Florence is a stunning Italian city located in the heart of Tuscany. This romantic city is the capital city of Tuscany, home to captivating streets, historical landmarks, amazing food, and picturesque landscapes, making for the perfect girls’ getaway destination.
Florence is one of the oldest cities in the world, steeped in history and Italian culture. There is something for everyone – history lovers, foodies, fashionistas. So you and your girls will have plenty to do and see for everyone in your group.
Here’s our ultimate girls’ getaway guide to Florence, Italy, with all the tips you need to plan an unforgettable girls’ trip!
Best Hotels In Florence For a Girls’ Getaway
Florence offers an array of hotels to choose from, that fit every travel style and budget. These are 15 of the best hotels in Florence. We’ve organized them by luxury, mid-range and budget.
Luxury Hotels In Florence, Italy
- Dimora Palanca Boutique and Spa – Located in the Santa Maria Novella neighborhood, Dimora Palanca is a stunning boutique hotel perfect for a girl’s getaway. The 5-star hotel was once a grand villa and has been thoughtfully restored, preserving its historic elegance. At Dimora Palanca, you will find an incredible spa, elegant rooms, a lovely restaurant, and a relaxing terrace.
- The St. Regis Florence – An excellent option for a luxury hotel in the city. At the St. Regis, you will find beautifully appointed rooms, award-winning dining, spectacular views, and more.
- Four Seasons Hotel Firenze – An elegant five-star luxury hotel perfect for families, couples, and girls’ trips. The Four Seasons fully embraces Florence with its authentic decor, dining experiences, grand rooms, and gardens.
- Helvetia and Bristol Firenze – An elegant hotel by Starhotels Collezione. This beautifully appointed hotel is home to a bar, gym, spa, in-house restaurant, a terrace, and more.
- Casa G. Firenze – Charming boutique hotel located in the center of Florence. This historic hotel was once owned by the Ginori family (a noble family) and dates back to the 18th century. At the 15-room and 2-floor hotel, you will have a unique and cozy stay at Casa G.
Mid-Range Hotels In Florence, Italy
- Art Hotel Villa Agape – Villa Agape was my favorite stay in Florence. The beautiful art hotel is located in the Pian dei Giullari neighborhood and offers guests stunning views of the hills of Tuscany, spacious rooms, a fantastic restaurant, a free shuttle to the city, and more. Villa Agape was built during the Renaissance and still maintains its history through art, gardens, and design.
- Eco Urban B&B – An eco-friendly bed and breakfast located in the heart of Florence (just a few steps from the train station). This lovely little hotel serves an organic, locally sourced breakfast, reduces the use of plastics, buys from sustainable suppliers, and is a power and water-saving hotel.
- FH55 Hotel Calzaiuoli – An elegant hotel situated just one street from the Duomo, Florence’s most popular attraction. This charming hotel offers an oasis from the hustle and bustle of Florence.
- The Hotel Santa Maria Novella – A lovely little boutique hotel perfect for travelers looking for a hotel an eclectic and traditional hotel.
- Solo Experience Hotel – Located a few steps from the Basilica di San Lorenzo (a fantastic cathedral) in the quiet yet still central San Lorenzo neighborhood. Every guest room at Solo Experience Hotel is equipped with convenient features such as laptop-compatible safes and workspaces suitable for laptops. Guests can also enjoy amenities like complimentary WiFi and air conditioning.
Budget Hotels In Florence, Italy
- Orto de Medici Hotel – Hotel Orto De’ Medici is a charming boutique hotel located in the heart of Florence. This affordable yet comfortable hotel is perfect for first-time visitors in Florence looking to stick to a budget. At Hotel Orto De’ Medici you will find spacious rooms, a garden, a reading room, breakfast served daily, and more.
- The Social Hub Florence Lavagnini – Kind of like a hostel but without the dorm rooms. You have that social aspect of the hotel with plenty of shared spaces. I recommend this hotel for the younger group as it can get loud at night.
- Hotel Davanzati – An elegant hotel located in the heart of Florence. This affordable hotel dates back to the 14oos and is perfect for travelers seeking budget-friendly luxury.
- Allegroitalia San Gallo Firenze – An affordable yet comfortable hotel in the center of Florence (within walking distance of the Duomo and train station). At Allegroitalia San Gallo Firenze, you will be met with a bar, a garden, a restaurant, generously large rooms, and more.
- Hotel Silla is an adorable boutique hotel located in the lovely Oltrarno Neighborhood. The Hotel Silla is perfect for travelers looking to experience Florence like a local, as the Oltrarno Neighborhood is a bit more residential than the Duomo area. Also, the hotels, shops, and eateries are a bit more affordable.
