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Florence

Florence Without the Crowds: Domes, Viewpoints and Neighbourhood Trattorias

October 20, 2026 · Streetly

Florence

Florence fits into a stroll, yet it is packed with art, so a little planning goes a long way. Here is how to see the essentials without hours in line, and where Florentines actually eat.

The Duomo and the heart of the Renaissance

The cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, with Brunelleschi's dome, Giotto's bell tower and the Baptistery, defines the city. Book your dome climb ahead and go early: first thing in the morning the square is almost peaceful.

Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria and the Oltrarno

Cross the Ponte Vecchio at sunrise to see it without the crowds, then continue to Piazza della Signoria and the Palazzo Vecchio. Across the Arno, the Oltrarno hides artisan workshops and the best sunsets, from Piazzale Michelangelo or San Miniato al Monte.

Eat and drink like a Florentine

Try a lampredotto sandwich from a street stall, bistecca alla fiorentina or ribollita in a no-frills trattoria. Skip the tourist menus around the Duomo: the Mercato Centrale and the streets of Santo Spirito and Sant'Ambrogio serve better food at a calmer pace. Finish with artisan gelato.

See food tours in Florence ›

Getting around and catching your breath

The centre is walkable and Santa Maria Novella station links you to the rest of Tuscany. When you need a break, the Boboli Gardens offer shade and views, and Fiesole, up on the hill, is a short bus ride to cooler air.

Sample 3-day route

A starting point for your trip; in Streetly you can adjust days, pace and interests and get your own version with a map.

  1. Day 1Piazza del Duomo → Baptistery → Piazza della Signoria → Ponte Vecchio
  2. Day 2Santa Croce → Mercato Centrale → Santa Maria Novella → Boboli Gardens
  3. Day 3Santo Spirito → San Miniato al Monte → Piazzale Michelangelo → Fiesole

Practical tips

  • Book the Duomo dome and big museum visits in advance.
  • Refill your bottle at public fountains and avoid eating on the busiest central squares.
  • Wear comfortable shoes: the cobblestones add up and almost everything is on foot.
  • Oltrarno viewpoints shine at sunset, so arrive early to get a good spot.

Opening hours, prices and rules change. Always check official sources before you travel.

Create your Florence route with Streetly: ordered stops, a map for each day and a budget.

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