Trip to Tuscany: 6 things you absolutely must do in Florence
If you fancy a vacation overseas, to fly to a country rich in history and art where you can savor good food and lose yourself among architectural wonders, then Italy is the ideal destination for you.
It is home to some of the most beautiful cities in the world, where every street has a story to tell. Among the many Italian destinations worth a visit is Tuscany, with Florence representing all its beauties perfectly.
We will then see what are the 6 things you absolutely must do once you arrive in the city.
Accomodate in a hotel in the city center
In order to get the perfect start to your vacation in Florence, it is important to choose the right accommodation. It is not often that you fly to Italy, and sleeping in the heart of this historic city can be an experience not to be missed. It is important to set aside time for travel arrangements to look for a hotel in the center of town, within walking distance of the iconic monuments of the Tuscan capital.A great idea would be to book one of the near Duomo suites in Florence, so you can have the main attractions at your fingertips, experience the city at its best and enjoy a privileged view.
Climb Brunelleschi's Dome
One of the must-sees in Florence is Brunelleschi's Dome at Santa Maria del Fiore. It is one of the most spectacular parts of the Duomo, whose construction by Filippo Brunelleschi opened the door to the Italian Renaissance.
It is one of the symbols of Florence, the third largest dome in Europe from which you can enjoy an enchanting view. To get to the top you will have to climb 463 steps. Then all you have to do is enjoy the spectacle.
Getting lost in the Uffizi and other museums
The Uffizi is one of the best-known art galleries not only in Florence, but also in Italy and throughout the world. Here you will find unique masterpieces bearing the signatures of great artists such as Botticelli, Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael and so many others.
Besides the Uffizi, there are also other attractions that you should not miss, regardless of whether you are an art connoisseur or not. One of them is the Accademia Gallery, where Michelangelo's statue of David is kept in all its majesty.
Also to be put on the to-do-list are the Medici Chapels, Palazzo Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti.
Luxury shopping
If you are a fan of luxury shopping, you will find an unforgettable experience in Florence. The best luxury boutiques can be found along the streets of the center, the main ones of which are:
Via Tornabuoni, where you can come across high fashion and jewelry stores such as Gucci, Versace, Roberto Cavalli, Tiffany & Co or Cartier;
Via dei Calzaiuoli, one of the most glamorous streets where you can find Chanel and Sisley stores.
But that's not all. You can find handicrafts in the Oltrarno district, and jewelry and luxury watches along the stores that line Ponte Vecchio.
Tasting gelato
Traveling to Italy means having the opportunity to try one of the world-renowned delicacies: gelato. Whether it is summer or winter it doesn't matter, here ice cream is enjoyed all year round, at any time of the day. You could get one in one of the oldest gelaterias in the city, and stop to enjoy the moment in Piazza della Signoria, among the most beautiful places in the city.
Alternatively, you could find good ice cream and also other local specialties at the Mercato Centrale, a place frequented by locals, where you can have an authentic and unforgettable gastronomic experience.
Catching the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo
And to best end your trip to Florence, you can take an evocative sunset photo from one of the city's most striking panoramic points. We are talking about Piazzale Michelangelo, a terrace from which you can admire the whole city, catching a glimpse of the skyline with Santa Maria del Fiore and Palazzo Vecchio across the Arno River.
This is the perfect place to say goodbye to Florence during one of the most poetic moments of the day, when the golden hour makes the view magical.