Best Things To Do In Florence, Italy
Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance and the world we know today, so you can imagine how much there is to do and see in this Italian city. Florence is a must-visit city for any traveler, from the Statue of David to the plethora of hidden gems. These are the top 10 things to do in the fantastic city of Florence, Italy.
1) Be Awed By The Duomo
The Duomo is, without a doubt, one of the most iconic sights to experience in Florence. This stunning cathedral was constructed between the 1200s and the 1400s, making it over 700 years old. The Duomo is unmissable — seriously, if you are in Florence, you can’t walk around without seeing it.
There are also tons of rooftop bars surrounding the Duomo. Some of my favorites include Art Rooftop Cocktail Bar, Divina Terrazza Rooftop Bar, and B Roof.
2) Explore Piazza della Signoria
Piazza della Signoria is a lively square located in the center of the historic district of Florence. The once political center of the city is now home to sculptures dating back to the 14th century and is lined with museums.
Some of my favorite Museums in Piazza della Signoria include Gucci Garden (the Gucci museum) and Palazzo Vecchio (once the Florence town hall).
3) Take a Stroll Through Ponte Vecchio Bridge
Ponte Vecchio Bridge is one of the many bridges that connect the historic center to the Oltrarno neighborhood. What makes Ponte Vecchio so unique is its shopping and history.
To put it briefly, Ponte Vecchio was once a meat market, but the Medici did not like the smell of the meats so they made a law that only jewelry was to be sold on the bridge, which it still is today.
4) Visit Pitti Palace
Pitti Palace is the grandest palace in Florence. Built in 1458 by Luca Pitti, it was later purchased by the Medici Family in 1549. The magnificent palace is 32,000 square meters (344,000 square feet) and consists of The Palatine Gallery, the Royal Apartments, the Modern Art Gallery, and the Museum of Costume and Fashion.
My favorite part of the Pitti Palace is the Boboli Gardens that sit behind it. The Boboli is the most significant green space in Florence as it is 11 acres and home to gardens, fountains, an amphitheater, a greenhouse (or a lemon house), and more.
Pitti Palace is worth visiting with your girls, especially if you love grand landscapes and enchanting palaces.
5) Stop By The Accademia Gallery
Located in the San Marco Neighborhood, The Accademia Gallery is one of the best museums in Florence and is known for housing some of the world’s most famous pieces such as Michelangelo’s Statue of David.
While seeing the Statue of David is a must, The Accademia Gallery holds so much more fantastic art (mainly from the Renaissance period).
6) Take In The View of Florence From Piazzale Michelangelo
Piazzale Michelangelo is a must-visit spot for anyone traveling to Florence. This incredible viewpoint overlooks all of Florence and gives you panoramic views of the city.
Piazzale Michelangelo is located on the other side of the Arno River (just a few minutes from Villa Agape). The best and cheapest way to get to Piazzale Michelangelo its to take bus 12 or 13 (they both stop right at the viewpoint).
7) Uffizi Gallery
Built in 1560–1581 by Giorgio Vasari for Cosimo I de Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, The Uffizi Gallery is among the most famous art galleries in the world.
At the Uffizi Gallery you will find a marvelous collection of Renaissance art and works from the world’s most famous artists (Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Raphael, and more).
Some of my favorite pieces in the Uffizi Gallery include The Birth of Venus, Annunciation, The Holy Family, and Medusa.
Be sure to book your tickets to the Uffizi gallery in advance, as it books out (especially in summer).
8) Try The Local Food at Mercato Centrale
Mercato Centrale is a market located in the heart of the historic center. This bustling market is a great place to try authentic Tuscan food.
In the downstairs area of the market, you will find vendors selling traditional Italian groceries (meat, cheese, dry pasta, fruit, etc.) In the upstairs area, you will find a food court with seating.
9) Explore The Oltrarno Neighborhood
The Oltrarno Neighborhood is a picturesque area located on the other side of the Arno. This neighborhood is known for its mom-and-pop shops, local galleries, traditional restaurants, and lighter crowds.
If you are looking to experience Florence more locally, be sure to spend a few hours wandering the Oltrarno Neighborhood.
10) Take a Day Trip To The Italian Countryside
There is nothing like the Tuscan countryside. The rolling hills, charming villages, and amazing food make the Tuscan countryside truly unforgettable.
There are a few incredible day trips to choose from. If you are looking for a place close by, check out Fiesole. Another lovely town is San Gimignano (a medieval hilltop town). If you are looking for more of a city, check out Siena or Pisa.
