Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance, and for a city of its fame it's wonderfully compact — most of the major sights sit within a 20-minute walk of one another, on foot through largely pedestrian streets. The challenges are the crowds, the summer heat, and the temptation to overdose on museums. Two full days cover the essentials; three or four let you add the Oltrarno, day trips, and time to breathe.
When to come. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are ideal — pleasant weather and slightly thinner crowds. Summer (especially July-August) is hot, humid, and very crowded; if you come then, start early and rest midday. Winter is cool and much quieter, with shorter lines and lower prices, and the art is just as glorious. Whenever you visit, Florence is a walking city — bring comfortable shoes for its stone streets.
Where to stay. Florence is small, so almost anywhere central is walkable. The city center (around the Duomo, Piazza della Repubblica, and Piazza della Signoria) puts you in the thick of it — convenient but busier. The Oltrarno, across the Arno, is quieter, more artisanal and authentic, yet still a short walk from everything. Riverside spots near the Ponte Vecchio offer beautiful views. Choose between the buzz of the center (Hotel Savoy, Hotel Brunelleschi) and the calmer character of the Oltrarno (SoprArno Suites, Hotel Lungarno).
Book the big museums ahead — this is essential. The lines for the Uffizi and the Accademia (David) are notorious, often hours long, and the Duomo's dome climb requires a timed reservation. Book timed-entry tickets in advance for all of these to save hours. Note that many museums close on Mondays (the Uffizi, Accademia, and others), so plan around that.
The essentials. See Michelangelo's David at the Accademia. Spend a morning at the Uffizi with Botticelli and the Renaissance masters. Climb Brunelleschi's dome at the Duomo (and explore the cathedral complex). Walk across the Ponte Vecchio. And head up to Piazzale Michelangelo for the sunset view over the whole city. Beyond the headliners, leave time to simply wander, eat well, and cross to the Oltrarno.
A sample two or three days. Day one: the Accademia (David) first thing, then the Duomo complex and the dome climb, the Baptistery, and a wander through the center, ending at Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset. Day two: the Uffizi in the morning, the Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio, lunch, then cross the Ponte Vecchio to the Oltrarno (Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens, or the artisan streets). Day three: a Tuscan day trip (Chianti wine country or Pisa), or go deeper with the Bargello, Santa Croce, and the Medici Chapels. Don't over-museum — Florence rewards lingering too.
