Why Florence is the perfect Autumn getaway from London

Florence is a rich and cultural city within the stunning region of Tuscany, and being just a two-hour flight from London it makes for a great short break to Europe.

I spent four nights in Florence this November, and with less crowds, milder weather and the harvest season in full swing it makes for an ideal time to see this stunning city.

Getting around

If you want a convenient trip to Florence from London you can get a flight from London City Airport fo Florence’s airport before hopping on a tram to Unita for €2.

One of the great things about Florence is that the city is so walkable, with many of its key attractions being within a 10-15 minute walk of one another, meaning you can get around and see a lot within a day without the need for buses or cabs.

We stayed in one of the Tower Suites on the fourth floor, which had a small balcony offering great views of the river below. (Image: Emily Davison)

Where to stay

Hotel La Gemma is one of Florence’s newly opened boutique hotels, located a short walk from the Uffizi Gallery, and with its rich green interiors, on-site restaurant and spa it makes for a tranquil place to kick back after a long day of exploring.

Hotel La Gemma is one of Florence’s newly opened boutique hotels, located a short walk from the Uffizi Gallery. (Image: Arthouse PR) We spent two nights in one of the hotel’s apartment suites, where you’ll find all the mod cons and conveniences with USB plugs, a selection of soft drinks and wines in the room, large TVs in the bedrooms and spacious walk-in showers.

We spent two nights in one of the hotel’s apartment suites, where you’ll find all the mod cons and conveniences. (Image: Arthouse PR) If you fancy a relaxing treatment, you can head down to their on-site spa, which offers an array of treatments from massages to facials with prices starting at €50.

But if you fancy just using the facilities, their sauna, steam room and hot tub, these are open from 10am to 8pm if you feel like relaxing after a long day.

If you fancy a relaxing treatment, you can head down to their on-site spa, which offers an array of treatments. (Image: Arthouse PR)

We also had dinner at Luca’s restaurant, where we tried their current four-course taster menu created by Chef Paulo Airaudo, adding contemporary dishes on to classic Tuscan dishes.

The food was definitely a contemporary spin on Tuscan food, and during the meal we sampled a really broad range of dishes from pigeon cappelletti to monkfish, beurre blanc and white asparagus.

We also had dinner at Luca’s restaurant, where we tried their current four-course taster menu. (Image: Arthouse PR) If you feel like trying your hand at cocktail making, the hotel also offers Mixology classes, where you’ll learn how to make four cocktails such as a Negroni and Aperol Spritz.

The session was fun and informative, delivered by our knowledgeable mixologist and we even got to try our hand at some mixology techniques too, although it’s safe to say I will leave it to the professionals.

If you feel like trying your hand at cocktail making, the hotel also offers Mixology classes. (Image: Arthouse PR) Just next to the Arno River you’ll find Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni, a boutique hotel set within a 13th century tower, offering some of the best views of Florence from above.

Rooms range from Tower Suites sleeping up to 3 people, to Hammam Suites where guests can make use of a private jacuzzi.

Just next to the Arno River you’ll find Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni, a boutique hotel set within a 13th century tower. (Image: Antica Torre Tornabuoni) We stayed in one of the Tower Suites on the fourth floor, which had a small balcony offering great views of the river and Ponte Vecchio below – perfect if you want to see the sunrise without leaving your room.

The rooms were comfortable with all the charm of a historic building, along with a spacious walk-in shower, desk area and space to sit.

The rooms were comfortable with all the charm of a historic building. (Image: Antica Torre Tornabuoni) In the hotel you’ll also find what I think is one of the best views of Florence from their upstairs terrace on the roof.

This spot is perfect if you want to grab a drink and enjoy the views over Florence away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and from here you’ll be able to spot famous landmarks like Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.

One of the best views of Florence is from their upstairs terrace on the roof. (Image: Antica Torre Tornabuoni) Breakfast was a buffet-style spread consisting of continental options like waffles, cakes, pastries and breads, as well as cheeses, fruits and meats, along with juices and coffees which are served by the staff.

Breakfast was a buffet-style spread consisting of continental options as well as cheeses, fruits and meats, (Image: Antica Torre Tornabuoni)

Culture and art

If you like art and history, Florence is teeming with art galleries, museums and historical buildings all vying for your attention.

Depending on how long you have to visit, some of its must-see attractions not to miss would be the Uffizi Gallery, where you can find works by famous artists such as Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci, as well as the Academia Gallery where you’ll be able to see Michelangelo's statue of David.

Florence is teeming with art galleries, museums and historical buildings all vying for your attention. (Image: Emily Davison)

But if you have more time, you can also find other attractions like the Boboli Gardens, where you’ll find stunning Renaissance architecture and statues and incredible views of the city.

Then of course Florence is also home to many famous cathedrals like the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Santa Maria Novella.

Shopping

If you’re after a spot of retail therapy, Florence is the ideal city to find a huge range of shops, from the designer boutiques of Gucci, Chanel, Jimmy Choo and Dior to unusual shops like Signum selling Florentine stationary, as well as plenty of leather shops and market stalls, and artists selling paintings of the city as a cute souvenir to take home from your travels.

One of my personal highlights was a visit to Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, which is famously the world's oldest perfumery established by friars in 1221.

Stepping inside, this location felt halfway between a shop and a museum, with historic artefacts and pantings as well as interiors from when the perfumery was a friary, with lavish perfumes, candles and self-care products to buy.

The shop still stocks some of its oldest perfumes, with one of them, Acqua della Regina, being over 490 years old since it was first made for Catherine de' Medici in 1533.

Day trips

If you’re considering some day trips out of Florence, Pisa and its famous leaning tower is just an hour away from Florence by train, with a ticket costing just under €10.

Here you’ll have a chance to see this stunning 850-year-old bell tower, along with the Baptistry, Cathedral and Cemetery, and explore the town's markets, shops and scenery.

Pisa and its famous leaning tower is just an hour away from Florence by train. (Image: Emily Davison) Or you can also take a wine tour around Tuscany by coach, with plenty of coach trips to the Chianti region, with either the option of a full day or half day excursion out of the city.

During a tour you can learn about the region's wines and have a chance to try a selection of red wines and roses, which the region is best known for producing.

Food and drink

Florence is spoiled for choice when it comes to food and drink, and autumn makes for the perfect time to go, with truffle season and the olive harvest in full swing.

During our visit we got to eat everything from freshly=made Tuscan olive oil, which is distinctively known for its more spicy flavour, along with porcini mushroom pasta.

One of my recommendations would be a visit to Trattoria I'Parione, where you’ll find authentic Tuscan cuisine like Florentine steak.

But no trip to Italy is complete without some traditional Gelato, and at Edoardo il Gelato Biologico you’ll find an array of unique flavours along with options for vegans.

Finally, Florence is famously known for its many ‘Wine Windows’ dating back hundreds of years, which were used during the Plague to serve wine whilst social distancing.

Some were reopened again during the Covid-19 pandemic, and today you can still visit some and order a drink through a window – a novel experience but certainly one worth doing.

Whether you are visiting to explore its art or simply want to visit to sample its rich cuisine, Florence has something for everyone, and it’s well worth a trip if you’re yearning for a city break this autumn.