Art, fashion, historical landmarks, and beautiful landscapes – I was sure Florence, Italy, would offer everything I look for when traveling, and I was right.
It’s a city that truly has it all – a place where you can wander through centuries of history, indulge in delicious Tuscan cuisine, and maybe even have your own “Under the Tuscan Sun” moment (minus the whole buying-a-villa-and-finding-love-with-a-local thing, but hey, I’m not judging).
My time spent there was just perfect, so for those looking to travel and wanting to know the top things to see in Florence, Italy, read on. I’ve got some great experiences to share that’s enough to fill a gondola.
Must See Places in Florence for Art and Vibes
Florence is a living museum. There’s art and rich history everywhere, and I lost count of how many hours I spent just wandering around. I could probably spend every day in Florence the whole year and still find an interesting place or street to explore.
Uffizi Gallery
My first stop was the Uffizi galleries, and if your main goal when visiting Florence is art, you just have to be there.
The place is packed with masterpieces from the Renaissance period, including iconic works by Sandro Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael. They’ve got the who’s who of Renaissance, basically.
Once I was inside, I grabbed a map just so I could plan how I’d go around. The Uffizi is huge, with multiple floors and countless rooms, so it’s easy to get overwhelmed. I decided to prioritize the big names, of course, and started with Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus.”
I was lost for words because it was just stunning. Its depiction of the goddess Venus on the sea on a large shell gave me the impression of serenity and natural beauty. I stood in front of it for I don’t know how long. I can’t help but take a look at how the wind embraces Venus’ golden hair.
But I had to move on and see more art like Michelangelo’s “Doni Tondo” with the Holy Family, Leonardo da Vinci’s “Annunciation,” and Raphael’s “Madonna of the Goldfinch.” By the end of my visit, my feet were aching, and my head was spinning with all the art I’d seen. But it was worth every minute.
Accademia Gallery
I had to see David in person, so I made sure my trip included my visit to the Accademia Gallery.
For this, I made sure to book my tickets online even before I got to Florence and chose the one with a skip-the-line guided tour.
Trust me, it’s worth the extra few euros to bypass the crowds and get straight to the good stuff. I also learned a lot from the guide, especially about Michelangelo’s unfinished sculptures.
Then, of course, David. I remember the guide talking about the symbolism behind the statue, like David’s calm yet determined expression. That’s something I never really pondered before seeing it in real life.
Other Places for Art and Culture
Aside from those two main attractions, I also visited the Palazzo Pitti.
It’s a massive Renaissance palace now with five museums that were once home to the Medici family – a powerful and influential dynasty that dominated the political, economic, and cultural life of Florence and other parts of Europe.
Palazzo Pitti has the Gallery of Modern Art and the Museum of Costume and Fashion. The latter houses a collection of clothing and accessories from the 18th century to the present day. It also has stage costumes worn by famous movie, theatre, and opera stars.
Then I also got to visit the Bargello Museum, which I think is a lesser-known place. I wonder why because the place was full of a remarkable collection of Renaissance sculptures, including those from Donatello and Michelangelo.
I also saw art from Verrocchio and Ghiberti, Giambologna and Cellini, and even terracotta sculptures by the Della Robbia family. The museum also has historical artifacts like weapons, seals, and fabrics. It’s a must-visit for a deeper dive into Italy’s rich culture and history.
Must Visit Places in Florence for Foodies
When in Italy, you should only ever eat Italian food. Well, at least that’s my rule. I know Italian restaurants are everywhere, but the food in Italy is still… different. I don’t know why, but it’s probably the herbs or how real Italians cook them.
Trattorias and Osterias for Authentic Flavors
My first trattoria experience was at Trattoria Dall’Oste, which specializes in steak. Their menu was nice because it was very specific about what goes into the steak you’d order. There are also drawings of how lean or fatty a specific steak cut is.
I ordered a Filetto (beef tenderloin) with gorgonzola cheese sauce and walnuts. Nothing beats Italy’s beef and cheese sauce, so combining them for a single dish was divine. I enjoyed it with a refreshing Spritz cocktail.
Now, if you’re planning on something casual and budget-friendly but still want the authentic Italian flavors that trattorias can give, Osteria Vecchio Cancello is a good spot. I visited this just a little over the lunch hour. It was a cozy place that looked fancy, but honestly, everything looked fancy in Florence anyway.
