Florence
Known for its medieval and Renaissance art and architecture, Florence is the capital city of the Tuscany region of Italy. And you can be one of the millions of tourists who flock to its historic center. Get your student flight now and see why this place is marked as a gem of culture, art, and architecture and considered as one of the most beautiful in the world.
The birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci, Dante, Machiavelli and Michelangelo, Florence is famed for the Duomo with its Brunellechi’s cupola and marble-clad baptistery and the Piazza della Signoria with Bartolomeo Ammanati’s Fountain of Neptune (1563-1565). You’ll love to relax in the serene squares of Florence and visit its grand churches, monasteries, museums, galleries, and palaces. Must-see sites are the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, Santo Spirito Church, and the Ponte Vecchio. You can take in the beauty of Florence from the Duomo’s cupola, the Giotto Tower, Piazzale Michelangelo, or from the San Miniato Church. Florence has a humid subtropical climate so it can be hot and humid in summer and cool and damp in winter. However, the loveliness of this breathtaking city should more than make up for the sometimes less-than-desirable weather.
- Pictures |
- Things to do |
- Nightlife |
- Dining |
- Shopping |
- Travel tips
Florence Pictures
Things to do in Florence
You must of course walk to see the major tourist spots of this city known as the ‘cradle of the Renaissance’ and be sure to include all the sculpture of Donatello, Giambologna, Ammannati and Cellini. Stroll in the Boboli Gardens behind Pitti Palace for a great view of the city. Relax in a hilltop café then see street performers in front of the Palazzo Vecchio. You can also enjoy the view from Piazzale Michelangelo, a big square on the hill. Climb the Duomo or Campanale and go to Ponte Vecchio with its shops held up by stilts. Walk on Vasari’s elevated corridor to the Medici residence. What are you waiting for? Fly to Florence and see its many museums, medieval and Renaissance treasures and scenic wonders!
Nightlife in Florence
Florence is dotted with bars and clubs that cater to everything from Euro-techno to American hip-hop as the city hosts thousands of students studying abroad from the US and around the world every semester. For a great night in this spectacular city, try the popular bar at the Uffizi Museum that gives a great view overlooking the Piazza della Signora. Another place to try is the Irish pub at the Piazza Santa Maria Novella. If you love to splurge, then go to the Rivoire facing the Palazzo Vecchio. You can of course also decide to simply take a walking tour of the city at night.
Dining in Florence
You can get delicious Italian treats from take-out food stands or eat at fine restaurants found in the Santa Croce district. Try the Bistecca alla Florentina (t-bone steak), crostini (with Tuscan liver pate), gelato (similar to ice cream), cantucinni or biscotti de Prato dipped in Vin Santo –wine from late-harvested grapes. Get tasty pizzas from a caffe or rostesticcerie (deli). Florence is located near the heart of the Chianti region and fine wines are abundant here. The city is also home to the famous Florentine steak.
Shopping in Florence
Get souvenirs of Florence’s art and sights from shops outside of the historic center. Your best choices are books, leather goods, handcrafted journals, frames, and lovely Florentine paper. You can also get delightful gold jewelry or beaded jewelry made of Murano glass from artisans in the Oltrarno district.
Florence travel tips
- People in Florence speak Florentino, a dialect similar to standard Italian.
- Many of Florence’s major tourism spots are within relatively easy walking distance of each other.
- Florence is known for its tasty gelato (Italian ice cream) and biscotti de Prato, so be sure to try one or both during your visit!
Leave your response!