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Florence
Overview
The crowning glory of both Tuscany and Renaissance Italy, for centuries Florence has been considered the quintessential Italian city, a platform for everything that is beautiful of a country that walks with a nonchalant swagger. Home to the Medici family and the playground for Botticelli, Donatello, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci to stamp their authority on art history, this is a city that more than lives up to its reputation and preconceptions. Alike many of the country’s great destinations, counting amongst them Rome, Siena and Venice, Florence is a living museum blessed with architectural masterpieces, the world’s finest art collections and grand plazas that form a curtain to the typical Italian life that prevails in the shadow of the Tuscan Hills.
Florence counts enough sights to fill a lifetime of vacations and even the most proud Florentines will admit to have not seen all its treasures. Similar in fashion to Venice, the city is a victim of its own success, receiving millions of visitors per year who stand in line to catch a glimpse of the Uffizi, Duomo di Firenze and Baptistery, to name but a few attractions. Naturally the big names are undeniably inspiring; however, with many sights sold out well in advance, it is advisable to select a daily quota of sightseeing events. Owing to its splendor, Florence is a charismatic city and aimlessly strolling streets is a great way to immerse in the city’s lifestyle. Be sure to visit each quarter, all of which possess their own collection of churches and piazzas, and, in addition to visiting museums and galleries, take time to relax in the hoards of pavement cafés and soak up the invigorating atmosphere.
Edging out Siena in the battle for the regions most loved destination, Florence makes a great base from where to explore Tuscany. To take a break from the Renaissance opulence, make a move for medieval Siena, architecturally rich Pisa and the peaceful Chianti wine regions, safe in the knowledge that Florence’s delights are only a short drive away.
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Florence
Destination Reviews
Things to do in
Florence
Piazza del Duomo - The stunning Piazza del Duomo, crowned by Brunelleschi’s magnificent dome, acts as an unconscious magnet to Florence first timers, housing some of the city’s most breathtaking architecture that is as impressive from afar as it is both up close and inside. Highlights are undoubtedly the Duomo di Firenze (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore) and the adjacent Baptistery, Florence’s oldest building. Be sure to climb to the dome and top of Giotti’s Campanile (CathedralBellTower) for peaceful views of the city and Tuscan hills. For an insight into the history of the square and architecture, spend a few hours at Museo dell’Opera del Duomo and Museo Firenze Com’era.
Piazza del Signoria - If Piazza del Duomo is the focus of spiritual life then Piazza del Signoria is the worldly heart of Florence, home to the imposing Palazzo Vecchio whose front square is a popular meeting point of Florentines. This is the site of the city’s finest gallery, the Uffizi, which is bombarded with the masterpieces of Botticelli, Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rembrandt and many more. Tear yourself away from the art extravaganza and check out the Loggia della Signoria before strolling down the boutique-lined boulevard of Via dei Calzaiuoli, punctuated by historic architecture such as the Badia Fiorentina (Florentine Abbey), Bargello National Museum and Orsanmichele,
Away from the Centre - Seeing everything of Florence is pretty much an impossible mission, however, by simply strolling the elegant streets you will come across a whole host of fascinating palaces, churches and shopping streets. Head west from Piazza del Signoria and discover the medieval Palazzo Davanzati and the splendid churches of Santa Trinita and Santa Maria Novella. East of the centre is dominated by the magnificent Franciscan church of Basilica di Santa Croce and Stadio Artemio Franchi, home to AFC Fiorentina.
San Lorenzo - North of Florence’s city centre, the San Lorenzo neighbourhood is both the main market district and home to some of the finest works of Renaissance art. Be sure to stop by Mercato Centrale, a huge food hall where butchers, greengrocers, pasta sellers and delicatessens sell produce at bargain prices. Outside the market the streets are chock full of vendors offering leather goods and clothing of dubious authenticity. For more cultural sights the Medici Chapels house many of the great family’s crypts and Piazza Santissima Annuziata is one of the most photogenic sights to be found. Art lovers should check out the frescoes adorning the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Accademia Gallery, and Museo di San Marco.
