Florence city breaks Short stays and long weekend breaks in Florence

Florence, on the banks of the River Arno that flows under the famous Ponte Vecchi, is literally one giant art gallery! With famous painters such as Da Vinci, Michelangelo and Dante all hosting works of art here, Florence is a treasure chest with so many gallaeries to visit.

Everywhere you go in Florence, there is a stark reminder of the power of the Medici family which ruled the city for several centuries - with their lavish palaces, they commisioned many of the works of art you can see today in galleries. Apart from sight seeing, Florence has a very lively nightlife with many cafes, bars and restaurants hugging the sides of the piazzs, often to the sound of live music.

Top attractions
Il Duomo - Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Galleria degli Uffizi
Piazza della Signoria
The Palazzo Vechio museum and tower
The Ponte Vecchio, built in 1345
Pitti Palace and beautiful Boboli gardens
Galleria dell' Academia

Featured villas in Florence

There are plenty of options when choosing your self-carering accommodation in Florence from excellent villas on the ouskirts, often with private swimming pools, or apartments in the city centre. Getting around Florence is similar to Rome - best done on foot. Most of the historical centre is pedestrianised and it's good fun wandering around the old streets finding your way.


See all holiday rentals in Florence


Things to see & do in Florence

Florence is a city that is packed with things to see and do for all ages and it will certainly take more than one visit to everything this magnificent city has to offer.

Santa Maria del Fiore church and old town in Florence
A few suggestions
Climb the 463 steps to the top of the Duomo for panoramic views
Wander around the Mercato Centrale for food shopping - especially truffles
Explore Piazza San Lorenzo, the famous leather market
Day trip to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Twin centre holidays

If you are taking a city break in Florence, which can be exhausting with all the sight seeing, a train up to Milan and then onto the Italian lake district may be the tonic. The Italian Lake District is like no other. It's extremely relaxing within some of the most spectacular scenery you'll ever see.

The most popular lakes that tourists visit from Florence are.....

Resort Distance (km) Time
Lake Como1412 hours 15 mins
Lake Garda721 hour 40 mins
Lake Maggiore971 hour 15 mins
Lake Orta2402 hour 50 mins
Lake Lugano2132 hour 40 mins
isola bella on lake maggiore

Our view on city breaks in Florence

One of the most cultural and artistic cities in the world, Florence takes some beating with almost too much to see and do in a short stay or long weekend break. A great city to visit any time of year and staying in a self catering villa or apartment let's you experience and explore Florence at your own pace.