Everything To Know: Florence, Italy
This magical city has so much to offer and teach us, it’s difficult to sum it all up into one blog post. If you want to explore the sentimental lessons I learned during my time in Firenze, read that here and share with me your thoughts! The three biggest categories of what you need to know about Firenze are about the museums, cuisine, and history. So, sit back, relax, and read about one of my favorite destinations I’ve been to this year!
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1. Art
With over twenty-five museums and exhibitions and over twenty churches and cathedrals, there is no shortage of visual masterpieces to appreciate. For a full list of my recommendations, take a look at my destination guide for Florence here! This city is literally teeming with art, architecture, and historical relevance. Something that no one can truly prepare you for is the intense wave of emotion you will experience while staring at a piece of art created hundreds of years ago, surrounded by the fresh atmosphere of such a lively city. One of my tips for you is to purchase a Firenze card, or at the very least, a PassePartout ticket for the top three recommended museums and exhibitions in the city. Depending on how much you want to explore, these passes will end up saving you money, not having to buy each ticket individually. Be sure to reserve your tickets early, and double-check if a time-slot reservation is also needed for some museums.
Bust with the head of Gaius Ceasar, formerly identified as Octavian by a Roman sculptor in Uffizi Galleries.
2. Cuisine
Like most places in Italia, Firenze is rich in culinary heritage. One of the most appreciated practices is the use of seasonal fruits and vegetables, to ensure the freshness and richness of flavor. Similar to most regions in the country, breakfast is usually a light pastry and coffee, served by ten in the morning. One can find lunch in a multitude of restaurants, typically eaten between one and three in the afternoon. Keep in mind that many restaurants will close after lunch, some opening back up for dinner. The infamous aperitivo is traditionally an alcoholic drink and small snacks between six and eight, to be consumed before dinner. And finally, dinner, the longest and biggest meal of Italy, starts between eight and nine. Reservations for the evening are recommended, and it is preferred that you dress neatly (at least not in beachwear). Tipping, or rounding up the bill, is appreciated and common, although not obliged.
Some local favorites include bistecca alla fiorentina, lampredotto, and crostini di fegato for the meat lovers or ribollita, pappa al pomodoro, and trippa alla fiorentina for the vegetarians, with schiacciata having vegetarian and meat options. To be enjoyed with your meal are the world-renowned Chianti wines. For your aperitivo, you might order a negroni, which was first created in the city of Firenze. And as dessert, you can choose from Vin Santo or caffè, or both! There are so many wonderful options to choose from, it can be difficult to make a decision. Ask your server for their recommendations and you will find yourself happy with every meal.
Gelato from La Carraia.
3. History
Firenze, Italia, founded in 59 BC, became a cradle of the Renaissance in the 14th-17th centuries. Home to the powerful Medici family, it flourished as a center of art, culture, and politics. Renowned artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli worked here, leaving masterpieces in the Uffizi Gallery and the Florence Cathedral. The city’s cuisine reflects its rich history, featuring dishes like Bistecca alla Fiorentina and Ribollita, influenced by peasant traditions and local produce. Firenze is also famous for its contributions to literature and science, with figures like Dante Alighieri and Galileo Galilei hailing from here. Visitors can explore its architectural marvels, such as the Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Vecchio, while indulging in world-class art, history, and culinary experiences. To get more in-depth and interesting facts about the rich history of the city, consider a walking tour with a local guide. The more you know about a place, the more fascinating it becomes.
Standing over an old filled-in tunnel of Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.
Takeaways
Firenze is one of the places that requires slow, intentional traveling. Take your time with this magical city. Slow down and enjoy everything it has to offer. Known for its history and art, Firenze will captivate you and entice you to stay longer than you planned. Hopefully, now that you know more of about the museums and exhibitions, cuisine, and history of the city, you are even more excited to book your ticket than before. I highly suggest that you take a look at my destination guide for Firenze before going, to get over 30 location recommendations, all from personal experience and tips from locals. If you find any of this useful, let me know! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, share them! My goal is for this to be a platform for like-minded travelers to share and help others. If you follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads, you will find that’s the easiest place to interact with a community of wanderers. On my YouTube channel, I will share tips, tricks, and lessons learned from each destination I go to, and my podcast will have similar content in a different format. I hope that you find this information helpful and use it as a starting point for your own wonderful, magical adventures! Happy wandering.
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