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FLORENCE
Florence is the capital of the Tuscany region of Italy.
And besides being the capital of this region, in our opinion it is absolutely the most beautiful city in Tuscany.
Florence is a city you simply must visit once. Florence really belongs on your Italy bucket list. You really don't want to miss this city on your trip through Italy.
Florence is a romantic and charming city. Almost all sights are located in the historic center of the city, which is even on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Florence is therefore a nice city to simply explore on foot. A city where you can stroll through the picturesque streets, along the nice shops, restaurants and terraces.
Since Florence is a fairly small city, 1 or 2 days is certainly enough to see the city and visit the most beautiful sights.
Read your complete travel guide below for a 2-day city break to Tuscany with the 13 best things to see and do during your trip.
Tuscany is one of the most beautiful regions of Italy. You drive here through the rolling, green hills of the picturesque village to the next beautiful and historic city.
The competition for the most beautiful city in Tuscany is fierce. And yet we say that Florence wins this title, because this time city is beautiful and what a nice and romantic atmosphere this city has. Florence is therefore a super destination for a city trip.
If you only have half a day or a day to discover Florence, you can see a lot of this city in Tuscany. But if you have the opportunity, we would definitely advise you to make it a 2-day city trip, because then you can really absorb that feeling of Florence.
We made a complete itinerary for a 2-day city trip, so you don't have to miss anything from beautiful Florence.
The first day in Florence is also the day that we visit all the main sights of this city. And because Florence is quite small, you can walk everywhere. Perfect to really take in the atmosphere of Florence.
We start the day in one of the most visited squares in Florence, Piazza della Repubblica.
This is a wonderful place to start the day with a coffee on one of the many terraces and to see all the activity on this square.
Do you get up very early? This square is definitely recommended to watch the sunrise. T
he main attraction on the square is the Colonna dell'Abbondanza. It stands on the spot where the Roman Forum in Florence once stood and is therefore an important landmark in the city.
COFFEE TIPS
There is nothing better than starting the day with a hot coffee. Piazza della Repubblica is a great place for this. Below our suggestions for coffee in Florence.
Caffe Concerto Paszkowski, a real classic Italian coffee with class
Address: Piazza della Repubblica, 6, 50123 Firenze FI, Italië
Caffè Gilli, Italian coffee with Italian pastries
Address: Via Roma, 1r, 50123 Firenze FI, Italië
If there's one thing you really shouldn't miss during a city trip to Florence, it's the Duomo di Firenze; the cathedral of Florence.
The built of this historical Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, has lasted more than 140 years. It is therefore an absolute work of art. The entire facade of this cathedral is made in different colors of marble. The colors white, green and pink are all reflected in the exterior of the cathedral. And when the sun shines on it from different angles in a day, the color of the Duomo di Firenze seems to slowly change color.
Duomo di Firenze is one of the largest cathedral in the world. A visit to this cathedral can therefore be called nothing less than impressive. You can visit Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore for free.
However, the highlight of this cathedral in Florence is the Dome on the roof. Duomi di Firenze is the cathedral with the largest dome in the world.
You can visit the top of this cathedral. That is a tough climb, because you have to climb no fewer than 460 steps. However, the view over Florence is more than worth it. In addition to the view, you can also admire the beautiful frescoes in this dome when you walk up.
So again if there is a sight in Florence that you really need to see and do, then in our opinion it is seeing and climbing the dome of Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore.
Don't get scared by those 466 steps as there are several platforms on the way up where you can take a rest.
Address Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italië
Giotto's bell tower is right next to the Duomo di Firenze. Like Florence's cathedral, the Duomo's bell tower is clad in white, pink and green marble. And just like with the cathedral, this marble also all comes from the Florence area.
Il Campanile di Giotto, the bell tower of Giotto, was built between 1334 and 1359. It was the life work of Giotto di Bondone. Unfortunately, the architect died in 1337, so he never got to see the result. But maybe that was just as well. The original design was in fact a tower of 122 meters with a sloping roof. However, the tower never got that high. The construction of Il Campanile di Giotto has stopped with 85 meters and got a flat roof.
