Florence, Italy, a Renaissance city in the heart of Tuscany, has some of Italy’s best museums, beautiful cathedrals and churches, and interesting streets and squares with elegant buildings and shops. Florence has some of the finest shopping in Europe. Leather goods, paper goods, and jewelry as well as nice souvenirs and art productions. Florence also has a number of open air markets selling food, clothing, & antiques.
When we travel, my husband and I enjoy the half day city sightseeing tours to get acquainted with a destination. However, rather than choose another tour for the afternoon, we enjoy getting to know the ambiance, local shops and people. After a visit to the Academy to see the famous Michaelangelo’s David as well as the artist’s numerous unfinished and fascinating sculptures, we went to the Arno River. The only bridge to survive World War II was the Ponte Vecchio and it is a must! It’s a short walk across the Arno with lovely little open air jewelers and other shops and when you arrive at the south end of the bridge, there are charming outdoor dining venues with incredible pasta. After relaxing over a leisurely lunch, walk just a few steps to the fabulous Pitti Palace. This was originally owned by a Pitti but is famous as the residence of the infamous Medici family. It’s a small art museum and the Boboli Gardens behind the museum are also well worth a look. Besides lush plantings, there are waterfalls, reflecting pools, sculptures and an amazing view of Florence itself as it is up on a hill. Great photo ops…
One of the most exciting things to do on any European vacation is to try new and delicious cuisine. Travelers who are planning a trip to Florence, Italy, this summer will have the opportunity to dine at exquisite restaurants, as the country is one of the food capitals of the world. Some popular dishes in Florence are bistecca alla fiorentina, risotto, ribollita, haricot beans, antipasti, panzanella, lampredotto & straccietella.
For sublime and classic Italian food, tourists may want to visit Taverna del Bronzino. The classy establishment is located in a facility that once belonged to Santi di Tito, who was a student of the painter Bronzino. Guests will enjoy the simple decor as well as the fantastic food, such as the fresh antipasti or the ravioli alla Senese, a pasta stuffed with ricotta and spinach and covered with creamy tomato sauce.
Another fabulous restaurant in Florence is La Giostra, which can be found in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The hip property has an amazing staff and even better food. Customers may want to order the taglierini con tartufo bianco – perfectly cooked pasta with white truffles. Guests who have a sweet tooth will enjoy the divine tiramisu or the Sacher torte as well. In addition, the eatery often switches up its menu, allowing visitors to try something new each time they come.
Wine: Tuscany produces some of the best wines in the world. Chianti, Brunello and Borollo are all excellent.
Things to Do in Florence
Piazzale Michelangelo
Piazza della Signoria
Academia Gallery
Duomo & Piazza del Duomo
The Basillica of San Miniato al Monte
Giotto’s Bell Tower
Centro Storico (historic center between Piazza San marco and Piazza Santa Maria Novella)
Uffizi Gallery
Palazzo Vecchio
Planning a trip to Italy? Read our blog on Choosing an Italy tour. If traveling in large crowds or being in a rush is how you picture a tour, then please read on, as there are lots of different trips to choose from including Leisure Style and small group vacations.
