Regret Not Visiting Florence Earlier!
Florence made me fall in love with Italy 🇮🇹. It's absolutely stunning! If you're planning a trip to Italy, check out my travel guide below~
⛪ Recommended Attractions:
✅ Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore)
Construction began in 1296, and it features Gothic architecture. The dome has a total of 463 steps, and once you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the city center. Right next to it is Giotto's Bell Tower, which is almost as tall as the dome.
✅ Baptistery of St. John
One of the oldest buildings in Florence, it resembles a candy box! The octagonal baptismal font is the centerpiece of the Baptistery.
✅ Giotto's Bell Tower
Standing at 85 meters tall, the bell tower can also be climbed, with a total of 414 steps. It's slightly easier than climbing the dome, and as you ascend, you'll gradually get a full view of the dome. The view from the top is truly unforgettable.
✅ Piazza della Signoria
Surrounded by the Palazzo Vecchio, Loggia dei Lanzi, and the Gucci Museum (now Gucci Garden), this square is adjacent to the Uffizi Gallery. Gucci Garden includes a Michelin-starred restaurant (Gucci Osteria) and a gift shop featuring exclusive items not available elsewhere.
✅ Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge)
Lined with jewelry shops showcasing exquisite craftsmanship, the bridge also hosts a stunning light show featuring masterpieces and modern creations during the Christmas season.
✅ Piazzale Michelangelo
It's said, "If you haven't seen the sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo, you haven't truly been to Florence." From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city center, including landmarks like the Ponte Vecchio, Florence Cathedral, Basilica of Santa Croce, and Palazzo Vecchio. The best time to visit is at sunset.
✅ Boboli Gardens
A quintessential Italian garden featuring an open-air theater, lemon trees, grottoes, fountains, sculptures, and even a café.
✅ Loggia del Mercato Nuovo
Located just steps away from Piazza della Signoria, this market offers leather goods and souvenirs. Locals often refer to it as the "Porcellino Market" due to the bronze pig statue.
🌸 Tips:
If you don't plan to climb the bell tower or dome, you can opt to queue for free entry to the ground floor of the cathedral.
Palazzo Vecchio offers a great spot for capturing photos of the Florence Cathedral, with its arches framing the view perfectly.