I ordered a Tagliata di Scottona con funghi porcini, which was sliced beef with porcini mushrooms (€24). The beef was tender and perfectly matched the earthiness of the mushrooms. It was the herbs that truly made that meal phenomenal.
Mercato Centrale
If you want to experience more food and culture, you should also drop by the Mercato Centrale at the San Lorenzo Market. They have good food, for sure, but it’s the experience that you can get here.
This is also great for those looking to bring home some authentic Italian flavors like truffle oil and aged balsamic vinegar. There were plenty of stalls here for fresh produce, but I can’t really buy some and take them home. They’d get spoiled, so I figured the best way to enjoy local produce was by ordering a sandwich from one of the stalls.
I had a creamy Lampredotto sandwich (€4) from a stall called Nerbone. Apparently, it’s a local favorite that’s been serving up this traditional Florentine street food for over a century. The sandwich, made with slow-cooked tripe (don’t knock it till you try it!), was surprisingly delicious, with a rich and savory flavor.
Rooftop Bars
For sunsets and a nice drink, rooftop bars are the way to go. I found La Terraza at Hotel Continentale. The hotel was posh, so before I got to the rooftop, I thought it was going to be a fancy bar, but the atmosphere was just relaxed.
There were couch seatings at the edge of the building, and I sat on one spot. It had a nice view of the Arno River. I was there for the sunset, but their choice of unique cocktails was what truly impressed me.
I ordered some Basil Instinct (tequila with basil syrup), Salty Smoke (Laphroaig with caramel syrup), and Botanical Spritz (Chinato, Strega liqueur, and prosecco). I saw more interesting choices, but I didn’t want to wake up the next day with a hangover.
Florence, Italy Attractions That Won’t Cost You Much
Many are probably quick to assume that it’s expensive to visit Florence, but it doesn’t have to be. There are plenty of budget-friendly places for food and accommodation, and if you really want to save up, you can just wander the streets and enjoy the view and architecture of the city.
Oltrarno Neighborhood
The Oltrarno neighborhood, located across the Arno River, is like stepping into a different world. It’s a charming area with a bohemian vibe, where artisan workshops, vintage shops, and local trattorias line the narrow streets.
I spent an afternoon there, getting delightfully lost in this maze of creativity and culinary delights. I just remember thinking about how romantic the neighborhood looked like. It gave off a lot of Under the Tuscan Sun vibes.
Boboli Gardens
The Boboli Gardens, tucked away behind the grandeur of Palazzo Pitti, are a hidden gem that’s often overlooked by tourists. But trust me, this place is worth a visit. It’s a sprawling oasis of manicured lawns, fountains, and sculptures, all set against the backdrop of the majestic palace.
This was where I felt like I was in the Renaissance period, but to be honest, some of the spots here gave me some spooky vibes. I mean, those shadowy corners and hidden passageways? They were practically begging for a ghost story or two.
Still, it was a blissful afternoon. In addition to enjoying the serene gardens, I also found some grottoes, climbed to the top of a hill for panoramic city views, and stumbled upon a “hidden” amphitheater with other guests.
Falling for Florence: Why You Need to Visit
Florence lived up to the hype and all I can think about is how stunning the whole city and experience was. I feel like it’s a place that truly captures the essence of Italy.
All sorts of travelers will have a great time here. If you’re into art, the galleries and museums are everywhere. I’d even go as far as saying that Florence’s streets are art themselves. You won’t have to spend so much just to enjoy and bask in the city’s charm.
For sure, Florence will stay with me even after leaving its cobblestone streets. I only spent a few days here, but I can’t wait to experience more of its art, food, and maybe the night scene.
Top Things to Do in Florence, Italy – FAQs
Is Florence Solo-Traveler-Friendly?
Yes, it’s a city that’s solo traveler-friendly. It’s easy to navigate, with plenty of public transportation options and walkable streets. The city’s compact size makes it convenient to explore on foot, and there are many friendly locals and fellow travelers to meet.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Florence?
To fully experience Florence, I’d say you should book a stay of 3 to 4 days. This should be enough time to explore the main attractions, enjoy the local cuisine, and take in the city’s rich cultural heritage. Then maybe take an extra slow day enjoying hours at a cafe.
Is Florence a Good Destination for Families?
Yes, Florence is a family-friendly destination with plenty of activities for all ages. Families can enjoy interactive museums, outdoor parks, and fun activities like cooking classes and gelato-making workshops.
