Located in the heart of Tuscany, the beautiful city of Florence is a treasure trove of art, history, and gorgeous architecture. With its cobbled streets and awe-inspiring sights, it’s no wonder that it beguiles anyone that has the pleasure of setting foot there. As a travel blogger, I was lucky enough to experience it firsthand, and I am beyond excited to share my highlights, tips, and personal stories with you.Traveling with my wife from Rome it was about an hour train ride.
Florence’s Crowning Jewel: The Duomo by Brunelleschi
No visit to Florence is complete without stopping by the iconic Duomo, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. This magnificent dome graces the city’s skyline, dominating the landscape with its grandiose size and intricate details. Be sure to make reservations in advance if you want to explore the inside of the Duomo, as the lines can get quite long. If you go anytime in the summer it will be nearly impossible to get inside without purchasing tickets in advance. You can also climb up to the top of the dome if time permits and your legs hold out. There is an elevator for an additional $2.50.
Quick and Easy Travel from Rome to Florence
You can easily reach Florence from Rome by taking the Trenitalia train, which offers a comfortable, smooth, and efficient ride. As an added bonus, this high-speed train lets you soak in the picturesque Italian countryside along the way. You will also pass through Pisa for an additional treat if you want to visit the famed Leaning Tower of Pisa. This deserves at least a half day or more and ideally you should set aside another day if possible. If you are coming from a distance, the Amerigo Vespucci Airport is only around two and a half miles from the city center.
Galleria dell’Accademia: Home to the Statue of David
One of the main draws of Florence is the Galleria dell’Accademia, housing the famous statue of David by Michelangelo. This awe-inspiring seventeen foot work of art is joined by an impressive collection of other masterpieces, making this gallery a must-visit on anyone’s Italian itinerary. Make sure to get tickets in advance to avoid those lengthy lines! Adult admission is around $13.00 for adults. You can get these at accademia-tickets.com or GetYourGuide.com. Founded in 1784, the museum holds a large collection of Florentine artists from 1300 to 1600. Another short walk to the Uffizi gallery is well worth it to see Renaissance masterpieces of Michaelangelo, daVinci, Botticelli’s, Birth of Venus and Caravaggio!
A Stroll Across the Ponte Vecchio
While in Florence, pay a visit to the Ponte Vecchio – the oldest bridge on the Arno River. Rich with history, this vibrant bridge is lined with cozy shops and offers a unique vantage point to snap some truly Instagram-worthy shots. This has been standing since the fourteenth century.
Tasty Detours: Don’t Miss Out on the Local Cuisine
When you’re done exploring the city’s breathtaking attractions, take the time to indulge in some local favorites. After all, what trip to Italy would be complete without a Margherita pizza and a scoop (or two) of mouthwatering gelato? I can still taste the incredible flavors as I write this! You can get a single pizza for around $10, and a gelato for $3.00 to $5.00 if you want to large. Expect to pay $25-$35 for a sit down dinner of pasta and some wonderful red wine from the region. Don’t be surprised by some of the charges for sitting down at a table, we paid another $4:00-5.00 for just getting a table. Most of the locals do not tip.
Share Your Own Florence Stories!
I hope my Florence adventure has inspired you to add this Renaissance gem to your travel bucket list. If you’ve already visited or have any travel tips and recommendations for exploring Florence, please share your stories and advice in the comments section below. I can’t wait to hear about your experiences in this awe-inspiring city! By far, this is one of the high points of anywhere in the world.