In Italy, it’s hard not to fall head over heels for its stunning scenery, food, and cities bursting with history. That’s why, at IATI Travel Insurance, we’re excited to recommend exploring all the wonders Florence has to offer – it’s one of Italy’s most beautiful cities and the birthplace of the Renaissance.
What to do in Florence
- Visit the Duomo and marvel at its dome. It took 170 years to build, mainly due to the dome’s complexity. The dome is the cathedral’s true gem, so be sure to go up and get a closer look.
- Climb Giotto’s Bell Tower (Campanile di Giotto) for incredible views. This bell tower rises over 80 meters high, and you’ll need to conquer 414 steps to reach the top. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but the effort is well worth it.
- Take a leisurely walk around the Baptistery and discover the Gates of Paradise, a celebrated Renaissance masterpiece.
- Explore the vast Santa Croce Basilica, the world’s largest Catholic and Franciscan church. It’s located in charming Piazza Santa Croce and can get quite lively on warm summer evenings.
- Marvel at the Uffizi Gallery, home to the world’s finest collection of Renaissance paintings. Consider a guided tour to immerse yourself in the Medici family’s artistic legacy, as they entrusted these treasures to Florence with the condition that they remain in the city.
- Don’t miss a stroll across the iconic Ponte Vecchio. It’s a must in Florence, not only for its impressive architecture but also for the many jewellery shops on both sides of the bridge.
- In the past, the shops that now display luxury goods were once meat and fish markets. When the Vasari Corridor was built over the bridge, connecting the Pitti Palace to the Vecchio, they aimed to enhance the bridge’s status and banned the sale of animals.
- Explore Florence’s largest building, the Pitti Palace. Similar to the Uffizi, this palace was owned by the Medici family, and some of their art collections are on display inside. This complex includes five museums and the expansive Boboli Gardens.
- Capture a photo of Michelangelo’s original David at the Galleria dell’Accademia. The marvel of this five-meter-tall sculpture is that the artist sculpted it using only a chisel.
Another fun activity in Florence is hunting for replicas of this sculpture. You can find one in Piazza della Signoria and another in Piazzale Michelangelo.
- Visit Piazza della Signoria, Florence’s historic square. Throughout history, it has been a central place for public buildings and gatherings, including festivals, protests, and even executions. In this square, you’ll discover two of Florence’s most famous landmarks: the Palazzo Vecchio and the Loggia della Signoria.
- The former was built as the city’s government seat and still serves that purpose today. The Loggia is an open-air area adorned with sculptures from the Medici collection.
- When considering what to do in Florence, be sure to spend an evening witnessing the sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo. It offers the city’s best views, and the sunset ambience is truly unmatched. While it can get crowded with tourists, the magic remains undiminished – there’s enough space for everyone!
What to Eat in Florence:
- Enjoy Bistecca alla Fiorentina with a Fine Chianti Wine: Bistecca is a thick, juicy beef steak grilled to perfection. It’s a treat for meat enthusiasts, typically weighing around a kilogram and served rarely. Chianti wine, on the other hand, is one of Tuscany’s and the world’s most prestigious red wines.
- Experience a Traditional Italian “Aperitivo”: While in Florence, take a stroll through Oltrarno’s charming streets, explore its quaint bookshops, and soak in the lively market atmosphere before sunset. “Aperitivo” is Italy’s version of after-work drinks. Leave your work behind, order an Aperol Spritz cocktail, and savour a buffet of delicious Italian dishes. Can you think of a better way to spend your late afternoon?
- Indulge in Italian Gelato: When in Italy, indulging in gelato is a must. In Florence, we recommend trying Vivoli for classic gelato flavours. Alternatively, at Cantina del Gelato, you’ll discover more adventurous options like Gorgonzola cheese and walnut or goat cheese flavours.
Can you think of anything else to do in Florence that we shouldn’t miss? Use the hashtag #iatiworldwide in your photos and share with us! We can’t wait to see pictures of one of the most beautiful and artistic cities in Europe!
