Exploring Florence: What to See and Where to Eat Like a True Tuscan

Whether you like art or not, Florence is a must-see on your bucket list. The cradle of the Renaissance and the best Tuscan dishes are waiting for you.

In Florence you can stroll along narrow cobblestone streets, enjoying the shade on hot summer afternoons, while looking up to admire the romantic architecture of its medieval buildings.

You will walk through other wide, pedestrian streets, where the light will project the grandeur of the marble facades as you pass by. You will have the privilege of contemplating it from every angle you can imagine, yet you will never tire of looking at it.

And you'll eat like a god, whatever the size of your pocket. What are you waiting for?

It is impossible to know, as a tourist, all the corners of this city. I will tell you what I have discovered and enjoyed in several of my visits, but remember, each experience is unique. Dare to get lost in its streets and discover for yourself unforgettable corners.

When to go

Due to its fame, Florence suffers a massive influx of tourists throughout the year.

We have visited a couple of times recently: April 2013 and June 2015. I advise you not to go in summer, as the crowds are bigger and it is too hot.

Late winter or spring are the best times to visit.

Landmarks and emblematic buildings:

Tickets to all the important buildings or complexes cost quite a lot, so you should inform yourself and decide, before arriving, what you are interested in seeing and, if possible, buy the ticket in advance online. Although it will cost a few euros more than at the door, you will have an assigned schedule that will avoid long queues.

Il Duomo

This majestic cathedral will leave you speechless when you enter the Duomo square. It is built with pink, green and white marble, with a beautiful facade, and surrounded by the Baptistery, the Bell Tower (both matching the Duomo) and the Museo dell'Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore.

The Cathedral is much more beautiful on the outside than on the inside, since its interior, except for the dome, is very austere. This is probably the reason why the entrance is free, although it is worth seeing its famous dome from below.

It is possible to climb this dome for a fee, as well as the bell tower.

It is true that the views from inside the dome and the panoramic view it offers of the surroundings are very beautiful, but the climb to the dome is very narrow. I do not recommend anyone with a hint of claustrophobia to try to reach it.

The bell tower, which is almost as high as the dome, also offers good views of the city, the cathedral itself and the surrounding hills. However, its stairs, although narrow, are not as overwhelming as the access to the dome.

Admission to both is included in a ticket that also includes the Baptistery and the museum. In the latter you will find a Pietà by Michelangelo and the original doors of the Baptistery, imposing.

Piazza della Signoria

This square is full of statues, among them one of the copies of Michelangelo 's David(the real one is in the Galleria dell'Accademia), in front of the door of the Palazzo Vecchio.

In this one is the Torre d'Arnolfo, a little higher than the Duomo Bell Tower, which you can also climb (paying the corresponding entrance fee) to see Florence from above. My recommendation is to climb one of the two, as the views are well worth it.

Ponte Vecchio

This bridge is an emblematic symbol of Florence, full of more or less renowned jewelry stores on both sides.

From here there is a beautiful view of the Arno River and the palaces that flank it.

Stroll along the adjacent bridges to appreciate its grandeur.

Palazzo Pitti

This large palace houses several art galleries, some of them temporary, as well as the Boboli Gardens, a perfect place to escape from the crowds of tourists that besiege Florence throughout the year.

Personally, I missed finding a café or bar where I could sit and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of these gardens (there is one inside the palace).

Uffizzi Gallery

One of the largest art galleries in Florence. It is so big, you can spend hours and hours in it, and never finish seeing everything.

I recommend it only for lovers of Renaissance art.

Piazza di Santa Maria Novella

The Basilica of the same name, located at one end, is a perfect backdrop for the singer-songwriters who try their luck in this sunny square; an ideal place to rest your legs while enjoying a refreshing drink.

Nearby is the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novellaone of the few places you can visit for free. The smell inside is really delicious. If you are nearby, take a look.

Piazzale Michelangelo

Although it is quite far from the historic center, this square is certainly worth the trip, as the views of the city, with its imposing buildings silhouetted against the sky and the Tuscan hills, are unforgettable.

Even more special if possible is to arrive a little before sunset, as Florence looks spectacular under those colors.

