Florence is the capital city of Tuscany, Italy’s top wine region. It’s a stunning and unique city that feels completely different than any other city in Europe. This city has it all. It has incredible, unique and beautiful atmosphere, top restaurants, great wine, distinct culture, cuisine, and some of the best museums and art in the world. After all, this is the birthplace of the Renaissance and the former home of Leonardo Da’Vinci.
Where to Stay in Florence
We stayed at the Family Apartments Palazzo Salviati. These apartments are extremely nice and in the absolute perfect location. They are more Airbnb style than they are hotels. There is no front desk or maid service. But, the authenticity of being in your own apartment in this stunning building with balcony windows over looking the street is just too good to pass up. The beds were comfortable, the air conditioning worked well and the bathrooms were very nice.
Other Places to Stay in Florence
If price is no concern, check out these luxury hotels:
If you’re simply looking for a nice hotel to stay at with a reasonable price, check out these hotels:
Alfieri Signature Suites – Alfieri Collezione
Things to Do in Florence
Visit the Duomo di Firenze
The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore) is better known simply as The Duomo, in reference to it’s stunning dome structure that you can see from all over the city.
This was the largest dome in the world until 1881. You can take the 463 steps it takes to climb to the top of the lantern which will bring you to the highest point in Florence and provide you with a great view. If that hasn’t exhausted you and you want a great view of the Dome itself, head to the adjacent bell tower (Giotto’s Campanile), and you’ll get the best view of the Duomo in the city.
On the same ticket you must visit the Opera Duomo Museum where you will see the “Doors of Paradise” as well as some incredible masterpieces from Renaissance artists like Donatello, Michelangelo and Verrocchio.
Check out the Piazza della Signoria
A stunning piazza with an outdoor museum of marble sculptures and other works of art. You’ll also find Neptune’s Fountain, a copy of the Statue of David, Da’Vinci’s Tree of Life Polygon sculpture and a dozen or so cafes and restaurants.
Visit the Uffizi Gallery
This is the worlds premiere collection of Renaissance artwork. Famous for Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus,” but the museum has literally thousands of other iconic works that you’ve undoubtedly seen photos of throughout your life. The 16th century building that houses these works is itself architecturally mesmerizing and beautiful.
Admire the Statue of David
The Galleria dell’Accademia is home to Michelangelo’s most famous work of art. There are more historically significant pieces of Renaissance art in this museum than you’d expect to find in most cities.
Eat Truffles
Florence is known for its truffles. If you love truffles, you will be in heaven in Florence. There are so many truffles in this region that they seem to throw them on everything. And, not just a bit of truffle flavor or truffle oil. You’ll be treated to hefty portions of shaved truffles on anything you order with truffles. These are the best, freshest truffles you’ll ever eat. Pretty much every restaurant has something truffle related on its menu, but these are some of our favorite spots that we went to:
Degusteria Italiana – They have a full on truffle tasting menu. If you love truffles this is a must stop. Just make sure to have reservations made well in advance. There’s limited seating and they fill up fast.
Mangiafoco Osteria Tartuferia – We ate at this place twice in one weekend the truffle pasta dishes were do good.
Osteria Santo Spirito – Known for their truffle gnocchis, this dish forms new religions.
Acqua Al 2 – A phenomenal truffle ravioli
‘Il Tartufo Luciano Savini’ – The truffle stand at Florences Central Market where you can get quite possibly one of the best truffle pasta dishes on earth.
Take a Day Trip to the Vineyards of Tuscany
We took the 4 winery Chianti and Super Tuscan tour. This was an amazing tour led by an incredibly knowledgable level-3 Sommelier. We visited some of the most incredible wineries imaginable, full of some of the friendliest people you’d ever like to eat. The lady at the first vineyard was one of the most delightful people I’ve ever encountered. I could have sat there and kicked my feet up and chatted with her all day.
Some other great tours to check out can be found HERE, HERE and HERE
Giardino Boboli and Giardino Bardini
These two gardens, outside of Florence’s city center, are popular spots to escape the city and enjoy their gorgeous flowers and open green spaces. Most tourists visit Boboli, but if you venture a bit further and get to Bardini you’ll be treated to even more gardens to walk through and almost none of the tourists. If you visit Giardino Bardini in April you’ll get to see the magnificent purple wisteria in full bloom.
Leather Shops
Florence is known for being the leather capital of Italy. If you’re looking for leather jackets, belts, shoes, wallets, purses and pretty much anything leather you’ll find some great items at the leather shops that line pretty much every street in town. Bring some extra room in your suitcase to bring some great clothing home with you,
A couple great places to shop if you’re looking for something specific is Massimo Leather, Pelletteria Artigiana Viviani and Scuola del Cuoio
Ponte Vecchio
Florence’s most famous bridge. Spanning the river Arno, the Ponte Vecchio is built with shops on either side of the bridge. The bridge has been functioning in it’s current state since as early as 996 AD.
Corridoio Vasariano
The Vasari Corridor was originally constructed to serve as a private walkway for Cosimo de Medici from the Palazzo Pitti to the Palazzo Vecchio. This helped high ranking Firenze officials to traverse the city in the 1500s while not having to interact with the general population. Starting at the Palazzo Vecchio, the enclosed corridor stretches alongside the Arno River, then crosses the river over the Ponte Vecchio and continues on to the Palazzo Pitti.
Palazzo Vecchio
This famous building in the Piazza Signoria has served as Florence’s city hall and before that a residence for the Medici family for hundreds of years. Right next to the Uffizi Gallery, this small museum and former palace, often has much less lines than the more famous Uffizi. Here you can see Dante’s death mask and take a tour that leads you through the secret passages built into the palace. Make sure you climb the tower during your visit. On the way up to the top, you’ll be able to see the prison cells where the famous Savonarola was kept before he was executed down in the piazza in front of the building.
Do a Wine Tasting
Don’t want to take a full day trip to the Tuscan Vineyards, but still want to taste their wine? Check out this wine tasting in Florence.
Check out Archea Brewery
Tired of wine, check out Florence’s very own craft brewery, Archea Brewery.
Other Fun Activities in Florence
Best Restaurants in Florence
Best Bars in Florence
Best Cafés, Gelatos and Cheese Shops
More Photos Below…
