Florence

So here are our suggestions for things to do and see in Florence, to get to know the most authentic side of the city and to snap postcard-perfect photos!

1- BRUNELLECHI’S DOME AND THE VIEW FROM THE TOP

One more, one less, 465 steps take you to the top of Brunelleschi’s amazing dome: a tiring climb but one you won’t regret, as you embrace the entire city with a single glance, taking in the rooftops, the ribbon of the Arno river, the bell towers and the surrounding green hills from the shadow of the lantern. The dome is without a doubt one of Florence’s top ten!

2- THE UFFIZI and GALLERIA DELL’ACCADEMIA

No matter how often, there’s always a good reason to return to the Uffizi: the world’s most beautiful woman, Botticelli’s Venus. And every time is as thrilling as the first. Or stop in to make – or renew – your acquaintance with David at the Accademia. No visit to Florence would be complete otherwise. But we recommend purchasing your tickets in advance to avoid the queues.

3- THE WORKSHOPS OF THE OLTRARNO

The Oltrarno is Florence’s ‘left bank’. South of the Arno, far from the glitter of the centre and the show windows of the famous boutiques, the city at its most authentic. Among the many attractions in the Oltrarno quarter, don’t miss the many true artisan workshops based here. But there’s much more: beautiful squares, lesser-known monuments and trattorias and osterie inviting you to spend a pleasurable evening.

4 – THE SUNSET FROM PIAZZALE MICHELANGELO

The magic of sunlight dimming over the city, colouring the roofs and the domes, is pure poetry, a memory that will be with you all your life. So take the time, all the time you want – despite the other thousand things you want to do or see in Florence – to sit on the steps at Piazzale Michelangelo and watch the sun set as the city’s sparkling lights twinkle on at your feet.

5- WALK IN THE GARDENS

For a break from the bustle of the historic centre, to let your children off the rein after visits to the museums, take a stroll through one of Florence’s many wonderful gardens. Boboli, of course, is the largest and most renowned – and also home to the greatest number of art treasures. If you prefer to a ‘garden with a view’, we suggest you stop at the natural terrace at the top of the Villa Bardini Garden to admire the Florence skyline.

And sixth . . . . GET LOST!

Last – but by no means least – of our suggested things to do in Florence is to simply ‘get lost’. Lose yourself in the narrow streets and investigate whatever catches your eye – whether it be a shop or a tree towering over a block of homes. In our opinion, this is the best way to visit Florence, with no method, no logic, no map: cross Ponte Vecchio and turn into a deserted alley; or, from Piazza della Signoria, take any combination of streets to wend your way to Piazza Santa Croce. Every step will be a discovery – and it’s the only way to see things you never even imagined were there!