Before you go
Read up on the Medici Dynasty, on Michelangelo, Donatello and Leonardo Da Vinci. Dust off your Machiavelli’s “The Prince.”
Understanding Julia's Weird Language
Most people speak English but you will need to know a few words of Italian before you get here. Cappuccino, of course, is something everyone knows, but you might not know that if you order a “latte.” Here you will get a glass of warm milk!
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What to Pack
Bring comfortable shoes to explore the open air museum that is Florence. Palaces, gardens, churches, bridges, piazze, city squares, narrow streets and alleyways will delight you. Art galleries, public and private collections, national and city museums will overwhelm you. Rest assured, we will help you get acquainted once you arrive and will let you in on some of the secrets that only true Florentines reveal.
Eat Your Way Through Florence
Enjoy the caffes, bars (most of these establishments are breakfast places where coffee is served), restaurants, EATALY, a foodie’s haven of Italian specialty products and eateries, Procacci, where truffles reign supreme, trattorie like Da Pennello, pizzerie like Caffe Italiano, pasticcerie pastry shops and ICE CREAM shops or gelaterie. You might even enjoy a trippa alla fiorentina (tripe!) sandwich at one of the many outdoor stands found street side.
Shop 'til You Drop
Are you planning on shopping for purses, shoes, bags, clothes, accessories? Many of our modestly priced favorite stores can all be found on via Gioberti!
Site-seeing Ideas in Florence
Take a walking excursion around your hotel and walk to the religious center of town Piazza Duomo, Cathedral Square. If you feel up to it, climb to the top for amazing views of the city. Or walk to the top of the famous Campanile, or Bell Tower. Peek inside and see the mosaics inside the Baptistery.
Wander in the pedestrian only area downtown and walk to Piazza Repubblica but do not sit down in any of the outdoor caffes there as they are OVERPRICED!
Rather, go into the department store, Rinascente and go to the top floor and have a cappuccino in the outdoor caffe for a great view.
Walk around Piazza Signoria and then over the Ponte Vecchio with its dazzling array of goldsmith and jewelry shops.
If you feel up to it, wander around the Boboli Gardens—if weather permits.
Another day, take an excursion to the area around the train station. A must see is the church of Santa Maria Novella with its great many works of art inside. The nearby Officina of Santa Maria Novella, where perfumes, soaps, shampoos and herbal cures and remedies are produced will leave a lasting impression on you. Wander down via dei Fossi to see the antique shops. Go to via Tornabuoni to see the wonderful window dressings of the great designers such as Gucci, Valentino, Bottega Veneta, Tiffany. Stop (and stand inside) for a truffle sandwich and glass of prosecco at Procacci.
Save the church of Santa Croce for another day. It is a Franciscan basilica with treasures of art history enough for an advanced art history class. This too is where the great Michelangelo and Machiavelli are buried.
Near sunset, take a long hike or take a city bus, the number 13 up to Piazzale Michelangelo for an overview of the city to die for. Visit the venerable church of San Miniato for a glimpse into the crypt and hear Gregorian chants being sung by the monks.
If you buy the Florence Card online before departure, it allows you pre-paid entrance to all of the great museums and churches. You might decide that the Friends of the Uffizi Gallery cumulative ticket, which is more affordable, is the way to go. Either way, you avoid the long wait in line at the Uffizi Gallery, and its collection of masterpieces or the Academy, where Michelangelo’s great marble sculpture of David is housed.
Site-seeing Ideas in Florence
Out of town excursions should include Siena and the beautiful Piazza del Campo, one day, Pisa and its incredible Leaning Tower on another day. Both cities can be reached by public transportation, train or bus, as can Lucca, with its city walls so wide one can rent a bike and ride along them.