Florence has three things: Great food, renaissance art, and the best architecture in Italy. It also has the world’s best con artists, we’ll get to that later. This is definitely a city with a ton to see and do.
Piazza della Repubblica
There are many squares in Florence, but Piazza della Repubblica is my favorite. What used to be a Jewish ghetto was restored into this lively square outlined by ornately carved buildings and the triumphal arch. The inscription at the top reads “The ancient centre of the city, restored from age-old squalor to new life.” Giubbe Rosse Cafe has been a meeting place for artists and writers throughout history.
Getting there…
If you can avoid it, don’t drive into Florence. Italian drivers are some of the worlds most challenging to deal with on the road. Florence traffic is worse than all of Italy combined into one city. Driving here is absolute chaos. Car rentals in Italy are extremely affordable, even last minute.
Take Me to Church…
This church, formally Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, but known to many as Il Duomo, is impossible to miss in Florence. Architect Brunelleschi’s ambition proved successful when he built the massive dome many thought was not possible.
The Dome: If you’re not comfortable with tight spaces then it isn’t for you. A set of narrow halls and 463 steps allows you to see the dome up close and personal.
Crypt of Santa Reparata: Archaeological remains of the first cathedral as well as the tomb of Brunelleschi.
St John’s Baptistery: You can’t miss the gorgeous bronze doors on this octagonal building built in front of the church for baptisms.
Campanile: Giotto’s bell tower also quite the climb with 414 steps gives you a panoramic view of the city at the top.
Museo dell’Opera del Duomo: Museum containing hundreds of works of art, architecture, and sculpture. Work by Michaelangelo and Donatello are housed here.
Entry: You can buy an all access ticket for the cathedral museum, bell tower, baptistery and Santa Reparata for 20€.
High Above the City…
Another hike! Florence may be full of them, but each one is worth it. Yes, there are more stairs. Luckily though, these are open, wide stairs with local musicians serenading you on the way to the top. Your reward at the end is an amazing panoramic view of the whole city.
Fun fact: There are several statues of David. Piazzale Michaelangelo is one of those places with its statue in the center of the piazza.
Mangia…
We stopped at Trattoria Nerone which appeared to be a small restaurant on a side street for lunch. Once inside, it was actually very large sprawling deep into the building. The decor was so unique and bold with all different kinds of chairs at each table. And of course, the Pizza was delicious.
Galleria dell’Accademia
If art is your thing and you have to see the David (even though there is also one outside in the piazza), then you’ll need to visit the Galleria dell’Accademia. There are also hundreds of other sculptures to see by other famous artists as well.
Firenze Card
If you’re going to visit several museums while in Florence then you’ll want to invest in the Firenze card. Includes one entry to 60+ museums per person per card. Valid for 72 hours from time of purchase.
Firenze Card: 85€
Firenze+: 92€ includes unlimited ATAF/Linea bus and tram access.
Piazza della Signoria
This lively square is full of sculptures to see, the Fountain of Neptune, and Uffizi gallery. You’ll find a David statue in front of the Palazzo Vecchio that is now a replica but was the location of the original statue.
