One of the most beautiful cities of Italy, Florence is renowned for its Renaissance buildings, historic streets, exceptional museums and the delicious Tuscan cuisine. From a weekend visit to a few days exploring Tuscany, both there are experiences that one can always count on at one's stay in Florence. But careful planning can get you the best out of your trip, particularly when it comes to packing, and getting around walking in a bustling city.
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See Florence's Historic City Center
Now, the historic center of Florence is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the ideal starting point for your trip. The city boasts a number of iconic landmarks, which are easy to reach by walking from one to another, and transportation is not always heavily relied on.
Start your visit at Piazza del Duomo, home to the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. One of the most recognizable landmarks in Florence are the cathedral's enormous dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. There are also opportunities to enjoy other masterpieces, such as Giotto's Bell Tower or the Baptistery, provided it is not closed.
From the Duomo walk up to the square called the Piazza della Signoria, home to many ancient buildings and impressive sculptures. In the square there is the famous Palazzo Vecchio, which is the city's historic town hall and which in itself gives some interesting information on Florence's political history.
Visit Florence’s Famous Museums
Florence is an art lover's dream! The city is intimately linked to the great artists of the Renaissance like Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli.
The Uffizi Gallery houses an extensive collection of Renaissance artwork, including famous paintings by Botticelli and other influential artists. Tickets can be booked in advance, as the museum is very popular, so waiting times can be a problem.
Another must-see attraction is the Galleria dell’Accademia, where visitors can admire Michelangelo’s renowned statue of David. Despite the fact that the museum's size is modest, there are many significant items and it should definitely not be missed by anyone interested in classical art.
For more subdued entertainment, delve into lesser known galleries and old churches around the city. Many of these places bear beautiful art and architecture that can easily be overseen.
Explore the magic of Ponte Vecchio.
Ponte Vecchio is a famous landmark of Florence. This historic bridge spans the Arno River and is famous for the old-fashioned shops, jewelry stores and scenic views that it allows.
It's lovely to walk across the bridge, especially in the late afternoon when the surrounding buildings are ablaze with soft sunlight. The nearby river banks too are great spots for photography.
Enjoy a stroll in the Arno River for a more tranquil experience. Spend time viewing the view, visiting inviting streets, and unwinding in cafés with a typical Italian coffee.
Savor Tuscany's True Flavors
No trip to Florence is perfect without enjoying some local dishes considered as Tuscan Cuisine. There are several restaurants, cafes, bakeries and food markets throughout the city where visitors can taste traditional dishes.
Famous Tuscan dishes include bistecca alla fiorentina, a beer steak; ribollita, a soup made of vegetables, bread and water; and pappa al pomodoro, a soup consisting of tomato, bread and water.
Those seeking a casual bite can half-wander the food stalls of Mercato Centrale. This popular market has an array of local culinary delights as well as being a great way to explore Florence's vibrant and vibrant food culture.
Consider that restaurants may cost more if they are located in a choice tourist destination. To really find ‘old fashion’ restaurants from a variety of budgets, try to branch out onto the side streets and into local areas.
Include Luggage Storage in your travel itinerary
Although Florence is best explored on foot, it's not always comfortable to walk very heavy suitcases through the crowded city streets. This is particularly true if you're coming in for an early morning check-in before the hotel opens or have a few hours to spend in town after your late check out.
The travelers could also save time from moving bags from one attraction to the next by booking their Luggage storage near Florence train station so that they can keep their bags out of sight in safe storage. This is especially convenient for people who are traveling by train or who want to spend a short amount of time in Florence.
Before selecting a storage center, look at their hours, check on what bags they accept, verify where they are located and what their security is like. Reservation can also assist to organise your trip more effectively during peak travel weeks.
Take a Walk to Piazzale Michelangelo
Piazzale Michelangelo is one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Florence. This popular vantage point is situated on a hill above the city, providing stunning vistas of the Duomo, the river Arno and the old rooftops of Florence.
The square can be accessed by foot, or by public transport. This way might be a bit tough, but worth every bit of scenery.
The spot is a popular sunset viewing area, and can get busy. Because you'll arrive earlier you can be assured to have a comfortable place to sit and witness the changes in the colors throughout the city.
Plan Your Florence Visit Carefully
Florence is small but it is a popular tourist destination with narrow streets and offers tourist sites which can be busy during busy seasons. Comfortable shoes are a must since one of the best ways of exploring the city is by walking.
Please verify museum opening hours prior to travel, pre-book tickets for holiday hits and plan for flexibility. Time for “discovery” can make your trip more enjoyable.
From the art and history to cuisine and architecture, there is something in Florence for every type of traveler. If you plan ahead and make some smart deteriorations, you can comfortably enjoy this extraordinary city of Italy and make most of your visit.