Florence

Italy

Cityscape: Rich Renaissance tapestry
City life: Shopping and strolling

For a city boasting more past glories than the average continent, the capital of Tuscany is excitingly forward-looking.

A love affair between culture, commerce and good living, Florence has long been celebrated as the most aesthetically pleasing city in all Italy, if not the world. And between the fairytale squares, centuries-old churches and sprawling palaces run streets alive with sociability, style and irresistible shopping.

Pictured: Continentale

Boutique hotels in Florence

Our round-up of the hippest hideaways and boutique hotels in Florence

Getting there

Planes, trains, automobiles, or maybe even helicopter – we tell you the best way to go.

Worth getting out of bed for

Highlights the best Florence has to offer, from art and culture to fun-packed activities; we've even found the most inspiring place to enjoy the views from.

Eating, drinking & dancing

We've tracked down the best cafés for people-watching, the bars with the coolest cocktails, the most accomplished restaurants and the liveliest local nightlife in Florence.

Smith Maps

Here is the map of Florence; each Mr & Mrs Smith hotel is marked by a flag; click it for more details.

Taxis: You can’t hail a cab on the street; go to a designated fermata di taxi.
Tipping culture: Five to ten per cent.
Packing tips: A sketchbook, a sunhat, sensible shoes.
Recommended reads: A Room with a View by EM Forster; The Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio.
Cuisine: Pasta e fagioli (beans), T-bone steak, game, Chianti. Panforte nero di Siena: a spicy confection of almonds, honey, cocoa and candied peel.
Currency: Euro.
Dialing codes: Country code for Italy: 39. Florence: 055.
Do go/don't go: Florence is packed with tourists throughout the summer months, when it’s also very humid.