What to do in Florence
As every city hides its roots — Paris, the city of lights (or love, depending on how you see it); New York, the city that never sleeps; Rome, the eternal city; Venice, the city of romance — I began to wonder: what does Florence stand for, what is the niche.
I would define Florence as the cradle of the Renaissance. Of course, it’s not only me who sees it this way — it’s a widely shared belief.
While walking through Florence, you’ll notice many beautiful entrance doors — and the famous wine windows, where once, with the ring of a small bell, you could be handed a glass of wine. I didn’t try it myself, but I watched it happen — and it felt like stepping back in time.
Florence is not only the cradle of the Renaissance, but also the keeper of its beauty. And with that comes one of the most famous museums in the world — the Uffizi Gallery.
If you’re planning to visit an art museum in Florence, the Uffizi Gallery is the one. I’d recommend booking your ticket online and arriving at least 10 minutes before your time slot — the queues can get quite long. Compared to museums in Paris or New York, the entrance process here is a bit less organized, so a little preparation makes a big difference.
For me, one of the biggest highlights was seeing Caravaggio’s work — and, of course, one of the most famous paintings of Botticelli, The Birth of Venus. So, if you visit, don’t miss the chance to see some of the most significant art pieces in the world.
After “art on the wall” it comes “art on the plate”
Since I was staying at the St. Regis, it was easy to slip back to my room after the museum, freshen up, and book a table at Café Ginori. And even if you’re not staying there, this café is, in my opinion, absolutely worth a visit. Everything is aesthetically pleasing, the food is delicious, and the staff are genuinely kind.
Another signature landmark of Florence is, without a doubt, the Duomo — one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world. It’s worth every second of your time. Although it’s usually quite crowded, if you visit early in the morning, you’ll have a wonderful chance to explore it in a calmer, more peaceful atmosphere and also maybe getting a cute photo.
The Duomo and its neighbourhood charm.
Treat yourself to a beautiful dinner and a full plate of pasta. It’s always a good idea to have authentic pasta in Italy — it’s not a cliché, it’s a must.
Don’t forget to book room service in advance for the next morning — especially if you prefer to stay in bed and enjoy a loooong, slow start after a day of exploring the city.
And that’s a wrap - sweet dreams.
For more travel tips and tricks, feel free to reach out to me <3
xoxo,
Macaron
