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From the heart of Florence

Florence: Everything Within Walking Distance

From Relais La Capricciosa, at Via Porta Rossa 23, every Renaissance landmark is less than fifteen minutes on foot. Neighbourhood and monument guides written by our Art Concierge.

Why start at Via Porta Rossa

Via Porta Rossa is a pedestrian street three minutes from Piazza della Signoria. From here you reach the entire UNESCO historic centre on foot — the Duomo in eight minutes, Ponte Vecchio in four, the Uffizi in three. It is the address our concierge recommends to guests who want to experience Florence like a Florentine: no taxi queues, no museum lines, no neighbourhood disconnected from the centre.

Walking Distances

Walking distances from the Relais

Mercato Nuovo (Porcellino)1 min
Piazza della Repubblica2 min
Palazzo Strozzi2 min
Piazza della Signoria3 min
Uffizi Gallery3 min
Ponte Vecchio4 min
Santa Maria Novella Station7 min
Oltrarno Quarter7 min
Duomo & Brunelleschi's Dome8 min
Palazzo Pitti & Boboli Gardens10 min
Basilica di Santa Croce12 min
Galleria dell'Accademia (David)15 min

Florence in numbers

UNESCO World Heritage since 1982. Pedestrianised historic centre of around 5 km². More than 60 museums. Three principal squares — Signoria, Duomo, Repubblica — linked by pedestrian streets. High season: April-June and September-October. Quiet season: January-February, with the museums at their calmest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions about Florence

Which is the best neighbourhood to stay in Florence?+

The pedestrianised historic centre between Piazza della Signoria and Mercato Nuovo is the area we recommend to first-time visitors: car-free, safe, and walking distance to every monument and Ponte Vecchio. Relais La Capricciosa is at Via Porta Rossa 23 in this area, three minutes from the Signoria and the Uffizi.

How many days do I need to visit Florence?+

Three full days are the minimum to cover the three main museums (Uffizi, Accademia, Palazzo Pitti), the Cathedral with Brunelleschi's dome, and a walk through the Oltrarno. Four or five days allow a Chianti or Fiesole excursion and deeper visits to the artisan workshops.

Can Florence be visited on foot?+

Yes. The historic centre is entirely pedestrian and the main monuments sit within a kilometre radius. An average walker reaches Palazzo Pitti from the Duomo in twelve minutes. For Piazzale Michelangelo and Fiesole, take a bus or taxi.

What is the best season to visit Florence?+

April-June and September-October offer the best weather, but also the largest crowds. March and November are excellent compromises: quieter museums, lower rates, the city still pleasant. July and August are hot and crowded. January-February are the quietest months — ideal if you value calm.

The Florence centre is a ZTL — how do I arrive by car?+

The entire historic centre is a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) active 7:30-19:30 on weekdays and 7:30-16:00 on Saturdays. Guests of Relais La Capricciosa benefit from our Valet Parking: we meet you at the ZTL gate, register your number plate, and park your car in a partner garage 250 metres away.

What can I see in Florence in a weekend?+

Saturday: morning at the Uffizi, lunch in Oltrarno, afternoon at Palazzo Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria, aperitivo at Mercato Centrale. Sunday: morning at the Cathedral and Baptistery, climb Brunelleschi's dome, lunch in a trattoria, afternoon at the Boboli Gardens or the Accademia.

Book Your Stay

What kind of Florence do you want?

The Art Concierge at Relais La Capricciosa builds bespoke itineraries for each guest. Write to us before your arrival to discuss priority museum access, artisan workshop visits, gastronomic experiences, and private dinners.