Is Florence Worth Visiting? 11 Reasons to Visit Florence Italy in 2024
Nestled in the heart of Tuscany lies a city that has captured the hearts of many travellers for centuries. Are you asking yourself – is Florence worth visiting? Florence also known as Firenze, is a treasure trove of art, culture, and history that offers travellers an unparalleled experience.
Colpo di fulmine. That’s what Italians call love at first sight, and that’s exactly what happened to me. I immediately fell in love with Florence, Italy.
Ask anyone who’s been to Florence, “why should I visit Florence Italy” and they’re likely to talk to you about the stunning Renaissance architecture and the world-renowned museums and galleries.
If you are a cultured traveller who has a mix of interests in architecture, art, food, history and all things beautiful you’re going to love Florence. In this article, I’ll explain why I think going to Florence is a must for travellers, but I’ll also talk about the not-so-great things.
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Is Florence Worth Visiting?
Is it worth visiting Florence – yes it most definitely is! Florence is worth visiting as it is a one-of-a-kind city!
Florence Italy is known for having the best art and architecture in Europe. Art aficionados will be in awe of the classic masterpieces found here. Admirers of architecture will marvel at the historic churches, palaces, and soaring buildings shadowing the winding alleyways. The historic city centre has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its history, art and architecture.
Besides art, what is Florence known for is its food, wine, fashion, and vibrant nightlife. Walking around the city’s narrow streets and piazzas, you can feel the ancient spirit of the city, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Arno River. Florence is a convenient base for exploring the rest of Tuscany, with its picturesque Tuscan towns, vineyards, and olive groves.
Florence is a very walkable city. Within 30 minutes you can walk from one end to the other. It is a small compact city with many pedestrian-only streets. You’ll find very few cars in the city centre compared to what you might see on the streets in Rome.
So, is Florence Italy worth visiting – yes! It’s the kind of city that takes your breath away. Colpo di fulmine or love at first sight! Visiting Florence is hard to describe, it’s just an indescribable feeling you get when you’re there.
11 Reasons to Visit Florence Italy
Is Florence worth seeing, well travelling is very subjective. Ask people to name their favourite and least favourite destinations and you’re bound to hear the same cities falling into both categories.
My best advice is to follow your interests and passions. Architecture, art, food, history, nature- let these be the reasons Florence is on your travel list.
Is Florence worth it – some say No!
The biggest downside to holidaying in Florence, I can only think of one – the crowds! If you are trying to see as many of the top attractions in Florence, be prepared to visit them along with every other traveller. I found some locations to be overwhelming, loud and insanely crowded.
My tips to minimize this challenge are to visit in the shoulder season, early in the morning and to offset the rest of your day with something a bit more relaxed, like a leisurely meal or walk along the Arno River.
Now, here are my top 11 reasons on why go to Florence Italy!
1. The Rich Art and Cultural Heritage
Florence is widely regarded as one of the most culturally rich cities in Italy, and for good reason. The city has a long and illustrious history and played a major role in the Renaissance period.
The very powerful Medici family, ruling over three centuries (1434 – 1737), helped shape the city. Even today you can still see the impact of this era and Medici had on Florence, with its stunning architecture, beautiful churches, and world-famous art museums.
Florence is home to some of the world’s most iconic masterpieces, such as Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, which are housed in the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery, respectively.
In addition to these famous galleries, why visit Florence is to bear witness to the final resting place of many famous figures, such as Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. With its rich cultural heritage and vibrant artistic scene, Florence truly is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, art, and culture.
2. The Awe-inspiring Architecture
Florence is renowned for its stunning architecture, which showcases a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.
One of the most iconic buildings in the city is the Duomo, or Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, with its red-tiled dome dominating the city’s skyline. The cathedral’s intricate façade is decorated with a mix of sculptures and reliefs, while the interior features a stunning fresco of the Last Judgement.
