Many tourists say if you haven’t seen Florence, you haven’t seen Italy. With its inspiring architecture and classical history, Florence is one of the must-see cities in Europe today. Renowned for delightful bridges and Tuscan cuisine, Florence offers more to see and do than most guests can get to in a typical visit. That is why so many travelers return to this beautiful city of charm and grace. Although the city’s center prevents access to through traffic, most people can walk to their destinations, which is the best way to see the exciting home to famous persons like Dante, who wrote The Divine Comedy; Michelangelo, famous sculptor and painter; Galileo, scientist and philosopher; and more recently, Florence Nightingale, nurse and statistician.

	Top rated hotels
	1. Montebello Splendid Hotel Via Garibaldi, 14 4. Astoria Via Del Giglio 9 2. Monna Lisa Hotel Florence Via Borgo Pinti, 27 5. Castri Piazza Indipendenza 7 3. Grand Hotel Baglioni Piazza Unita Italiana 6 6. Lungarno Suites Lungarno Acciaiuoli 4 View more Florence hotel info »«

	Top rated attractions
	In Florence 1. Galleria degli Uffizi This outstanding gallery is a world-class fine art museum housing Renaissance art and classical sculpture of many themes and periods. Be prepared to wait in line, sometimes for hours, unless you call ahead for a reservation. Reserved tickets are available at the door. Street performers sometimes perform outside the gallery, adding local color.  « hide 2. Ponte Vecchio Bridge Of Florence’s many bridges over the Arno River, the Ponte Vecchio is the only one not destroyed in World War II. Its name means “old bridge,” and the view is fabulous from many points. Lined with jewelry shops, some in business since the Renaissance Medici era, tourists are invited to Vasari’s elevated walkway over the Arno that connects the Uffizi with the Medici palace. The Palazzo Vecchio contains many fine art pieces, including a replica of Michelangelo’s “David” that stands in the location of the original sculpture.  « hide 3. The Duomo Visitors to Florence will want to see the domed Gothic cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, simply called “The Duomo.” Built by famed sculptor Filippo Brunelleschi in the 15th century, the cathedral includes his tomb with a life-like monument. Giotto designed the Bell Tower in 1334, and Talenti and Pisano later completed it. Tourists can get a free bus map and tickets at the ATAF bus station near the railway station. Because of its central location, plan to visit other attractions while in the historic part of the city.  « hide 4. San Miniato Al Monte One of the oldest and most unique churches in Tuscany, San Miniato was constructed in 1015 on a rise above the south bank of the Arno River. Here you can catch delightful views of the city and surrounding area. The façade comprises a green, white, and black marble pattern with mosaic. Inside, an elevated choir sits over the crypt. Classic art includes Michelozzo’s Chapel of the Cardinal of Portugal in the Cappella del Crocifisso. Frescoes by Paolo Uccellino can be viewed. Gregorian chanting is heard at 5:30 p.m. during summer hours or 4:30 p.m. in the wintertime.  « hide 5. Parco delle Cascine For a comfortable break from travel and sightseeing, visit the Parco delle Cascine, Florence’s largest urban park. On hot summer days, you can swim in the pool or have a picnic to enjoy the fresh breeze. There are horseback riding trails and jogging paths, as well as an amphitheater for summer concerts and performances. Kids will appreciate the swings and slides. Open daily, accessible on foot or by bicycle. Not recommended after dark.  « hide 6. Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens Fifteenth century banker, Luca Pitti, commissioned the palace, though the Medici family later owned it and lived there. Within the palace are a number of galleries, of which the most celebrated is the Galleria Palatina because of its collection of works by artists like Raphael, Rubens, and Titian. The Boboli Gardens offer many exciting views of the city, along with woodlands, lakes, fountains, and rare plants.  « hide 7. Institute and Museum of the History of Science This amazing museum exhibits 5,000 pieces of equipment used in scientific disciplines like biology, chemistry, and physics, including the development of the telescope and microscope. A room dedicated to Galileo Gelilei displays some original instruments and replicas from his famous notebook drawings. Cartography fans will enjoy the room of Spheres and Globes.  « hide 8. Concert & Dinner Tour Join a group of guests to explore the adventure of Tuscany in the heart of Florence. You will visit the Restaurant—Wine House in an ancient, exciting section of the City Center. Constructed in a former cellar, enjoy the ambiance under 13th century arches where you will dine in candlelight splendor that includes quality Chianti. Nearby, professional opera singers perform Puccini, Verdi, and other famous music, with tea, coffee, or wine and cake served during intermission (part of the overall fee).  « hide View more Florence attractions » « View less Florence attractions

