Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is one of the most beautiful and important historic cities in the world. The cradle of the Renaissance, it is a centre of art, culture and architecture on the banks of the Arno, and its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo) is the symbol of Florence and one of the most important churches in Christendom; together with Giotto’s bell tower and the Baptistery it forms an impressive ensemble. You can climb Brunelleschi’s dome for a panoramic view of the city.
The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most prestigious museums in the world, with masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Michelangelo and Raphael.
Ponte Vecchio, the old bridge, is another icon of Florence, famous for the jewellers’ and goldsmiths’ shops built along it.
Piazza della Signoria is one of the liveliest squares in the city, lined with cafés and restaurants. Here stand Palazzo Vecchio, the historic seat of the city government, and the Loggia dei Lanzi with its famous sculptures.
The Boboli Gardens behind Palazzo Pitti are a superb example of Italian Renaissance landscaping, with beautiful views over the city.
Florence is also known for its cuisine – try Tuscan classics such as ribollita (bread and vegetable soup) or bistecca alla fiorentina (grilled T-bone steak) – and for its crafts, including leather goods, as well as Tuscan wines, above all Chianti.
There is no direct flight from Košice to Florence. The easiest way is with one connection via a hub served directly from Košice: Vienna (Austrian Airlines), Zurich (SWISS) or Warsaw (LOT). All three are Star Alliance members, so baggage and connecting boarding passes can usually be handled through to your destination. You can also take the domestic Košice–Bratislava flight and continue from there to Italy. See current connections and operating days in our flight schedule.
From Florence Amerigo Vespucci Airport, tram line T2 runs directly to the city centre in about twenty minutes. The city is most beautiful in spring and autumn, when the streets are less crowded and temperatures more pleasant than in the hot summer. Book tickets for the Uffizi and the Duomo dome online in advance to avoid long queues. The historic centre is compact and easy to explore on foot. For more ideas see our overview of destinations.