Florence

Capital of Tuscany

Categories: Florence Italy

Picturesque buildings, idyllic gardens and parks, good wine, Italian temperament - all this characterizes Florence, the capital of Tuscany. Around 380,000 people live here. About three times as many tourists per year visit this place, where Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo or Galileo Galilei already felt at home. You should take some time to experience this city with all its highlights.
© Dirk Petersen / Fotolia

Uffizi
Over 1,500 paintings and sculptures are exhibited in the 45 halls of the largest gallery in Italy. The Florence Uffizi Gallery (translated: "the offices") is one of the most visited art museums in the world. The works come from the epochs from the 12th to the 18th century, many of them, of course, from the Renaissance period: from da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo or Botticelli. The wide corridors leading to the halls are decorated with Roman and Greek statues.

Piazzale Michelangelo
From the Uffizi you can reach Piazzale Michelangelo in about 20 minutes. From there you can enjoy the view of Florence, the river Arno and the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge of Florence). At sunset you will experience how the cityscape is flooded with golden light.

Fiesole
This suburb of Florence is a real insider tip for tourists. Situated on a hill, it offers an optimal view of Florence. Those who want to relax from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis will find peace and quiet here. The cathedral, a special monastery and the Zona Archeologica with a Roman amphitheatre invite you to take a trip into the past.

Boat tour on the Arno
If you want to experience Florence from the water, a boat trip on the Arno is recommended. On the small traditional boat ("Barchetto") you will pass under the Ponte Vecchio and, over a glass of Prosecco, you will be able to admire the sights of Florence from a very special perspective.

Central Market
If you want to buy fresh food, you should go to the Mercato Centrale. The spacious market hall near the central station is also popular with locals, as it offers a wide range of culinary specialities. In one of the small restaurants you can get refreshments for the further stops of your sightseeing tour. Typical of Florentine cuisine is the salt-free bread that is served as a side dish with the meal.
© Givaga/Fotolia

Nightlife
Those who want to get to know Florence also at night will find numerous pubs, discos, wine cellars and cocktail bars with live music. Especially in the narrow alleys and small squares of the city centre, people of all ages gather to enjoy the evening and night hours in the typical Italian light-heartedness.