	Top rated restaurants
	1. Buca Lapi Buca Lapi, Florence, operating since 1880, offers a selective range of popular dishes, including a divine Steak Florentine for beef lovers. Expect generous servings and enjoy a view of the kitchen as your meal is prepared.  « hide 6. Taverno del Bronzino Taverno del Bronzino in Florence is famed for fresh cuisine, especially seafood, and prompt service. Reservations are recommended but not required. Try the specialty mushroom dishes along with a good selection of wine.  « hide 2. Coco Lezzone Coco Lezzone, Florence, also is located in the City Center, but you’ll need to bring cash, as they don’t accept credit cards. The restaurant serves both dinner and lunch.  « hide 7. Alle Murate Alle Murate in Duomo, Florence, opened in 1985 and serves dinner only. The menu displays impressive dishes that include Scaloppa di baccala bollito in salsa e pepperoni croccanti and Stufatino di seppie e carciofi, along with meat and other entrees. Adjoined to a fourteenth century palace and classical art museum, this can be a multi-purpose visit.  « hide 3. Sabatini Sabatini, in Duomo, Florence, features a wine list with hundreds of choices. Specializing in pasta dishes like Spaghetti Sabatini and Risotto con scampi, this gracious establishment also serves a delectable Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Steak Florentine).  « hide 8. Beccofino Beccofino is located in Florence’s Santo Spirito neighborhood. Noted for its delightful Italian and seafood menu.  « hide 4. Incanto in Ponte Vecchio Incanto in Ponte Vecchio, Florence, offers live entertainment and a full bar, with a delicious selection of Italian dishes. A full bar, live entertainment, an inspiring view, terrace seating, and a working fireplace help to ensure a memorable dining experience.  « hide 9. Cammillo Trattoria Cammillo Trattoria can be found in Ottrarno, where it has been a local seafood attraction since 1945. Visitors can order a variety of Italian menu items, although seafood is a specialty.  « hide 5. Zibibbo Zibibbo in the Careggi district of Florence, is just ten minutes from the City Center, edging toward the nearby hills. The menu includes Italian and Mediterranean entrees, along with an expansive wine list and vegetarian appetizers.  « hide

	Florence Insider tips
	1. Public Closings in Florence Westerners used to 24/7 availability of their favorite shops and sites should keep in mind that most public places in Florence (and other parts of Italy) are closed on Sunday—most all day, although a few open in the evening for a few hours. Plan your Sundays accordingly, and call ahead if in doubt about a particular destination. Many establishments (like dance clubs and some bars) close for the summer, usually between June and August, so call ahead if you plan on visiting Florence during those months.  « hide 2. Getting Around in Florence The City Center, where many world-class attractions, sites, and museums are located, is closed as a public thoroughfare. That means tourists need to sightsee by walking or biking. Fortunately, many attractions are fairly close and accessible. Bus lines are dependable, but if you board without a ticket (which you must buy in advance and have stamped), you will be fined 50 times the ticket price. Taxis cannot be hailed; you have to call a taxi company or find a taxi stand, and you will pay for the time spent coming to get you as well as the time spent in the cab.  « hide

	Florence nightlife
	In Florence 1. BZF Vallecchi The hot spot for Florence’s mature intelligensia, BZF Vallecchi is located in the remodeled convent of San Barnaba close to the San Lorenzo market. Vaulted rooms create great sound from the Tuesday and Friday live jazz performances. The buffet lunch offers international fare. Or check out the book store and gallery.  « hide