Overview of Florence
When it comes to traveling to Italy, one of the top destination choices is Florence. This capital city of the Tuscan region is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, and for many good reasons. This UNESCO World Heritage Site welcomes millions of tourists, both local and foreign, to its doors, giving them a glimpse of what the city has to offer in terms of art, architecture, cuisine, fashion, and culture.
The Duomo in Florence Italy
When you come to Florence, you will marvel at everything you see, hear, feel, taste, and experience here. The beauty of the Renaissance period is perfectly captured by the many buildings and artworks found within its borders. From museums, to palaces, to churches, to streets, you will see traces of the past still perfectly preserved here, it will seem like you were transported to that era.
Where to Go and What to See
With such a lot to see and to go to, Florence will never lack for interesting places for you to visit and marvelous sights for you to see. Here is just a sneak peek at what the city has to offer:
Uffizi Gallery – This is probably one of the most popular art galleries in all of Italy, with an extensive collection of Italian Renaissance Art that spans centuries of art history. The Galleria degli Uffizi holds a wide variety of art pieces that include Venetian paintings, Greek sculptures, Tuscan art pieces, and Renaissance masterpieces. Describing what you can expect from a visit to this awe-inspiring museum will take more than a few pages, which is why it is best if you see this majesty for yourself.
Florence Duomo – The Cathedral of Florence is another must-see sight when you visit this city and this is because it is considered as the city’s primary and most iconic landmark. The pink, green, and white marble façade, the graceful bell tower, the cupola with its dark red tiles, and the 44 stained-glass windows all make for a captivating sight. With a neo-Gothic design that replaced the 16th Century unfinished original, the church is indeed an architectural and artistic marvel.
Museo di San Marco – Art and culture is what you get with a visit to this city, and coming here without checking out this museum will leave your trip somewhat incomplete. This museum, which is connected to the Dominican monastery of San Marco, contains important art pieces by Fra Angelico, Domenico Ghirlandaio, and Fra Bartolomeo, to mention a few.
What to Do
Aside from touring the many piazzas, museums, art galleries, and churches found within Florence, there are a lot of other things you can enjoy doing here. These include the following:
Olives at a Market in Florence Italy
Explore the Local Food Market – If you want to experience Florence like a local, you might want to visit one of the most popular local markets here. Head on over to the Mercato San Lorenzo and indulge in what they have to offer, such as local olives, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, truffles, and wine.
Have a quick snack at one of the kiosks in this covered market and try your hand at bargaining for a better price as you sample the items that are being sold. One piece of advice: to get the best prices, practice your Italian and search for stalls that have little to no English on their signage. English signs mean tourist prices, which can be somewhat higher than local prices.
Try the Bistecca Florentina – Florentine cuisine is considered one of the best in the world, and one of the most notable dishes that is served in Florence is the Bistecca Florentina. This is basically a thick T-bone steak that is approximately 2 to 2-1/2 inches thick. This steak often has impressive marbling and utterly flavorsome, with a smooth, buttery texture that you can only expect from premium steak.
What is even more astounding about this steak is not its flavor or its thickness but, its size. Each steak can weigh around 800 grams to 1.2 kilograms, making a truly massive meal that you will definitely have to share with others.
These are just a few of the things you can expect to find and try in Florence. There are still a lot for you to try here, such as the gelato and the coffee, or to do such as bicycle through town or go on a picnic in one of the many gardens. If you are thinking of visiting Florence while you are on a tour of Tuscany, contact us at 800.955.4418 if you would rather have a customized vacation instead of a set escorted tour.
Enjoy this 3D Tour of Florence!
