The Only Honeymoon Guide to Florence You’ll Ever Need!

Florence, the capital of Tuscany is a city of red-tiled roofs and majestic domes, where the ringing of the church bells echo along its historic cobblestone streets filled with Italian charm, perfect for endless wanders.

Founded by the emperor Julius Caesar in 59 BC, Florence’s city centre was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the incredible art and architecture from the Renaissance, which was said to have been born in this very city. History and art exudes from every corner of the city and of course, it is one of Italy’s most romantic cities.

The birthplace of Leonardo Da Vinci, the legendary artist, the city is home to a third of the world’s art treasures making this a fascinating cultural visit for art lovers and budding historians, foodies will not be disappointed with the wide array of specialities hailing from the nearby Tuscan countryside.

Aside from all this, Florence is known for its style and fashion, with plenty of places to find quintessential Italian pieces.

Florence is ideal for a romantic honeymoon where you can enjoy the culture, art and cuisine of the city of Florence and still venture out to explore the rolling countryside of Tuscan villages and vineyards on a day trip.

In the Only Honeymoon Guide to Florence You’ll Ever Need, you will find all the tips and tricks to spend an unforgettable honeymoon in Florence and everything you need to know to organise to suit every budget.

Where to go in Florence on your honeymoon

Florence is a small and very walkable city, therefore the historic city centre is ideal as a base for your adventures. Here is a guide to the best neighbourhoods to stay in to ensure that you make the most of your time in Florence:

Ponte Vecchio

This gorgeous medieval bridge spans the width of the Arno River and survived the bombings during World War II. There are great areas nearby to stay with incredible views over the river and is the perfect place to enjoy the beautiful sunsets.

Around the bridge, you will find charming streets filled with music, street performances and plenty of tourists. There are many great restaurants around the area that are not only aimed at tourists but provide quality Italian cuisine.

Piazza della Repubblica

Just 15 minutes’ walk from many of the historical sites of Florence, the Piazza della Repubblica is a great place to stay. It is only two minutes on foot to the Piazza Del Duomo where you can visit the Basilica and only 10 minutes on foot to Ponte Vecchio.

The square is lively and you will find a host of street performers, musicians and even markets going on almost every day of the week and weekend. The restaurants around here may be a little overpriced and touristy but aside from this point, it is a photographer’s dream!

Santa Croce

Slightly further away from the historic centre of Florence, Santa Croce is ideal for a quieter honeymoon in Florence.

The centre is only 10 to 15 minutes away by foot and you will find plenty of quirky and unique boutiques, restaurants and cafes. The Santa Croce area is quite large and encompasses the medieval area near the Uffizi Gallery.

It is also renowned for its leather factories where you can purchase quality handmade products at the Leather School or Scuola di Cuoio, right next to the Santa Croce Basilica.

The Basilica itself is a must-visit, being the final resting place of famous artists such as Michelangelo, Rossini and the astronomer Gallileo Galilei.

Important information on Florence for your honeymoon

Most visitors arrive in Florence by plane to the two nearby airports of Pisa and Bologna, situated over an hour away from Florence by car.

The airports are connected by regular train and buses to Santa Maria Novella Station in the city centre. By train, Florence is only one and a half hours away from Rome and only two hours away from the charming city of Venice.

Getting around Florence is easy as it is a very compact city, everything is within walking distance. You can also opt for the tiny electric buses that traverse the city if your feet get too tired from walking.

There are also taxis available but you cannot hail them from the street, you have to book them by calling on the phone. If you are struggling to find one of the taxi stands around the city, you can always ask pop into a restaurant or hotel and ask them to help you book a taxi.

Car rental is not recommended in Florence as finding parking and navigating the traffic and one-way roads can be quite difficult.

If you are planning a trip to Florence and you wish to visit some museums or historical sites, book your tickets well in advance! Bookings to climb the Duomo to see the incredible views are often sold out and many museums have daily restrictions on the number of visitors permitted.

For free attractions, such as the Cathedral of Florence, there are no options to skip-the-line, so go earlier than the opening time of 10 am and prepare to wait in a queue!

