Florence Things to Do Tips by olgaehr

Piazza Giuseppe Poggi

Small plaza with a historic tower, serves as an entrance attraction to go up the hill to reach Piazza Michelangelo.

Florence Bridges Ponte Vecchio & Arno River Review

One of the best things to do in Florence is to walk along Arno river and cross the bridges, they all have unique views from each other and some of them have some interesting history posted.

At night Ponte Vechio changes colors, so go buy a bottle of Chianti and sit by the river and watch the show.

Fortress-palace Palazzo Vecchio Review

Fortress-palace overlooka the Piazza della Signoria with its copy of Michelangelo's David statue as well the gallery of statues.

The building acquired its current name when the Medici duke's residence was moved across the Arno to the former Palazzo Pitti.

Now it's a museum where you stroll halls and galleries of rich history

Gelato with a view Piazza della Signoria Review

Central plaza in Florence from where you can go to Ufizi, Palazzo Vecchio. There is a big beautiful fountain in the middle of it and on a side there is an covered area full of statues.

The plaza is full of restaurants, fast food places and souvenirs. Also there are a few wonderful gelato places, one of them was featured on Bon Appetite.

Lots of views Piazalle Michelangelo Review

The hike up the hill to Piazzale Michelangelo is a bit rough but there is another way on the other side which is not very hill, but you may get lost without the map or just end up in someone's villa with big dogs barking at you(like we did)

Once you reach the plaza there is a bronze copy of David is placed right in the center of the hill

But besides the statue there are just gorgeous views of the city, bridges, cathedrals and Tuscan hills. Lots of wonderful picture views.

Address: Piazelle Michelangelo

Directions: Take bus 12 or 13 (12 is faster) from the train station. Or cross the river and enjoy the 20 minute walk (followed by a steep stair climb) from the center of town.

Florence's old city gate

Nothing much left of the old gate which used to surround the city, but we found a piece left between Palazzo Pitti and Michelangelo's Piazza.

Right next to it is a wonderful deli and wine store, and the entire areas is very non touristy, so definitely worth checking out.

Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore Il Duomo - Santa Maria del Fiore Review

That is one landmark you cannot miss. One of the most impressive works in Florence still stands proud, and it looks even more gorgeous in person. People sure knew how to build back then. The ceiling of the Dome is just gorgeous, your neck will hurt from staring at all the details. And don't miss the crypt.

Boboli Gardens Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens Review

Once you are done with Palazzo Pitti, a walk in the gardens is a must. Depending on a weather on how much time you have, it may take you an hour or more. Main walk is up the hill through various gardens and statues, then of course there are other various paths around it.

Pitti Palace Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens Review

Palace's location is a short walk from the Ponte Vecchio. Originally owned by Luca Pitti, banker. Then sold to Medici family and became residence of the ruling families of of Tuscany. Contains great number of paintings, plates, jewellery annd luxurious possessions.

Get there early, because they do close sometime after 3 or 4 and it's better to avoid the lines. The ticket is sold either just for the palace visit or combined with the gardens, which I do recommend to see.

So much to see The Uffizi Gallery Review

Devote at least 3 hours for this museum, you will walk around one building and enter endless halls filled with various world famous paintings. Some of the original decorations in the building is art itself. Uffizi always has traveling galleries on the second floor. When we went there they had Leonardo Da Vinci works of art and science.

Highlights:
Leonardo da Vinci, Self-portrait and Leda and the swan
Playing Angel by Giovanni Rosso Fiorentino
Madonna del cardellino by Raphael
Portrait of a Man with the Medal of Cosimo de Medici by Sandro Botticelli
Bacchus by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio
La Primavera by Botticelli
The Birth of Venus by Botticelli
The Duke and Duchess of Urbino by Piero della Francesca
Annuncition
Ognissanti Madonna
Venus of Urbino
The Doges' Palace and Piazza San Marco, Venice by Canaletto

Address: City Center

Directions: next to Palazzo Vecchio