Florence knows how to do Christmas. By late November the city feels alive again. Lights stretch across the piazzas, music drifts from street corners and the smell of warm panettone follows you through the narrow lanes. Walk over the Arno and the bridges sparkle with illuminations.

Florence is one of Italy’s most captivating cities, celebrated as the birthplace of the Renaissance and home to world-famous art, architecture and history. From Brunelleschi’s striking dome and Botticelli’s paintings in the Uffizi to the golden light that falls across the River Arno, Florence is filled with unforgettable sights. Yet beyond its heritage, the city has a modern energy with stylish boutiques, vibrant dining, and a flourishing hotel scene. Whether you’re searching for the best luxury hotels in Florence or a boutique hideaway with character, these are the places to stay for an Italian getaway to remember.