Things To Do
Piazza del Duomo
The Duomo of Florence, Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral or Florence Cathedral (in Italian: Duomo di Firenze) is the episcopal seat of the archdiocese of the city of Florence. It is one of the greatest masterpieces of Gothic art and the first Italian Renaissance. This Florentine cathedral is one of the largest churches in Christianity with its 160 m in length, 43 m wide and 90 m in the transverse nave. The interior height of the dome is 100 m. It is also a symbol of the wealth and power of the Tuscan capital during the 13th and 14th centuries. Its name derives from the lily, the symbol of Florence and the ancient name of the town called Fiorenza. Today, the Florence Cathedral can be surpassed in size only by the Basilica of St. Peter in Vatican City, St. Paul's Cathedral in London, the Cathedral of Seville and the Cathedral of Milan. However in its time, this cathedral was the largest in Europe, with a capacity for 30,000 people.
Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence
The Santa Croce has become known as the Pantheon of Florence. This is because the church contains many tombs and funerary monuments of famous Florentines. For example, you will find the grave of political leader Niccolò Machiavelli, but also of scientist Galileo Galilei.
Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) is a medieval stone closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge over the Arno River, in Florence, Italy. The only bridge in Florence spared from destruction during the Second World War, it is noted for the shops built along it; building shops on such bridges was once a common practice. Butchers, tanners, and farmers initially occupied the shops; the present tenants are jewelers, art dealers, and souvenir sellers. The Ponte Vecchio's two neighboring bridges are the Ponte Santa Trinita and the Ponte alle Grazie.
Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is considered the most important Italian museum and one of the most beautiful art collections in the world. It is home to masterpieces by some of the greatest artists of all time, including Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael, among others. The Gallery entirely occupies the first and second floors of the large building constructed between 1560 and 1580 and designed by Giorgio Vasari. It is famous worldwide for its outstanding collections of ancient sculptures and paintings (from the Middle Ages to the Modern period).
Accademia Gallery
The Accademia Gallery is famous around the world for the colossal Michelangelo masterpiece, the Statue of David.
The Boboli Gardens
The Boboli Gardens is a historical park of the city of Florence that was opened to the public in 1766. Originally designed for the Medici, it represents one of the first and most important examples of the Italian garden, which later served as inspiration for many European courts. The large green area is a real open-air museum with statues of various styles and periods, ancient and Renaissance that are distributed throughout the garden. It also has large fountains and caves, among them the splendid Buontalenti grotto built by the artist, architect, and sculptor Bernardo Buontalenti between 1536 and 1608.
Piazzale Michelangelo
Michelangelo's square or better known in Italian as Piazzale Michelangelo is one of the best viewpoints in Florence, it is the most famous observation point to appreciate the panorama of the city
Pino's Sandwiches - Salumeria Verdi
My absolute favorite sandwhich shop in Florence. Pino (the owner) always makes your sandwich with a smile on his face. He is the nicest and most welcoming man who will make you feel right at home. With that being said, Pino's became one of my favorite spots for comfort food when I studied in Florence in 2016. The Turkey Pesto sandwhich is my go to. The pesto taste like it was made by God himself. A must try!
La Ménagère
La Ménagère is simultaneously a breakfast spot, a tapas and cocktail bar, a flower shop, a café, a housewares store, and a restaurant. They have great lattes and small bites.
Beppa Fioraia
La Beppa Fioraia is one of my favorite restaurants in Florence. The restaurant is tucked away on a side street near Piazzale Michelangelo. Getting there requires a bit of a hike but I promise it's worth it. They have amazing food, a beautiful garden, and a cozy ambiance.
Ristorante La Spada
I use to eat here often with my roommates when i studied abroad in Florence. Its a quiet and charming restaurant that is frequented by the locals. The lasagna is to die for but they are best known for their quality meats.
Golden View Firenze
Great food and amazing views! Ask to be seated outside to enjoy the beautiful view of the Ponte Vecchio.
Il Pizzaiuolo
A very small but charming pizzeria. If you're in the mood for perfect, delicious, wood-fired pizza you have to come here!!
Pizzeria Ristorante I Tarocchi
Pizzeria Ristorante I Tarocchi is known for their incredible gnocchi. Although, their gnocchi is great, it's their spicy sausage pizza that always keeps me coming back. An overall great restaurant with friendly staff.
Antica Porchetteria Granieri 1916
Ask them to add the crispy skin in the sandwich.
Osteria Pastella
Osteria Pastella is known for their truffle pasta. They bring out a cheese wheel and cook your pasta in front of you. Reservations are recommended.