Even a month in Florence is barely enough to see every quaint store, art installation and picturesque view in the city, so it’s important to plan ahead to see as much as you can. The historic ambience makes it easy to get lost in centuries of wonder, but the distant Tuscan hills still tempt thousands.
Whether you’re visiting Florence for a romantic weekend or touring Tuscany, magical sights are no stranger in this artistic corner of Europe.
From Da Vinci to Michelangelo’s David: see world-class art
A leading destination for exchange students and vacationers alike, Florence is known for its artistic wonders. UNESCO reports that 60 per cent of the world’s most momentous artwork is in Italy. An impressive half of these are within the City of Lilies.
This makes Florence a strong contender for the world’s best destination for art-lovers. Even if you aren’t a fine art aficionado, however, these monumental works are still a feast for the eyes.
Michelangelo’s David is perhaps the most famous. This classic five-metre-tall sculpture is housed in the Accademia Gallery between the University of Florence and the countless museums of the old town.
The Uffizi Gallery is another prominent Florentine art museum that is worth putting on your bucket list. Set in a beautiful 16th-century building with grand Renaissance interiors, here you can journey through some of the world’s finest visual arts from the likes of Leonardo da Vinci and oil paintings by Michelangelo.
Venture through centuries of history
Founded as a military colony by the ancient Romans, Florence has come a long way throughout its rich history. It’s a city steeped in heritage and there are many great places to discover the story of the local area.
The Museum of the Natural History of Florence, the National Archeological Museum and the Innocenti Museum are some of the most famous local museums. There are even exhibits dedicated to prominent Florentines like Dante and Michelangelo.
Touring magnificent architecture is an alternative way to experience the centuries of wonder packed into these city walls. The Duomo is the most recognisable building, dating back to the medieval era. To add a unique spin to your visit, you can even climb 476 steps to the bell tower’s peak.
Palazzo Vecchio is the city’s town hall and has been an important civic building for more than seven centuries. Here you can find even more sculptures and frescoes crafted by some of Italy’s sharpest artistic minds.
Experience retail, Italian style
The Ponte Vecchio is another of the architectural wonders – a medieval bridge noted for the stores still packed into its design. Stroll along the water top street to find jewellery stores and luxury fashion boutiques. The city’s bustling atmosphere is densely concentrated, the air filled with the mouth-watering aromas that spill from the bakeries.
For yet more fast-paced retail, head to the San Lorenzo Market. Here you can find more than 600 retailers selling fashion accessories – some made with traditional Florentine silks. The Oltrarno neighbourhood south of the river is home to an eclectic mix of retailers, where designer brands and independent shops sit side-by-side.
Delve into distant Tuscan Treasures
The region of Tuscany has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than some countries – more than Argentina, Australia and South Africa. This means there are many world-class wonders to see right on the doorstep, including the famed Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Grab your camera and take to the road to reach this world-famous landmark in just one-hour. While you’re in Pisa, the nearby town of Volterra has characteristic Mediterranean beauty and is well worth a visit. There are many medieval gems tucked into the rolling landscape, each with their own storied past.
When you rent a car from Florence Airport, a treasure trove of history is waiting to be encountered. Choose car rental with Hertz to unlock it all.
