A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Eating and drinking in Florence has never been so tantalizing or diverse. From traditional dishes liketrippa all Fiorentinato innovative plant-based menus, Florence is a culinary paradise that never sleeps.
The delights of both Rome and Florence are reason enough for a trip to Italy. Each of these romantic cities figures prominently on the bucket lists of travelers worldwide. However, if you only have time for one, which should you pick?
GoTravelDaily captures the expenses of a culturally-rich weekend in Florence, as writer Conall Molloy details his and his fiancée’s memorable journey.
When traveling through Tuscany during the warmer months, encountering parades of people in colorful, traditional clothing inspired by medieval culture is common. Historic reenactments are deeply rooted in local folklore, taking Tuscans back to an era of city-states, tower houses, and clashing dynasties.
Small as it is, Florence looms large on the world’s ‘must-sees’ list – primarily for its positively indecent treasure chest of Renaissance art.
Brimming with art and architecture masterpieces, bijou-sized Florence is made for walking. Yet, the urban fabric of this tightly packed Tuscan city hasn’t changed since the Renaissance, meaning scant few modern sweeps of green. For Florentines, it is the hidden gardens of historicpalazzithat fuel their ritualpasseggiate(afternoon strolls) in the park.
This article is designed for traveling enthusiasts eager to enhance their experience in Florence. With stunning visuals in mind, a cup of tea or perhaps a fresh scone, here are the imperative encounters to prioritize during your long weekend in Florence—my preferred Italian city.
When GoTravelDaily Local Nardia Plumridge first laid eyes on Florence as a teenager, it was love at first sight. Today, the Renaissance capital’s classic cafes, quaint cobbled streets, and hidden churches provide daily inspiration. The city’s fantastic cuisine and culture satisfy her craving forla dolce vita(‘the sweet life’).
Strolling the streets of Florence is like wandering through an open-air museum. Between the elegant villas, historic churches, and atmospheric piazzas, the city offers Renaissance grandeur at every turn. While you’ll want to spend numerous hours exploring these incredible sights, the top hotels are just as enchanting, offering a different perspective on this Renaissance city.
We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Florence is brimming with Renaissance art and architecture, prized Italian leather and gold, and decadent dishes such aspappardellewith wild boar ragu and massive Florentine steaks. It is the capital of Tuscany, a region celebrated for its vineyards, truffle-filled forests, and sprawling hilltop villas. Consequently, visitors to this magnificent city seek a luxurious experience, meaning they have high hotel expectations. While they may retire for the night energized by culture and Chianti, they remain attentive to the lavish details offered by their preferred five-star accommodations. Florence is certainly not a city known for minimalism.
Florence is such a popular tourist destination that transportation options abound. Here in a nutshell you’ll find the essentials for getting to and around Florence.
Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence is an outdoor terrace on the south, or left bank of the River Arno. It was built in the late 1800s to allow visitors and residents of Florence to admire breathtaking views of the city from a high, park-like vantage point. It was named after Florence’s favorite son, legendary artist Michelangelo Buonarotti, and is adorned with bronze copies of some of his most famous sculptures. Today, it is a must-see stop on any visit to Florence, and a panoramic photo of the Florentine skyline taken from Piazzale Michelangelo is essential.
Gelato, or Italian ice cream, is a beloved treat in Florence, Italy. Here’s an overview of the best gelato shops, or gelaterie, you can visit in Florence. Our team has sampled gelato at the first four shops, while the others come highly recommended.
One of Florence’s top attractions and most photographed landmarks, the Ponte Vecchio, orOld Bridge, is Florence’s most famous bridge. The Ponte Vecchio spans the Arno River from Via Por Santa Maria to Via Guicciardini, and it is also Florence’s oldest bridge, having been spared from the bombing in Florence during World War II.
The Florence Baptistery is an integral part of the Duomo complex, which also includes the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Campanile. Historians believe that construction of the Baptistery, also known as Battistero San Giovanni or Saint John’s Baptistery, began in 1059, making it one of the oldest buildings in Florence.
If you’re seeking haute couture fashions from renowned brands like Gucci, Pucci, or Ferragamo, head to the vibrant streets of Via Tornabuoni, Via della Vigna Nuova, and Via dei Calzaiuoli. These areas in the Santa Maria Novella district are bustling with the latest collections from both Italian and international designers.
Florence is a beautiful city to visit, filled with art and culture. Famous attractions include the Etruscan Archaeological Museum, the vibrant Piazza del Duomo, and the majestic Palazzo Vecchio. The city offers a great deal of excitement for travelers eager to explore its offerings.
Florence is in the heart of Italy’s Tuscany Region in western Italy along the Arno river. It is 145 miles north of Rome and 185 miles south of Milan. Florence is the capital of the region of Tuscany, and has a population of around 400,000 people, with around 300,000 more in suburban areas.
Visitors to Florence need a travel guide that will steer them away from wasteful spending while focusing resources on the best experiences. Florence, known to Italians asFirenze, is a popular tourist city rich in history and artistic treasures.