Craving for a touch of the Renaissance on your next vacation? This guide will show you why your next flight from Dublin should land in Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance!
In this article, we’ll go over all the things that make Florence a must-visit destination. From the city’s amazing art to the fabulous food and endless shopping possibilities, we’re sure there’s something in Florence for everyone to enjoy.
And with only a three-hour flight separating Dublin and Florence, your Italian escapade is closer than you think. So let us tell you why next time you use Trazler to create your dream trip in just a few clicks, the final destination should be Florence, Italy.
5 reasons why should you fly from Dublin to discover Florence
1. It’s Easy to Get There
With a flight duration of just over three hours, flights from Dublin to Florence offer an opportunity to land in a different world within the blink of an eye. Ryanair and Swiss Airlines offer regular flights, with affordable options to fit various budgets.
The short journey time makes it a perfect getaway for those seeking a mini weekend adventure or a longer cultural immersion. Plus, you can choose to fly into either Florence or Pisa, making it easy for you to explore both Italian cities.
Once you touch down, it’s also incredibly easy to get to the city center. Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR) is located just 4 km away from the city center, and a car transfer or the Volainbus shuttle service can get you to the city center in under 20 minutes.
The city itself is also very well-connected by an efficient network of buses and trams. This makes exploring the city and reaching its numerous attractions both convenient and easy, ensuring an enjoyable and hassle-free vacation.
2. Florence has some amazing hotels
No matter your preferences or budget, Florence has a hotel you will enjoy. If you’re looking for luxury, hotels like the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze or St. Regis Florence offer opulent rooms, spa facilities, and superior service.
Travellers wanting a more intimate, authentic experience will find it at Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni and Soprarno Suites. Located in charming neighborhoods, these accommodations provide personalized service and a cozy atmosphere.
And for the environmentally conscious, Hotel Savoy and Hotel Burchianti are committed to implementing sustainable practices like waste reduction and energy conservation.
Lastly, for those who want to stay mindful of their spending, budget-friendly choices like B&B Hotel Firenze City Center and Hotel Bodoni offer comfortable stays without compromising on quality.
Your hotel is your home base during your journey, so spend some time exploring your options. Once you’ve found the perfect place, consider booking smartly with Trazler. This platform allows you to secure your hotel and flight simultaneously, streamlining the booking process and saving you time.
3. Florence is full of Renaissance art
Everyone should visit the Uffizi Gallery, which holds an unparalleled collection of Italian Renaissance artwork. Here, you can admire Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” and “Primavera”, as well as masterpieces by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Caravaggio.
To further explore Florenece’s vast art collection, pass by the Accademia Gallery. Home to Michelangelo’s famous “David”, Jacopo di Cione’s “Coronation of the Virgin”, and Narco di Cione’s “Trinity”, this gallery is another one of Florence’s highly recommended attractions.
Florence’s famous churches, like the Duomo and Santa Croce, are filled with art as well. The Duomo has Giorgio Vasari’s “The Last Judgment” on its dome interior, while the Santa Croce contains frescoes by Giotto and a crucifix by Cimabue.
If your art cravings still haven’t been satisfied, don’t miss out on the Pitti Palace, which houses a vast array of paintings, sculptures, and tapestries, or the Palazzo Vecchio, which is adorned with beautiful frescoes and sculptures.
Another must-see is the Loggia dei Lanzi in Piazza della Signoria, an open-air sculpture gallery that includes Cellini’s “Perseus with the Head of Medusa” among its display of Roman and Renaissance statues.
Whether it’s your first time in the city or a return visit, the wealth of art in Florence is bound to leave you awestruck.
4. The food and wine are amazing
Italy is known worldwide for its wine and cuisine, and Florence is no exception. One popular Florentine dish is Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a massive T-bone steak grilled over chestnut embers and seasoned with salt, pepper, and lemon.
Another popular dish is Papardelle al cinghiale, a pasta dish made with pappardelle noodles and a wild boar ragu sauce. Ribollita, a hearty soup made from bread, cannellini beans, and vegetables, is another must-try.
Once you’ve tried some of Florence’s famous dishes, be sure to leave room for gelato. Famous establishments like Gelateria La Carraia and Vivoli serve high-quality, artisanal gelato made with fresh ingredients.
