In the Top 3 cities to see in Italy, I think Florence is in the first place because it is a beautiful city where you can admire the amazing architecture and visit some of the most beautiful museums in the world. You will also be fascinated by the grandeur of the Dome but also the elegance of the squares, where you can enjoy an aperitif or a wine from the Tuscan vineyards. Then the vibration of the city will surely conquer you.
Florence has so much to offer and is so full of palaces, parks, gardens, museums, and historic districts that just a few days of vacation may not be enough to discover it properly.
Especially since you can’t help but enjoy the exceptional gastronomy, the Italian cuisine being famous all over the world, and the Florentine dishes matched with the famous Chianti wine will surely seduce even the least gourmets.
Many of the main tourist attractions are gathered around the historic center (UNESCO World Heritage Site), so you can fully enjoy a unique cultural experience from the Renaissance period.
1. Visit the Dom
You can start your tour with Piazza del Duomo, the religious center of Florence, where you can visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. It is an architectural masterpiece also known as the Dome of Florence. Impressive on the outside, rich in Renaissance motifs, and with a Gothic interior that strikes you with its simplicity, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore dominates the city, being at one time, the largest church in Europe. The work lasted more than 140 years, and the construction of the dome, which is estimated to have used more than 4 million bricks, took about 16 years. Filippo Brunelleschi, who designed the project, managed to create one of the largest masonry domes ever built.
You can also visit the outdoor terraces of the Dome – after climbing 150 steps, reaching a height of over 30 meters from where you can see all the monuments of the city.
2. Don’t miss Giotto’s Campanile either
The Gothic tower serves as a bell tower, with rich hall sculptures and stunning marble inlays.
3. Palazzo Pitti
This is another important tourist spot in Florence being located on the southern side of the river Arno, near the Ponte Vecchio, and was designed by Brunelleschi for Luca Pitti. It was later bought by the Medici dynasty. Today you can discover several museums such as porcelain, Medici jewelry, renaissance, and modern art galleries.
4. Boboli Gardens
Here you have the opportunity to identify other spectacular monuments, such as Bacchus Fountain, Ocean Fountain, and Neptune Fountain. Most of the statues that dominate the fountains are replicas. You can also enjoy a lot of relaxation here.
5. Ponte Vecchio
The arched medieval bridge crosses the River Arno and is still occupied by small shops full of jewelers and art galleries. It is the best place to take great pictures for two.
6. Uffizi Gallery
It is the place where you must go. They house more than 1,500 impressive works of art in 45 rooms, including paintings by Botticelli, Da Vinci, and Michelangelo.
7. Galleria dell’Accademia
The place where it is, among other famous creations and Michelangelo’s opera David.
Opera David is said to be the most famous and appreciated sculpture in the world and seeing it up close you are really petrified by Michelangelo’s genius.
8. Take a walk on the less crowded streets
Find out about Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Donatello, but also about Dante, going to the latter’s house, in the heart of medieval Florence.
9. Piazza Della Signoria, the civic center of the city
Here is the Palazzo Vecchio, the current city hall of Florence. If the Dome is the most important building of religious value, Pallazzo Vecchio is the most important administrative building in Florence and which in turn is very spectacular.
10. Piazzale Michelangelo
It was built in 1869 in neoclassical style, on a hill, like a terrace, offering a beautiful view over the city. Here you can stay for hours without getting bored. I assure you that the road up here is well worth it.
11. Mercato Centrale San Lorenzo
It is a modern space, built in an old hall, and where you can discover dozens of restaurants and bars that serve a lot of dishes, from the famous Florentine steaks, fish, or pasta, to fine cheeses, salads, and vegetarian dishes. , traditional Tuscan desserts and of course, many kinds of wine.
In addition, it is said that Florence was the place where ice cream was invented. It seems that Ruggieri Cosimo was the one who created the first “gelato” flavor at the end of the 16th century for the De Medici family from Florence. So, let yourself be captivated by the vibration of the city, enjoying an Italian gelato for dessert.
Of course, you can’t end this city break in Florence without admiring the city at sunset, along with a wine tasting, and a plate of crostini while listening to stories about the glory of the Renaissance.
Florence is an experience dolce vita in itself, which you must try at least once in your life.
