A weekend in Florence: the guide

Spending a weekend in Florence is the perfect choice to immerse yourself in a context where history, art, culture and nature come together in harmony. The Cradle of the Renaissance is a destination for everyone: from those who want to discover the works of art housed in its many famous museums, to those who prefer strolling through the historic centre and being charmed by its workshops and shops, and even to those who wish to immerse themselves in nature and admire splendid urban views at sunset. 

If you want to spend a weekend in Florence on one of your upcoming trips and need a guide to the must-see attractions, in this article you'll find everything you need: from unmissable monuments to the most beautiful gardens, all the way to a hotel designed to combine comfort with a strategic location. 

What's there to see in Florence? Top attractions

A weekend in Florence offers plenty of time to discover the attractions that have made this city a beloved destination for tourists from all over the world, or at least to take a tour of the monuments and unmissable spots. Here's what you can't miss on a 2–3-day tour. 

Florence Cathedral

Your itinerary for a weekend in Florence begins with the Duomo, known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, one of the city's great symbols and the fourth-largest European church. From the white and green marble façade to the interiors where a large cycle of frescoes painted by Vasari and Zuccari is housed, every corner of this building hides a treasure to be discovered. Inside, you can also discover the remains of Santa Riparata, the ancient church on which the Cathedral was later built. It is open from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Brunelleschi's Dome

The Florence Cathedral consists of several elements, masterpieces to visit in depth such as Giotto's bell tower, the Baptistery of San Giovanni and Brunelleschi's Dome. To this day, it remains the largest masonry dome in the world, with its internal diameter of 45.5 metres – a work of art of unparalleled value that towers over the city.  The interior of the Dome houses one of the most impressive paintings in history, the Last Judgement.

Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio

Piazza della Signoria is a very famous historical square in Florence and is just a 5-minute walk from the Duomo. Considered the heart of the social life of the Tuscan city, it houses several monuments and points of interest such as the Fountain of Neptune, the Equestrian Monument of Cosimo I de' Medici, the Loggia dei Lanzi with its statues and, above all, Palazzo Vecchio. 

Palazzo Vecchio is today the seat of several offices and of the Mayor of Florence, but it is also one of the greatest examples of civil architecture of the fourteenth century. Inside you will find a museum containing works by Donatello and Michelangelo, while above the Palace stands the Arnolfo Tower. 

The Uffizi and the museums of Florence

Florence is home to some of Italy's most beautiful museums, such as the Palatine Gallery and the Accademia Gallery. The most famous name, however, is undoubtedly the Uffizi, part of the vast complex of Galleries together with Palazzo Pitti, the Boboli Gardens, and the Vasari Corridor, which reopened to the public in December 2024. Inside the Uffizi there are some of the most important works of art in the world, such as the Birth of Venus and the Spring by Botticelli, the Annunciation by Leonardo da Vinci, the Venus of Urbino by Titian and other paintings by Giotto, Michelangelo, Caravaggio and many other artists. Find all the information on the official website.

The Ponte Vecchio

One of the most beautiful bridges in the world and among the best-known views of the Tuscan capital. The Ponte Vecchio crosses the Arno and connects the historic centre to the east of the city: it was once home to fruit and vegetable shops and butcher shops, while today it is home to a sequence of elegant shops and fine goldsmith brands. The central section of the bridge has been opened, offering those who cross it a unique view of the river and the city. 

Basilica of Santa Croce

Located in the eastern part of the historic centre, this Franciscan Basilica is an unmissable stop on your Florence tour. Inside is the tomb of Michelangelo, surrounded by three statues representing the arts of Sculpture, Painting and Architecture, but also those of other important figures in our history such as Galileo Galilei. In the vicinity of the Basilica stands the monument to Dante Alighieri. If you are interested in visiting the Basilica, you can find the main information on the official website.

The gardens to visit in Florence

Spending a weekend in Florence also means immersing yourself in greenery: the Tuscan city boasts several magnificent gardens that reveal their most beautiful colours during the summer. There are several to choose from, but these are the ones we think you simply can't miss if you only have a few days:

• Boboli Gardens. Perhaps the most famous in the city and a must-see, open every day from 8:15 a.m. It is located behind Palazzo Pitti and is a large green space, an open-air museum with ancient statues, fountains and ornamental caves. The entrance ticket costs €10 and also allows entry to the garden of Villa Bardini.

• The Bardini Garden will take you on a real journey through different eras and styles. Inside, in fact, there is an Italian garden, an agricultural park and an Anglo-Chinese garden. Open every day except the first and last Monday of the month, from here you can enjoy a unique view of Florence and its monuments.

• The Rose Garden owes its name to over 350 species of this evocative flower. In addition, it houses several panoramic terraces from which to admire Florence and 12 sculptures by the artist Jean-Michel Folon. Open every day, the garden is free to enter. 

• The Giardino dei Semplici is the third-oldest botanical garden in Florence, created by Cosimo de' Medici for educational purposes and today part of the museum system of the University of Florence and the Museum of Natural History. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the entrance ticket costs €6. 

• The Giardino Corsi occupies an area of 500 square metres and is located between Via Romana, Via dei Serraglie and Via de' Mori. Created in the fifteenth century, centuries later it took on the form of the romantic garden that it still preserves today. Inside it stands the splendid Temple of Song.

• The Torrigiani Garden is the largest private garden in Europe: it is a very evocative area, containing pathways, statues, and symbols connected to the world of Freemasonry. In addition, you will find plants and tree species from all over the world. 

The ideal hotel for your weekend in Florence

Now that you know everything about what to do in Florence on a weekend, all you have to do is book a hotel to enjoy the Tuscan city at its best: we recommend UNA Hotels Vittoria Firenze, the perfect facility for a weekend full of art and beauty. The hotel immediately impresses with its cutting-edge design, which is complemented by the authentic atmosphere found throughout its various spaces and 84 rooms. Tradition and modernity meet in the lines imagined by architect Fabio Novembre, between colourful walls and contemporary furnishings. 

The hotel is located in the Oltrarno, and thanks to its strategic position it is the perfect starting point to discover the Cradle of the Renaissance and all the places we have told you about. And if you are travelling by car, know that at the hotel you will always find a parking space available, so you can enjoy the luxury of leaving your car in Florence without having to worry about looking for parking. In addition, you will also find a charging station for electric cars and, for your dinners, a restaurant where you can enjoy the delicacies of the region. 

Spending the weekend in Florence is the perfect choice if you're thinking of a short getaway: book your room at UNA Hotels Vittoria Firenze and get ready to enjoy a stay in a city that never ceases to amaze with its timeless beauty.