Florence was once the wealthiest city in Italy and home to the Medici Family. It is known as the capital of the Italian Renaissance. Today, Florence is the capital of the Tuscan region and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Where to Stay
TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Search for the best Florence hotels here!
The best area to stay is near the Santa Maria Novella train station. This area is a 5-minute walk from the Duomo and convenient for arriving and departing the city. However, Florence is a very walkable city and has many nice areas.
What to See
Boboli Gardens: Spend an afternoon wandering through the largest park in Florence, the Boboli Gardens, which is known for its collection of sculptures.
Florence Baptistry**: The baptistry is known for its bronze doors and detailed marble facade.
Florence Cathedral (Duomo)**: This cathedral was built in the 1200s. It is a prime example of Gothic architecture. Climb to the top of the dome for spectacular views of the city. Make sure to reserve your tickets ahead of time in order to be able to climb to the top of the dome.
Galleria Dell’a Accademia: The main site to see in Florence in Michelangelo’s David. However, be sure to visit the other art exhibits in the museum as well. Make sure to pre-book your tickets to ensure a shorter wait.
Giotto’s Campanile**: For up-close views of the Duomo, climb the campanile. There are multiple platforms to take in various views.
**Your timed Duomo ticket will also get you into the other stared monuments as well.
Piazzale Michelangelo: For the best views of Florence, venture up to Piazzale Michelangelo. In the evening, it is full of musicians and people enjoying food and drink.
Ponte Vecchio: Ponte Vecchio is the most famous bridge in Florence. It contains various shops throughout.
Santa Croce**: One of the many churches of Florence known for its frescos and for holding the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo.
Uffizi Gallery: Visit the Uffizi Gallery to view some of the amazing works from the Italian Renaissance. Most of the collection from the Medici family can be view here.
Where to take your Lunch Break
Enoteca Con Degustazione: An enoteca is a must to stop at while in Italy. Enotecas enable people to sample various wines at a reasonable price. They also serve light bites to eat. At this enoteca in Florence, we stopped for a light dinner of meats and cheese. We each also sampled three different wines.
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