Florence, Itay or Firenze as locals say it.

When we think of Italy, we think of Rome and Venice. Florence may be underrated, but it is still just as beautiful. Sitting in the heart of Tuscany, Florence is the capital. It is hard not to fall in love with the green rolling hills, vineyards, medieval hilltop towns, art, culture, and food in Tuscany.

Florence is the birthplace of Renaissance. I was impressed with all the Renaissance art and the creative energy that Florence seemed to emit so effortlessly. Walking through the narrow cobblestone streets, finding another secret lane, getting lost, watching the street artists create magic, eating gelato as I find my way back, priceless.

 

 
Slowly, I was falling in love with this fantastic city, with its people and its history. Even though you can not see everything in a short time, I highly recommend you visit these places.

 

 

(1) Visit Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence

The 19th-century piazza, beautiful open space offering panoramic views of Florence. Take your time to admire the skyline view, let your imagination transport you to the Renaissance days. Don’t rush; traveling is not just about seeing places. It is about being in the moment and feeling the beauty of your surroundings.

 

 
 

(2) Visit La Accademia Galley, Florence

Have a date with David, Michelangelo’s world-famous marble sculpture. A little different from all the art you might have seen in elsewhere.

 

(3) Piazza Del Duomo, Florence

The heart of Florence, Amazing square, surrounded with one of Europe’s most exquisite buildings, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s Campanile and the Baptistery. Take a stroll admiring the Renaissance art, dazzling walls of colored marbles and architecture.

 

 

(4) Piazza San Giovanni

Beautiful Buildings, like Loggia del Bigallo, the Palazzo Della Misericordia, the Palazzo Dei Canonici, the Palazzo Guadagni, the Palazzo Niccolini, and the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo framing this square. Soak up the atmosphere.
 

(5) Brunelleschi’s dome

Why not climb to the top of Florence dome to complete your experience, admire it from outside, be mesmerized inside and be blown away by the views of Florence from the top.

 

(6) Ponte Vecchio

My favorite place in Florence, the picturesque medieval stone bridge. Endless amount of jewelry shops, you can shop till you drop here. I have to warn you; it is not cheap. For me, I window shopped, enjoyed the music, danced in the rain and soaked up the atmosphere.

 

 

(7) Giotto’s Campanile / Bell Tower

87.4 meters tall, 414 steps, if you are game, you can climb this as well. I, on the other hand, just admired this from the outside. The red, green and white marble-cladding just took my breath away.
 

(8) Uffizi Gallery

For Art and History lovers, this is a must visit. The museum is a proud owner of amazing Renaissance masterpieces. The building this Uffizi Gallery is housed in is an art piece itself; it is next to the Piazza Della Signoria.

 

 
 

(9) Go Shopping

Florence has countless boutique shops, designer labels, leather wear and market style shopping. Why not buy an Italian leather jacket or shoes?

 

 

(10) Dine in Florence style 

Sit in one of the piazza’s, pick any, have a nice three-course meal, people watch and relax with Italian wine. I promise you the dining experience is impressive.

Finally, take a short drive, about 8km out of city center to this scenic hilltop Etruscan town. Best way to get there is by motorcycle. Nothing beats the wind blowing your hair and the Tuscan sun on your skin as you soak up the experience and enjoying the panoramic view of the Tuscan countryside. The ride up is just incredible. The enchanting little town greeted me with open arms and big smiles when I got up the hill.

 

 

#Travelquote: ” Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” R W Emerson