Metropolitan  City  of  Florence

Latest update: 29 February 2024
By Dion Protani
The Metropolitan City of Florence province is situated in the heart of Tuscany with a population of around 1.5 million people. It encompasses several charming towns, including the capital city, Florence, renowned for its art, architecture, and history.

The province of Florence is famed for its cultural heritage while other notable towns in the include Empoli, Fiesole, and Certaldo.
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​Metropolitan City of Florence: the province of Tuscany's capital
The Metropolitan City of Florence province, with its position in the heart of Tuscany, is a treasure trove of art, history, and culture. Its capital city, Florence, is renowned for iconic landmarks such as the Uffizi Gallery, housing masterpieces by Renaissance masters, and the striking Duomo with its famed dome.

The historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts architectural marvels like the Ponte Vecchio and the Palazzo Vecchio. Beyond Florence, the province offers enchanting landscapes, including the rolling hills of Chianti, dotted with vineyards and medieval villages. Visitors can explore the timeless beauty of Fiesole, the scenic splendor of the Mugello region, and more.
Città Metropolitana di Firenze
Region: Tuscany

Provincial capital: Florence
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Population: 988,194 ​(source: ISTAT 1 January 2024)

Size: 3,514 km²

Comunes: 44

Province code: FI​
What are the most popular tours and activities in the Metropolitan City of Florence?
  • Florence City Tours: Guided tours of Florence offer visitors the chance to explore the city's rich history and cultural heritage. Highlights often include iconic landmarks such as the Florence Cathedral (Duomo), Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery, and Piazza della Signoria. Expert guides provide insights into the city's Renaissance art, architecture, and influential figures like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.
  • Chianti Wine Tours: The Florence Province is part of the renowned Chianti wine region, making wine tours a popular activity. Visitors can embark on guided tours to picturesque vineyards and wineries, sampling Chianti Classico wines while learning about the winemaking process and the region's viticultural traditions.
  • Cooking Classes: Florence is a culinary hub, and cooking classes offer hands-on experiences for visitors to learn traditional Tuscan recipes. Participants typically visit local markets to select fresh ingredients before returning to the kitchen to prepare dishes like pasta, bruschetta, and tiramisu under the guidance of expert chefs.
  • Day Trips to Tuscany: The Florence Province serves as a gateway to the wider Tuscany region, making it an ideal base for day trips to nearby destinations. Popular excursions include visits to the medieval town of Siena, the charming hilltop village of San Gimignano, and the picturesque countryside of the Val d'Orcia.
  • Cycling Tours: Exploring Florence and its surrounding countryside by bike is a favorite activity for many visitors. Guided cycling tours offer routes through scenic landscapes, olive groves, and vineyards, allowing cyclists to soak in the beauty of the Tuscan countryside while enjoying the freedom of two wheels.
  • Gourmet Food Tours: Foodies can indulge in gourmet food tours that showcase Florence's culinary delights. These tours often include visits to local eateries, markets, and specialty food shops, where participants can sample Tuscan delicacies such as truffles, olive oil, cheese, and gelato while gaining insights into the city's gastronomic culture.
What are the best restaurants in the Metropolitan City of Florence province?
  • Osteria dell'Enoteca (Florence) - Located near the Ponte Vecchio, this restaurant offers traditional Tuscan cuisine with a modern twist. Dishes are prepared using seasonal ingredients sourced from local farmers and producers.
  • Trattoria Sostanza (Florence) - Known for its classic Tuscan dishes, this trattoria has been serving up hearty fare since 1869. Highlights include the butter chicken and the famous "bistecca alla fiorentina."
  • Il Palagio (Florence) - Situated in the Four Seasons Hotel, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers contemporary Italian cuisine with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients. The elegant dining room overlooks the hotel's beautiful garden.
  • Osteria di Giovanni (Florence) - A favorite among locals and visitors alike, this cozy trattoria serves up authentic Tuscan dishes in a welcoming atmosphere. Be sure to try the homemade pasta and the grilled meats.
  • La Bottega del Buon Caffè (Florence) - Located near the Arno River, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers creative dishes inspired by Tuscan and Mediterranean flavors. The menu changes with the seasons, ensuring fresh and innovative cuisine.
  • Trattoria 4 Leoni (Florence) - Tucked away in the Oltrarno neighborhood, this charming trattoria is known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious Tuscan fare. Be sure to try the "Pappa al Pomodoro" and the "Tagliata di Manzo."
  • Il Latini (Florence) - A Florentine institution, this historic restaurant has been serving up traditional Tuscan cuisine since 1880. Diners can enjoy family-style dining with hearty dishes like ribollita and grilled meats.
  • Borgo San Jacopo (Florence) - Situated along the Arno River, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers contemporary Italian cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Diners can enjoy stunning views of the Ponte Vecchio from the elegant dining room.
  • Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura (Florence) - Located inside the Gucci Garden, this stylish osteria is helmed by renowned chef Massimo Bottura. The menu features creative Italian dishes with a modern twist, inspired by Bottura's culinary vision.
  • Ristorante Alle Murate (Florence) - Housed in a historic building with frescoed walls, this elegant restaurant offers a refined dining experience in the heart of Florence. The menu features classic Tuscan dishes with a contemporary flair.

