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Florence & Activities
Florence is a city that needs no introduction. It is a place where time stands still, offering wonders at every turn. Find out what to see during your stay!
By choosing Hotel Cardinal of Florence, you'll be a 7-minute walk from the Florence Cathedral and a 10-minute walk from the Uffizi Galleries. You'll be able to experience the essence of the Renaissance, visiting all the sights that made Florence world-famous.
In this section, you will find some tips on what to do and what to visit in Florence.
If you have any questions or would like more information, our staff at the reception desk are always available to tell you about every gem of our city, including tips on restaurants and quaint places where to eat.
In this section, you will find some tips on what to do and what to visit in Florence.
If you have any questions or would like more information, our staff at the reception desk are always available to tell you about every gem of our city, including tips on restaurants and quaint places where to eat.
Uffizi Galleries
The Uffizi Galleries in Florence are one of the most prestigious art galleries in the world, featuring a unique collection of Renaissance artworks. The masterpieces on display include works by the likes of Leonardo da Vinci, with his famous “Annunciation,” Michelangelo and his “Tondo Doni,” and Botticelli's famous “The Birth of Venus.” The museum is a celebration not only of the Italian artistic brilliance but also features a vast collection of works from all over Europe.
Basilica of Santa Croce
The Basilica of Santa Croce is the burial place of some of Italy's greatest artists, scientists and poets, including Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei and Niccolò Machiavelli, earning it the nickname “Temple of the Italian Glories” The Basilica is also famous for its extraordinary art collection, which includes masterpieces by Giotto and Donatello.
Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio
Piazza della Signoria has been the heart of Florence's political and cultural life for centuries, and has been the site of important historical events. The Palazzo Vecchio, with its crenellated tower and a replica of Michelangelo's David, dominates the square. Inside, the palace is filled with ornate rooms and works of art that tell the history of the city.
Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio is known for its jewelry stores set in its medieval arches. This bridge, which crosses the Arno River, is the only Florentine bridge to survive World War II, and is famous for the “Vasarian corridor” that runs above it, connecting the Palazzo Vecchio with the Pitti Palace.
Florence Cathedral
The Florence Cathedral, formally known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, is famous for its huge dome designed by Brunelleschi, which was a revolution in Renaissance architecture. The elaborate marble facade, stained glass windows and Giotto's bell tower complete this magnificent site.
Baptistery of San Giovanni
The Baptistery of San Giovanni is one of Florence's most precious architectural treasures, located in front of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Dating back to the fourth or fifth century, the Baptistery is one of the oldest buildings in the city and is a significant example of Romanesque architecture with its octagonal structure and sturdy white and green marble walls.
Boboli Gardens
The Boboli Gardens, which extend behind the Pitti Palace, is a magnificent example of an Italian garden. With beautifully decorated paths, elaborate fountains such as the one of Neptune, and Renaissance statues, it offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Medici Chapels
The Medici Chapels are a monument to the greatness and influence of the Medici family, with monumental tombs sculpted by Michelangelo and opulent architecture reflecting the power and style of this powerful dynasty.
Piazzale Michelangelo
Piazzale Michelangelo is one of the most popular attractions in Florence, designed by architect Giuseppe Poggi and completed in 1869, when Florence was the capital of Italy. This spacious terrace is located on the hill of San Miniato al Monte, and provides breathtaking panoramic views of the entire Florentine skyline.
Pitti Palace
This old royal palace, now a museum complex, contains art galleries, including the Galleria Palatina, the Tesoro dei Granduchi, the Porcelain Museum and the historic apartments of the grand dukes of Tuscany, and offers a glimpse into the life of the noble families of Florence.
Fountain of Neptune
The Fountain of Neptune is located in Piazza della Signoria, in front of the Palazzo Vecchio. Also known as the “Biancone” because of the large white marble statue of Neptune that dominates the scene, the fountain was built between 1563 and 1565 to a design by Bartolomeo Ammannati.
Famous terrace 360-degree "Golden View of Florence"
This world-famous terrace offering a 360-degree view is located in the central area of Florence and can be accessed by entering the Hotel Cardinal of Florence and going to the terrace on the top floor of the former noble palace of Cardinal Barberini who later became Pope Urban VIII.
A visit to the San Lorenzo market
This historic building, with unique and elegant architecture, features a variety of craft stores. Here, you can buy excellent local products. To end the visit on a high note, you can stop for coffee or lunch in the picturesque restaurant located on the top floor, from where you can enjoy views of the bustling market below.
Bike tour of Florence
Thanks to significant investments to make the city bike-friendly, the city's streets are now perfect for cyclists, offering an ideal way to reach its most picturesque spots. By bike, you can easily reach Piazzale Michelangelo, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the city. In addition, you can explore the vast and delightful Parco delle Cascine, which adds a touch of nature to the urban adventure.
Hot air balloon flight over Florence
Experience the thrill of a hot air balloon ride in the skies over Florence. Your adventure will begin at dawn, right after breakfast. As you go to the sky, you will be mesmerized by its colors and the magnificence of Florence below you. Experience the thrill of flying, admiring Florence from a unique perspective!
Trattoria da Marione
In the heart of Florence, on Via della Spada, near the chicest streets such as Via Tornabuoni, Via della Vigna Nuova and Via Strozzi, you can enjoy the authentic flavors of Tuscan and Florentine cuisine in an atmosphere reminiscent of old trattorias. The trattoria is spread over two floors: on the lower floor, you will find a charming room with vaulted ceilings and terracotta floors, perfect for unforgettable evenings with friends.
La Giostra Restaurant
Twenty years ago, the princes of the House of Habsburg Lorraine opened “La Giostra” in Florence, a restaurant that combines the culinary passion that came from the fact that the founder spent his childhood in Vienna with traditional recipes. Featuring 16th-century walls and sixteen tables, the restaurant offers a unique experience mixing famous guests and flavors of a Tuscany of times gone by. The fact that the restaurant is family-run and the attention to detail make La Giostra a place where cooking is an art. The restaurant is located in front of our hotel.
Borgo San Jacopo Restaurant
Borgo San Jacopo Restaurant in Florence is renowned for its fine cuisine and elegant atmosphere. Located along the Arno River, it offers unforgettable views of the Ponte Vecchio. Run by chef Claudio Mengoni, the Michelin-starred restaurant serves dishes that blend Italian tradition with innovative techniques.
The delis of the Mercato Centrale
Inside the Mercato Centrale in Florence, there are plenty of delicatessen offering tasty traditional Florentine dishes, such as lampredotto or local meats and cold cuts. A visit in here will allow you to enjoy mouthwatering aromas! It's the ideal place for a quick and casual lunch.
You can also grab a delicious treat and eat it outside the market, or wherever you like.
You can also grab a delicious treat and eat it outside the market, or wherever you like.