Florence is the sort of city that doesn’t need an elaborate sales pitch. The skyline, punctuated by the dome of Santa Maria del Fiore, does the heavy lifting. So does the fact that Florence brims with artistic treasures, great food, and a scale that makes it a joy to navigate on foot. It’s little wonder it has long been a magnet for city breakers.

Visiting in off-season is highly recommended as it means fewer crowds and cooler weather—ideal for spending hours in museums without feeling frazzled. In November, we had four nights and three full days, enough to tick off the must-sees and sneak in a countryside jaunt. Here’s what worked, and a few tips for making the most of your time.

Day 1: Masterpieces at the Duomo Museum and Galleria dell’Accademia

First things first: Florence revolves around its cathedral. The Duomo, with its iconic terracotta dome, is stunning, but the real insight into its construction and artistry comes from the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, a few steps from the cathedral.

Here, you can examine intricate sculptures, including pieces by Donatello, and learn how the dome itself was engineered—a feat of Renaissance ingenuity. It houses the largest collection of sculptures from Medieval and Renaissance Florence in the world, all in luminous space that doesn’t feel crowded.

Tip: Take a breather at the museum’s café, a perfect suntrap that serves fantastic, thick gloopy hot chocolate.

Later, we made a pilgrimage to the Galleria dell’Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David. The statue is every bit as beautiful as people say, towering over its audience with a level of detail that makes it hard to believe it was carved from a single block of marble.

There’s an energy about him and remarkably none of the crowd pushed or shoved, in reverence, I’d say. While David is undoubtedly the star, the gallery houses other works too, including unfinished Michelangelo sculptures that offer a glimpse into his creative process.

Day 2: Palazzo Vecchio and a sunset success (eventually)

Florence’s artistic and political history converge at Palazzo Vecchio, the city’s fortress-like town hall. Stepping inside reveals a vast array of frescoes, tapestries, and sculptures—not to mention the chance to climb the Tower of Arnolfo for one of the best views of Florence. It’s a workout, but the 360º panorama of the city is worth it.

For a change of pace, we rented a Vespa in the afternoon and headed out of town. The roads winding into the Tuscan hills are as photogenic as you’d hope, flanked by olive groves and vineyards. It’s a refreshing break from the city’s museums and gives you a sense of Florence’s setting within the wider region.

Everyone you meet in Florence will tell you to visit Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset. So, we did—and quickly realised everyone else had the same idea. The steps and terrace were heaving with people jostling for the perfect photo of the sun sinking behind the Arno river.

It was a bit much. Thankfully, our Vespa gave us the flexibility to find a quieter spot further into the hills. We parked up at a roadside viewpoint and enjoyed a more peaceful take on the same golden-hour spectacle. A lesson learned: while Florence has well-known charms, a little effort can reveal a more personal experience.

Day 3: Uffizi Gallery and Wandering

No trip to Florence is complete without visiting the stunning Uffizi Gallery. We started our morning here, weaving through its vast collection of Renaissance art. Seeing works like Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and Primavera in person was a definite highlight.

The Uffizi is always busy, so book your tickets online a day or two in advance. The time slot system ensures a smoother experience, but you’ll still want to arrive early to avoid the midday rush.

In the afternoon, with our cultural appetite sated, we let Florence’s streets dictate our pace. We wandered across the Ponte Vecchio, browsed the market stalls near San Lorenzo, and soaked up the city’s architectural splendour. Even without a packed itinerary, Florence offers plenty to stumble upon—whether it’s a hidden piazza or an unassuming café with exceptional coffee.

For us, Florence delivered exactly what it promised: world-class art, beautiful scenery, and a pace that allowed us to see the highlights without stress. November might not be peak season, but that’s part of its appeal—it’s Florence, just with a little more breathing room.

