Florence Travel Guide

Birthplace to the Italian Renaissance, and quite possibly the most important city in Europe for several centuries during this time from the 13th to 16th centuries, Florence stands today as one of the most culturally and artistically significant cities in the world. Located in the beautiful Tuscany region of Italy, Florence has been home to a wide range of artists over the years, from writers like Dante and Petrarch to painters and sculptors like Donatello and Michelangelo. The patrons of many such artists, the Medici family, served to continue as benefactors of the arts for many centuries. Fro… read morem the world-renowned wine and cuisine of the Tuscan region of Italy to the centuries of art and history, Florence stands as the epitome of Renaissance Europe.

It is impossible to see and experience everything in Florence in one trip, unless you literally spent several months here. For the average visitor it's best to simply see the best in what time you have, or come back over multiple trips. Visit the Ponte Vecchio and stare at your reflection in the diamond merchant displays or the Arno River below. Climb Giotto’s Tower for a look over the entire city. Visit the Boboli Gardens or the Piazzale Michelangelo. Take an authentic Tuscan cooking class or drink some of the most amazing Chianti you will ever taste in your life.

Florence is not exactly a place to go if you are a budget traveler. Much like Rome, the closer you are to the historical old town sections of the city, the more expensive it gets. If you are here on a budget, street vendors are probably the most affordable way to get by, such as delis and pizza, because the restaurants will often charge ridiculous prices. Bring your appetite and your love of culture, because you will be satiating both of them while visiting this epic city.