Architectural Points of Interest
- The Piazza del Duomo, considered the heart of Florence, contains many of its most iconic architectural treasures. Start your tour by exploring the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore -- otherwise known as the Duomo -- in order to admire its richly decorated exterior and the frescoes inside. Right next to the Duomo, you can climb Giotto's Campanile for a panoramic view of the city. Head to the octagonal baptistery in front of the Duomo to view its imposing bronze doors designed by a young Lorenzo Ghiberti. For more, visit the churches of Santa Maria Novella and Santa Maria del Carmine; both churches contain masterpieces of Renaissance art. Cross the Arno River on the medieval Ponte Vecchio on your way to the Boboli Gardens, where you can take a stroll through a Renaissance garden filled with a myriad of sculptures and fountains.
Art Museums and Galleries
- Florence was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, meaning, of course, that its museums are treasure troves of works by masters like Sandro Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci. The Galleria dell'Accademia is worth a visit even if only to see Michelangelo's triumphant statue of David. The Uffizi Gallery holds a huge permanent collection of Renaissance art. The Palazzo Pitti -- once home to the wealthy Medici family -- holds much of the family's impressive art collection; combined tickets are available to see the sprawling palace's various museums. For Florence's vibrant contemporary art scene, "The New York Times" recommends heading over to Biagiotti Arte Contemporanea or Galleria Alessandro Bagnai to see what the city's newest masters are up to.
- The Countryside
- Florence is the regional capital of Tuscany, and the rolling green hills, vineyards and olive groves that make the region famous are located just outside the city. The hike to Fiesole -- a small town located in the hills above Florence, complete with a Roman amphitheater -- from the city was featured in the film adaptation of "A Room with a View." Just south of the Arno River, the hills of San Miniato and Bellosguardo will take you through more rural landscapes that offer commanding views of the city and surrounding countryside. When in Tuscany, Frommer's recommends renting a car and taking a trip off the tourist map, through small hilltop villages and "vendita diretta" -- direct sales -- stands, where you can buy local wines, honeys, olive oils and cheeses directly from local producers.
Other Places of Interest
- A trip to a Florentine market displays both the city's rich trading past and its vibrant present. The Mercato Centrale focuses on produce and food items for culinary enthusiasts. The nearby San Lorenzo Market is a good place for souvenirs and leather goods. To eat the way the locals do, seek out an appealing trattoria in the Oltrarno district. At sunset, head to the Lungarno -- Florence's riverside promenade -- for drinks and people-watching. You can top it all off with an opera or a show at the Teatro Comunale.