Best Tours To Take In Florence For a Girls’ Getaway
Florence offers a variety of enjoyable tours for exploring the area, tasting delicious foods and visiting historic landmarks.
For a Florence girl’s getaway, here are three great tour options:
- Florence In a Day – If you and your girls are not big on planning, be sure to check out this tour of Florence in a Day. It will take you to see all of the main attractions in Florence, so you don’t have to worry about directions or entry tickets.
- Florence Street Food Tour – Who wouldn’t want to do a food tour in Italy? In this street food tour, you and your girls can try all of the very best culinary delights in Florence with a local guide.
- Vasari Corridor and Uffizi Gallery Exclusive Tour – This private tour of the Uffizi Gallery and Vasari Corridor is perfect for art lovers who want to experience the art with an expert.
- Florence Landmarks Tickets – Skip the long queues and climb Brunelleschi’s Dome with this entry ticket. You can access the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Baptistery, the Museum, and the Bell Tower within three days to experience the stunning beauty of Florence.
- Chianti Wineries Tour and Food Tasting – Experience two wineries in the picturesque Chianti Hills during this half-day tour from Florence. Interact with local winemakers, wander through breathtaking vineyards, and savor a variety of local wines and products.
Best Dinner Spots In Florence
There are so many amazing restaurants in Florence that it would be hard to cover them all. So here is a list of the restaurants I greatly enjoyed during my time in Florence.
- Olio Restaurant – Located in the Santa Maria Novella neighborhood (just a few steps from Dimoria Palanca), Olio Restaurant is absolutely amazing. The service, the food, and the environment are all perfect. You can tell that the staff love being at Olio and that they take great pride in their food, which they should. Be sure to try the lobster risotto!
- Parione – Located in the historic center, Parione is another incredible restaurant in Florence. The prices are surprisingly low at Parione, so if you want a fancy dinner for cheap, this place is a great option. The food was unbelievable at Parione; I had the truffle gnocchi and am still dreaming of it.
- Tarocchi – Tarocchi is the perfect place for an affordable/casual dinner. Located in the Oltrarno Neighborhood, Tarocchi is a pizzeria that serves up traditional Italian pizza.
Best Nightlife Spots In Florence
- Mayday Club – The Mayday Club is a cocktail club located in the heart of the historic center. This club aims to reflect Florence’s rich history and art through its decor and drinks. You will find a younger crowd at the Mayday Club.
- Cafe Gillie – Cafe Gille is great for a relaxing and quiet place to hang out after dinner to chat and have a drink and listen to live music. The luxurious cafe dates back to 1733, making it one of the oldest cafes in the city. Cafe Gillie also serves up some of the best desserts in the city – be sure to try the tiramisu.
How To Get To Florence, Italy
Most people get to Florence by train, as the Florence airport (FLR) has limited flights and is often expensive to fly into.
However, some flights leave to and from FLR daily (I flew into FLR from Amsterdam). From FLR you can take the tram right from the airport directly into the city.
Many travelers opt to fly into Pisa as flights are more frequent and cheaper. So if you fly into Pisa, you can take the regional train from Pisa centrale to Santa Maria Novella (50 – 70 mins).
Many travelers I met while in Florence took trains from other cities such as Venice, Milan, and Rome as Florence was a stop on their Italy trip. So if that’s the case for you – take the train to Frecciarossa Station.
Best Time To Visit Florence, Italy
Florence is a city that you can visit year-round. There are cold and rainy days in the winter, but temperatures here are always pretty mild. Any time you have the opportunity to visit Florence on a girls’ getaway you should!
But if you have a flexible travel schedule, I recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons of April – May or September – October. The weather is nice in the spring and fall, and Florence is less crowded during this time, and more affordable.
Girls Getaway Guide To Florence, Italy Wrap Up
I hope this girl’s getaway guide to Florence helps you plan the perfect trip to Tuscany! Florence is celebrated as the birthplace of the Renaissance, boasting world-class art, architecture, and a rich cultural heritage.
It’s a must-visit destination for history and art lovers, foodies, and anyone looking to experience old-world modern charm. It’s an excellent destination for a girls’ getaway so grab your friends and experience for yourself why so many travelers love Florence.
If you’re looking for further inspiration, you can explore all our girls’ getaway guides, check out our Italy guides, and visit our Travel Resources page for planning tips.
We hope this article has inspired you to visit Florence! If you have questions or tips to share with our readers, please leave them in the comments below.
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