Florence is a city small in size but rich in reputation. You don’t need a lot of time to cover the city, but the greatest testament to its prominence is the fact that travelers often return here because of the quality of its sights. Check out below for all you could possibly want in a city!
Take a free walking tour. Start your trip out with this and you’ll have all the background knowledge you need of Florence, its early days, and the Medici family. Check online for times, meeting locations, and other information. Just Google search “Free walking tour Florence.”
Mercato Centrale is a market for foods and goods. The prices for goods are negotiable so go in with your game face on and ready to bargain. Additionally, the Piazza San Lorenzo is a shopping plaza where you can buy Italian leather. If you’re dying for a pair of Italy shoes, this may be your spot.
Head to Piazzale Michelangelo for the sunset. It’s a bit of a walk and up some stairs, so make sure you’re up for that and have your walking shoes on before you start the trek. You’re likely to encounter a crowd as everyone clambers to see the city from this high point. Other popular spots to see Florence’s natural beauty: the Duomo and the Boboli Gardens. Both require tickets so plan ahead of time and book these to make sure you can go!
Look no further than I Fratellini, a hole-in-the-wall type of stall, where you order a sandwich and a glass of wine and eat while standing/sitting in the street. This place is not far from the Duomo and Piazza
Look no further than All’Antico Vinaio. This is a great panini shop that will undoubtedly have a line. Yet, if you’re going to eat a panini, this is the one you want. Afterward, head to Gelateria
Florence is often synonymous with Michelangelo’s famous David. He’s in the Accademia Gallery and he’s as grand as described. Just make sure you book a ticket in advance to avoid the thousands of other tourists trying to see him as well. The same goes for the Uffizi Gallery, another great art museum. Book online, save a few bucks, and
Ponte Vecchio is a spot to check out. This bridge spans the Arno River and has physical shops built onto it. This is by far one of the coolest bridges I spotted in all of Europe. There’s now a bridge modeled after it in Bath, England. Jewelers, art dealers, and souvenir sellers will attempt to sell you their goods as you walk along this bridge from one side of Florence to the other. The strange part? You’ll feel as though you aren’t even on a bridge and are merely walking along another shop filled street.
Florence won’t necessarily impress you with its size. It’s easily walkable from one end to the other in 20-25 minutes or so, but there’s a reason it’s on everyone list for favorite Italian pitstops. On your next trip, check out some of the above and experience one of the greatest European cities out there.
This is a guest post.
My name is Cindy, also rhymes with travel junkie. A friend said I was probably a gipsy in my previous life. One of my many secret missions in life is to convert you to run off every once in awhile.
