"Firenze! Firenze! You must go to Firenze!" - says Miss Lavish, Judi Dench’s character in her 1985 film "A Room with a View," and we all must obey. Firenze here means Florence, as the Florentines lovingly call it. Florence is a nuanced concoction of art, culture, history, and good food. There are a lot of things to see and do in Florence, whether you are an artist, writer, thinker, connoisseur of Italian delicacies, or just someone with a taste for finer things in life.
Top Things to Do in Florence
- Art Calling
- Uffizi Gallery
- Accademia Gallery
- Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens
- Through the Lanes of History
- Florence Cathedral (Duomo)
- Ponte Vecchio
- Culinary Chronicles
- Traditional Tuscan Cuisine
- Food Markets
Art Calling
Florence is home to some of the most intriguing and captivating art galleries and museums in the entire Europe. Visiting these exhibits of Renaissance creativity and treasury of human history can be one of the most exciting things to do in Florence, Italy. So make sure your Italy tour package is designed to explore all these important places. Here are some of the most prominent art galleries and museums that are must-visit things in Florence.
Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery, built between 1560 and 1580 by Giorgio Vasari, houses an impressive collection of over 2,000 paintings by some of the most renowned artists in the world. Visitors can admire masterpieces by artists such as Caravaggio, Botticelli, Leonardo Da Vinci, Rafaello, and Michelangelo, among others. The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most popular things to see in Florence. People from all over the world are drawn with awe and admiration for Renaissance sculptures and paintings. You may want to book in advance to avoid a last-minute rush.
Accademia Gallery
The very first thing to do in Florence is to meet David. A Renaissance masterpiece, David, was created by Michelangelo from 1501 to 1504. David, the magnificent marble sculpture created by Michelangelo, stands as a timeless masterpiece, showcasing the artist's unparalleled skill and artistry. If you are in Florence, The Accademia Gallery is an essential stop on your itinerary, offering the unmissable opportunity to admire the iconic sculpture of David. Apart from David, you may want to take a look at the other sculptures by Michelangelo, namely Prisoners, Saint Matthew, etc. Then, you can witness the majesty of Abduction of a Sabine Woman by Giambologna. If you are a true art aficionado, The Accademia Gallery is the most important thing to see in Florence.
Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens
Here, the art meets grandeur. The Pitti Palace is a grand Renaissance palace in Florence, Italy. Initially built for banker Luca Pitti in the 15th century, The Pitti Palace later became the residence of the powerful Medici family. Today, it houses multiple museums and art galleries showcasing works by masters like Raphael and Titian. The Boboli Gardens, adjacent to the Pitti Palace, are renowned for their formal Italian design, featuring manicured lawns, fountains, statues, and grottoes. These 16th-century gardens were developed for the Medici family and remain a stunning example of landscape architecture. The Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens are amongst the most popular things to visit in Florence if you wish to witness the magnificence of Italian art and outdoor activities.
Through the Lanes of History
Florence is primarily famous for its rich history and cultural heritage. The architecture throughout the city is a mark of the Renaissance era, which makes visiting Florence, Italy, the top to-do thing for enthusiasts of history and cultural aficionados alike.
Florence Cathedral (Duomo)
Florence Cathedral, also known as the Duomo or Santa Maria del Fiore, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a symbol of Florence, Italy. Its construction began in the late 13th century and featured a stunning dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, which was an engineering genius of its time. The Duomo is one of the most interesting things to visit in Florence. Its stunning facade, intricate frescoes, and breathtaking views from the top of the dome all make it a remarkable visit. Once at the top, you can enjoy a panoramic vista of Florence, offering a unique and beautiful perspective of the city. The Duomo's historical significance and architectural brilliance make it a must-visit landmark.
Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and avid souvenir collectors. This iconic medieval bridge in Florence, Italy, is famous for its charming arches and lively shops. Built in the 14th century, it stands as Florence's oldest bridge, spanning the Arno River. If you're looking for things to see and do in Florence, a visit to the Ponte Vecchio offers the perfect opportunity to peruse the goldsmith shops that adorn the bridge and savour breathtaking views of the river and the city.
Culinary Chronicles
Tuscan food is globally known for its simple yet refined taste, use of fresh and high-quality ingredients, and strong, bold flavours. Trying the traditional dishes would be a soul-enriching thing to do in Florence, Italy.
Traditional Tuscan Cuisine
No excursion is complete without savouring the authentic cuisine and trying out the traditional Tuscan cuisine, which is amongst the best things to do in Florence. If you are in Florence, Italy, the best thing to do would be to indulge in ribollita, a wholesome vegetable and bread soup; bistecca alla Fiorentina, a thick, juicy T-bone steak; and pappardelle al cinghiale, which consists of wide pasta with a rich and savoury wild boar sauce. Additionally, do not miss out on the opportunity to enjoy the unsalted and crunchy Tuscan bread, which pairs exquisitely with local olive oil and pecorino cheese. Trying the best foods in Italy would be the most fulfilling thing to do in Florence, Italy.
Food Markets
Here, the most incredible thing to do in Florence is visit one of its iconic food markets. Florence boasts vibrant food markets such as the Mercato Centrale and Sant'Ambrogio Market, which are essential activities to do in Florence for any food enthusiast. These markets offer a wide array of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and local delicacies, providing an authentic taste of Tuscan flavours. When you visit these markets, you get to experience the local culture, traditional Italian food items, and the very simple and community-oriented daily life. The atmosphere is lively. You get to shop for authentic ingredients and handmade goods. It's a delightful experience that leaves you wanting for nothing more!
When you are done with all the aforementioned things to do and see in Florence, Italy, take a moment to sit by the serene Arno River and watch the colours of the sunset reflect off the water. Embrace the relaxed and unhurried pace of life in Florence. Florence boasts a very simplistic and relaxed life, which is ideal for you if you are in Florence for a vacation. What better way to unwind than to do it the Florentine way?
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