Uncover the Heart of Tuscany: A Travel Guide to Florence

Imagine wandering through cobblestone streets lined with Renaissance masterpieces, savoring world-class cuisine and immersing yourself in the rich history of one of Italy's most iconic cities. Florence, the heart of Tuscany, offers all of this and more. Let's uncover the treasures that await you.

Must-see attractions

Uffizi Gallery: Step into a world of Renaissance art at the Uffizi Gallery. Marvel at iconic masterpieces like Botticelli's "Birth of Venus" and Michelangelo's "Doni Tondo." Get lost in the intricate details of Raphael's "Madonna of the Chair" and Leonardo da Vinci's "Annunciation."

Duomo: Climb the dome of this magnificent cathedral, designed by Brunelleschi, for panoramic views of Florence. The Duomo's intricate architecture and Giotto's Campanile are architectural marvels.

Ponte Vecchio: Stroll across this iconic bridge, lined with historic goldsmith shops. Admire the Arno River flowing below and soak up the charming atmosphere. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Vasari Corridor, a secret passage connecting the Uffizi Gallery to the Pitti Palace.

Piazza della Signoria: Discover this historic square, a hub of activity featuring the Palazzo Vecchio, the Loggia dei Lanzi, and numerous statues, including Michelangelo's "David." Admire the intricate details of Cellini's "Perseus with Medusa's Head" and the equestrian statue of Cosimo I de' Medici.

Boboli Gardens: Escape the city's hustle and bustle in these serene gardens, filled with manicured lawns, fountains, sculptures and the Grotto of the Medici. Explore the botanical gardens, stroll through the Italian-style terraces and admire the views of the city.

Leather market: Florence is renowned for its leather goods, and the leather market is a must-visit for shoppers. My husband still loves the beautiful leather jacket he bought in the market five years later and continues to get compliments on it! Browse through a variety of high-quality leather items, including handbags, jackets, belts and shoes. You can find both luxury brands and local artisans selling their products. Plus, many vendors expect customers to negotiate the price, so don't be afraid to try and get a better deal (which we did when he got his jacket!). The market is usually held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but it's best to check the exact dates and times before your visit.

Day trips from Florence

Pisa offers a unique blend of history and architecture. The most iconic landmark, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, is a must-see. Don't be surprised to find hundreds of people striking unusual poses as they try to capture that perfect shot of them "propping the tower up." But, don't stop there! Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city. The Piazza del Duomo is home to the Leaning Tower, the Duomo (cathedral), the Baptistery and the Camposanto (cemetery). For art and history lovers, the Museo Nazionale di San Matteo houses a collection of Etruscan, Roman and medieval artifacts.

Siena is a medieval gem with a charming historic center. The Piazza del Campo is the heart of the city, known for the Palio horse race. The Duomo di Siena is a stunning Gothic cathedral adorned with intricate mosaics and frescoes. Climb the Torre del Mangia for breathtaking views of the city. We truly loved visiting Siena and uncovered so many treasures as we shopped through its medieval streets!

San Gimignano is a hilltop town famous for its numerous medieval towers. Explore the historic center and admire the architecture. The Duomo di San Gimignano is a Romanesque cathedral with beautiful frescoes and sculptures. Visit the Piazza della Cisterna to see the medieval well. There are many tours that can take you here from Italy, and it can get very crowded when they all arrive. Yet, you'll still have a wonderful time as you explore this charming town.

What to eat and drink: A culinary adventure

Indulge in Florentine steak: Experience the culinary highlight of Florence with a perfectly grilled bistecca Fiorentina. This thick, juicy steak is typically served rare and is often accompanied by a simple salad. The rich, flavorful meat is a true testament to Tuscan cuisine.

Gelato delight: Cool down with a scoop of creamy gelato from one of Florence's many gelaterias. Explore the endless flavors, from classic stracciatella and pistachio to more adventurous options like fig, saffron or chocolate hazelnut.

Authentic Tuscan cuisine: Discover the diverse flavors of Tuscany with delicious pasta dishes, seafood and hearty soups. Try pappa al pomodoro, a tomato and bread soup or pappardelle al cinghiale, a wild boar pasta. For seafood lovers, enjoy fresh catches like grilled calamari or seafood risotto.

Chianti wine: Sample the famous Chianti wine produced in the surrounding Tuscan hills. Visit a local winery for a tasting experience and learn about the winemaking process. Enjoy the rich, full-bodied flavors of Chianti Classico or the lighter, fruitier notes of Chianti Rufina.

Where to eat:

For a romantic dinner:

• Enoteca Pinchiorri: This Michelin-starred restaurant offers an exquisite dining experience with a focus on Tuscan cuisine and an extensive wine cellar. It's perfect for a special occasion or a romantic evening.

• Buca Lapi: Enjoy traditional Florentine cuisine in a cozy, historic setting. This family-run restaurant is known for its delicious steaks and pasta dishes.

Casual finds:

• Trattoria Mario: This popular trattoria offers authentic Tuscan food at affordable prices. It's a great place to experience local cuisine in a casual atmosphere.

• Osteria Santo Spirito: This charming Osteria serves up delicious pasta dishes, seafood and Florentine specialties. It's a perfect spot for a relaxed meal.

Where to drink:

For a classic Italian aperitivo:

• Caffè Gilli: This historic café is a popular spot for a classic Italian aperitivo. Enjoy a Spritz or a Negroni while people-watching in the elegant surroundings.

• Bar Carracci: This charming bar offers a wide selection of cocktails and a relaxed atmosphere. It's a great place to unwind after a day of sightseeing.

For a lively night out:

• Bar Il Magazzino: This trendy bar is known for its lively atmosphere and creative cocktails. It's a popular spot for a night out with friends.

• Bar Lungarno: Enjoy stunning views of the Arno River from this stylish bar. It's a great place to sip on a cocktail and watch the sunset.

For wine lovers:

• Enoteca Pitti: This wine bar offers a unique experience of selecting your wine from a window overlooking the Arno River. Located in a prime location in Florence, right in front of Palazzo Pitti, near the Ponte Vecchio in the historic Oltrarno quarter, it's a perfect spot for wine enthusiasts.

• Enoteca Nazionale: This wine bar offers a vast selection of Italian wines from all regions. It's a great place to sample different varieties and learn about Italian wine culture.

For something unexpected:

• Molly Malone's: Yes, I’m including an Irish bar on the list! My husband and I had a blast at this lively Irish pub on Via dei Neri, just a few steps away from the square. Maybe it was the unexpected juxtaposition of being in Italy, surrounded by Renaissance architecture, sipping a Guinness as we sang along to Bon Jovi covers with our fellow patrons, but it became a memorable and fun night and proof that Florence offers so much more than what one may imagine.