7 More Must Sees in Florence, Italy

As one of the art capitals of the world, Florence has no shortage of things to see. Enjoy high art in world renowned galleries and museums, eat delicious Tuscan cuisine in incredible restaurants, shop for artisanal crafts at its city markets, discover captivating secrets in hidden medieval alleyways, and window-shop designer fashion boutiques. And, whatever you do, don’t miss these must-sees! Let’s discover what you will see during your tours in Florence.

1) Climb to the Top of Giotto’s Bell Tower

Giotto’s epic ‘Campanile’, the last of many contributions the prolific artist made to Florence

The free standing “Campanile” (or “bell tower”) is one-third of the UNESCO Florence Cathedral complex. The world heritage site was designed by one of the founding fathers of Italian Renaissance architecture: Giotto. While Giotto did not live to see its completion, his successors, Andrea Pisano and Francesco Talenti, stayed true to his original designs. The polychrome marble tower takes a perfect square shape with 14.5-meter sides and stands an impressive 84.7 meters tall. A flight of 414 stairs leads the way to one of the most incredible views of Florence, closely overlooking the Duomo for unparalleled views of Brunelleschi’s dome.

2) Get Lost in the Lushness of Boboli Gardens

The Boboli Gardens is a perfect green getaway filled with innumerable artistic and botanical treasures

The Boboli Gardens are perhaps epitome of Renaissance European horticulture. In fact, its prototype, which included contributions by architects Giorgio Vasari, Bartolomeo Ammannati, and Bernardo Buontalenti, inspired royal gardens everywhere – even at the palace of Versailles! Beside the Pitti Palace, this lush open-air museum spans for 111 acres, filled with centuries-old trees providing shade to the ancient and Renaissance sculptures and fountains dotting the grounds. Take your time strolling past highlights like the amphitheatre, the Viottolone, the Garden of the Cavalier, the Kaffeehouse, and the Grotta Grande.

3) Stock Up on Leather Goods at San Lorenzo Market

If it can be made out of leather, you’re sure to find it at Florence’s San Lorenzo street market. Image: https://tuscany-toscana.blogspot.com

Make your way to Florence’s original leather market to find yourself the perfect souvenir. An outdoor market fills the piazza with street vendors, craftsmen, and artisans displaying their exceptional goods. Most of the items are handmade and meet the best Italian standards for quality, but some are not authentic – so be wary of unusually low prices. While the area is safe, one should always keep an eye out for pickpockets in busy bottlenecks. If shopping works up an appetite, head to the newly restored 19^th century indoor produce market next door, where you’ll find fresh, local fruit and veggies as well as the Mercato Centrale, a gourmet food court, on the 2nd floor.

4) Support the Monks at San Miniato Monastery & Cemetery

A unique historic context and beautiful views of Florence await you at San Miniato Church. Photo by Francesco Gasparetti

Though the exterior or the Church of St. Minias on the Mountain looks very similar to those of Santa Croce and the Santa Maria del Fiore, its interior is architecturally characterized by the Tuscan Romanesque style. Construction began in 1013 on one of the highest Florentine peaks, located just outside the city walls. The church, which is a short trek from Piazzale Michelangelo, is conjoined with an Olivetan monastery well-known for its artisanal shop stocked with herbal liqueurs, honey, and teas. Visitors are free to explore the on-site cemetery, home to the graves of many notable men, including Carlo Lorenzini, the author of Pinocchio.

5) Soak up the view from Piazzale Michelangelo

Hands down the best panoramic view of the Florence skyline is from Piazzale Michelangelo across the Arno

Take a bus, drive, or walk a winding uphill path to Piazzale Michelangelo, a spacious 19th century terrace with a bronze replica of Michelangelo’s David and, more notably, a stupendous skyline view over Florence. If you’re looking for a postcard perfect perspective, it doesn’t get much better than this! The area is often filled with musicians and local vendors but do yourself a favour and don’t bother buying any sub-par snacks here, just bask in the atmosphere as you look out on the magic of Florence.

6) Sample as Much Florentine Food as You Can

Immerse yourself in Florence by digging-in to some of its amazing culinary masterpieces

Sure, who doesn’t love a good pizza or pasta? But Florence’s culinary scope ranges far beyond the two most popular Italian staples. A trip to Firenze wouldn’t be complete without tasting the most traditional local specialities. Steak lovers should opt for the “Bistecca alla Fiorentina” (an enormous 2 to 8 lb fire-grilled T-bone) and more open-minded foodies should give “Lampredotto” (a sandwich with thinly sliced tripe) a try. “Ribollita” (a soup of bread, tomatoes, and beans) is perfect for cold, rainy days, while “tagliere” (meat and cheese platters –don’t forget traditional Florentine “Finocchiona” salami!) make a light, cool snack in summertime. And, of course, don’t forget to enjoy some Tuscan wine and authentic Italian gelato!

7) Visit Michelangelo’s Final Resting Place at Santa Croce Church

Santa Croce is home to Michelangelo’s tomb and holds the remains of some of Tuscany’s most illustrious citizens