Florence has long been on our list of places to visit in Italy. However, we seemed to hesitate booking a trip as we felt that this destination would likely be crowded. And while crowds in popular tourist destinations are difficult to avoid, we put together a list of things to do and places to visit which made our first visit to Florence magical.
Florence, the capital of the Tuscany region of Italy, is a very beautiful city and should be visited by anyone interested in history and art. Its charm spreads well beyond, though. It is considered one of the centers of Italian fashion. Tourism is by far the most important aspect of its economy; however, one cannot fail to notice the large student body spending time and studying in town. Students are everywhere and bring a youthful vibrancy and energy to the city. Florence also has a unique food scene which is fun to explore.
Where to stay in Florence
While Florence has a variety of lodging options for any budget, our recommendation is to stay in a place which blends history and modern comforts. After much research, we selected the IL Tornabuoni Hotel. Located in the center of town it is designed in a way that feels quiet and comfortable.
The IL Tornabuoni Hotel occupies one of the most prestigious palazzos in Florence. Rooms are designed in the Renaissance style but rely on modern whimsical flourishes and comforts. Wonderful views of Florence and Tuscany can be enjoyed from most rooms as well as from The Butterfly, the hotel’s terrace bar.
For a more local experience, rent a room or an apartment across the historic center on the south side of the river Arno. This will give you a true vibe of local life and is a unique way to experience the city.
Day 1 in Florence
The focus of your fist day should be on history. Understanding the past always helps to put the present in context.
Start at the Medici – Riccardi Palace
To appreciate Florence, one has to learn about the Medici family. We recommend that any visit to Florence starts with a visit to the original Medici house, currently known as the Medici-Riccardi Palace. This museum is not as popular with the tourists but will introduce you to the history of a family which greatly impacted Florence, Italy, and the world at large.
It is a smaller museum, but one which will help put much of the rest of what you see in Florence in context. You can purchase tickets only at the front entrance located at Via Camillo Cavour, 3, 50129 Firenze FI, Italy.
Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Perhaps the most famous symbol of Florence, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiori is a magnificent example of Renaissance architecture. Upon its initial completion in the 15th century, it was the largest cathedral in Europe. Famous masters such as Giotto and Brunelleschi worked on parts of it. It is absolutely breathtaking on the outside and very modest on the inside; a must-see Florence landmark. You can read a lot more about the history of the cathedral here.
If you want to avoid the crowds and appreciate the complex on the outside, try to get to the Duomo square as early in the morning as possible. On a clear sky day, get there between 6 and 7 AM for stunning views of the magnificent landmark.
The complex around the cathedral consists of additional buildings worth visiting, including the Baptistery, the Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Duomo terraces. And while visiting Santa Maria del Fiore is free, you must buy a ticket to visit the rest.
Different ticket options are available and can be purchased online here. Most are multiday tickets to give maximum flexibility and allow you to visit individual parts on different days. Considering that there is a bit of climbing in the Dome and the Giotto’s Bell Tower, you can choose to visit these on different days. Medium level of fitness is required to climb both of these parts. We felt that climbing the Dome was easier and more rewarding. So, if you must choose between the two, we recommend seeing the Dome.
Day 2 in Florence
Stroll through Ponte Vecchio
Another one of the iconic Florentine sites is Ponte Vecchio – a medieval bridge with origins in Roman Times. Go early as the bridge gets very busy with tourists.
Visit Giardino Bardini
Take some time to stroll and enjoy the beauty of the city. Plan a walk to the Giardino Bardini – a beautifully restored villa and gardens, which offer one of the most spectacular views of the city of Florence. Bring a blanket as there are plenty of places to just sit and enjoy the views. If you are in Florence in the spring, be sure to stop by the beautiful wisteria pavilion. The gardens are open daily, and you can buy tickets online here or at the entrance.
Visit the Uffizi Gallery
No visit to Florence would be complete without visiting the Uffizi Gallery. Its architecture and art are world-famous and include many Rennaissance masterpieces by Giotto, Michelangelo, Leonardo, Filippo Lippi, Botticelli, Caravaggio, Raffaello, and many others. Take your time, as this is a huge gallery and it will be hard to avoid the crowds. It is absolutely worth spending an afternoon or more exploring the gallery.
Simply amazing if you enjoy art. Be sure to buy tickets online to avoid a long wait.
