Things to do in FLorence
There are so many things to do in Florence Italy that you need a few days in the city. Florence, considered to be a city that is rich in history, culture, and architecture. It is the Capital City of Tuscany, Italy, and its foremost attraction are their unsurpassed collection of Art work housed in museums and galleries.
The sights that will be significant will be centuries old cathedrals, art galleries, the Architectural designs of the buildings and the leather market that also sells almost everything, including food. Florence should be on an Italy Itinerary.
The best advice when you go to Florence is to stop and stay a while. A few things you should do in Florence are book tickets to galleries in advance. Take a tour of Florence with Walks of Italy is my preferred company, (You can read my full Walks of Italy review here) and fall in love with the art displays and the city.
10 Things To do in Florence
Make time for a Gelato everyday– Florence has the most delicious gelato in the whole of Italy and is actually famous for it. The best way to know a place is through their food and eating a gelato, whether a scoop or two or three as long as you make it a ritual during your stay in Florence. There are a lot of flavors to choose from and eating a different flavor every day will be a good start. It is one of the best things to do when visiting Florence!
Visit Il Duomo Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore – This is a huge edifice that represents true Gothic Renaissance architecture. You have to pay it to get in, but the view from the dome of the Duomo will be worth it. You will see Florence at your feet and at the same time get a glimpse of Giotto’s Campanile or Bell Tower. It is one of the best things to do in Florence Italy.
Take a stroll in Ponte Vecchio –This is a bridge that has been built during the medieval times that have survived the centuries. The Arno River passes under it, and the bridge has shops that sell gold and silver jewelry of very fine craftsmanship.
Climb the Campanile –This Bell Tower is designed by Giotto, one of Florence’s and Italy’s foremost painters. The tower could allow you a wonderful view of Florence and Duomo, seen from a different perspective.
Chill out at the Plaza Della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio- This is the heart of Florence and an open sculpture gallery as well. A copy of the famous Michelangelo by David is displayed, and the Palazzo has public and private rooms that are luxuriously decorated and open for public view. Cafes and restaurants dot the plaza and a good place to chill out. This is the most popular things to do in Florence Italy. For more check out my entire list of things to do in Florence.
Share a table at Trattoria Mario –This is a famous trattoria, not only with tourists but with locals as well. It is advised to get a seat you must be in by lunch. No dining done by your lonesome like dining here means that you have to share your table.
Uffizi Gallery – Florence’s most popular gallery that houses all the best art of the Renaissance era. The queue is long, and if you are on a limited visit, it would be best to have advance bookings. This gallery is a must visit place in the stunning works of the master Renaissance painters.
Buy leather goods at Scuola del Cuoio – Italian leather is famous for its high-quality designs that are hand tooled. In Scuola del Cuoio, fantastic leather products from belts, purses and bags are available. It may be a bit pricey, but the quality of the leather and craftsmanship is worth it.
Visit Il Porcellino in Mercato Nuevo – Il Porcellino is a statue of a boar that stands in Mercato Nuevo. It is believed that if you rub his snout it will bring good luck and bring you back to Florence as well. Il Porcellino’s shiny bright snout can attest to the fact that all who visit Florence believe in the legend.
Enjoy free music from the Piazzas – Italians are passionate about their life, art. Loves, food, and music. Fine weather can bring all these amateur and gifted musicians to the piazzas to play their music. It’s free so enjoy.
These are just a few awesome things to do in Florence Italy. Backpacking Italy is a fantastic experience and one favorite countries to visit when backpacking Europe.