It is worth bearing in mind that when visiting religious sites, tourists should cover their legs and shoulders or they will be refused entry. There are also plenty of street hawkers selling scarves and sarongs for those who are not appropriately dressed, so there is always a backup option!

The best time to visit Florence is during the months of May and June, and then again in September. July and August should be avoided for the sweltering heat as Florence actually has a subtropical climate which is hot and humid and has an average temperature of around 30 °C.

You can also visit in early Spring from April to May where you will have an average temperature of 18 – 23 °C, but be prepared for spring showers and carry an umbrella or raincoat with you! If you’re on a budget consider braving more changeable weather to take advantage of lower hotel rates, fewer crowds of tourists and shorter queues to all the monuments and attractions.

The language spoken around Italy is Italian, however, English is widely understood, especially in the main tourist destinations. The local currency is the Euro and there are many ATMs available around the city. It is advisable to carry cash with you as there are many restaurants and shops that only accept cash. It’s also a good idea to carry small change as public restrooms usually cost €1.

To calculate the cost for your honeymoon you should budget around €116 per person, per day. Travellers generally spend around €24 on meals daily and around €19 per day for transportation. If you’re planning for a week, it is safe to budget around €1,623 per couple for the entire week including accommodation.

Tuscan food is delicious and there are many local specialties to try and the level of hygiene is relatively high.

Avoid the overpriced tourist restaurants in the city centre that do not serve authentic Italian food and seek out the hidden gems of the city to get a true taste of Tuscan cuisine. Tap water is safe to drink in the cities, in some rural areas the tap water is not potable.

Travel insurance should be purchased in advance of your travels.

Where to stay in Florence on your honeymoon

Luxury

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

This palatial hotel is the epitome of luxury close to the heart of Florence’s city centre. The Florence Cathedral is a short 15-minute walk away.

The rooms are lavish with plush furnishings which replicate the style of Italian palazzos, each of the rooms includes flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, some suites are also equipped with soaking tubs and balconies. The hotel also has a Garden Suite with a private plunge pool in the midst of a secluded garden.

There are three classy restaurants with bars, including one Michelin-starred restaurant called “Picnic in the Park”, a swimming pool, a jacuzzi, spa, fitness centre and outdoor hot tub, all nestled within the landscaped gardens of the hotel.

For honeymoon couples, the hotel caters to unforgettable, romantic experiences such as a hot air balloon flight to Chianti, a private wine tasting course and even dinner on the Ponte Vecchio bridge.

The Westin Excelsior

The Westin Hotel group has always been synonymous with luxury and this Florence hotel is no exception, built in a 14^th century palazzo, this stylish hotel has views of Ponte Vecchio and the Arno River which can be seen from the balconies.

Rooms are classically decorated with Florentine style upgraded rooms and suites have balconies, terraces, outdoor Jacuzzis or rooftop terraces.

The hotel is a short 12-minute walk to the famous Ponte Vecchio and overlooks the Piazza Ognissanti, making it a central base for your explorations of the city. The hotel has a trendy restaurant with a roof garden renowned as the place to go for sipping cocktails whilst taking in the views of the sunset over the river.

The hotel also boasts a fitness room, wine cellar, bar and honeymoon packages which include strawberries and sparkling wine when you arrive at the hotel and breakfast served to your room.

Hotel Brunelleschi

Seeming to have been born from the pages of a romance novel, the hotel is built in a Byzantine tower and medieval church from the 6^th century, situated near the city centre and only a few minutes by foot to attractions such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Florence Cathedral.

The hotel boasts great views over the city and all the rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi. The romantic suites have sitting areas and private whirlpool hot tubs and the sensual Pool Suite has its own rooftop terrace with an outdoor jacuzzi surrounded by creeping vines with views of the Duomo, the room also has an indoor hydrotherapy tub!

The luxurious Tower Suite is housed within the tower itself, and also has views of the Duomo and an indoor jacuzzi.

Suite bookings include a round-trip shuttle to the airport, fruits and chocolates every day and a bottle of champagne upon your arrival. The hotel has two fine-dining restaurants, a bar, gym and its own museum showcasing discoveries made within the grounds of the hotel.

