Florence's museums, palaces, and churches house some of the greatest artistic treasures in the world. The most popular and important sites in Florence include the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Uffizi, the Bargello, and the Accademia. The churches of Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce are veritable art galleries, and the library of San Lorenzo is a magnificent exhibition of Michelangelo's architectural genius. Wander some of the oldest streets in the city until you reach the Arno River, cross the Ponte Vecchio, and experience the "newest" area of Florence, the Oltrarno. Be sure to set aside time to see the vast and varied art collection housed in the Pitti Palace. When you grow weary of museums and monuments, head outdoors. Spend a day at the Boboli Gardens or climb the hill to the church of San Miniato al Monte to experience an enchanting view of Florence, Italy.
Florence and its magnificent treasures await your visit!
See all the ways you can enjoy Florence here.
Sightseeing in Florence
Florence is one of the few cities around the world whose entire historical center is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The reason is because it offers hundreds, maybe thousands, of things to see and to do.
Florence, at the heart of the Italian Rennaisance, might seem like an open air museum to most visitors. The piazzas and buildings themselves are a testament of the history of architecture and of past eras. Florence's cathedral, churches and many palaces were designed, built and decorated by many of the most illustrious of artists of the time, from Brunelleschi to Michelangelo, and can be admired freely from the outside. But in order to see another side of Florence, the side the contains most of its treasures, you need to go indoors and visit at least one or two museums while you are here. There you will find the paintings, sculptures and frescoes imagined and created by the greatest minds of all time.
Florence, like many Italian cities, is filled with churches. But as the cradle of the Renaissance, it was specifically for many of these churches and family chapels that magnificent works of art were commissioned of the greatest artists of all time.
Food & Drink in Florence
Enjoying great food and excellent wine in Florence is not difficult at all! Aside from trying out the places that are often recommended in the guide books, just walk down any street and Florence and select a trattoria, enoteca or restaurant in Florence that seems appealing and you'll surely eat a fine meal!
Or how about gelaterias? There are so many that surely there are ones that offer better gelato than others? Trying them out is the fun part, so enjoy!
We understand that might not be enough to go on, so with time we'll be adding additional recommendations and reviews of places we've tried out or that someone else recommends.
Buon appetito!
Money
In Florence and the whole of Italy, the Euro is the legal tender. Practically anywhere in the towns, you can pay at every register with cash, PIN and chip-cards.
Emergency Phone Number
You certainly hope it will never be necessary, but something might happen during your visit which requires medical attention. Keep the following numbers close at hand:
| 112 | The national emergency phone number. You can use this to receive urgent care from doctors, police and fire departments. You can reach them on any phone. |
