How should you visit Palazzo Strozzi the right way? First of all, by walking. Because getting there on foot is already part of the experience. The streets that lead to the palace – Via de’ Tornabuoni and Piazza Strozzi – are a little concentrate of Florence: elegant façades, the smell of coffee, shop windows catching the morning light. Then, suddenly, there it is: Palazzo Strozzi. Imposing, austere, beautiful. The stones of the façade have the warm colour of sand and the perfect Renaissance geometry you somehow expect, but that still surprises you when you see it up close.

The main entrance opens onto a courtyard that literally takes your breath away. A perfectly balanced square, with arches that look like they were drawn to the millimetre and columns quietly chasing one another around the space. You immediately feel a different atmosphere here – calmer, almost suspended. The noise of traffic stays outside, as if the palace were protecting itself from time. The courtyard is always open, even without a ticket, and often hosts contemporary art installations. There’s also a small café under the arcades, perfect for a short break, maybe while you watch the light playing across the stone.

The temporary exhibitions on the upper floors are the beating heart of the palace. Every year, artists and curators from all over the world arrive here: from Donatello to Olafur Eliasson, from Marina Abramović to Jeff Koons. The rooms preserve their original balance, yet they change with each show, adapting to the language of contemporary art. Natural light pouring in from the windows makes everything feel more alive: it shifts with the hours of the day, and with it the mood of the place changes too.

If you decide to visit, a few practical tips can really make a difference. Wear comfortable shoes: the stone floors and cobbled streets of the centre were not made for high heels or ultra-thin soles. Bring a small bag, ideally a crossbody, because large or bulky backpacks are not allowed in the galleries. In summer, the air in Florence can feel heavy, so a small bottle of water is essential; in winter, a light coat is usually enough, as the interiors are always well heated or cooled. If you love taking photos, it’s generally allowed without flash, but it’s always best to double-check at the entrance: some exhibitions have restrictions for copyright or conservation reasons.

How long you spend inside really depends on your pace. On average, you’ll want at least a couple of hours to enjoy the exhibition and the palace without rushing. It’s also worth saving a few minutes for the bookshop: a well-curated little space where you’ll find exhibition catalogues, prints and objects tied to each show. If you’re travelling with children, there are dedicated routes for them, with interactive activities and audio guides designed especially for younger visitors.

Anyone with disabilities or reduced mobility doesn’t need to worry: Palazzo Strozzi is fully accessible. From the main entrance you can get in easily thanks to a ramp, and inside there are modern lifts connecting all floors, including the courtyard and the café. The toilets are equipped, and the staff are always ready to help whenever needed. Some exhibitions also offer inclusive experiences such as tactile routes or special audio guides. For those who like to plan ahead, tickets can usually be booked by phone or online, including for accessible and personalised visits.

If you want to enjoy a quieter experience, it’s better to avoid the middle of the day. Early morning or late afternoon are ideal times. Buying your ticket online is a good idea too – it helps you skip queues and lets you choose any guided tours or themed workshops that might interest you.

When you leave the palace, it’s well worth continuing your walk. Just a few steps away you’ll find Piazza della Repubblica, Via de’ Tornabuoni with its historic boutiques, and the Duomo suddenly appearing between the rooftops. In less than ten minutes, you can also reach another beauty you definitely shouldn’t miss: the Ponte Vecchio.