Florence is a city that feels like a living museum, yet it is so much more than just a collection of gorgeous structures and great artworks. Florence is located in the heart of Tuscany and is a destination where history, art, gastronomy, architecture, and daily Italian life come together in a manner that few other towns can. Often named the home of the Renaissance, the city has been inspiring artists, poets, explorers, and dreamers for ages. Whether you’re in Florence for a weekend or several weeks, there’s something remarkable around almost every turn.
The historic heart of the city is rather small and walkable. It is one of the great delights of Florence. Instead of hours on public transportation, travelers can walk through little alleyways, cross magnificent bridges, and travel from one monument to another at a leisurely pace. A great place to walk your dog, if you bring him, because Italians love dogs. The city urges you to slow down and see the details: colorful shutters, carved stone doors, flower-filled balconies, and tiny cafés nestled away in quiet squares.
The ideal site to start a visit is Piazza del Duomo, home of Florence’s majestic cathedral, known formally as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Dominating the skyline is its colossal dome, constructed by Filippo Brunelleschi. The dome, built in the fifteenth century, was a remarkable feat of engineering and is still one of Florence’s most identifiable emblems. The outside of the cathedral is just as stunning, with its elaborate patterns of green, pink, and white marble.
The ascent of the many steps to the summit of Brunelleschi’s Dome is a challenge for visitors, but the payoff is stunning views over the red rooftops of Florence and the surrounding Tuscan hills. The climb can be tough but it’s worth it for the shifting view within the dome. Another wonderful vantage is Giotto’s Bell Tower, which offers a good view of the cathedral itself, and a panorama of the city.
And Florence is home to some of the world’s most important art collections. The Uffizi Gallery is probably the most famous museum of the city. It holds works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael and Caravaggio. The gallery is home to Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus" and "Primavera", its most famous paintings. Standing before these paintings is a remarkable experience, particularly when you consider how groundbreaking they were when they were initially painted.
Definitely another must see is the Accademia Gallery. It houses one of the world's most famous statues, Michelangelo's "David". The statue, which was carved from a single block of marble, depicts the Biblical figure David before his fight with Goliath. Amazing in size, detail and sensation of movement. Photographs of “David” are ubiquitous, but photography cannot replicate the intimacy of witnessing the sculpture in person.
Florence’s cultural past is intertwined with the Medici family, affluent bankers and political leaders who patronized painters, architects, and scholars. Their influence is visible throughout the city, especially in the magnificence of the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, the Pitti Palace and the Medici Chapels. The family worked to make Florence a cultural and intellectual hub and helped to create the conditions in which the Renaissance could flourish.
For a change of pace, travelers may cross the Arno River on the Ponte Vecchio. This historic medieval bridge is dotted with jewelry shops and has a unique covered walkway above, which was utilized by the Medici family to quietly commute between their homes and offices of government. The bridge might be busy during the day but is especially attractive at early morning or sunset when the river reflects the warm hues of the surrounding buildings.
On the other side of the river is the Oltrarno district, with its artisan workshops, local restaurants, and a more easygoing vibe. Oltrarno frequently feels more residential and more real than the busiest portions of the historical center. Visitors can visit the beautiful Pitti Palace and meander through the Boboli Gardens, a huge historic garden with fountains, statues, terraces and covered paths.
Sampling the food is a must if you’re visiting Florence. Tuscan food is all about using fresh, uncomplicated ingredients, not complex preparation. Local dishes include ribollita, a thick soup with bread and vegetables, pappa al pomodoro, a warm tomato and bread dish, and bistecca alla fiorentina, a thick grilled T-bone steak served rare. Florence is also famed for its gelato, and experiencing the many varieties offered by a tiny gelateria is one of the most delightful rituals of the city.
The markets of Florence are also well worth a visit. Mercato Centrale is a vibrant indoor food hall where guests may taste pasta, cured meats, cheeses, pastries and regional wines. The adjacent San Lorenzo Market is a favorite spot to explore for leather goods, scarves, souvenirs and handmade items. “When you’re shopping, remember that quality can vary. Take time to look closely at items and compare prices.”
The city is especially lovely in the evenings. Florence grows quieter as the throng start to fade. The buildings are lit and musicians are playing in the public squares and restaurants are buzzing with the hum of discussion. A walk along the Arno at nite might be quite silent. For one of the best views, head up to Piazzale Michelangelo, a piazza in the hills that overlooks the city. From here the cathedral dome, Palazzo Vecchio tower and Ponte Vecchio make for a stunning skyline.
Florence is also a great base from which to explore Tuscany. Visitors can make quick excursions to vineyards, olive orchards, ancient hill villages and historic sites like as Siena, Lucca and Pisa. The countryside around Florence gives another view of the region, with its undulating hills, cypress-lined lanes and stone farmhouses. A short drive outside the city can give dimension to a visit.
When to go to Florence? The best time to visit Florence depends on you. Spring and early fall are generally pleasant and scenic, but busy. Summer provides long days and busy streets but also hot temperatures and big crowds. Winter is also quieter and frequently less expensive, so it’s a nice time for travelers who wish to spend more time in museums and cafés.
Florence’s biggest draw is not simply the world-famous sights but the fact that its past is still part of everyday living. A Renaissance palace might be next to a modern bookstore; a centuries-old church might share a street with a family-run diner. The past is never far away, but the city is still dynamic and lived in.
Florence leaves a lasting impression, whether you visit for the art, the architecture, the food, or the mood. It is a city that rewards inquiry and patience, a place that asks you to look intently, to walk slowly, to find beauty in both great masterpieces and in everyday moments. Each street in Florence appears to have a tale to tell and each visit is another way to hear it. Great place to stay healthy and active, but of course also a great place to exercise your beautiful dog. :)