by Lindsey Young
Is it your first time traveling to Italy? Well, you're not alone. Every year, millions of tourists arrive in Florence to explore some of the city's most famous landmarks, museums, and historic streets. With more than 80 museums, over 1,200 restaurants, and countless shops, it can feel impossible to fit everything into one short trip. The good news is, you don't have to. With a little planning, you can make the most of your time in Florence without feeling overwhelmed or rushed.
One of the biggest mistakes first-time visitors make is trying to see everything. Florence has so much to offer that it would be impossible to experience it all in just a few days. Instead, focus on a few major attractions each day and leave room for spontaneous discoveries along the way.
The Uffizi Gallery, however, is much larger and houses works from famous artists such as Sandro Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo. Many visitors try to visit both museums back-to-back, which can be overwhelming, especially during the summer heat.
While both are must-visit attractions, we recommend splitting them up and visiting one gallery each day. Booking skip-the-line tickets or a guided tour can make your visit much smoother, allowing you to spend less time waiting in line and more time learning about the incredible history and artwork in front of you.
If you are traveling with family or friends who speak different languages, consider using a multilingual self-guided tour. Rather than trying to translate information for one another or missing out on important details, everyone can listen in the language they are most comfortable with while still exploring together. Accord's multilingual self-guided tours make it easy for groups to share the same experience while learning about Florence's history, landmarks, and artwork at their own pace.
Planning Around the Heat
Another helpful tip is to plan your day around the heat in Florence. Summer temperatures can easily reach the mid-90s°F (35°C), making long afternoons of sightseeing feel much less enjoyable.
Start your day early and visit popular attractions such as the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Florence's beautiful piazzas while temperatures are cooler and crowds are smaller. If you plan on climbing the Duomo which has 463 stairs or Giotto's Bell Tower, try to do so first thing in the morning. During the summer months, the small spiral staircase becomes extremely hot and crowded as the day goes on.
During the hottest part of the day, take a break for lunch, a refreshing drink, an aperitivo, or a cup of gelato. Relax in an air-conditioned café, regroup, and recharge before heading back out to explore.
Throughout Florence, you will find public water fountains where you can refill your water bottle for free. Staying hydrated is one of the most important Florence summer travel tips, especially if you plan on spending full days exploring the city on foot. Simply visit Fontanelle.org to find the closest fountain and never be too far from fresh drinking water.
In the afternoon, consider exploring the Boboli Gardens. Filled with shaded pathways, sculptures, fountains, and beautiful greenery, the gardens provide a peaceful escape from the busy city center while still allowing you to experience an important piece of Florence's history.
As the sun begins to set and the city cools down, make your way up to Piazzale Michelangelo, one of the best panoramic viewpoints in Florence. After watching the sunset, spend the evening wandering through the city streets as the crowds begin to thin and Florence takes on a completely different atmosphere.
If you want to escape the Florence heat altogether and discover a different side of Tuscany, consider taking a day trip to Chianti. Known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and picturesque villages, Chianti often feels cooler and more relaxed than the city center. It's the perfect place to enjoy wine tastings, local cuisine, and some of Tuscany's most beautiful landscapes.
While having an itinerary is helpful for planning tours, booking reservations, and making the most of your trip, don't schedule every minute of your day.
Some of the best moments in Florence happen when you wander down a side street, stumble across a local café, or discover a famous wine window you never planned to visit. Give yourself time to slow down, get a little lost, and experience the city beyond the major attractions.
For first-time visitors, the goal shouldn't be to see everything. Instead, focus on experiencing the best of Florence at a comfortable pace. With smart planning, strategic museum visits, and a schedule that works with the summer heat, your first trip to Florence will be one to remember.
Ready to start planning your Italian adventure? Accord can help you make the most of your time in Florence with guided tours, multilingual self-guided experiences, skip-the-line museum tickets, and private transportation throughout Tuscany. Whether you're exploring Florence for the first time or venturing into the Chianti countryside, we're here to help you create an unforgettable Italian summer.