Like the Duomo di Firenze, you can also climb Giotto's bell tower. From the top you have a view over the historic center of Florence, including the church of Santa Croce.
Address Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italië
Fontana del Porcellino is another popular Florence landmark. You can find this fountain at Mercato Nuovo,
which is also known as Mercato del Porcellino. Fontana del Porcellino is a fountain in the shape of a wild boar.
The fountain is based on a statue donated by Pope Pius V to Cosimo I. You can also admire this original statue in Florence's Uffizi Gallery.
This fountain brings with it two famous traditions.
The first tradition you can do at this fountain is to toss a coin. Throw a coin in the snout of the wild boar and let it slide down. When it lands in the grid below the statue, it means that luck is coming your way.
The second tradition is rubbing the snout of the wild boar to ensure that you will return to Florence one day.
Address: Piazza del Mercato Nuovo, 50123 Firenze FI, Italië
When you have visited Fontana del Porcellino you might as well visit Mercat Nuovo.
Mercat Nuovo is an open, but covered market; a learning market that is. It's the best place in Florence to buy a new bag or belt.
A few stalls also sell t-shirts and souvenirs. Mercat Nuovo is just a wonderful place to stroll through
6. Ponte Vecchio I Sunset in Florence
Ponte Vecchio is next to the Duomo di Firenze the most iconic landmark of Florence. This bridge is best known for all the shops that are built on the bridge and give the bridge its iconic look.
Ponte Vecchio was the first bridge to be built over the river, De Arno. This river runs right through Florence, which is why a bridge was built in 1218. The bridge that would later become the famous Ponte Vecchio.
The first Ponte Vecchio was destroyed by a flood. Ponte Vecchio was rebuilt in 1345 and that is the bridge you see now in Florence. ]
The shops on this bridge used to be used to sell food. Nowadays you will find all kinds of nice shops with souvenirs, jewelry and other trinkets.
You can visit Ponte Vecchio at any time of the day. But as far as we are concerned, the best time to visit this iconic bridge in Florence is in the evening during the sunset. It is also nice to stand on another bridge during the sunset and take a picture of Ponte Vecchio during the most beautiful time of the day, when the sky turns orange pink.
FOOD TIPS
La Fettunta, a traditional restaurant serving traditional Tuscan cuisine.
Address: Via dei Neri, 72r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italië
La Buchetta Food & Wine Restaurant, modern served food and wine
Address: Via dei Benci, 3, 50122 Firenze FI, Italië
Brandolino Firenze, beautiful dishes in a beautiful restaurant
Address: Piazza di Madonna degli Aldobrandini, 3R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italië
Il Vezzo, luxury dishes in a homely restaurant
Address: Via Guelfa, 58/R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italië
The second day in Florence is mainly devoted to enjoying the romantic atmosphere of Florence. We already visited the highlights of Florence on the first day. This second day is therefore a lot more relaxed. Do you want to see more of Tuscany? No problem, there is still more than enough to do. There are certainly a few more fun things to see and do in Florence.
If you are looking for the best view in Florence, Piazzale Michelangelo is number 1. From this place you have the best view of Florence and you can see all the major sights from above.
Piazzale Michelangelo is one of the most beautiful places to see the sunset in Florence. It can get busy here around this time.
Are you an early bird? Then you might be able to see the sun rise from this hill. The light and colors in Florence are just as magical, but it is a lot less crowded.
Piazzale Michelangelo is located on a hill. It is a steep climb to the top of about 30 minutes. You can also go up by bus.
Giardino delle Rose is a rose garden, at the foot of Piazzale Michelangelo.
When you've started the morning with the view over Florence, it's only a short walk to Giardino delle Rose. Giardino delle Rose was designed in 1865.This beautiful rose garden contains more than 400 different types of roses.
Giardino delle Rose is a nice place to get away from the city and enjoy some peace and quiet.
It is a nice place to walk through and you also have several beautiful views of Florence and the Duomo di Firenze from this garden. Haven't had breakfast yet? Then a picnic in Giardino delle Rose is a wonderful place to start the day.
Address: Viale Giuseppe Poggi, 2, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
The Uffizi Gallery is a historical museum in Florence. This museum opened its doors in the 16th century.
