When in Rome, head to Florence. Just three hours from the capital city (or one and a half by high speed rail), this hub of culture and art is rightfully one of the most visited cities in Italy and should be a non-negotiable for your European bucket list. With authentic shops selling prosciutto, gelato, coffee, and leather goods around every corner and a backdrop of Renaissance Architecture, Florence offers everything you ever pictured an Italian vacation could be. While you could spend years exploring this city, if you only have a few days, here are the top things to do in Florence that you simply cannot miss.
The Duomo
The Duomo, meaning Italian Cathedral, is synonymous with Florence. The real name of this majestic building that towers over the rest of the center of the city is the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Its first stone was laid on September 8, 1296 and since its completion in the 15th century has been a staple of the city. Entrance to the cathedral is free and will provide you with looming ceilings, enchanting tilework, and immaculate frescoes. To enter the baptistry, the museum, the crypt, bell tower, or dome, purchased tickets will be required (advanced purchase is recommended). While climbing the 463 steps to the top may be daunting and not recommended for those scared of heights, it will be rewarded with one of the best views of the city.
Piazzale Michelangelo
If you aren’t a fan of heights but are still dying for a perfect view of the city, you’ll be especially grateful for the Piazzale Michelangelo. This breathtaking view overlooks the whole city and provides a different vantage point, making it well worth the visit even to those who climbed the Duomo. Built in 1869, the relatively new addition to the city is idyllic at any time of day, but sunrise and sunset are particularly spectacular. One of Florence’s biggest advantages is its walkability. That being said, for those who have been on their feet all day or with accessibility to consider, this may be the one place you want to take a bus because while there are only about 100 stairs, the streets prior are quite steep. Nevertheless, those that walk will get to see more of the city’s winding, quaint streets and will have the opportunity to refuel at La Loggia, a coffee house/ restaurant that shares Piazzale Michelangelo’s magical view.
Pitti Palace
If you are a lover of history or dramatic Netflix period pieces, you’ll be familiar with the Medici family. Pitti Palace was purchased by the Medici’s in 1550 and served as the new Grand Ducal residence. Now, it serves as a beautiful museum that depicts the luxurious lifestyle of its past inhabitants. Furnishings and art from the collections of the Medici, Habsburg-Lorraine and House of Savoy show styles over the centuries in the Imperial and Royal Apartments. Additional exhibits include the Treasury of the Grand Dukes, the Palatine Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art and the Museum of Costume and Fashion. Tickets are only 16€ per adult and they do give early morning discounts of 50% off for entering in the first 30 minutes. This will also allow you to get to visit seemingly by yourself and grant you the opportunity to get great pictures with no one in the background.
Arno River
Unmissable and running through the center of the city is Arno River. If you are exploring the other stops on this list, you will have to walk across one of the many bridges that connect the northern and southern parts of the city. Make sure to cross at least once on Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in the city. Making this bridge particularly unique is that it has two stories; the bottom that continues the tradition since the 13th century of housing shops, and the second level that was a private crossing later added for the Medici’s to traverse the city without making contact with those they ruled over. Set aside time to walk along the river. The stillness of the water allows you to see picturesque reflections of the buildings along its banks.
Wine Tour in Tuscany
It would be blasphemous to visit the Tuscany region and not sample the fruits of the winemaker’s labor. While Chianti is a type of wine, it is also used to refer to the land between Florence and Siena. Views of rolling hills, glowing sun, and mediterranean flora as far as the eye can see make Chianti feel as if it’s right out of a fairytale. Get Your Guide provides multiple tour options ranging in price and length. It is close enough that a half day tour will put the grape on top of your Florence trip and give you enough time to admire the region (though if your budget would allow, spending YEARS here would be lovely). When choosing a tour, take note that some will have additional bonuses that are well worth paying for, such as balsamic and truffle oil tastings or stops to small villages in the region. These villages, such as Monteriggioni featured here, can feel like capsules into a different time and give you a wider scope of the history and culture of this stunning country. Salute!
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