Nestled in the heart of Italy, the enchanting city of Florence has captivated travelers for generations, earning its place among the world’s most cherished destinations. With its wealth of art, culinary delights, and architectural marvels, Florence ignites the senses and beckons exploration at every turn. But where should one begin to unravel the treasures hidden within its historic streets?
1 – Be Amazed by Il Duomo
While its full name is Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, the iconic cathedral in Florence is usually simply known as Il Duomo. This is the first element of the skyline that is likely to catch your eye when you arrive, immediately whetting your appetite for seeing it up close and getting inside it.
Il Duomo sits in the beautiful Piazza del Duomo, which is a World Heritage Site that has been taking the breath away from visitors for centuries. You will probably spend hours wandering around the vast interior and looking up at the glorious dome.
2 – Explore the Piazza della Signoria
This square is one of the best places to get started on a gentle exploration of the Tuscan capital. The Loggia dei Lanzi on the Piazza is an open air museum worth checking out here and the Palazzo Vecchio is an imposing building, while the Fountain of Neptune is another interesting attraction.
For many people, the best thing to do here is to simply sit down in a café on the piazza and watch the world go by. Once you are ready to carry on exploring then you are only a short distance from some of the city’s greatest treasures.
3 – Visit Uffizi Gallery
You don’t have to be a lifelong art buff to get a kick out of visiting the Uffizi. This is the most visited art gallery in Italy and more than two million people walked through its doors in 2016.
This gallery is packed to the rafters with incredible works of art, with many of the finest Italian Renaissance pieces taking price of place. The Uffizi has been impressing visitors since the 16th century and is an unmissable part of any trip to Florence.
4 – Enjoy the Fashion Scene
Florence is regarded as one of the most influential fashion centres on the planet. Therefore, it is a fantastic place to do some shopping or to just enjoy watching stylish people pass you by while you relax in a café or piazza.
If you choose to stay in one of the best hotels in the center of Florence, like the Brunelleschi, then you will be able to explore a range of terrific fashion stores at your leisure. Among the most popular options here is the thrilling Via Tornabuoni, where you will find upmarket boutiques for brands such as Cartier, Gucci and Bulgari.
5 – Discover the Sport in Florence
If you want a break from the art and glamour around you in Florence then you will be pleased to see that it is also a terrific city for watching some sport. The most exciting sport played here is the historic, brutal game of calcio fiorentino that is played in the month of June.
During the rest of the year, you can watch the Fiorentina soccer team, view cycling competitions or even take part in the marathon in November. Otherwise, it is simply a fantastic city for walking or cycling around while you soak up the sights.
No matter what you most like to do when you travel, you sure to find something that suits you in Florence. After all, it has been delighting tourists of all types for centuries and shows no sign of losing its appeal anytime soon.
6. Chianti Escape
While Florence offers a wealth of cultural and historical experiences, the nearby region of Chianti is a paradise for wine lovers. Consider taking a day trip from Florence to explore the rolling hills of Chianti, where you can visit wineries, sample local wines, and enjoy delicious Tuscan lunches. Many tours are led by sommeliers who can provide insights into the winemaking process and the unique characteristics of Chianti wines like angelapersonaltuscantour.com. Some wineries specialize in organic production methods, so you can be sure you’re savoring wines made with sustainable practices.
