The capital of Tuscany is not just a destination. It is a journey through time! Full of small and large artistic treasures and with its historic center designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the city invites you to walk around it, discovering everything it has to offer! And it is not a few…
How will you get there?
At a distance of about 3 hours from both Rome, as well as from the Milan, and about an hour and a half from Bologna, most people choose Florence for a day trip. Our suggestion, however, is to stay a night, so that you can experience this "mental" journey to the Renaissance era to the fullest!
How will you get around?
With around 90 km of cycle paths, the best way to get around is either by bike or on foot. You can rent a bike at both the central train station and Piazza Ghiberti for 5 euros per day.
What to see
– Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore. In Piazza del Duomo, the heart of Florence beats. Here you will admire the unique architectural cathedral, which, believe us, you have never seen anything like it before. It is the third largest church in the world and is clad in white, pink and green Tuscan marble. Equally impressive are the octagonal Baptistery and the 85-meter bell tower, which is worth climbing for the view!
– Museo dell'Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore. This is the Museum of Works of the Cathedral of Florence. It is located behind the Duomo and there you can admire creations by Michelangelo, Donatello, statues that were transferred from the cathedral to the museum for protection and the original doors of the Baptistery.
Tip: Purchase the combined ticket for the Museum, the Baptistery and the Cathedral in advance from here.
– Piazza della Signoria. This square is the center of the city's political activity. For centuries it was a gathering point for citizens and rulers, as well as a place for political discussions and decisions. It is where the Loggia dei Lanzi (or Loggia della Signoria), a building open to the square, which until the 19th century housed the original statue of David by Michelangelo (now in the Academy for protection) and by Perseus with the head of Medusa.
– Palazzo Old. At the edge of the square is the old Megaron, a palace-fortress from 1322, which today houses the city's Town Hall. Many people pass it by. However, if you choose to visit it, the hall with the maps, the hall of the Five Hundred and the view from the bell tower will make it worthwhile. Ticket here.
– Uffizi Gallery. The Uffizi Gallery is perhaps the oldest museum in the world and houses some "diamonds" that you should not miss. You will be enchanted by the paintings of Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Caravaggio, Titian, El Greco, etc., while the Medici collection is full of Greek and Roman sculptures. Ticket here.
– Ponte Vecchio. Leaving the Uffizi Gallery, you will come across the Arno River and the much-photographed Ponte Vecchio. It once housed Florence's meat market. Now, however, it is home to its most expensive jewelry stores. It has stood proud since 1345 and is the only one to have survived the bombings of World War II. The bridge is crossed by Vasari Corridor, a closed corridor built at the behest of Duke Cosimo I de' Medici, to isolate himself from the citizens.
– Cross the bridge and explore the neighborhood Oltrarno (beyond the Arno) which maintains its medieval character unchanged. There, tour the Renaissance mansion Pitti Palace, the Palatine Gallery, in the gardens Boboli and the fortress Belvedere.
– Academy GalleryThis is the first Academy of Painting in Europe where you will be captivated by Michelangelo's masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture "David". There are still many works by this great artist there as well as paintings by Florentine painters such as Botticelli, Uccello, etc. Ticket here.
– Don't forget to visit the market San Lorenz with street vendors and all sorts of goodies from the Tuscan region. You'll find leather goods, scarves, jewelry, souvenirs and much more. After spending some time there, head inside the market for a quick snack or fresh fruit from the food vendors on one of the two floors.
– Basilica yes Santa Cross. A jewel church, which hosts the tombs of famous Florentines, such as Galileo, Machiavelli, Michelangelo, Gilberti, etc. Ticket here.
– Piazzale Michelangelo. The best view of the city is in this square. No matter what time of day you visit, you will believe that you are not looking at a city, but at a painting canvas. Maybe at sunset it is worth a little more. Here for 50 euros you can also rent a Ferrari to stroll through the streets of Tuscany!
Where will you eat?
In general, the advice we will give you is to avoid the very touristy restaurants in the center. Walking a few streets further you will find better quality food and drink. The “symbolic” dish of Tuscany is the famous bistecca alla fiorentina. It is a large veal T-bone at least 3 inches thickof centimeters and weighing 800-900 grams.
– The best street food in Florence (maybe in all of Italy) is At the old winemaker'sTrust us, you've never tried a sandwich like this before!
– While you are in Italy, you are sure to come across many pizzerias. Like the pizza of Gustarium you haven't eaten! Delicious flavors cooked before your eyes. For a good meal that won't cost you much, we recommend the Senz'Altro Bistrot, a small restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and delicious delicacies. You will try Bistecca alla fiorentina at Trattoria dall'Oste .
– For dessert or ice cream, don't forget to stop by Venci which has been using the best ingredients in its sweet creations since 1878. Excellent and the Why not! a few meters below.
Coffee – drink
If you don't drink Italian coffee in Florence, they say, it's like you didn't go! Café Rosano In addition to steaming coffees and chocolates, you will also find a bunch of breakfast delicacies. If you want coffee with a view, you will go to the Rinascente shopping center and go up to the 5th floor.the floor at La Terrazza. The view of Piazza della Repubblica and the Duomo is something else!
You will find creative cocktails in a beautiful atmosphere at Mayday Club while the liveliest atmosphere was found in The Lion's Fountain Irish Pub.
Useful tip
1. Choose which museums you want to visit and see if they interest you. Florence card which gives you access to 72 museums in 72 hours. It also offers you free transportation.
2. Check in Museums' websites for their opening days and hours. Some days admission is free!
3. There are many options for your accommodation, but see here a unique and economical choice we found!
Some more beautiful images from Florence that will make you want to visit it soon!
