historic charm meets romantic charm Florence, Italy

by: Carla Pallares

othing and I mean nothing screams romantic charm and historic culture more than the city of Florence or as Italians say, Firenze. Florence is one of the most historic cities in Italy. I was fortunate enough to live there after college for six months, and honestly, I still pinch myself.

Why? Because I cannot believe that city’s beauty was my home for some time. It’s a city you can always visit as well. I went recently and I fell even more in love with it than I already was.

You’ll never get sick of it or have the feeling of, ‘I’ve already seen it’ so I don’t want to see it again. You just will never get that feeling from this city. There’s just too much magic and beauty in it.

Florence is Italy’s capital and is most famous for its culture, food, art, museums, and charm.

You can visit the Uffizi Gallery which houses works by renowned artists such as Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo. You can see the famous Michelangelo statue of David at the Galleria dell’Accademia which should be on your bucket list.

Take note, that there’s a lot to see in Florence. If you enjoy traveling slowly and really want to soak up the city, you could stay for weeks. Let’s be real you could live here for a year and really get a feel for the place. Of course, I couldn’t recommend it more.

The best time to visit Florence in my opinion is April/ May and September/October. Those are the most pleasant months that are not too cold or not too humid or hot, it’s just perfect. Since Florence is a walkable city you will be walking a lot so keep that in mind. Being out and about inhot humid weather around town is not always so fun, even when you are in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

The Best Things to Do in Florence:

Visit the Piazzale Michelangelo

Hands down one of my favorite places and things to do in Florence. This place is incredible. Situated on a hill called Monte Pincio, south of the Arno River, offers panoramic views of the city’s skyline. There’s a replica of Michelangelo’s renowned statue of David at the top. What’s most magnificent about this place is that it’s free and gold hour here is something that will be in your mind forever. There’s just nothing like it. The experience of seeing the beauty all around you is one you will cherish forever.

Visit the Piazza Del Duomo

Piazza Del Duomo is the most popular duomo in the world. It is located r ight in the center of Florence known as the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore. You will be in awe as soon as you lay eyes on her. The intricate marble details of this building are insane and you can even go all the way to the top of the Duomo to get amazing views of the city. It’s over 400

Walk Along Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio is so the oldest bridge in Florence as it’s so unique. It’s filled with countless jewelry shops surrounded by some great restaurants too. When I lived there we used to sunbathe along the river overlooking the bridge after school with friends. That memory willm forever be with me when I think of Ponte Vecchio.

Visit Piazza Della Signoria

One of Florence’s main piazzas because it’s been a focal point since the Florentine Republic.The city is filled with piazzas so make sure to visit most of them but especially this one and Piazza Santo Spirito

Go Wine Tasting in Tuscany for the Day

Florence is not only famous for their food but also for their wine, specifically their Chianti. You can find many tours that involve lunch, history, and knowledge of winetasting, and even visiting some small towns and villages on the way

East Your Heart Out

Some of the best food I ever ate was in Florence. Food in Florence is more than just ‘food’. It’s their culture. It’s love. And it’s what brings the people alive there. Eat everything when you are there. It’s a memory and experience you will never forget. And in the end, that is the reason we why we travel. Some other recommendations for Florence:

Go on A Vespa Tour

Visit Basilica Santa Maria Novella