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Travel tips Florence, museums, food and drink, accommodation and experiences.

Updated: Apr 5, 2023

Exciting travel experience in Florence



An exciting travel experience in Florence can be visiting the Uffizi Gallery, which is one of the most famous art museums in the world. The gallery has an extensive collection of Italian Renaissance art, including works by Michelangelo, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and many more. Another place you can visit is Piazzale Michelangelo, which is an open square on a hill with a wonderful panoramic view of the city. Here you can admire the beautiful architecture and take great photos of Florence. You can also explore the city's history by visiting the Duomo Cathedral and Giotto's Bell Tower, both impressive examples of Gothic architecture. In addition, you can take a walk along the river Arno and enjoy the beautiful view of the city from the bridges. Another exciting experience is trying the local food and wine. Florence is known for its simple and tasty Tuscan cuisine, and there are many restaurants and wine bars where you can enjoy local specialties such as bistecca alla fiorentina, ribollita and not least the wonderful wine from the many Chianti vineyards. Finally, you can end the day by watching the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo, which is an amazing sight and a perfect end to a memorable day in Florence.


10 unknown tips in Florence

Here are 10 tips for experiencing some lesser-known sides of Florence:

  1. Visit the Church of San Miniato al Monte: This is a beautiful Romanesque church located on a hill above the town. Here you can see beautiful mosaics and get a fantastic view of Florence.

  2. Explore the Oltrarno District: This is a lesser-known area of ​​Florence, on the other side of the Arno River. Here you will find charming alleys and shops selling handmade goods and art.

  3. Visit the Church of Santa Croce: This is an impressive Gothic church with beautiful frescoes and tomb monuments for many famous Italians, including Michelangelo and Galileo Galilei.

  4. See an opera show at St. Mark's Anglican Church: This Anglican church in Florence has an opera house that regularly hosts performances by talented opera singers.

  5. Take a cooking class: Learn to cook traditional Tuscan dishes such as pasta and bruschetta from local chefs.

  6. Visit the Bardini Gardens: This is a beautiful garden located near the Boboli Gardens, but is less crowded and offers a wonderful view of the city.

  7. Explore Mercato Sant'Ambrogio: This is a local market where you can buy fresh produce and taste local specialties.

  8. Go on a wine-tasting tour in Chianti: The Chianti area around Florence is famous for its wine production and you can take a tour to visit local vineyards and taste the different wines.

  9. Visit Museo Galileo: This museum is dedicated to Galileo Galilei and his scientific contributions. Here you can see the original instruments and experiments.

  10. Go on a bike tour around Florence: Rent a bike and explore the city on two wheels, visiting places like Piazza della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio.

  11. Go on a bike tour around Florence: Rent a bike and explore the city on two wheels, visiting places like Piazza della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio.

When is the best time of day to visit the museums in Florence?

It is best to visit the museums in Florence early in the morning or late in the afternoon. These are times of the day when there are fewer visitors, and queues will be shorter. The museums in Florence can get crowded during the day, especially in high season, and this can lead to long waiting times to enter.

If you are visiting museums such as the Uffizi Gallery or the Accademia Gallery, which are particularly popular and visited, you may want to book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues.


It's also worth noting that some museums have longer opening hours on certain days of the week, so you may want to check the opening hours in advance and plan your visit accordingly.

If you are visiting the museums during the high season, you may also want to consider visiting them mid-week, as there are usually fewer tourists at this time. This can help you avoid larger crowds and make your visit more pleasant and relaxing.


The most important museums in Florence.


Florence is known for having some of the most impressive and valuable art collections in the world, and the city has a rich history as a center of art and culture. Here are some of the most important museums in Florence:


Uffizi Gallery:

  • This is one of the most famous art museums in the world and has one of the largest collections of Renaissance art. Here you can see works by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli and Caravaggio.

Accademia Gallery:

  • This museum is best known for housing Michelangelo's sculpture of David, which is one of the most famous works of art in the world.

Palazzo Pitti:

  • This is one of the largest museum complexes in Florence and houses several different museums and collections, including the Palatina Gallery and the Boboli Gardens.

Bargello Museum:

  • This is a museum dedicated to Italian Renaissance and Baroque art and has a large collection of sculptures and jewelry.

Museo dell'Opera del Duomo:

  • This museum is dedicated to the cathedral of Florence and has a collection of sculptures, paintings and artifacts from the cathedral.

Museo Galileo:

  • Dedicated to the scientific legacy of Galileo Galilei, this museum houses original instruments and experiments.

Museo di San Marco:

  • This museum is dedicated to the monastery of San Marco and has a collection of frescoes and paintings by Fra Angelico.

Cenacolo di Ognissanti:

  • This is a lesser-known museum that houses a fresco of The Last Supper by Domenico Ghirlandaio.


All of these museums are well worth a visit and provide a deeper understanding of Florence's rich culture and art history.



The best restaurants in Florence

Florence has a fantastic selection of restaurants offering delicious local cuisine and international specialties. Here are some of the best restaurants in Florence:


Trattoria Mario:

  • This is an authentic Tuscan restaurant serving delicious homemade pasta dishes, soups and steak. The place is known for its rustic atmosphere and friendly service.

