Italy
Renaissance masterpieces and open-air summer stages
Florence is a compact open-air museum where summer concerts fill piazzas, Renaissance courtyards and the Visarno Arena. Walkable streets, world-class food and golden evenings over the Arno turn any show into a weekend of art and aperitivo.
Where it is in Italy
At a glance
The unmissables
A walk across the Ponte Vecchio, lined with goldsmiths' shops.
Insider tip in the PDF
Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio, with Michelangelo's David waiting nearby at the Accademia.
Insider tip in the PDF
Sunset over the rooftops and the Duomo from Piazzale Michelangelo.
Insider tip in the PDFHistory
Founded as a Roman colony in 59 BC, Florence became one of Europe's richest cities under the Medici banking dynasty.
In the 15th century it was the cradle of the Renaissance, home to Brunelleschi, Botticelli, Leonardo and Michelangelo, and briefly served as capital of a newly united Italy in the 1860s.
A thick T-bone steak grilled rare, meant for sharing.
The city's classic street food — a tripe sandwich from a market kiosk.
Florence claims to have invented it; look for muted colours and metal tubs.
Steps from the Duomo and Uffizi, ideal for a first visit.
Artisan workshops, local wine bars and a calmer, authentic feel.
Next to the main station and close to Cascine for concerts.
Everything above is the teaser. The downloadable guide goes deep — the stuff locals know and first-timers miss, ready on your phone offline.
…and much, much more.
Sort out the essentials in a couple of taps — compare hotels, book things to do and grab a car for the trip.
Live from Ticketmaster — tap any event to plan the trip.