Oltrarno - Cross the River Arno to the “other side” and experience a far lesser travelled neighbourhood of Florence, typically an artsy and bohemian area where the bars and cafés have a distinct Italian feel and are far removed from mass tourism. Stroll across the elegant Ponte Vecchio to discover the PittiPalace and its pristine BoboliGardens. For more sightseeing, pass by the churches of Santa Maria del Carmine and San Miniato.
Festivals in Florence
Maggio Musicale Fiorentino - The Florence Music Festival, held at the theatres Comunale, Goldoni and Piccolo, is ranked as one of Europe’s most significant classical music and opera festivals.
Scoppio del Carro - Easter Sunday is celebrated with the Explosion of the Cart when a cart is wheeled into Piazza del Duomo and set alight with a display of fireworks.
Fiesole Summer Festival - Head to the nearby town of Fiesole in June for a celebration of dance, music and theatre.
Calcio Storico - This Historical Football Tournament dates back to the 15thC and continues today. The event takes place in June when teams from the city’s four main suburbs compete in a barbaric form of “the beautiful game” at Piazza Santa Croce.
Florence Nightlife - Theatres, concert halls, cafés, bars and nightclubs, Florence has it all when it comes to after-hours activities. Keep an eye out for impromptu musical performances around the piazzas and churches, join the vibrant student crowd for late night action in Oltrarno or enjoy street entertainment at Piazza del Duomo. Firenze Spettacolo and Vivi Firenze are both good for entertainment listings.
Bars in Florence
Astor Cafe - 3-story joint on Piazza del Duomo offering fine food, fancy cocktails and DJs mixing samba, reggae and hip-hop.
La Dolce Vita - Long-running, funky student haunt on Piazza del Carmine.
Le Volpi e l’Uva - The quintessential Italian watering hole on Piazza de’Rossi, ideal for wine tasting and plates of salami and cheese.
Negroni - Join a well-heeled 30s crowd for fine cocktails at this stalwart of Florence nightlife.
Clubs in Florence
Central Park - Florence’s super club may be commercial but a fun night is guaranteed throughout its various rooms.
Meccano - Famed across Tuscany, this club attracts punters with its array of lounge and bar areas and outdoor, summer dance floor.
Tabasco Gay - Florence’s longest running and most popular gay club on Piazza Santa Cecilia.
Tenax - Stylish house club in Peretola attracting a young rebellious crowd.
Theatres in Florence
Teatro Comunale - Also known as Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, this venue is Florence’s most celebrated opera house.
Teatro della Pergola - One of the city’s oldest venues that premiered productions by such greats as Verdi and Hadyn.
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Florence
Activity Reviews
Hotels in
Florence
Budget Hotels Florence
Academy Hostel - Stylish backpacker friendly hostel sat besides the Duomo di Firenze. Tel (39) 55 239 8665.
Archi Rossi Hostel - Welcoming hostel offering plenty of freebies, including walking tours, breakfast and the occasional pizza or pasta dish. Tel (39) 55 290 804.
Hotel Sampaoli - Budget hotel walking distance from Piazza del Duomo and the Accademia Gallery. Tel (39) 55 284 834.
Ostello Gallo d’Oro - Great value, spotless hostel commanding a superb location. Tel (39) 55 552 2964.
Midrange Hotels Florence
Hotel Medici - Simple rooms but great value for its location overlooking the cathedral. Rates include breakfast. Tel (39) 55 284 818.
Hotel Morandi - At the top of the midrange scale, this hotel is a former family home sat on Piazza Santissima Annunaiata.
Hotel Scaletta - Wonderful 3-star Oltrarno hotel offering panoramic views across the neighbourhood and BoboliGardens. Tel (39) 55 283 028.
Luxury Hotels Florence
Four Seasons - Luxurious hotel set within a historic Renaissance mansion adorned with frescoes. Tel (39) 55 26261.
Hotel Regency - Elegant hotel on Piazza M. D’Azeglio offering impeccable service. Tel (39) 55 245 247.
Villa San Michele - Former hilltop monastery, complete with Michelangelo designed façade, converted into a lavish boutique hotel. Tel (39) 55 567 8200.
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Florence
Hotel Reviews
Florence
Weather
Florence
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