Mid-Range

Palazzo Magnani Feroni

Stay in a romantic Italian palazzo dating back to the 16^th century, just 13 minutes away from the Duomo di Firenze on foot and a short stroll from Ponte Vecchio and the Arno River as well as being a short walk away from one of the city’s most vibrant areas for nightlife and dining.

The opulently-decorated suites are perfect for honeymoons with amenities such as Wi-Fi, flat-screens and living areas. The most charming suite of them all is the small Junior suite where the walls are painted in original frescoes dating back to the 18^th century and boasts its own intimate courtyard.

The hotel has fantastic views over the city and the cathedral from their Rooftop Terrace bar and restaurant, private dinners by candlelight can also be organised through the hotel. You can also enjoy in-room massages as an ultimate indulgence.

Ville Sull’Arno, Santa Croce

This sophisticated up-market hotel is situated in Campo di Marte, to the East of Santa Croce. It is the perfect hotel for a romantic Tuscan honeymoon with its Renaissance villas nestled within manicured gardens, with views over the Arno River.

The hotel complex has several villas fitted with elegant, contemporary suites with garden pools, whirlpool hot tubs and some even have indoor Jacuzzis. All rooms have free Wi-Fi and flat-screen televisions.

The hotel also has a swimming pool, a Tuscan restaurant, bar and wine cellar, tranquil gardens, gym and a spa offering luxurious treatments.

There are special honeymoon packages available, complete with massages, dinner by candlelight, cooking classes and champagne and strawberries. The hotel also has free bicycles to explore the city.

Budget

Hotel Loggiato dei Serviti

Housed in a 16^th-century monastery in what was once the guest quarters of the building, this hotel offers classic suites and rooms furnished with antiques and sumptuous fabrics such as velvet and brocade.

The hotel is situated near the centre of Florence, next to the Santissima Annunziata Church, where traditionally Florentine brides would leave their bridal bouquets by an altar to be blessed with a happy marriage.

You can feel like royalty in a canopy bed surrounded by frescoes and artwork for a fantastic price!

This hotel is budget luxury and they even have packages for honeymoon couples which include upgraded rooms and suites and a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine upon your arrival. The hotel has a cocktail bar and a complimentary breakfast buffet.

Things to do in Florence while on your honeymoon

Visit the famous Duomo for the best views

No trip to Florence would be complete without a climb to the top of the Duomo, especially at sunset when the queues are smaller.

If you don’t want to wait in line,  you can skip the queues with a skip-the-line guided tour which includes access to the best views in the city.

Climbing the staircase you can ascend to the dizzy heights about Florence and learn about the history of this magnificence building with a local guide who will explain the significance of the building and its artworks. A tour of the Duomo for a two-hour visit.

Take in the art of Florence

Florence is famous for the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia museum, both of which are unmissable for art lovers.

These two popular attractions usually have endless queues starting from the morning, so the best option is to get a skip-the-line tour of both museums where you can experience the beauty of Italian masterpieces without having to spend hours in a queue.

On a tour you will learn about famous works such as Sandro Botticelli’s Birth of Venus or the famous statue of David by Michelangelo. The price of a two-hour tour of both museums with a local guide starts at €87 per person.

Visit Santa Croce

Santa Croce is best visited in the morning when you can see an ethereal light filtering through the stained-glass windows.

The church which was rebuilt in 1294 for the Franciscan order is the final resting place of many Italian legends including the astronomer Galileo Galilei, the artists Michelangello and Rossini and Machiavelli, the Italian playwright, historian and politician among some of his titles.

Upon finishing your visit you will be able to see the street vendors setting up their stalls in the piazza.

Experience the hustle and bustle of Central Market

Mercato Centrale is the lifeblood of Florence, where local jostle to shop for Tuscan products and where you can buy some authentic local foods to take home or to taste.

If you’re on a budget you can find fresh ravioli and sauce for next to nothing!

If you want a true taste of Tuscany and you are feeling adventurous, try the classic lampredotto sandwich made of tripe slow-cooked in a rich, vegetable broth and topped off with a spicy sauce.

