Florence: The Most Beautiful City in the World?

Florence makes a credible claim. No other city of comparable size concentrates so much extraordinary art, architecture, and food within such a walkable space. Three days here, done well, is one of travel's most reliably rewarding experiences.

Getting There and Settling In

Florence is served by Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR) for short-haul flights, and Santa Maria Novella station for Trenitalia high-speed trains from Rome (1h 20m) and Venice (2h 10m). Book your Discovia transfer from either to your hotel in the historic centre.

The Uffizi: Italy's Greatest Gallery

The Uffizi Gallery contains Botticelli's Birth of Venus, Leonardo's Annunciation, and Michelangelo's Holy Family Tondo — three of the most significant paintings in Western art, all in one building. Book tickets a minimum of 2 weeks in advance. Allow 3 hours minimum; 4 is better.

Beyond the Obvious

The Brancacci Chapel in the Oltrarno neighbourhood contains Masaccio's frescoes — the paintings that taught perspective to the Renaissance and influenced every significant artist from Michelangelo onwards. It receives a fraction of the Uffizi's visitors and is more historically important. Book a Discovia Ride & Guide who specialises in Renaissance art history.

Eating in Florence

Florentine food is the most distinctive in Italy — bistecca alla Fiorentina (T-bone steak), ribollita (bread soup), lampredotto (tripe sandwich), and the finest gelato on the peninsula. The best restaurants are in the Oltrarno neighbourhood; the worst are the ones with photographs on the menu near the Duomo.