Exploring Tuscany’s gems: best things to do in Florence

This was my second visit to Florence. Both were off the season but the number of tourists exploring Florence all year is enormous. Maybe because it’s a small and cozy city with uncountable attractions. Walking through Florence is like walking in history, walking through the masterpieces of sculpture and architecture. Here are my recommendations for the best things to do in Florence.

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The amazing churches of Florence

If you are used to enjoying art in museums, Florence churches will surprise you. There are few must-visit churches that hold not only the finest work of art of the most famous Renaissance artists, but they are also a resting place for many famous painters and sculptors of the period.

The largest building in whole Tuscany (4th largest church in Italy, incl. Vatican City and 11th in the world) Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (eng. Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower) stands massive in the very center of the city. The dome of the Cathedral can be seen from any higher place in and out of the city. The dome is not less impressive from the inside than it is from the outside. The representation of The Last Judgement was painted by Giorgio Vasari and other artists.

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Next to the Cathedral, there is Giotto’s bell tower, 414 stairs to the top, and all Florence’s old town is under your feet.

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There is one special church in Florence that I would visit again and again. It is the Basilica of Santa Croce. The building is full of beautiful art and paintings. In addition to that, it is a resting place for some famous Italy’s artists and scientists like Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, Rossini, and many more. Next to the Basilica, the monument of Dante Alighieri stands tall, as Dante was originally Florentine, but is buried in Ravenna.

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The first church that meets every visitor to Florence is the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella. Located near the train station, it is the oldest Basilica in Florence and holds really old and important frescoes and other significant pieces of art.

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A walk through the outdoor museum

The final goal of every stroll in the city probably is the famous bridge, Ponte Vecchio. The bridge is famous for the shops of jewelers, art dealers, and souvenir sellers as well as its final construction dates to the 14th century. This is the only bridge that wasn’t destroyed during the war. Expect massive amounts of tourists on the bridge.

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My personal favorite in Florence is Piazza Della Signoria with Palazzo Vecchio. This is the old square of Florence where now you can find perfect replicas’ of famous sculptures – David, Fountain of Neptune, Perseus with the Head of Medusa, and others. The palace itself is still the main building for politics in the city.

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Piazzale Michelangelo is a bit further away from the city but the views from this place are astonishing. This is the best place to observe the city center. It’s beautiful, it’s free and it’s a bit of way up, so prepare for some exercise.

Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens can also be a great place to visit, not only to pass by. Palazzo Pitti is an enormous Renaissance palace historically owned by the famous bankers of Florence – Pittis, and Medicis. Next to the Palazzo Pitti, there is a historical garden – Boboli. It’s not just a public garden – there is much more art, like statues, inside, so there is a small entrance fee.

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Take the other bridge to come back from other side of Arno – Ponte Santa Trinita. Not only it provides the best views of Ponte Vecchio from another side, but it also continues with a higher end fashion street – via de Tornabuoni. A great place to (window)shop.

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For luck, find a statue of Il Porcellino, it’s the bronze fountain of a boar that is located in mini-market near the Ponte Vecchio. Place a coin in his mouth and rub his nose. This should bring the luck.

The best peaces of art in the world are among the things to do in Florence

Italy is famous for its world-known art galleries. And at least the two of the most famous are located in Florence.

The Ufizzi gallery is one of the world-famous galleries, holding many famous pieces of art. It is full of paintings such as Ognissanti Madonna by Giotto, Madonna and Child, Coronation of the Virgin by Fra Filippo Lippi, Primavera, The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli: Primavera, The Birth of Venus, The Holy Family by Michelangelo, The Annunciation by Leonardo da Vinci, Madonna of the Goldfinch, Portrait of Leo X by Raphael, Self-portraits by Rembrandt and many more masterpieces.

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For a different angle of art, more of sculptures, rather than paintings the Academy Gallery is in Florence. Yes, it is the place where the famous Michelangelo David is placed. Initially, the massive statue of David was standing at the Piazza Della Signoria and was transferred to the Gallery by placing a smaller copy instead. And despite David being the peak of the Gallery, there is more special artwork there. Academy Gallery is full of unfinished sculptures of Michelangelo which are also different pieces of art. Amazing!

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Eating your way in Florence

Florence is really famous for its leather goods, like purses, backpacks, jackets, etc. Actually, parts of the Florence streets have a strong smell of leather due to the small or big markets here and there.

Mercato Centrale, the Central Market of Florence is a must on every visit to Florence. This is not only the place for the Florence type textile, leather goods and jewelry but also a place to buy super fresh and tasty groceries or have a unique lunch experience. You have to taste “Italian burgers” (nobody calls them like that, only me, it’s more like a sandwich). The place “Il Lampredotto” is where you will experience the tastiest sandwich of your life. The meat is the fourth and final stomach of a cow, slow-cooked with onion, parsley, and celery. Bon appetit!

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There is one more special Florentine dessert – biscotti with vin santo. Vin santo is a sweet wine from the region. You have to dip biscotti in the vine, the combination is a bit unexpected but tasty indeed.

Continuing the food story, there is an amazing place to dine in Florence – Trattoria dall’Oste CUCINA TOSCANA. It is famous for the best steaks in the city. Take a place close to the fireplace – you’ll see how your steak is made.

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For more gourmet experience, please check my photo diaries in The journey of tastes through Italy. No day in Italy ends without a wonderful gelatto. Cheers and follow more Postcardstoriesblog.com adventures to come!

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