Metropolitan  City  of  Florence  Gallery

What are the best places to stay in the Metropolitan City of Florence province?
  • Belmond Villa San Michele (Fiesole): A luxurious 5-star hotel set in a former monastery overlooking Florence. It offers elegant rooms, stunning gardens, a gourmet restaurant, and an outdoor pool with panoramic views.
  • Four Seasons Hotel Firenze (Florence): A prestigious 5-star hotel located in a Renaissance palace and former convent. It features opulent rooms, lush gardens, a spa, and several dining options, including a Michelin-starred restaurant.
  • Il Salviatino (Florence): A luxurious boutique hotel housed in a 15th-century villa surrounded by a private park. It offers stylish rooms, a spa, an infinity pool, and breathtaking views of Florence.
  • Villa La Massa (Candeli): A 5-star hotel set in a restored 16th-century villa along the Arno River. It features elegant rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant, a wellness center, and beautiful gardens.
  • Castello di Casole - A Belmond Hotel (Casole d'Elsa): A lavish 5-star hotel located in a meticulously restored castle in the Tuscan countryside. It offers luxurious suites, a spa, outdoor pools, vineyards, and fine dining options.
Which airports serve the Metropolitan City of Florence province?
Florence Airport (FLR):

  • Florence Airport, officially known as Amerigo Vespucci Airport, is the main airport serving the Florence Province.
  • It offers domestic and international flights, making it a convenient option for travelers visiting the area.
  • The airport is located about 8 kilometers (5 miles) northwest of the city center of Florence.

Pisa International Airport (PSA):

  • While not within the Florence Province, Pisa Airport (Galileo Galilei Airport) is another major airport in Tuscany.
  • It offers a wider range of international flights and is located approximately 85 kilometers (53 miles) west of Florence.
What are the main train stations in Metropolitan City of Florence province?
Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN):

  • Firenze Santa Maria Novella is the main train station in Florence and one of the busiest railway hubs in Italy.
  • It serves high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento) as well as regional and intercity trains connecting Florence with other cities in Italy.
  • The station is centrally located in Florence, making it convenient for travelers staying in the city or exploring the Florence Province.

Firenze Rifredi:

  • Firenze Rifredi is another train station in Florence, located slightly north of the city center.
  • While not as centrally located as Santa Maria Novella, it also serves regional and intercity trains, providing additional transportation options for travelers.
How do you reach Metropolitan City of Florence province by car? ​
  • If arriving at Florence Airport, you can easily reach various destinations within the Florence Province by renting a car or taking a taxi.
  • From Pisa Airport, you can also rent a car and drive to the Florence Province, with the journey taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours depending on your specific destination.
What private transfer options are there for Metropolitan City of Florence province?
A private transfer from Livorno to Florence takes around 1 hour 25 minutes. 

If you'd like a price for this service just email us using the [email protected] mailbox, providing the following details:
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  • Arrival location (airport, train station or other)
  • Arrival date
  • Arrival time
  • Number of passengers
  • Destination (either town or specific hotel) 
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Once we have those details we'll get back to you with a price, a travel schedule and how the transfer will work.
Alternatively, you can use the private transfer booking engine below:
Where can I rent a car in Metropolitan City of Florence province?
Florence Airport (Peretola Airport):

  • Several international and local car rental companies have desks at Florence Airport, including Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Sixt, and Budget.

Florence City Centre:

  • Various car rental agencies have offices in the city center of Florence, making it convenient to rent a car directly within the city. You can find rental agencies near the main train station (Santa Maria Novella) or in other central locations.

Other towns:

  • Car rental services are also available in other towns and cities within the Metropolitan City of Florence, such as Bagno a Ripoli, Fiesole, and Scandicci.
Neighbouring provinces: Prato, Pistoia, Lucca, Pisa, Siena, Arezzo, Ravenna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, Forlì-Cesena
Neighbouring region: Emilia Romagna
Highlights: ​​Vinci, Lake Bilancino, Parco di Pratolino, Greve Chianti
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