It may come as no surprise to some that Florence is the most visited city in Tuscany. Not only is Florence the capital of the region and the most populous city in Tuscany (with 364,073 inhabitants in the city itself and 990,527 in the metropolitan area as of 2024), but it is also very much the culture capital.
The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is only overshadowed by Rome due to its incredible age and sheer size but in almost any other place, this would be the uncontested titan when it comes to art, culture, history, tourist attractions, and more. As it stands, Florence is still considered one of the great cities of the world and a must-see.
For those who book one of our Tuscany Villas and who come to the region, it is an unmissable spot for at least a day-trip or two but if you want to dive in a little deeper – though any one trip will only allow you to scratch the surface of what it is on offer – then you could book one of our vacation rentals in Florence, instead.
World-class museums are one of the biggest draws to the city, particularly the art galleries and the famous and beloved Uffizi Gallery is the most well-known – attracting five million visitors a year, making it the fifth most-visited art gallery in the globe. Home to an impossibly rich collection and with names like Botticelli, Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian, da Vinci, Caravaggio, and more, it is a true wonder. Then, of course, there is the Accademia, with Michelangelo's iconic David, as well as a host of other intriguing museums in the city from the Ferragamo and Gucci museums to the museum of da Vinci’s inventions.
Architectural wonders are another of the great attractions to Florence as, in addition to astounding works of art by famous artists, the Renaissance also produced incredible architects who, in turn, transformed the city forever. The noble families of the city and the Church funded the creation of breath-taking buildings to celebrate God and their own greatness, leaving behind a city that feels like one giant museum in its own right. Merely walking around the city on holiday in Florence is utterly transporting and fascinating. However, visiting specific gems like the great cathedral of the city with Brunelleschi’s familiar dome soaring overhead and defining the skyline or the Medici’s stunning Boboli Gardens where many famous architects came together to make a masterpiece of garden design, is definitely worth your while.
Shopping, of course, in the gleaming flagship stores of famous designer labels, ancient and bustling markets, little boutiques, and traditionally crafted artisanal shops is also a massive draw for style-savvy travellers who book a villa in Florence and who are aiming to take a little bit of the Florentine look home with them. Those less interested in fashion will also find a world of amazing antiques, beautifully-packaged and divine beauty products steeped in history, wonderfully crafted gold and leather goods, extraordinary perfumes and candles, delectable foodie treats, and much, much more besides.
Speaking of food, you could simply book a holiday rental in Florence and spend your entire time eating – there is so much to discover! From local street food classics like Lampredotto, to centuries-old cafés serving perfect coffee and pastries, to bars with astounding selections of delicious Tuscan wines and classic cocktails, to a perfect Florentine steak, to unbeatable gelato – Florence tastes just as good as it looks!
So, yes, Florence is the most-visited city in Tuscany – and for good reason! Book your luxury villa in Florence today and come fall it love with it yourself...
