I absolutely love Italy. And of all the Italian cities I’ve visited, Florence may be the most beautiful of all. The city is so picturesque and an absolute must-do for an Italian itinerary. Here’s my run down on the best things about Florence and what you should do when you go.
Does Well
Beautiful Buildings
The city is bursting with beautiful architecture on every corner. The Cathedrale di Santa Maria is not to be missed, and hard to do so anyway! Beyond this breath taking masterpiece there are countless other churches, domes and towers to explore and admire. To climb inside the Duomo, be sure to book online in advance to avoid disappointment.
Amazing Art
Personally I’m not a big art buff and I tend to prefer to spend my days exploring outside instead of inside galleries. But if you’re into art, Florence is home to the Uffizi Gallery, where you can see work by Leonardo da Vinci, Giotto, Botticelli and Michelangelo.
Panoramic Views
Just a short climb from the centre, you can find some of the most spectacular views of both Florence and the greater Tuscany region. The Boboli Park (entrance fee 7 Eur) is more than worth it. You can spend a day getting lost amongst trees and ponds, and the views over the city are amazing. Piazza di Michelangelo is also easily accessible and offers magnificent views. It even has some food trucks and a restaurant to grab your lunch once you’ve reached the top.
Not So Well
Crowds
This one applies to most of Italy- but almost anything worth entering in Florence involves a rather lengthy line, including the popular panini shops! To avoid disappointment and tired legs from queuing, book online for a lot of the attractions or head to the most popular spots in the early morning or late afternoon.
Cost Effective
Florence was a reasonably expensive destination to spend time in. Accommodation, food and entrance fees can add up over time, so be sure to budget ahead and work out which attractions you want to prioritise.
Top Things To See
- Florence Cathedral
- Uffizi Gallery
- Ponte Vecchio Bridge
- Palazzo Vecchio
- Boboli Gardens
- Santa Croce
Florence Hot Tips:
- Language: Italian (But you can survive the tourist spots with English)
- Best spot: Boboli Park
- Top Tip: Paninis are super popular in Florence and for good reason. Many have major queues outside but they’re worth the wait. Check out All’antico Vinaio for an authentic Italian sandwich. (Via dei Neri, 65R, 50122)