Another architectural gem is the Palazzo Vecchio, which has been the seat of government in Florence since the Middle Ages. The palace features an impressive tower, a grand courtyard, and many beautiful frescoes and sculptures.
One of the favourite buildings that I most admired the architecture was Palazzo Strozzi. Maybe because was barely visited by tourists, and was a quiet oasis in a busy city. But who can say no to those arches and double-storey inner courtyard?
3. The People-watching Piazzas
One of the things that makes Florence such a vibrant and engaging city is its lively piazzas or public squares. These bustling squares are where locals and visitors alike come to relax, socialize, and soak up the atmosphere of the city.
One of the most famous piazzas in Florence is the Piazza della Signoria, which has been the political heart of the city since the 14th century. This square is home to the Palazzo Vecchio, as well as many impressive sculptures, including a replica of Michelangelo’s David.
Another popular piazza is the Piazza del Duomo, which is surrounded by some of the city’s most iconic buildings, including the Duomo, the Baptistery, and Giotto’s Campanile.
One of my favourites is Piazza della Repubblica where you can find a grand arch, a colourful old carousel and great restaurants with terraces. This is a great square for people-watching and having a drink. It’s bustling with activity all day long, but it has a great atmosphere in the evening.
The Piazza Santo Spirito, on the other hand, is a more laid-back square, popular with locals and featuring a lively market on weekends. Whether you’re looking to people-watch, enjoy a gelato, or simply soak up the vibrant energy of the city, Florence’s piazzas offer something for everyone.
4. The Beautiful Bridges
Florence is home to several beautiful bridges that span the Arno River, each with its unique history and charm.
One of the most famous is the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval stone bridge that is lined with shops and was once home to butchers and tanners. What makes it unique is the bridge itself is lined with jewellery stores from one side of the river to the other. It also draws many people, making it almost unbearable to visit. But you simply must.
Another beautiful bridge is the Ponte Santa Trinita, a Renaissance-era bridge that offers stunning views of the Arno and the city’s historic center. The bridge is also notable for its three elegant arches and beautiful statues of the Four Seasons.
A third beautiful bridge in Florence is the Ponte alla Carraia, a stone bridge that was rebuilt in the 19th century. The bridge offers lovely views of the city’s skyline and is located near the lively San Frediano neighbourhood. With its beautiful bridges and stunning views of the Arno, Florence truly is a city of unparalleled beauty.
5. The Stunning Scenery
Florence is not just a city of art and culture but also boasts breathtaking natural beauty.
Take a leisurely walk along the Arno River, enjoying the views of the beautiful bridges and buildings that line its banks. The Arno flows east-west and divides Florence into the Centro Storico, or historic center to the north and the hillier, less crowded Oltrarno to the south.
This treelined spacious walk offers the best views of the city. Be sure to do this river walk in the early morning, before the crowds, and again in the evening was one of my favourite times.
The Boboli Gardens, located on a hill behind the Pitti Palace, has over 11 acres of green space, full of statues, sculptures, art, hidden pathways and fountains. It offers a peaceful escape from the busy city and is one of my favourite things to do in Florence.
6. The Amazing Shopping
Florence is a paradise for shoppers, with its wide range of boutiques, markets, and artisan workshops.
The city’s historic center is also home to many boutique shops selling high-quality leather goods, including bags, shoes, and jackets. Yes, I couldn’t resist and I came home with tall brown suede boots and a jacket, a splurge I don’t regret!
Another popular shopping destination is the San Lorenzo Market, where visitors can find a wide range of souvenirs, clothing, and accessories. The market is also home to a food hall, where visitors can sample local delicacies such as Tuscan cheese, cured meats, and truffles.
For those interested in traditional handicrafts, the Oltrarno neighbourhood is home to many artisan workshops where visitors can see craftsmen at work and purchase handmade ceramics, textiles, and other crafts.
