Licensed tour guide Sara Pallabazzar describes Florence as an “open-air museum” where you can experience “the enchantment of past centuries portrayed by works of art” everywhere you go. It’s also bustling with beauty in the form of frescoed chapels, cobblestoned piazzas, and a mix of stunning natural and manmade masterpieces. The birthplace of the Renaissance, the city is home to famous works by Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci, among other artists of the time.
There’s so much to see and do that it can be difficult to decide which places and activities to add to your itinerary. To help narrow it down, we asked Pallabazzar and a few other Florentine locals to share their ideas and recommendations for the best things to do on your next trip to Florence.
Top 5 Can’t Miss
Stroll through the historic city center during the day and in the evening to experience a different side of the city.Enjoy views of Florence alongside the locals from the top of the hill at Piazzale Michelangelo — or the nearby town of Fiesole.No trip to Firenze is complete without finding all the statues of David.Learn to make pasta in Italy and take your new skills home with you.Raise a glass to the negroni, a popular Italian cocktail that was created here in Florence.
Head to the historic city center.
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Pallabazzar recommends seeing the historic center of Florence at different times of the day. In the early morning, you’ll get to experience it “without noise and the pressing pace of crowds.” Midday brings droves of visitors, but the destination is “bathed in sunshine.” In the evening, “the lights of the street lamps stretch out over the Lungarni [the streets along the Arno River], creating a truly magical effect.”
See the city from Piazzale Michelangelo.
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“One of the best locations to watch Florence from the top hills is Piazzale Michelangelo,” says Ruggero Vannini, head concierge at Hotel Savoy Florence. But, he warns, it can be crowded. As an alternative, he suggests heading to the nearby town of Fiesole for a similar perspective.
Find all of the Davids.
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Travelers interested in art should plan out what Pallabazzar calls “the David experience.” This begins with the Piazza della Signoria to see the replica of Michelangelo’s David, followed by Museo Nazionale del Bargello (The Bargello Museum), where the bronze Davids by Verrocchio and Donatello are housed. Finally, she says, you’ll reach the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze (Accademia Gallery) and Michelangelo’s David, a figure “celebrated by Renaissance artists” and one “that reminds us of lost Florentine freedom.”
Sign up for a pasta-making class.
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When in Italy, right? Anyone fascinated by the culinary side of Florence will enjoy learning classic recipes and pasta-making techniques in person. Check out Pasta Class Florence for hands-on courses.
Cheers over Negronis.
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This city is the birthplace of the Negroni, so sipping one (or two) is a must. In fact, “[enjoying an] aperitivo at sunset with a view” is at the top of the list of the best things to do in Florence for Adriano Pecoraro, head concierge at Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, Florence.
Visit the Uffizi Gallery.
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Paying a visit to the Uffizi Gallery “is a great way to comprehend the genius and the importance of the Medici family, and why Florentines are so proud of their history,” says Pecoraro. “[It’s a] treasure chest of beauty that preserves works of art from the late 1200s to the Baroque, along with an amazing collection of marble groups from the classical period,” adds Pallabazzar, who leads guided trips through Tours by Locals. Famous works inside the Uffizi Gallery include Titian’s “Venus of Urbino” and Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” and “Primavera.”
Discover the work of Florentine artisans.
“Florence is world-renowned for its high-end craftsmanship, manufacturing know-how, and creativity,” says Pecoraro. “The art of handcraft and the ability of creation is what made Florence shine in Europe during [the] Renaissance.” To provide travelers with a deeper understanding of these manual traditions, Villa San Michele offers “The Art of Making” tour, where guests can uncover lesser-known Florentine creations such as jewelry, bow ties, eyewear, crystalware, hats, artisanal perfumery, and pottery.
Check into one of the city’s most opulent hotels.
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After a long day of sightseeing, you’ll want to return to a luxurious, comfortable, and far-from-minimalist room — you are in Florence, after all. In our 2023 “World’s Best Awards” survey, T+L readers voted The St. Regis Florence; Helvetia & Bristol Firenze; Hotel Savoy, a Rocco Forte Hotel; Four Seasons Hotel Firenze; and Brunelleschi Hotel as the top five properties in the city.
Enjoy a bistecca alla Fiorentina.
Massimiliano (Max) Musto, general manager of the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, describes the bistecca alla Fiorentina as a “mouthwatering T-bone steak cooked over an open flame, seasoned with just a touch of olive oil, salt, and pepper.” The dish was recommended by several of our experts; Pallabazzar suggests making a restaurant reservation in advance if you’re dreaming of eating a massive Florentine steak. “Real steak is not to be found in the city, or displayed in plain sight in the store window,” she says. “You need to go to the countryside, to Greve in Chianti, for example, or Lastra a Signa.”
See Michelangelo’s work inside the Medici Chapels.
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The Medici Chapels are part of the San Lorenzo complex — where you’ll also find the Basilica of San Lorenzo — and the burial ground for the members of the Medici family. Michelangelo’s influence is ever-present, as he worked on the mausoleum, the New Sacristy, before leaving for Rome in 1534.
Dine at a local trattoria.
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“Dining at one of the many Florentine trattorias is the best way to dive into a timeless local social experience,” says Pecoraro. To get you started, he recommends Buca Lapi, Trattoria Cammillo, and Trattoria 13 Gobbi.
