Travel Guide:

Florence Travel Guide

Find Cheap Hotels:

PropertiesEdit Properties - Florence Travel Guide - Hotels & Restaurants
Currency
Euro
Language
Italian
Time Zone
(GMT+01) Western Europe / Paris
Introduction to Florence Edit Section - Florence Travel Guide - Hotels & Restaurants
 
Florence is the best of Italy in one undeniably pleasant package. The art and architecture here are incomparable. The Uffizi, the Bargello, and the Academia dell' Arte del Disegno are each world-class and between the three house numerous works by Michelangelo, Donatello and too many others to name. The iconic David sculpture is here. And Florence's Duomo (dome) is an architectural masterpiece, built by Brunelleschi.

There's also history. From the city's original roots as a camp for Roman soldiers, Florence survived turbulent periods of Byzantine rule, was conquered by Charlemagne, and became the fount of Renaissance art with the wealthy Medici banking family commissioning works by the now immortal masters.

Italian fashion? Absolutely. The Ponte Vecchio is the only bridge in the city that survived WWII and is famous for the shops that line it, supported by stilts. Here you can find all sorts of jewelry and leatherwork. And famous Italian designers' stores spring up where you least expect in on out-of-the-way cobblestone streets.

But best of all, Florence feels like a small city. All of the major sites are within walking distance of one another, and despite its status as a city of global importance, it doesn't feel overwhelming, unlike Rome. Have a long leisurely meal outside, or get some gelato and relax by the Fountain of Neptune at the heart of the city and you'll learn as much about Italy as with any sightseeing tour.
 
Map and Photos for Florence
View Map
Florence Travel Photos Add Photo - Florence
Tip: Use arrow keys to flip through the slideshow.

Ratings for Florence

Overall Recommendation:Don't Bother Great Place
63%
Scenery:Drab Spectacular
25%
Popularity:Undiscovered Heavily Traveled
2 votes

Reviews for Florence

jetset submitted a review on 2006-03-29 19:25...
Although decidedly beautiful and teeming with art, culture, and history, my overriding impression of Florence was tinged with claustrophobia.  Visiting it during the height of the summer season ensured that the city was filled with tourists and hawkers, who crowded the streets and the squares and infused both the main thoroughfares and the alleys with a maniacal feel.  Hyped by so many as the "it" city of Italy -- even this guide calls it Italy's "best" city -- Florence just didn't live up to my expectations.  I owe it to Florence, though, to visit it during the winter.