Florence was my favorite place in Italy…the art, the food, the shopping! Even though it had tourists bursting at the seams, I really felt a sense of the local life while in Florence. Maybe it was because we stayed a bit out of the city’s center or ate mainly where the locals eat? I’m not quite sure. Florence really knows how to get on a person’s good side and once you are gone it beckons you to come back for more! If I had to describe Florence in one word it would be, ROMANTIC!
-Duomo
The most breathtaking views of Florence can be seen by several places in the city, the top of the Duomo is one of them! While climbing the 463 steps to reach the top, you’ll also get another amazing view, an up-close and personal look at Giorgio Vasari’s frescoes of The Last Judgement mostly painted by Frederico Zuccari.
Tip: Purchasing the Firenze Card saved us hours in line, however, you still have to get a ticket print out for this venue and it is located in a different building. Read your pass info thoroughly;-)
-Uffizi Gallery
This museum is famous for housing many world renown artists. I knew I was finally going to lay eyes on famous paintings like the Birth of Venus and La Primavera by Sandro Botticelli. What I didn’t know, however, was that in one of the nearby rooms, I would see the very sculpture that inspired the woman in his painting, Birth of Venus. There is also an amazing view of the Arno River and the Ponte Vecchio Bridge from inside the museum.
Tip: Purchase tickets ahead of time to avoid long lines, you might consider purchasing the Firenze Card if you plan on visiting many of the museums and attractions while in Florence.
-Boboli Gardens
These beautiful gardens are located behind Piti Palace and is a perfect place to roam, relax, or maybe even have a picnic. Don’t miss out on visiting the fragrant rose garden located at the top and very edge of the property. It was beautiful and has a wonderful panoramic view of country hills and Italian villas. It felt like a scene right out of Alice in Wonderland…tea party, anyone?
-Pizzeria Gattabuia
Best pizza we had in Italy! Great little restaurant located a bit out of the town center. We ate there twice and encountered friendly service and a mostly local environment.
-Hotel David
I wouldn’t know how to compare this hotel with others in Florence, but I will say it was the most friendly, welcoming, and charming hotel we stayed in on our Italy tour! This hotel had an impeccable staff, complimentary wine and appetizers daily, and a free mini bar! Can’t wait to stay there again! For more hotel details vist their site…Hotel David.
This was just a taste of what Florence has to offer! For more venues and details about my trip click on the following links…
Celebrating in Italy part 1
Celebrating in Italy part 2
Celebrating in Italy part 3
Have you been to Florence? Any favorites?
What a lovely place! I was there in the nineties but I must go back.
Yes, you must! So must I, haha! Florence is one of those special places that stays with you forever!
Omg so beautiful! Ever since I played Assassin’s Creed II (which is set in Italy. The beginning of the story was set in Florence), visiting Florence in Italy is my lifetime dream. Sigh~
Oh, Rinneth! I hope you fulfill your dream to visit Florence soon!! I think we all have a few places like that on our list that we long to see…I have too many to mention;-) Thanks for reading!
Stunning! I have ancestors from Italy and have always wanted to travel there. I’m hoping to make that dream come true in a few years!
Thank you, Anya! I also hope you make it there one day soon to explore your family’s heritage and make your dream come true! Thanks for reading:-)
Beautiful!! And I love your tips & tricks! I just got back from Greece and am hoping to make it to Italy soon!
Thanks so much…I hope my tips help other travelers! I have learned so much about particular destinations by reading blogs:-)
Oh, GREECE!!! That is one of my top dream destinations to visit!!! I can’t wait to go. I’m guessing you had the most wonderful time:-)
I have fond memories of Florence. Reading your post took me back to that wonderful place rich with culture, art, amazing food and great people. Thanks for sharing!
Rafael, one of the things I love about travel blogging is that, in a way, I get to re-live my travel experiences! Florence is my favorite Italian city, so far:-) Thanks for reading!!
Ahh, I’ve always wanted to go to Florence! Your post has made me want to visit there even more now! Thank you for sharing 🙂
You are welcome! I hope you can visit Florence soon! Thanks for reading, Harriet:-)
What a charming city! We stayed just outside of the central area, where the locals lived, and were able to get immersed in the true Italian culture..so much fun! This is also where I got fussed out by an old Italian lady and learned you could not touch the fruit and veggies, lol! Ah, such great memories 😉
Haha! I remember that story…thanks to you, I didn’t repeat the same mistake;-) Who knew Italians would be so picky about their produce, lol! Staying where the locals live is a great way to experience the culture any where you travel to. Thanks for your continued support, your comments are always so sweet and encouraging:-)