Osteria Santo Spirito:

  • This is a small and cozy restaurant that serves traditional Tuscan food and wine. The place is known for its fresh pasta and delicious meat dishes.

La Giostra:

  • This is an elegant and romantic restaurant that serves gourmet food with a modern twist. The place has a great atmosphere and an extensive wine list.

Mercato Centrale:

  • This is a food market with many small stalls serving local specialties, fresh seafood, pizza, pasta and more. The place is ideal for an informal lunch or dinner with friends and family.

Enoteca Pinchiorri:

  • This is a Michelin star restaurant that serves exclusive gourmet food and wonderful wines from all over Italy. The place is known for its elegant atmosphere and first-class service.

Il Santo Bevitore:

  • This is another wonderful Tuscan restaurant that serves fresh produce and delicious local specialities. The place has a pleasant atmosphere and an extensive wine list.

All'Antico Vinaio:

  • This is one of the best places to try the famous Tuscan sandwiches. The place has a casual and lively atmosphere and is ideal for a quick lunch or a snack on the go.

La Cucina del Garga:

  • This is a family-run restaurant that serves authentic Tuscan cuisine and is known for its creative and tasty dishes. The place has a warm and welcoming atmosphere. All of these restaurants have something special to offer, whether it's authentic Tuscan cuisine, gourmet experiences or a relaxed atmosphere.


Good accommodation places with high value at a low price in Florence!


Florence has a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some great, high-value, low-cost accommodations in Florence:


Hotel della Signoria:

  • Located in the heart of Florence, this hotel offers elegant and comfortable rooms at a reasonable price. The location is perfect for travelers who want to stay centrally and explore the city on foot.

Hotel Santa Maria Novella:

  • Located near the Florence train station, this hotel offers modern and comfortable rooms at a reasonable price. The location is ideal for travelers who want to explore the city and the surrounding areas of Florence.

Hotel Paris:

  • Located in a historic building near the Duomo, this hotel offers good value for money. The place has comfortable rooms and a pleasant atmosphere.

Hotel Casci:

  • Located near the San Lorenzo market, this hotel offers good value for money. The place has comfortable rooms and a welcoming atmosphere.

Hotel Croce di Malta:

  • Located near Santa Maria Novella, this hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms at a reasonable price. The place also has a great garden where you can relax after a day of sightseeing.

Hostel Archi Rossi:

  • This is a popular hostel that offers simple and affordable accommodation in the heart of Florence. The place has comfortable common areas and an extensive list of activities and events.

Hotel Lombardia:

  • Located near the Duomo, this hotel offers good value for money. The place has simple and affordable accommodations and a pleasant atmosphere.

All of these accommodations offer good value for money and provide a comfortable base from which to explore Florence.



The best hotels in Florence

Florence has many hotels that offer luxurious and elegant accommodations for tourists. Here are some of the best hotels in Florence: Four Seasons Hotel Firenze:

Set in a former Renaissance villa, this luxury hotel offers stunning views of the garden and city. The hotel has a large outdoor pool, a wellness area and gourmet restaurants. Hotel Brunelleschi:

This five-star hotel is located in the heart of Florence and has a fantastic view of the city. The hotel has elegant rooms with antique furniture and artwork, gourmet restaurants and a rooftop terrace with 360-degree views of the city. Belmond Villa San Michele:

Set in a former 15th-century monastery, this exclusive hotel offers stunning views of Florence. The hotel has a large garden, an outdoor pool, gourmet restaurants and a spa department. St. Regis Florence:

Set in a historic building from the 15th century, this luxury hotel offers elegant and spacious rooms with city views. The hotel has a large spa department, gourmet restaurants and a welcome service with horse and carriage. Portrait Firenze:

Set in a historic building overlooking the Ponte Vecchio, this five-star hotel offers luxurious and elegant rooms. The hotel has a roof terrace with views of the city, a spa department and a gourmet restaurant. J. K. Place Firenze:

Set in a historic building in the heart of Florence, this boutique hotel offers elegant and personalized accommodation. The hotel has a large garden, a terrace with views of the city and a gourmet restaurant. All these hotels provide a first-class experience of Florence, with luxurious facilities and comfortable accommodation.


A little about Tuscan wine types.

Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano are all famous wines from the Tuscany region of Italy. Chianti is a red wine made from Sangiovese grapes and named after the Chianti area in Tuscany. Chianti wines are known for their fruitiness, acidity and tannins, and they can have delicate flavors of cherry, strawberry, leather and spice. Brunello di Montalcino is another red wine that is also made from Sangiovese grapes, but comes from the Montalcino area of ​​Tuscany. This wine is known for its powerful and complex taste, and it can have notes of cherry, tobacco, chocolate and spices. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is also a red wine that comes from Tuscany, but it is made from a different type of grape called Prugnolo Gentile. Known for its complex taste and aroma, this wine can have notes of dark berries, chocolate, leather and tobacco. These wines are recognized as some of the best wines from Italy and are worth trying if you are visiting the Tuscany region.







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