City of Science

Florence as a city appears to be synonymous with art, but during the Renaissance, many scientists were also drawn to the city, you can visit the Da Vinci Museum where you can find innovative contributions to technology from the mind of Florence’s prodigal son.

The Galileo Museum is also a fascinating way to spend an hour where you can muse at all the scientific tools and instruments. Both of these are a perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon.

Learn to cook Tuscan Cuisine

Enjoy a fun experience with your other half and learn how to recreate Tuscan dishes at home. A full-day cooking experience includes a visit to the marketplace where you will learn about the ingredients that feature in classical Tuscan cuisine.

Then you will learn how to transform these ingredients under the guidance of an expert chef in a rustic farmhouse in the Tuscan countryside where you will create Italian favourites such as roasted pork or tiramisu which you can then enjoy along with a glass of fine Chianti wine.

Take to the skies

If you’ve ever wanted to fly in a hot air balloon, this is your chance! Take off from San Casciano in Val di Pesa into the air and enjoy views of the sprawling olive groves and vineyards that form the Tuscan landscape from 600 metres up!

An hour-long hot air balloon ride will be sure to leave you with unforgettable memories of the beauty of Tuscany and you can enjoy a glass of Champagne upon landing before returning to Florence.

The price of an hour-long hot air balloon flight starts at €250 per person and pick-up and drop off to your hotel can be organised with an additional surcharge.

A sense of style

Italians are known for their elegance and style and you can find plenty of fashionable finds in Florence!

There are shops catering to vintage and designer clothing, you can find local designers at Studioteca or unique vintage pieces at Boutique Nadine or designer vintage at Street Doing Vintage Couture.

If you love fashion, you must visit the Gucci Garden in the iconic Palazzo della Mercanzia, home of the Gucci Museu where you can find unique designer pieces on show or even dine at the Gucci Osteria restaurant owned by the three-Michelin-star chef Massimo Bottura.

Enjoy the sunset

The beautiful city of Florence looks even more romantic in the soft glow of sunset. For the best sunset viewing spots head to Ponte alle Grazie or Ponte alla Santa Trinita.

Or take to new heights at one of the rooftop terraces around the city centre such as the Terrace Plaza Hotel Lucchesi where you can enjoy sipping on an aperitif whilst taking in the views.

Another romantic activity to make your honeymoon unforgettable is a sunset boat cruise in a barchetto, the Florentine version of a Gondola.

Along the Arno River where you can take in the views of Ponte Vecchio and Santa Trinita as the sun slips below the horizon and the changing colours of the sunset fade to darkness. An hour-long boat ride starts at around €45 per person.

A night at the opera

Enjoy Florentine culture and food in one experience by dining on Tuscan cuisine in a typical restaurant in the Oltrarno district accompanied by a delicious chianti wine followed by a performance of opera and Italian classics in St. Mark’s Anglican Church. The dinner and opera experience for three hours and a half starts at €65 per person.

Romantic places to eat on your honeymoon in Florence

Trattoria Sostanza

This restaurant is a Florentine institution and a must-visit for any visitor to the city of Florence. A reservation is required as it is a very popular destination for foodies. The restaurant is traditional, decorated with photographs of Italian celebrities and even international ones such as Steven Spielberg!

This old-fashioned trattoria is furnished with no-frills style wooden benches and tables. The menu is seasonal and highlights include the famous dish of butter chicken and finocchiona, a salami flecked with fennel or the juicy bistecca alla Florentina (chargrilled porterhouse steak). The house dessert is a rich and indulgent meringue topped with wild strawberries and bathed in cream.

Golden View Open Bar

Famed for its views more than its food, the restaurant serves up romantic dinners on the River Arno, with views over Ponte Vecchio and is well worth a visit if you’re looking for a romantic dinner. Soft jazz music accompanies your views of shimmering lights on the river as you enjoy a dinner in the glow of candlelight.

Enjoy local Tuscan cured meats, burrata cheese and delicious seafood and meat dishes served with an international twist. This is also the best place to enjoy an aperitive before dinner, so make sure to arrive before sunset and enjoy the spectacular colours as you sip on a cocktail.

