Florence Vacation & Tourism Guide
photo by Pete and Bams
Florence is a small city, located in the Arno River valley, and surrounded by olive-planted hills on the north and south. Florence is also a city of the arts. Its chapels, galleries and museums are an inexhaustible treasure, capturing the complex, often elusive spirit of the Renaissance more fully than any other place in the country. Festivals, shopping, feasts for the senses along every street, in every square, and in every museum: these are the gifts Florence offers to the visitor.
Great Recommendations from Real Travelers
1. Grand Hotel
Real Traveler Rating: 4.9 out of 5 based on 38 reviews from 4 sources
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"A wonderful hotel, excellent accommodations (we had a small suite), great breakfasts, very good concierges - not officious or condescending - and great locations." — source Venere
"The Grand Hotel is beautiful and the views from the room amazing!" — source Expedia
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1. Galleria dell'Accademia
Europe's first school of drawing, this museum of art is chiefly famous for ... more
Real Travelers who've been to Galleria dell'Accademia
ABanana in Florence and a Tuscan Dinner said
…the Duomo and the Galleria dell’Accademia where we saw the famous statue of David Day 8:We started out early… continue reading »
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2. Ponte Vecchio
... literally meaning "Old Bridge," was first constructed in 972 AD, but was damaged by floods and fire several times in the course of history. There have been shops lining this bridge since the 12th century, if not before. The... more
Real Travelers who've been to Ponte Vecchio
abovhr in Florence said
… the Ponte Vecchio area, seeing the sculptures near the Ufizzi Museum and looking at masses of gold jewelry.Great store -hidden… continue reading »
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3. Santa Maria Novella
... di Santa Maria Novella church was built in 1278 by architects Fra Sisto and Fra Ristoro, who were part of the Dominican order. The work was carried on by Fra Jacopo Talenti and Fra Giovanni da Campi and was constructed in a... more
Real Travelers who've been to Santa Maria Novella
Nivariense in Florencia said
… tomé tampoco estaba muy bueno. Fuimos a un mercadillo cerca de Santa María Novella y tuvimos que regresar rápido a Lucca.… continue reading »
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4. Galleria degli Uffizi
One of the great museums of the world, the Uffizi houses the premier collection ... more
Real Travelers who've been to Galleria degli Uffizi
ABanana in Florence and a Tuscan Dinner said
… we saw the famous Ponte Vecchio, and the Galleria degli Uffizi. Near Ponte Vecchio Meera and I did shopping at the little… continue reading »
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5. Santo Spirito
While it may not look like much from the outside, the elaborate interior of Brunelleschi's landmark ... more
Real Travelers who've been to Santo Spirito
MJB in 26 avril 2008, samedi, Firenze (2ème journée) said
… Santo Spirito, il y a des jeunes qui jouent la guitare et on peut jouer avec eux. Tu veux ? il m’a demandé. C’est sûr, prenons… continue reading »
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6. Battistero di San Giovanni
... choosing a date to mark the beginning of the Renaissance, art historians often seize on 1401, the year Florence's powerful wool merchant's guild held a contest to decide who would receive the commission to design the North... more
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7. Galleria degli Uffizi
One of the great museums of the world, the Uffizi houses the premier collection ... more
Real Travelers who've been to Galleria degli Uffizi
ABanana in Florence and a Tuscan Dinner said
… we saw the famous Ponte Vecchio, and the Galleria degli Uffizi. Near Ponte Vecchio Meera and I did shopping at the little… continue reading »
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8. Museo dell'Opera del Duomo
For preservation purposes, many significant works have been moved ... more
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9. Palazzo Medici Riccardi
... Palazzo Medici-Riccardi was built by Michelozzo in 1444 for Cosimo de' Medici il Vecchio; it's the prototype Florentine palazzo, on which the more overbearing Strozzi and Pitti palaces were later modeled. It remained the Me... more
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10. San Marco
Opened to the public in 1869, this museum houses the largest collection of ... more
Real Travelers who've been to San Marco
TJ and Melissa in Day 20: Venice/Florence said
… back to... of course... Piazza San Marco. This time, however, we decided to go into the Basilica San Marco. We… continue reading »
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1. Vegetariano (Il)
... one of Florence's only vegetarian restaurants and use your coat to save a spot at one of the communal wood tables before heading to the back to get your food. You pay at the start of the meal, after choosing from the daily... more
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2. Trattoria Mario
This little trattoria is always full of people, so it's advisable to get there before noon to secure a table. A faily-run establishment, this is one of the most popular, traditional and affordable eateries in the city. Deliciou... more
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3. Ristorante Cammillo
The setting for the Ristorante Cammillo is one of the city's most attractive 16th-century buildings. Patrons can enjoy the pretty corner fountain, balcony and decorative façade as they dine on the delicious offerings from the k... more
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4. Negroni
In the lively neighborhood of San Niccolò, within a few minutes walk from Ponte Vecchio, this tiny bar is packed with mostly young people in their 20's and 30's chatting, drinking and listening to the music from late afternoon... more
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5. Trattoria Anita
For travelers on a budget or those looking for a filling lunch, Trattoria Anita is the place to go in the Centro Storico. Although a little difficult to find, this trattoria is worth the search. Get a prix-fixe menu at lunchtim... more
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6. Girasol
Girasol, due piani di gusto e divertimento! L’accogliente salotto per gli aperitivi introduce al piano inferiore: ristorante, pizzeria ... more
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7. Trattoria Croce al Trebbio
This venue is well-liked by locals who appreciate its food and the warm, friendly atmosphere. Some very good soups are on the menu and there is fresh pasta with various sauces. Among the main courses are Livorno-style cod with... more
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8. Portale (Il)
This characteristic bistro-wine bar is close to the Santa Maria Novella station. It is a versatile solution for any time of the day. The premises are rustic with a lot of wood but are decorated with solutions and modern colors.... more
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9. Trattoria 12 Gobbi
Near to Santa Maria Novella, we find this popular Tuscan restaurant where in summer you can dine in the open air, in a traditional courtyard. The cuisine is local in style and offers many of the local favorite dishes such as pa... more
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10. Taverna del Bronzino
A classic, yet never boring restaurant, ideal for lovers of good food, accompanied by a relaxing ambiance. Very welcoming, attentive atmosphere with a particularly interesting table and service system. Both the fish and meat me... more
Top Rated Florence Trips
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Statues, Pizza, & Gelato | Nov 09 10'
"We saw the Statue of David by Michelangelo. It was huge and awesome."
We went to Florence. Rishi & Mom couldn't go because Rishi was sick. So, Papa and I went on our own. First, we went to to a cathedral. It had d... Continue reading »
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Statues, Pizza, & Gelato | Nov 09 10'
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We went to Florence. Rishi and Mom couldn't go because Rishi was sick. First, we went to a cathedral. It had different colors of marble and stained... Continue reading »
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Masterpieces in Florence... everyone knows this already | Oct 17 10'
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La belle Toscane | Sep 09 10'
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The Renaissance - Ground Zero for art and more | Dec 02 09'
""Mine's bigger than yours" - David"
12/2/09 Up @ 7:00, I felt like getting dressed up today as we are going to arrive in Florence. Another great breakfast and with all... Continue reading »