Visit Museo di San Marco.
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This still-functioning monastery was designed by architect Michelozzo in the 15th century. Today, visitors come to Museo di San Marco to see the frescoes and panels by Fra Angelico, as well as its courtyard, cloisters, palazzo, and garden.
Climb Brunelleschi’s dome.
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Florence Cathedral (or Duomo) is comprised of six separate parts, two of which are the cathedral itself — formerly known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore — and Brunelleschi’s dome. “One cannot help but tackle the 463 steps to reach the lantern at the top of Brunelleschi’s dome,” says Pallabazzar. From here, climbers “enjoy a breathtaking view of Florence’s rooftops.”
View Ponte Vecchio from the water.
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Translated as “Old Bridge,” Ponte Vecchio is one of the most well-known images associated with Florence. To get a picture-perfect moment, head out on the river Arno. “A unique way to have a sense of the city as a whole is to navigate the Arno river in a typical wooden boat guided by the ‘Renaioli,’ romantically sliding their boats under the city’s most famous and ancient bridges,” says Musto.
Venture into the Oltrarno district.
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“If you want to discover an alternative Florence, tour the Oltrarno district, the area on the left bank of the Arno river,” says Vannini. Here, he says, “an atmosphere of the old neighborhood” is preserved. Some of the more famous sites within the district are Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens, and the Bardini Garden.
Stroll through the Bardini and Boboli Gardens.
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Florentine art and architecture also extend to the city’s green spaces and gardens. Behind the Pitti Palace, you’ll find Boboli Gardens, which Vannini describes as “one of the largest and most elegant Italian-style gardens.” The Bardini Garden is also on his must-do list, as it “offers wonderful views of Florence from its four hectares of parkland between the left bank of the Arno River, Montecuccoli Hill, and the medieval wall,” says Vannini.
Make your own perfume at AquaFlor Firenze.
If you want a special souvenir you can use and appreciate long after you’ve left Italy, register for a session at AquaFlor Firenze. Located in a historic Renaissance palace, the 60-90-minute class allows guests to create their own signature scent and take it home in a 100-milliliter bottle.
Leave the city on a bicycle or Vespa.
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At some point during your trip, Pecoraro suggests journeying to the outskirts of the city, either by bike or scooter. “From Fiesole to Settignano to Maiano, from Forte Belvedere to Poggio Imperiale to Castello — these areas hide incredible treasures, such as ancient charming villas, inspiring historical gardens, vineyard scenarios, and a profound sense of poetry and love.”
Have a glass of Chianti Classico.
According to Pallabazzar, there’s one red you absolutely need to try when in Florence. “Chianti Classico is different from regular Chianti, as it is made from grapes that grow in sandier soils, which makes it lighter than the regular,” she says. “The flavor is strong and robust, and the ruby color [is] very well suited to meats and cured meats.”
Walk through Corridoio Vasariano.
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“Imagine strolling above the bustling streets of Florence on a hidden passage that was built for royalty,” says Musto. Referring to Corridoio Vasariano, he explains that the “architectural marvel” offers a “glimpse into the past as you tread the same path that once connected the Medici rulers to their offices and residence.” Though closed to the public since 2016, you can still gain entry with a special ticket through the Uffizi Gallery.
Make a stop at Palazzo Vecchio.
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The town hall of Florence, the Palazzo Vecchio is an amazing example of Renaissance architecture. Statues by Donatello, Michelangelo, and Giorgio Vasari dot the exterior, and the interior is equally incredible. Inside, you’ll see the private studio of Francesco I de’ Medici and the largest room in Florence, the “Salone dei Cinquecento,” among other wonders.
Have a lampredotto for lunch.
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Besides the Florentine steak, Vannini says you can’t miss the panino al lampredotto, which “is more than just a simple street food — it’s an institution,” he insists. “Eating a lampredotto panino means having a genuine experience with Florentine sauce (literally). It is a dish that embodies the spirit of the city — and more generally, that of Tuscany — in food form.”
Visit Basilica di Santa Croce.
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Many famous names, including Michelangelo and Galileo, now rest in the Basilica di Santa Croce, also known as the “Pantheon of Florence.” Of the 16 chapels inside, the Capella de Pazzi, credited to Brunelleschi, is the most famous.
Taste dishes that combine bread and tomatoes.
Pappa al pomodoro and panzanella are two tomato and bread-based Tuscan dishes to try during your trip. Pallabazzar calls the latter a “recovery salad,” one made with soaked (then squeezed) bread, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pappa al pomodoro, on the other hand, is more of a tomato and bread soup. “Made with simple ingredients such as ripe tomatoes, stale bread, olive oil, garlic, and fresh basil, this dish beautifully captures the essence of Italian comfort food,” says Musto. “It’s a flavorful choice, especially on a cooler day.”
End your day with gelato.
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There’s nothing better than a cold treat after a day exploring the streets, art, and buildings of Florence. Pallabazzar recommends Vivoli or Antica Gelateria Fiorentina in Via Faenza, “where you can still taste Buontalenti, a [flavor] invented for the Medici.”
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Publish date : 2024-07-22 05:48:45
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