The Best Experiences to Have in Florence
Florence is a quintessential Italian city. Culture, history, cuisine, and architecture all combine to create this exceptional small town. Florence has often been at the centre of Italy's history. As the capital of Tuscany, the city represents a considerable portion of the country. This charming city is entirely walkable and offers visitors a wide variety of experiences. To help you plan your next trip to Florence, here are the top five experiences you’ll want to have!
Explore the Art and Architecture
Florence has cultivated the talents of artists throughout its history. Every inch of the city has been perfectly designed to showcase Italian architecture. From grand piazzas like the Piazza della Signoria to magnificent churches like the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence surrounds you with incredible architecture right on the street. If you choose to venture into a museum, you'll find famous works of art, such as Michelangelo's sculpture of David. The art and architecture in Florence are undoubtedly a sight to behold!
Picnic in the Boboli Gardens
Directly behind Pitti Palace are the impressive Boboli Gardens. Designed for the Medici family, the gardens represent one of the first and most impressive Italian style gardens. When the gardens first opened to the public in 1766, picnicking immediately became a popular pastime. Count on spending at least 2-3 hours here, or if it’s a particularly beautiful day spend the entire afternoon strolling through the tranquil gardens with friends or enjoy a good book in a quiet corner.
Discover the Magic of Tuscany
The beauty of Florence is that it's a short drive to some of the best small towns and wineries in Tuscany. Towers, castles, villas, and abbeys characterize the landscapes of the Tuscan towns. From Siena to Pisa and San Gimignano, the villages around Florence make for the perfect day trip. Tuscany registers a large number of “certified” villages that have obtained a quality recognition and a “brand” that guarantees its excellence. “Most beautiful villages in Italy” were obtained from:
Anghiari
Barga
Cetona
San Casciano dei Bagni
Santa Fiora
Pitigliano
Suvereto
Be sure to sample Chianti from the local vineyards as you spend an afternoon under the Tuscan sun.
Culinary Delight
It wouldn't be a trip to Italy without indulging in some authentic Italian cuisine, and Florence is no exception. The city is the perfect place to sample classic Italian favourites like pizza, carbonara, and gelato. There are also some regional specialties, such as panzanella or fettunta, that you'll want to try as well. If you want to take your culinary experience to the next level, consider taking a cooking class and learn from the masters!
Final Thoughts on Florence
Florence is a small but mighty Italian city. Regardless of what you're interested in, there is something for everyone in Florence! If you would like to have your next getaway planned for you, consider joining Wander and Soul’s Travel & Lifestyle Club, where we will craft the perfect one-of-a-kind vacation for you, even if you don’t know exactly what it is that you want yet! Remember, how you travel matters. It’s not just where you go, but how the journey shapes you. Learn more about all the amazing benefits of becoming a member of our Travel & Lifestyle Club here.