7. The Delicious Food and Wine
Florence is a food lover’s paradise, with its rich culinary traditions and world-renowned wines. Did you know that the Negroni cocktail was born in Florence in 1919? Visit Rasputin, a secret underground club, that just so happens to be one of Florence’s first cocktail clubs.
Tuscan cuisine is known for its simple yet flavorful dishes, featuring high-quality local ingredients such as olive oil, cheeses, and cured meats. Sample classic Tuscan dishes such as ribollita, a hearty vegetable soup, and bistecca alla Fiorentina, a thick-cut steak grilled to perfection. The recipe for this Florentine steak has not changed since 1915 and can be found on almost every menu in Florence.
Florence is also home to several specialty food shops, where you can purchase high-quality olive oil, truffles, and other Tuscan delicacies to take home.
Seeing that Florence is located in the heart of the Chianti wine region, which is famous for its robust reds, be sure to visit a wine bar where you can taste and learn about the region’s best wines. I recommend Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina located opposite Pitti Palace or Le Volpi e L’Uva, hidden away in a tiny Piazzetta a few meters from the Ponte Vecchio.
8. The Fun Festivals and Events
Florence is a city that is steeped in history and culture, and as such, it plays host to several festivals and events throughout the year.
One of the most popular events is the Calcio Storico, a historic soccer game that is played in the Piazza Santa Croce each year in June. The game is a mix of soccer, rugby, and wrestling, and is played in 16th-century costume.
Another popular event is the Festa della Rificolona, a festival that takes place on September 7th each year. During the festival, children carry brightly coloured lanterns through the streets, culminating in a parade that winds its way through the city’s historic center.
Other popular events include the Scoppio del Carro, a fireworks display that takes place on Easter Sunday, Carnevale – a large parade held in February and the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, a renowned music festival that takes place in May and June each year.
9. The Incredible Sunsets
Florence is renowned for its spectacular sunsets, which are truly a sight to behold.
As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, the sky over the city takes on a golden glow, casting a warm light over the city’s historic buildings and surrounding hills.
One of the best places to catch a sunset in Florence is from the Piazzale Michelangelo, a terrace located on a hill just outside the city center. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Arno River as the sun sets behind the hills.
My favourite spot to catch a sunset is from the Ponte Santa Trinita. Whether you’re a photographer looking to capture the perfect shot or simply looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Florence, the city’s incredible sunsets are not to be missed.
10. The Italian Lifestyle
Florence embodies the quintessential Italian lifestyle, with its focus on food and family.
Italians are known for their love of good food, and in Florence, you will enjoy traditional Tuscan dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Family is also an integral part of Italian life, and in Florence, locals can often be found socializing in the city’s many piazzas or spending time with loved ones at home.
Get lost in the city’s maze of medieval streets. In Florence, the tall buildings soar and create these lovely narrow alleyways, almost always fully shaded. Eavesdrop on busy families, smell the delicious aroma of a meal being prepared and watch children play football (or soccer) in the laneways.
11. The Tuscan Location
Florence’s location in the heart of Tuscany makes it an ideal home base for exploring sought-after Tuscan cities. One of the stress-free ways is to join a group tour.
A popular one to take makes 3 stops to Siena, San Gimignano & Monteriggioni from Florence. Or, wine lovers can explore the nearby Chianti region on a wine tour. Or a bucket list day trip from Florence is to go to Cinque Terre for the day.
As a Holidaymaker
Colpo di fulmine. Is there any doubt why I didn’t fall in love with this Renaissance city? Florence is a city that truly deserves to be on everyone’s travel bucket list. There’s something for everyone to enjoy in this magical city.
If you still wondering, is Florence a nice place to visit, read the interesting debate of which city is better:
Or, if you don’t need any convincing then start planning your trip with these things to do in Florence and perhaps include in your itinerary a visit to:
- an ideal Renaissance town of Pienza
- the famous Under the Tuscan Sun town of Cortona
- a medieval Tuscan city of Siena
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