Florence is, no doubt, an emblematic city that takes you back in time. Walking through some empty, narrow streets at night feels like you are back in the 16th century. You feel that you absorb more knowledge and culture just by breathing the air there. The capital of Tuscany and the Renaissance has art, architecture, and history on every corner.
On the other hand, it is annoyingly touristic. It reminded me of the tourist atmosphere in Venice. It is almost a ghost town; you see tourists and miss the locals.
I stayed in SANTO SPIRITO DISTRICT and I highly recommend it. It's near almost everything, in a cool area, and it has fewer tourists.
UFFIZI
It is already worth being in Florence just to visit the UFFIZI PALACE AND GALLERY. One of the most important museums in the world has a stunning architecture, gallery, and collection with the best of RENAISSANCE ART: LEONARDO DA VINCI, MICHELANGELO, RAFAEL, BOTTICELLI and the list goes on. Take a look at the CAFE inside the gallery when you want to rest a bit. It has a great view of the city and the Duomo di Firenze. Actually, I always recommend the Cafes inside the museums. They are normally cool.
DUOMO DI FIRENZE AND CAPPELLE MEDICEE
The DUOMO DI FIRENZE is worldwide known as part of Florence’s landscape, and when you see it, it is fascinating. The construction, the materials, and the details—you can’t take your eyes off this monument. Apart from that, you have many interesting temples in the city. These spaces are not my cup of tea, but I chose CAPPELLE MEDICEE, the second-biggest dome in Florence built for the MEDICEE FAMILY, to visit. The temple is stunning, and the good thing is that it is normally empty. There is also a small chapel with some sculptures carved by MICHELANGELO.
LA MÉNAGÈRE AND GALLERIA DELL’ ACCADEMIA
I loved this bistro and concept store near GALLERIA DELL’ ACCADEMIA.
The atmosphere of the place is cool; they also have brunch options, cocktails, and a design and flower shop! A cute surprise I bumped into.
GALLERIA DELL’ ACCADEMIA has many historical artworks, including the acclaimed DAVID carved by MICHELANGELO.
CAFFÉ GILLI
Opened in 1733, Caffé Gilli is this classical place where you feel like you're in another century.
Opened in 1733, Caffé Gilli is this classical place where you feel like you're in another century.
Located on the corner of PIAZZA REPUBBLICA, they have many sorts of pastries and tasty coffee as well.
PONTE VECCHIO AND ARNO RIVER
One of the symbols of the city, the Ponte Vecchio, which crosses the ARNO RIVER, is unique because of the small shops in it. It is near UFFIZI. Walking along the Arno River is a good way to get to know more about the city and its architecture.
