'Exceptionally beautiful' city named the world's most walkable
In new research, the Italian city – often known simply as 'The Beautiful' – has been named the most walkable city in the world, thanks to a compact layout and pedestrian-friendly streets that are perfect for a good old wander.
Financial website Insider Monkey analysed factors like the distance between the top five tourist attractions, air quality and crime and safety statistics across a range of major cities.
The Italian hotspot beat the likes of Sydney, Madrid, Porto and Hamburg to take the crown, winning points for its convenient landscape, clean air and low crime rate.
Not only are Florence's most popular landmarks – like the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio and Piazza del Duomo – within 0.5 miles of each other, it takes just 10 minutes to walk between them, meaning you can pack a whole lot of culture into your trip.
The report praised its offering of 'history and timeless architecture with each step,' noting that the entirety of Central Florence can be explored in as little as two hours — with a number of hidden gems that are only accessible on foot.
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Visitors are just as enamoured with it as well.
On Tripadvisor, JorjaWr07 said: 'I've been here three times and I fall in love with Florence all over again every time. It's such an experience just going around the small quaint shops lining the streets.'
Jacques D claimed it very much lives up to its reputation as the 'birthplace of the Renaissance,' while AvaVanGoth wrote: 'I have never seen such beauty in my life, speechless! The food is amazing people are very friendly and helpful.'
Another reviewer, Ron09, added: 'Florence never fails to amaze, visually stunning. Even having been there many times, you get impressed by the history, art and great restaurants.'
Ready to get your walking boots on for a Tuscan getaway? Here's what to expect.
Florence's historic centre is UNESCO-inscribed thanks to '600 years of extraordinary artistic activity', and a trip there would be remiss withoutseeing some of it.
Head to the Galleria dell'Accademia to see Michelangelo's iconic David sculpture, and to the Uffizi Gallery for Botticelli's The Birth of Venus and da Vinci's Annunciation. Just make sure to pre-book, as the queues can get long.
There's also Palazzo Pitti, home to the Medici family treasures, Museo Galileo, which showcases the work of the Florentine polymath, and Museo del Bargello, where you'll find Italy's most comprehensive collection of Tuscan Renaissance sculpture.
The city's isn't just confined to museums galleries though: the Duomo Cathedral, with its terracotta-tiled dome engineered by Brunelleschi and bell tower by Giotto, is a work of art in itself.
Similarly, Ponte Vecchio is as impressive as it is distinctive: this three-arched bridge, lined by shops, dates back to 1345, and is the region's only one to have survived WWII.
The options for art, culture and history are endless, but don't forget to make time to take it all in.
Both Boboli Gardens and the Piazzale Michelangelo are perfect for a relaxing pitstop. Grab yourself a drink, snap a few pictures of the stunning views across the city, then just watch the world go by.
Want to make the most of your visit? Tripadvisor users have some handy advice:
Your best bet for great food and reasonable prices are the smaller, family-run restaurants on the side streets. — Murphy5708
If you're going to be in Florence for at least three days, get a three-day Firenze Pass for entrance to museums. The easiest place to get one is Palazzo Vecchio. — Manatee27
Wear comfortable shoes and prepare to walk everywhere, but if you poop out, don't be shy about hailing a cab. — OkArtist
My hidden gem is the Della Fortezza Fountain and park; quiet tranquil, nice fountain and near the main train station with the fort walls, but hardly any goes there. — Hammercounty
Florence is famous for its gelato, so sampling some is a must, alongside signature local delicacies like the negroni cocktail, bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine steak), and ribollita (a soup made with bread, beans and vegetables).
In terms of shopping, you're spoilt for choice, with options including San Lorenzo's Mercato Centrale, the open-air Mercato del Porcellino, and Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio, the oldest covered market in the city. @triggtube
Before you travel to Florence… If you want to get outside the city, this place fills up quickly, but check out The Accidental Tourist for some pasta classes, wine tours, and overnights in the Tuscan hills. Florentine steak and great local dishes are all around, but my fave spots are definitely @ituscani and @osteriadelcinghialebianco … the Florentine steak meatballs at I'Tuscani are a TOP 3 dish in the city. Amazing. Vin Santo is an awesome local dessert, and pappa al pomodoro is a nice local tomato soup. And if you insist on Antico Vinaio, the train station serves the same sandwiches without a line. But truly EVERY shop I've been to has been amazing. It's much more about ordering the right sandwich than choosing the right restaurant. I recommend stracciatella as a topping. Safe and happy travels! #florence #italy #travel #summervacation ♬ A Summer Place – Hollywood Strings Orchestra
With around 9 million visitors every year, Florence is very much on the beaten track. But this popularity isn't necessarily a bad thing — at least when it comes to flight availability anyway.
According to Skyscanner, there are 69 flights a week from the UK to Florence-Peretola Airport with major airlines like Vueling and British Airways.
The journey takes just over two hours each way, and return fares start from a very budget-friendly £44.
Many people see 'shoulder season' – April to June and September after the holidays – as the best time to visit, as temperatures remain warm but aren't too hot. Plus, it's less expensive than high summer. More Trending
In August, daily highs typically reach 32°, and some businesses even close up entirely so locals can escape the heat.
Another benefit (or not, depending on your constitution) to visiting in June is that you can catch Florence's Calcio Storico tournament in the Piazza Santa Croce.
Each weekend, different neighbourhoods compete in a game described as a combination of football, rugby and wrestling, watched on by 4,000 braying spectators — it's brutal, but nonetheless a unique tradition you'll never forget witnessing. Florence, Italy Riga, Latvia Hamburg, Germany Porto, Portugal Madrid, Spain Edinburgh, Scotland Tallinn, Estonia Stockholm, Sweden Sydney, Australia Boston, USA
This ranking was compiled by Insider Monkey, using data from sources such as Tourlane, WalkScore, IQAir and Numbeo.
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