Here is one of the two copies of Michelangelo's David. It can be reached on foot (be prepared for steps and uphill), by bus or by car.

Where to stay

Accommodation in Florence is very expensive, and the closer you are to the historic center, the worse.

My recommendation is to look for accommodation in Oltrarnowhere the real Florentines live. In fact, locals consider this the area that houses the real spirit of Florence. Room prices here are somewhat lower, and it is only a short walk from the center, across the river.

If you travel by car, the center is a bad option, as parking is very expensive and access is limited. However, in Oltrarno you will find cheaper parking and traffic is not restricted, at least in the part furthest from the river. In any case, keep an eye out for signs delimiting no-access zones, as they are very strict about this.

On one occasion we stayed at the B&B Monte Olivetovery nice with comfortable and clean rooms. It is located in a quiet street, with relatively cheap parking.

We had some bad luck during the night with other rather noisy tenants of the B&B, but it didn't seem to be a very common situation. The owners are a lovely couple who will give you all kinds of tips on how to enjoy Florence. The breakfast is delicious.

You can also find good deals on Airbnb.

Our experience in the 'House tour' apartment was fantastic. It is a newly renovated apartment with impeccable cleanliness and everything you need.

Although it has only one bedroom, it can sleep up to 5 people thanks to a small extra bed and a sofa bed in perfect condition. The area is ideal, two minutes from the river, in a quiet and charming little street.

Whatever you decide, my recommendation is to book as far in advance as possible. The best value accommodations sell out quickly.

Where to eat

Central Market

The central market is a huge glass building near the Basilica di San Lorenzo, which houses a multitude of stores selling typical Tuscan products and restaurants, each specializing in a particular type of food.

It's worth going in and having a look around. The food is not very expensive and if there is a divergence of opinions in your group, it is the perfect place for everyone to eat what they want without conditioning the other.

Of course, the site is always very busy, so the ambient noise level will be quite high.

I'Tuscani

For those who love red meat, try the Fiorentina should be among the priorities of a visit to Tuscany.

I highly recommend the one served in this small restaurant in the Oltrarno, it is delicious and at a good price, you will not be disappointed.

When we saw the plate for two appear, we thought we would never finish it, but we ended up fighting (in a friendly way, of course) to bite the leftovers stuck to the bone!

I' Pizzacchiere

Very good and cheap pizza in a small place near Piazzale Michelangelo.

Da' Vinattieri

Despite its good reputation, I did not taste the wine. I did, however, love the schiacciata (a type of bread) with finocchiona (pork sausage with fennel).

Everything at a very good price, since it is all to go, there are no tables or anything like that in this small establishment.

However, it is just a few meters from the Piazza della Signoria, perfect for sitting on a step and tasting your food while watching the crowds of tourists pass by.

Palle D'Oro

This restaurant offers inexpensive midday tourist menus with many typical Tuscan dishes.

It is a good option to eat well and cheaply.

It is very large, so you will need to make reservations.

Bistro del Mare

You've been in Italy for a while now and you're sick of eating pasta? You're not a fan of red meat?

Well, if you like fish and are willing to pay a little more, in this restaurant you will taste delicious dishes, cooked with care, style and originality. It is worth the price.

Gelateria La Carraia

There are thousands of gelato shops in Florence, and, of course, I haven't tried them all (I wish I had!). However, I can assure you that the product of this gelato shop is exceptional. Don't miss it.

Useful Links

• B&B Monte Oliveto.
• Other hotels in Florence.
• Flights to Italy:Trabber,eDreams,Momondo, andVueling.
• 5% discount on IATI insurance.

And if you're touring Italy, don't miss these blog posts:

• Venice in the off-season.
• Weekend in Rome.
• Driving tour of Siena and Val d'Orcia.
• The Abbey of San Galgano in Tuscany.
• Route along Lake Como.
• The natural park of Maremma and its unspoiled beaches.
• Bologna, the city of arcades.
• Route through Umbria, the secret neighbor of Tuscany.
• The wonders of the Amalfi Coast.

If you have any doubts or questions, or need any other details that I haven't mentioned, feel free to leave a comment below. I will be happy to help you in any way I can.

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