HOTELS IN FLORENCE

Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni 1

Our first hotel was the remarkable Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni 1, a medieval tower dating from the 13th century. A luxurious medieval tower, mind you, which is celebrated for its illustrious history and unrivalled location. Adjacent to the Renaissance-era Palazzo Gianfigliazzi, it is in the heart of the city, a mere stroll from landmarks like the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Uffizi Gallery, and surrounded by the most fashionable boutiques with Dior as its neighbour. The property itself is steeped in fascinating history, even earning mention in Dante’s Divine Comedy.

One of the hotel’s most defining features is its spectacular rooftop terraces, considered the finest in Florence. These terraces offer spectacular 360º panoramas, with views stretching south over the Arno river to the Oltrarno and north toward the Duomo and surrounding hills. 

Whether having breakfast, a light snack, or evening drinks, the terraces create a sublime setting. We couldn’t have been happier, cocktails in hand, basking in the setting sun, overlooking this remarkable city.

Sweet slumber

The interior of the hotel has an atmosphere of a private Florentine residence with fine antiques, art, and mirrors from the owner’s collection thoughtfully arranged throughout the property. Rooms and suites are individually decorated, featuring light, uncluttered designs that emphasise space and natural light.

Classic marble bathrooms, equipped with organic citrus-scented products, robes, and slippers, elevate the sense of luxury. Some rooms boast private terraces, while all offer lovely views. From our vantage point, we had the most envious view across the river, a sight that will forever remain in our memories. For a spa-like stay, you can book the Hammam Suite which has its own chromotherapy system, jacuzzi and Turkish bath!

Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni 1 is more than just a place to stay; it’s an experience that connects you to Florence’s history, beauty, and soul. It’s location is second to none, right by the river Arno, in the thick of things but not so far in the thick of things that you feel overrun by tourists. It feels luxuriously private yet welcoming and very conducive to a great night’s sleep, ready for the day ahead. It is family-friendly as well as dog-friendly, which is quite a rarity for Florence.

From €255 pn in January (breakfast included)

La Gemma Hotel

Right in the centre of Florence’s Historic District, the 5-star Hotel La Gemma manages to feel like a calm retreat while keeping you close to the action. Nestled just steps from Piazza della Repubblica, this boutique hotel combines classic Florentine beauty with a bold, modern edge. The Cecchi family, known for their creativity in fashion, art, and design, has poured their talents into making this space a vibrant place to unwind.

The interiors are striking, with Art Deco-inspired designs brought to life in greens, blush pinks, and creamy whites—colours that echo the marbles of Florence’s famous cathedral. The rooms are luxurious, with marble checkerboard floors, plush velvets, and custom-made furniture adding a touch of glamour.

We were spoilt with one of two Loft Suites which went above and beyond expectations. Truly special with a roomy living area, glam bathroom plus a roll-top bath in the living room - a playful and indulgent detail that made relaxing after a day of exploring feel extra special. Opulence and fine Italian craftmanship is everywhere in this beautiful space, including Ponti ceramics, Votary amenities and Rivolta Carmignani robes. On top of that the Loft Suites has access to a roof terrace with stunning Duomo views. La Gemma is tucked away therefore views aren’t standard but I had a good look at various room categories and all of them are plush and gorgeous.

Food worth staying in for

The hotel’s restaurant, Luca’s, makes dining an event in itself. The space is warm and elegant, with botanical ceiling prints and velvet banquettes creating a lush atmosphere. Led by Michelin-starred chef Paulo Airaudo, the menu takes traditional Tuscan flavours and updates them with a modern twist. We tried a four-course tasting menu, and every dish was packed with creativity and attention to detail. Each plate was paired perfectly with fantastic wine. 

Relaxation done right

The Allure Spa, hidden below the hotel, is an ideal spot to recharge. Whether you’re stepping into the Turkish bath, cooling off in the ice shower, or unwinding with a Biologique Recherche facial, the treatments are designed to help you feel refreshed and ready for more of what Florence has to offer.

Hotel La Gemma nails the balance between style and comfort, giving you a peaceful base right in the heart of Florence. With its attention to design, incredible food, and relaxing spa, it’s a place that feels special without being over the top. Whether it’s your first time in the city or a return visit, staying here makes Florence even more unforgettable.