Il Santo Bevitore

Sophisticated dining with authentic Tuscan flavours for an affordable price, this restaurant serves small plates of home-style cuisine with its rich ragus, handmade pasta, creamy risottos and meat dishes, all accompanied with a selection of wines.

Try the delicious pappardelle pasta served with bilberries and roasted wild boar. Be sure to ask for the chef’s recommendations as their seasonal menu changes to bring out the best of Tuscan produce in their dishes.

Il Palagio – Four Seasons Hotel

If you are looking for an opulent dining experience, Il Palagio is the restaurant for you. One of the most romantic places to dine in Florence, the restaurant is housed in the old stable block of a Renaissance palace and you can enjoy the beauty of period features such as the high vaulted ceilings, its elegant silver and rose décor makes it feel like the set of an Italian movie.

There is a spectacular rooftop terrace with views over the city and the food is to die for! You can find exquisite tasting menus with wine pairings which include creative dishes such as chocolate and hazelnut cylinder served with caramel ice-cream.

The dishes are perfectly accompanied by wines from the restaurant’s winery room which has over 400 different bottles on display.

The restaurant is a little pricey but is ideal if you want to pull out all the stops and have a romantic dinner that is a feast for all the senses.

La Giostra

This beautiful trattoria in the heart of Florence looks magical upon entering. Small intimate tables and fairy lights strewn across the rustic exposed wood and brick ceilings and walls.

Tuscan dishes feature on the menu including goat chops, lobster spaghetti, Florentine steak and linguine with white truffle shavings. The menu is always changing according to seasonal ingredients and there are also options for vegetarians and vegans.

Tours to do in Florence on your honeymoon

Florence by Night Tour

Discover the magic of Florence as the sun begins to set and wander the streets as you hear stories about the alleys, statues and monuments that you encounter.

Your guide will show you around the streets of the city and you will feel immersed in the history, culture and ambience of the birthplace of the Renaissance. Prices start at €200 for a group of up to 10 people.

Day trips from Florence on your honeymoon

Discover Tuscan Wines

A visit to Tuscany would not be complete without savouring the local Chianti wines. On this tour, you will not only get to savour the wines but also learn about how it is made at the wineries and vineyards where they are made.

The tour includes a professional guide where you will travel to small villages, explore local wine cellars and taste different wines, as well as visiting the fortress of Castellina before returning to Florence. Prices include transport in an air-conditioned coach from the starting point to the villages of Tuscany.

Hike through Cinque Terre

Visit the famous UNESCO site of Cinque Terre on a full-day tour which includes a hike through sleepy fishing villages, along coastal cliffs and through the national park where you can enjoy unparalleled views of the sea.

The guide will take you along the 5.5 km route and you will learn about the culture of the area as you see the olive groves and candy-coloured buildings that line the coast of the Italian Riviera. The price includes a boat ride along the Riviera, entrance fees to Cinque Terre and round trip transfers.

Visit the Floating City

What could be more romantic on your honeymoon than visiting two of the most romantic cities in Italy, Florence and Venice?

On this full-day tour by high-speed train, you will be able to see Venice in a day and take in the atmosphere of Piazza San Marco, enjoy a leisurely cruise on a gondola to see the city from a different perspective.

Also learn about the art of glass-blowing at a glass-blowing factory. Enjoy all the highlights of Venice and learn about its culture and history.

Recommended honeymoon tours in Florence

• Cooking Class and Lunch at a Tuscan Farmhouse with Local Market Tour from Florence
• Small-Group Truffle Hunting and Wine Experience from Florence with Lunch
• How to make handmade Tuscan Ceramic: a course with a master potter in Montelupo
• Pastamania – Pasta making class
• Semi-Private Horses and Vineyards – Horseback Riding in Tuscany
• Self-Drive Vintage Fiat 500 Tour from Florence: Tuscan Hills and Italian Cuisine
• Exclusive Photo Shoot on Rooftops and Bridges of Florence
• Luxury Chianti Classico Experience
• Private Professional Photo Shoot in Florence for Couple Engagement / Vacation
• Brunello – Heli Wine Tour

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