Best things to do in Florence
Find out more about those top places in Florence
Florence: Where Renaissance Geniuses Roamed (and the Gelato is Divine!) - Your Hilariously Honest Travel Guide to This Tuscan Treasure!
Ciao amici and welcome to Florence, a city so beloved since ancient times, it's practically had a permanent fan club for centuries! Back in the day, this Tuscan beauty wasn't just a pretty face; it was the financial and trade hub of Europe, run by one of history's most prominent and drama-filled families: the legendary Medici. Think "The Godfather" meets "Project Runway," but with way more art and fewer horse heads (probably).
Florence isn't just a footnote in history books; it's a whole darn chapter, often hailed as the very birthplace of the Renaissance. That's right, this is where the Middle Ages decided to take a stylish leap into modernity, from the 14th to the 17th century, giving us artistic geniuses, groundbreaking inventions, and a whole lot of guys in tights looking surprisingly good. You're basically walking through the cradle of cool!
As the former capital of Italy, Florence definitely doesn't skimp on the tourist attractions. We're talking drop-dead gorgeous architecture with historical relevance that'll make your jaw drop faster than you can say "Michelangelo." Picture yourself wandering through the enchanting Boboli Gardens, a sprawling green oasis that looks like it was designed by a Medici with a serious green thumb (and maybe a pet unicorn or two). Then there's the iconic Florence Cathedral (Duomo), a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that dominates the skyline and makes you feel like you've stepped into a Renaissance painting (just try not to get a crick in your neck admiring that dome!). And who could forget the Ponte Vecchio, the only bridge in Florence spared from destruction during WWII, now lined with charming shops that have probably seen more proposals than a reality dating show.
Florence is a feast for the eyes, a treat for the soul, and a delight for the taste buds (hello, world-class Tuscan cuisine and gelato that will change your life!). It's a city where you can soak up art and history by day and indulge in delicious food and wine by night, all while feeling like you've stepped into a Renaissance postcard.
Our hilarious (and incredibly helpful!) travel guide is here to navigate you through the best places to visit and the most exciting things to do in this captivating city. Get ready for some truly unforgettable sightseeing, from exploring iconic landmarks and strolling through stunning gardens to indulging in world-class art and savoring the flavors of Tuscany, all while uncovering the top attractions that make Florence a truly special and hilariously historical (and delicious!) destination.
Top Attractions: Renaissance Wonders and Timeless Beauty!
Florence is a city overflowing with iconic sights and experiences:
Florence Cathedral (Duomo): A Gothic Masterpiece
Marvel at the breathtaking Florence Cathedral, with Brunelleschi's iconic dome, Giotto's Campanile, and the Baptistery's stunning bronze doors. Climbing to the top of the dome offers panoramic views of the city – a must-do for your Florence sightseeing.
Boboli Gardens: A Renaissance Oasis
Explore the enchanting Boboli Gardens, a sprawling green space behind the Pitti Palace filled with sculptures, fountains, and secret grottoes. A perfect place to visit for a leisurely escape and stunning views.
Ponte Vecchio: A Bridge Lined with Treasures
Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, Florence's only bridge spared from destruction during WWII, now lined with charming shops selling jewelry and souvenirs. A unique attraction and a picturesque spot for sightseeing.
Uffizi Gallery: A Renaissance Art Extravaganza
Immerse yourself in the masterpieces of the Renaissance at the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery, home to iconic works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, and more. A top thing to do for art lovers.
Accademia Gallery: Witness Michelangelo's David
Stand in awe before Michelangelo's David at the Accademia Gallery, also home to a significant collection of Florentine paintings. A must-see attraction for art enthusiasts.
Things to Do Beyond the Iconic Landmarks: Markets, Views, and Culinary Delights!
Our travel guide wouldn't be complete without suggesting some other fantastic things to do to truly experience the Florence vibe:
- Explore the San Lorenzo Market: Haggle for leather goods, souvenirs, and local products at this bustling market.
- Enjoy Panoramic Views from Piazzale Michelangelo: Climb up to this viewpoint for breathtaking sunset views of the entire city.
- Indulge in Tuscan Cuisine: Savor the delicious flavors of Tuscan food, including steak Florentine, truffle pasta, and Chianti wine.
- Visit the Pitti Palace: Explore this vast palace complex, home to several museums showcasing art, fashion, and royal apartments.
- Take a Leather-Making Workshop: Learn the traditional Florentine craft of leather making.
So, if you're looking for places to visit in Italy that offer a captivating blend of art, history, stunning architecture, and delicious food, Florence is calling your name! Our travel guide promises an unforgettable adventure filled with incredible sightseeing and exciting things to do. Just be prepared to fall in love with its timeless beauty and maybe gain a few extra gelato pounds along the way! Ciao bella Firenze!
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Ponte Vecchio
Located on the Arno River, the Ponte Vecchio is an architectural marvel with much history attached to it. The Ponte Vecchio is 32 meters wide and 20 meters long. The bridge has been rebuilt several times due to man-made and natural disasters but it survived the World War II unlike most bridges and the 1966 flood of the Arno. It became well-known because of the Benevento Cellini’s bust, where tourists and locals added padlocks known as love locks, until they were removed by city council and the act of adding locks was banned. There are also shops attached to the bridge so if interested you can do a bit of shopping.
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Florence Cathedral
Italy is filled with Cathedrals but the Florence Cathedral is one of the most famous in the country. Officially known as the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, the building was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio and Filippo Brunelleschi. The Cathedral has a crypt, part of which is opened to tourists, it holds the tombs of respected persons of Florence and Italy such as Zenobius of Florence, Pope Stephen IX, Conrad II of Italy and Pope Nicholas II.
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Statue of David
Known as a symbol of Florence, the statue of David is highly revered by the citizens of Florence. Situated in the Galleria dell’Accademia, it is a sculpture of the renowned Italian artist Michelangelo created between 1501-1504. Made of marble, it is a 17 ft (5.18 m) long representation of David of the Bible. The statue of David has been well conserved over the years and have survived various wars and natural disasters.
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Boboli Gardens
The Boboli Gardens is a perfect place to escape life in the city of Florence. Located right behind the Pitti Palace, the gardens were laid out for Eleanora di Toledo by several renowned architects including Bartolomeo Ammanati and Niccolo Tribolo. The Boboli Gardens gets its name from “Bogoli” the name of the family that owned the land where the gardened is situated. In recent times the Gardens seems to play part of an outdoor museum, with several sculptures and beautiful fountains.
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Fort Belvedere
Built for the fortification of Florence, the fort Belvedere was constructed over a five-year period (1590-1595). Situated on the highest hill of the Boboli gardens it is the largest fortress in Florence. The fort is known as the site where Galileo Galilei carried out some of his astronomical observations.
