adds cover for medical transport and lost luggage. The emergency number is 112, as everywhere in the EU.
Culture and customs: how to avoid a faux pas
Manners, churches and meal times
Italians are relaxed but value neatness, so choose subdued, classic clothes. Shoulders and knees must be covered in churches, so carry a light scarf. Lunch is usually between 13:00 and 14:30 and dinner starts at 20:00–21:00; nobody hurries at the table.
Tips and polite phrases
A tip is not obligatory. If you are happy with the service, leave 5–10% of the bill or round up a small one. Many restaurants already add a service charge (coperto). Start conversations with Ciao (informal), Buongiorno (good morning) or Buonasera (good evening), and say Arrivederci when you leave. Locals appreciate every attempt to speak Italian, though they will usually switch to English.
FAQ: Florence trip questions
What is the best time to visit Florence?
May, June, September and October offer mild weather and fewer crowds than July and August. Winter is the cheapest and quietest option, though some attractions have shorter opening hours.
Which airport is cheapest for Florence?
Pisa and Bologna are often cheaper than Florence itself because low-cost airlines fly there more often. Both are linked to Florence by train in 40 minutes to about 1.5 hours.
Is carry-on luggage enough for a Florence city break?
For a weekend, yes. Florence is compact and the airport is close to the centre, so a cabin case such as the Peli Air 1535 TRVL saves time at the airport. Choose a check-in case such as the ATX HC25 or HC30 for longer stays or when you plan to shop. Check our guide to strange things in carry-on baggage to see what passes security.
Summary: ready for the trip?
Pick spring or autumn if you can, fly to Pisa or Bologna when Florence itself is expensive, and book the Uffizi and the Duomo dome in advance. Pack comfortable shoes, layers and natural fabrics, and choose luggage that protects what you carry: a cabin case for a short break, a larger check-in suitcase for a longer stay. Thinking of other Italian destinations? Compare them in Cinque Terre vs Amalfi Coast, plan a drive with 10 European road trips better than the Amalfi Coast or see Italy or Spain for a first trip abroad.
