5 Days in Florence

Arno River Reflections

I was happy with my time in Florence. I was booked for six nights in Florence, but one of my flight delays caused me to miss a connecting flight, and the following available flight wasn’t until the following day. Those on that same flight and itinerary could take a bus from Rome to Florence, but I declined. Instead, the airline arranged accommodations at a hotel room for the night. Transportation to and from the hotel and a small welcome meal was included. So it wasn’t bad. If I had decided to take the bus, I wouldn’t have arrived until late that evening, so I didn’t see much advantage in getting there as quickly as possible after missing the connecting flight. I’d need to arrive in Florence and then go to the Airbnb, which would have made it very late. Instead, I slept well at the hotel before the flight at 9:25 am.

When I arrived in Florence, I was immediately reminded of the city’s popularity, especially in the main areas and the surrounding streets. Florence is beautiful, and there is a lot to experience and enjoy. The food is fantastic, and the sights and architecture are to behold.

The Most Interesting Areas

Many areas in Florence are fascinating to explore, with some being busier and better than others. It’s been said that getting off the beaten path and wandering is one of the best things you can do to make spontaneous photographic decisions. I agree with that. However, I also recommend spending time in the most popular and busiest areas. They have that reputation for a reason. There is stunning scenery, famous sculptures, and popular landmarks. You will find the most people here. If spontaneous street photography is your intention, these are the places you will have the most opportunities while having the least amount of attention on you. Also, if you are looking for distinctively Florence photos, you will benefit from recognizable locations in your composition.

The busiest locations in Florence are the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Florence Cathedral), the Ponte Vecchio, and the Piazzale Michelangelo. They are all within walking distance, with the Piazzale Michelangelo being a bit further from the other two; a 20-minute walk, including a climb up a few steep streets to get there. The Piazzale Michelangelo is where you will find the finest panoramic views of the city, with views of the towering Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio. This place is stunning at sunset and also quite lively.

You often see photos from these locations, so you may feel tempted to grab “that” shot. There is nothing wrong with that, and it makes sense to do. However, with some patience and time in the area, you can find different compositions, something unique to you and your experience in that location. After all, you will want images that are uniquely you.

Piazzale Michelangelo

Best Times for Photography

I highly recommend getting out early for excellent photographic opportunities. First, composing without the endless flow of people is hugely advantageous. Second, the morning light in Florence cannot be beat. It’s incredible, and depending on when during the year you visit, you can capture some amazing sunrise and sunset photos. The morning light casts striking contrasts against the facades and long shadows through the archways. I cannot stress this enough: get out for the morning light. You will not regret waking early and heading out with your camera.

Late-day sun is also great, and capturing a perfect sunset would be satisfying. However, this is peak time for people to be around, making it more challenging to get a composition you are pleased with.

My time in Florence was in mid-September, and the mornings were cool. I’d recommend a sweater or light jacket. I initially started the morning with just a t-shirt; thankfully, my Airbnb was close, and I retreated to add a sweater and was back at the Cathedral before the sun crested. When the sun arrives, it warms up quickly. If you bring something a bit heavier for the morning, have someplace to put it once it warms up.

Early morning at the Uffizi Gallery

Transportation and Where to Stay

The main train station in Florence is the Santa Maria Novella. Here, local and high-speed trains connect Florence to the airport and other cities in Italy. If you arrive in Florence by air, the tram is located directly outside and to the left of arrivals immediately after you exit the terminal. This route will take you directly to Santa Maria Novella in the heart of Florence. It costs less than €2 and takes about 25 minutes. Santa Maria Novella is in a great location and is a 10-minute walk to the Duomo, which gives you a sense of distance to the Florence core.

One important thing to know is that train services do not begin until 5 am. This timing is probably not much of an issue to most, but I had a 6:40 am flight for my departure. In hindsight, the timing would have been fine, as the airport was empty that early. Getting a cab is not as simple as you may assume. First, you cannot hail a cab. It doesn’t work that way in Florence. Secondly, there are not enough taxis to cover the number of people so it can take some time. If you need a guaranteed, early ride, your best bet is to download the appTaxi app and schedule a taxi. You’ll receive a confirmation that your cab has been booked and will get an update on arrival about 15 before your taxi arrives.

NOTE: To schedule a taxi using the app, you must enter some information and a credit card to make the payment. You will not be charged until after your ride.

Ponte Santa Trinita

Where I Stayed

I cannot discuss the best places to stay in Florence. I can only confidentially discuss where I have stayed the two times I have been there.

I stayed in a hotel in 2018 and an Airbnb on this visit. I think the advantages and disadvantages of each are not limited to Florence. It’s the type of accommodation. Lisa and I booked a hotel beside the Duomo, the Numa Florence, in 2018. The location was perfect, as we could open our window (you can do that in some hotels) and get a fantastic, unobstructed view of the Duomo. Being in that location was convenient for all the places we wanted. In 2018, Airbnb and hotels were cheaper, and with the minimal premium on the hotel, it just made sense to stay there instead of opting for an Airbnb.

This current visit, I was on my own. I booked an Airbnb at Via Osteria del Guanto. It was still convenient as it was a five-minute walk from the hotel location by the cathedral. Both places were convenient for exploring. You could stay a bit further out, maybe on the other side of the Arno River, and still be relatively close to everything. If you are looking for accommodations, book early. Places book fast, especially in peak season, and the remaining options will probably be the more expensive ones if you wait too long.

Florence Cathedral

Summary

Florence is a beautiful city, and along with Venice and Rome, it is a must-visit when you travel to Italy. Florence remains a top-rated destination and one that is easy to explore. There are many beautiful things to see and fantastic photo opportunities. If you have the flexibility, get out early to enjoy the best light in these fantastic locations, and for sunset, you can’t beat the Piazzale Michelangelo.