But the most special thing about the Uffizi Gallery is the museum's unique art collection. Here you will find works by Botticelli, Leonardo, Raffaello, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio. You can see all important Italian artists in this Museum.
One of the most spectacular works of art in this museum is by Boticelli; "the birth of Venus."
You can certainly spend a few hours in this museum. If you don't want to miss anything, you can consider booking a tour, which will take you along the highlights of the Uffizi Gallerij. However, don't linger too long in this museum, because there are more beautiful places in Florence that you don't want to miss.
Address: Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Firenze FI, Italië
Piazza della Signoria is a famous square in Florence and is located right behind the Uffizi Gallery. It is therefore a logical next stop on this second day of your Florence city trip.
On Piazza della Signoria you can admire some special works of art. The most special sight is the "Neptune" fountain, where a large sculpture of Neptune immediately catches the eye.
The equestrian monument of Cosimo is also a striking appearance on this square in Florence.
You will also find Palazzo Vecchio on this square. At the entrance of this building you will find another striking sculpture, namely a copy of the famous statue of Michelangelo's David. The original is in Galleria dell'Accademia.
There is also a museum in Palazzio Vecchio, which is definitely worth a visit. But there is more to see in this square.
Loggia dei Lanzi is a gallery, which was built in 1376. Today, in this open-air gallery you can admire some beautiful sculptures, such as the statue of Perseo holding the head of Medusa.
The Boboli gardens is definitely the most beautiful park in Florence. These gardens were created in the 16th century for the famous and wealthy Medici family. For two centuries this park was closed to the public and only available to this famous family in Florence. In the 18th century, the Boboli Gardens were also opened to the public.
The Boboli gardens certainly belongs to the list of most beautiful parks in Europe. There are numerous sculptures from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, including the famous Bathing Venus by Giambologna.
You will also find a theater, several fountains and even some caves.
Address: Piazza de' Pitti, 1, 50125 Firenze FI, Italië
The original Palazzo Pitti was built in the 15th century for Lucca Pitti.
Unfortunately, the house was not completed until after his death. The original building had only two floors with only 5 windows on each floor.
In 1550 the palace was sold to the Medici family and the palace was rebuilt into what it is today with the 3 floors and countless number of windows.
Nowadays Palazzo Pitti is also open to the public and you can also visit the interior of this impressive palace.
Address: Piazza de' Pitti, 1, 50125 Firenze FI, Italië
FOOD TIPS
GUSTARIUM, possibly the best pizzas of Florence
Address: Via dei Cimatori, 24r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italië
La Buchetta Food & Wine Restaurant, modern served food and wine
Address: Via dei Cimatori, 24r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italië
Golden View Firenze, dinner with the best view in Florence
Address: Via de' Bardi, 58/r, 50125 Firenze FI, Italië
Osteria Vecchio Vicolo, where the inside feels as outside
Address: Via Lambertesca, 16 R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italië
Basilica di Santa Croce Florence is a basilica full of funerary monuments in the center of Florence. There, this basilica is also called the most famous cemetery in Florence. Another nickname is the Pantheon of Florence.
Many famous Florentines are buried in this basilica, including Niccolò Machiavelli and the artist Vasari.
The most famous artist buried in this basilica is Michelangelo.
Basilica di Santa Croce Florence has no less than sixteen chapels, the most famous of which is Capella de Pazzi.
The basilica is located on Piazza Santa Croce. A square with even more sights, such as the Palazzo Cocchi-Serristori, a palace in Renaissance style.
Address: Piazza di Santa Croce, 16, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Florence has an international airport, where daily flights from various major cities in Europe land.
From the airport you can travel to the center of Florence by taxi or by tram.
Are you traveling by car in Italy? Then Florence is also a very nice city to visit by car, because this city is not as big and difficult to navigate as, for example, Milan or Rome.
Do you want to go to Florence by train? That is of course also possible. Florence has good train connections with all major cities in Italy.
Florence is a great destination to visit all year round. The fresh days in spring and autumn are the best for planning a city trip to Florence.
This way you avoid the hot days of summer and the bustle of mass tourism.
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