Day 3 in Florence
Visit Michelangelo’s David
Located in the Galleria Dela Accademia Di Firenze, the sculpture of David is a true Rennaissance masterpiece by the 26 year old Michelangelo. The history of its commission and production is fascinating, but simply being able to admire this world-famous work of art up close is a treat on its own. You can expect crowds at the Galleria no matter the time of day. Be sure to buy a ticket online ahead of time to minimize your wait time.
Visit Palazzo Pitti
Continue to follow the history of Florence by visiting the Pitti Palace, located on the south side of the river Arno. Leaving the Pitti Palace for the last day will further expand your understanding of the power and influence of the Medici family. This is a huge palace, divided into five museums. You can easily spend a full day exploring it, so a bit of planning is necessary. On a beautiful day, visit the gardens located behind the palace. The beautiful park setting provides many views of the palace, as well as parts of Florence and Tuscany. You can purchase tickets to visit the Pitti Palace here.
Say goodbye to Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo
Named after one of the most famous artists of Florence, the Piazzale (Michelangelo’s square) presents some of the most beautiful views of the city. It is a bit of a climb to get to the top. However, the walk is well worth it, and the views are breathtaking. If you visit at sunset, you can see Florence in its golden glow. Highly recommend.
Where to drink and eat in Florence
Florence has an abundance of restaurants, delicious food, and great wines. Most of the food you will sample is grown locally and tastes extremely fresh. Be sure to leave plenty of time to sample and enjoy the many unique Tuscan flavors and dishes.
Tuscan food to try
Some of the local Tuscan specialties to try include:
- Crostini Toscani
- Lampredotto sandwich (veal tripe cooked in special broth and served over bread)
- Ribollita and pappa al pomodoro soups
- Panzanella salad
- Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Tuscan stake eaten thick and on the rare side)
- Lardo di Colonnata (pork lard often served over bread)
Favorite restaurants
There are many great restaurants to try while in Florence. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Mercato Centrale (The Central Market) – a beautifully restored 19th century market hall. You can walk and inspect the local produce on the first floor and then move to the second floor and try many Florentine specialties in a casual setting. Try the market for lunch or dinner, but be sure to check its hours of operation.
- Trattoria La Casalinga – a neighborhood trattoria with excellent food in a local setting. Reservations recommended as the place is quite popular with locals and tourists alike.
- Trattoria Dell’Orto – a true Florentine trattoria; a place to sit with the locals and eat homemade food. We really enjoyed having dinner here and tried Bistecca alla Fiorentina, which was excellent. Reservations are recommended but you must email or call.
- Trattoria Za Za – a beautiful trattoria in a restored 16th century inn; very lively and popular. Excellent food and local wines. Reservations recommended.
- La Ménagère – for something really special, try a light lunch, aperitivo or late drinks at the chic La Ménagère bistro. Try some of their many creative cocktails. You will not be disappointed. We kept coming back to this place; it was that great!
- The Butterfly Terrace at hotel IL Tornabuoni – a beautiful terrace with excellent cocktails and views of Tuscany.
- La Leggenda dei Frati – for a special lunch or dinner, try this Michelin star restaurant which presents innovative takes on classic Tuscan food. Reservations required.
Florence and fashion
In the fashion world, Florence is slowly becoming the fifth fashion city (after Paris, New York, Milan and London). Luxury powerhouses such as Salvatore Ferragamo, Roberto Cavalli, Gucci, and Emilio Pucci are all native to Florence.
If you like fashion, be sure to visit the Museo Salvatore Ferragamo located in a Medieval palace and dedicated to the history of the Ferragamo brand. For high end or window shopping, visit any of the following streets in the historic city center: Via Tornabuoni, Via della Vigna Nuova, and Via dei Calzaiuoli. Additionally, Florence is a great place to shop for leather, jewelry, and perfumes by local artisans. Simply stroll the streets and you will be sure to find many local gems.
What we loved about Florence
- A magical place for history and art lovers
- A very romantic city
- Fresh, locally sourced food and great wines
- Easily accessible city via the excellent Italian train system
- Lots and lots to do
What to bring
- Most importantly, bring comfortable shoes as you will do a lot of walking
- Bring stylish clothing as Florence is a fashion forward city
- Sunglasses are a must
- Bring sunscreen as well as there are many sunny days in Tuscany. We love this sunscreen.
Check out our list of travel essentials on what to take and how to maximize your packing.
In closing, while very busy and full of tourists most of the time, Florence is a city worth visiting at least once. Its history, art, fashion, and romance are hard to match.
Stay tuned for our specific recommendations on what to wear.
[All pictures taken by the Styled Traveler]
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