And of course, don’t forget to try a traditional Panna Cotta or Tiramisu. Panna Cotta, a light, creamy dessert, and Tiramisu, a rich, layered treat, offer the perfect sweet finish to your Florentine dining experience.
When it comes to wine, you have to try Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, world-renowned reds produced in the Tuscany region. If you’re looking for a tasting, consider taking a trip to La Divina Enoteca for the chance to taste an extensive selection of Tuscan wines.
There’s no denying that Florence is a paradise for foodies and wine lovers. Each meal here is like a tasty trip through the heart of Tuscany. And with every sip of the region’s finest wines, you’re sure to find yourself falling more in love with this captivating city.
5. It’s a great place for shopping
Home to some of the world’s best luxury brands, Florence provides an unrivalled shopping experience. Whether it’s high-end fashion, leather goods, or handmade crafts, there’s something for every shopper.
Via de’ Tornabuoni, the city’s luxury shopping street, hosts popular designer brands like Gucci, Prada, and Salvatore Ferragamo. Fashion enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Gucci Garden, a concept store that houses a museum, boutique, bookstore, and restaurant, all in one.
If leather goods are on your shopping list, stop by the San Lorenzo Market. And if you want a behind-the-scenes look at leather making, plan a visit to Scuola del Cuoio (School of Leather). Located in the Monastery of Santa Croce, it offers a unique opportunity to watch skilled artisans at work.
If jewellery is what you’re after, the Ponte Vecchio is lined with shops selling gold and precious stones. And in the Oltrarno district, you’ll find artisan workshops offering a unique variety of handmade items, from furniture to jewellery to paper products.
If you like perfume, you might want to stop by Aquaflor, a Maison de Parfum in the Santa Croce district. The guided tours and interactive workshops offer a look at the traditional creation of perfume. You’ll also be able to explore a vast collection of fragrances and cosmetics.
Whether you’re drawn to haute couture, artisanal leather, unique handicrafts, or fine jewellery, Florence delivers a shopping experience for every taste and budget.
After visiting Florence, discover what the rest of Tuscany has to offer
A visit to Florence doesn’t have to just be a visit to Florence – you can take a day trip to many other Tuscan cities.
Visit Siena
One such location is Siena, known for its Piazza del Campo and the Siena Cathedral. It’s also the site of the Palio horse race, a historic event that happens twice each summer.
Discover the charming village of San Gimignano
Another possible day trip is to San Gimignano, often called the “Manhattan of Tuscany”. Famous for its fourteen medieval towers, its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a glimpse into Tuscan life during the Middle Ages.
Spend 2 days in Lucca
The picturesque town of Lucca is worth visiting for its well-preserved Renaissance walls, its Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, and the Guinigi Tower, a 45-meter-tall tower that dates from the 1300s. Lucca is also famous for its beautiful Romanesque churches and high-quality local wines.
Explore Pisa and its tower
Pisa, home to the iconic Leaning Tower, is another easy day trip. The tower is part of a larger architectural complex known as the Campo dei Miracoli (“Field of Miracles”). This complex also houses the Grand Pisa Cathedral and the Baptistery. Together, the trio forms a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Bring a few bottles of wine home
For wine lovers, Chianti is full of vineyards and wineries where you can sample world-class wines and learn about their production. Consider a tasting at Castello di Albola, Fonterenza, Castello di Querceto, Badia a Coltibuono, Tenimenti Toscani, or Castello di Ama.
From its breathtaking art and delicious cuisine to its luxury shopping and access to the wider beauty of Tuscany, Florence is truly a destination worth visiting.
The short flight time and convenient location make it an easy journey, opening the door to a world of history, art, and gastronomy. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a foodie, a history buff, or a fashion lover, Florence has something for everyone.
Ready to plan your trip to Florence? If you want to travel smart, consider booking with Trazler. You’ll be able to buy your flights, hotel accommodations, and airport transfers all at once, allowing you to book a seamless trip in just a few clicks.
So what are you waiting for? Set off for Florence today! And if you’re thinking of other potential destinations for your next vacation, don’t miss out on our other comprehensive guides for vacationing in Europe and the USA.
