Florence Travelers Recommend - page 2

Not just famous as the home of da Vinci and Michelangelo, Florence also once hosted Galileo Galilei, whose contributions to physics and astronomy changed the world. Here are a few sites in Florence that pay homage to this influential scientist.

Galileo Museum (Museo Galileo)

Dedicated to the life and discoveries of Galileo, this site includes two important early telescopes and other historic scientific tools. Don't miss viewing Galileo's preserved fingers, which have been on display at the museum since 2010.

How to Visit

Take a science tour of Florence to get an in-depth look at the city's scientific history.

Santa Croce Basilica

This Franciscan church is the final resting place of so many important Italian figures that it has earned the nickname "Temple of the Glories of Italy." The tombs of Galileo, Michelangelo, and Dante can be seen here.

How to Visit

A guided tour of the mausoleum includes commentary on the lives of those buried there, as well as a look at the ornate church and its masterful artwork by Giotto, Brunelleschi, and Donatello.

Leaning Tower of Pisa

Galileo hails from Pisa, home of the famous Leaning Tower. It's said that Galileo formed some of his experiments around gravity with plans to drop objects from the tower.

How to Visit

Join a half-day tour of Pisa from Florence and gain priority access to the Leaning Tower.

Many of the world’s greatest artists lived and worked in Florence during the Renaissance, making the UNESCO-listed city is a time capsule of creativity. You’ll find art and sculptures in museums, medieval palaces, churches, and piazzas. Here are some of Florence’s best cultural offerings.

Admire Masterpieces at Some of Europe’s Best Museums

As the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence boasts the world's greatest collection of Renaissance art. You could easily spend your entire vacation exploring museums but if you only have limited time, the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery—home of Michelangelo’s David statue—are must-sees. Smaller collections at the Bargello, Palatine Gallery, Orsanmichele, and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo are also well worth a look.

Step Inside Art-filled Churches

Museums may get most of the attention, but you don’t need a ticket to see all of Florence’s artistic treasures. Churches across the city are free to the public, and many boast frescoes and altarpieces by Michelangelo, Donatello, and Titian. Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo) is deservedly the most famous basilica, but smaller churches such as Santa Maria Novella, the Medici Chapel, and Basilica di Santo Spirito also hold priceless gems.

Attend a Classical Music Concert

Small concerts held throughout Florence pay tribute to Renaissance maestros. Often held in medieval churches, these performances take advantage of centuries-old acoustics. Check the event listings at Santa Monaca Church or St. Mark’s Anglican Church, both popular venues.

Follow Medici Footsteps at Regal Palazzos

The Medici family ruled Florence during its artistic peak, and the clan’s former palaces and offices showcase the ultimate in Renaissance luxury. Admire private art collections, jewels, costumes, and period furnishings at the Palazzo Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti, or enjoy some fresh air and royal landscaping on a stroll through the Boboli and Bardini Gardens.

As the capital of Tuscany and birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is a highlight for art lovers, foodies, and history buffs alike. The following cultural experiences are on sale for a limited time and offer the personal touch of a private tour, plus a chance to explore lesser-known spots and learn from an insider's perspective. Here are your options.

Highlights

• Admire spectacular views over Florence from Brunelleschi's Dome, Florence's most famous architectural landmark.

• See top attractions such as Palazzo Vecchio, the Duomo, and the Uffizi Gallery along with secrets sights and hidden landmarks on a guided walking tour.

• Marvel at Renaissance masterpieces with skip-the-line access to the Opera del Duomo and Misericordia museums.

• Learn about historic Florentines such as the Strozzi, Bartolini Salimbeni, and Medici families as you admire their lavish palazzos and sip prosecco in the palace gardens.

• Enjoy a taste of Tuscany at Sant'Ambrogio Market (Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio) and sample regional specialties such as prosciutto, stracchino cheese, fresh pasta, and gelato.

• Travel in the comfort of a private vehicle and enjoy the undivided attention of your tour guide.

Once the sun goes down in Florence, the city’s Renaissance charm really shines; daytrippers depart and locals head out for an aperitivo, dinner, concert, or evening passeggiata (stroll). Here’s how to experience the best of Florentine nightlife.

Wine Tastings and Aperitivo Experiences

Florence is in the heart of Tuscany, one of Italy’s most prolific wine-producing regions. A wine tasting tour is the perfect way to combine the city’s culinary culture with its nightlife, and sample regional labels in some of the top wine bars in Florence. Alternatively, get an insider’s look at the trendy side of Florence during an aperitivo tour, which typically reveal fashionable cafés and bars during the Italian version of happy hour.

Florence by Night Tours

Take in top Florence sights without the distraction of crowds on a night tour. Marvel at the dramatically-illuminated Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, and Ponte Vecchio on a walking, Segway, or e-bike tour, which tend to stop in Piazzale Michelangelo for panoramic city views. Skip the hassle of following a map and instead explore the city with a guide to learn about its history and architecture, and get insider tips on where to go for dinner afterward.

Dinner on the Town

Florentines don’t tend to dine until late evening, so you can kick off your night with a wine tasting or night tour and still have time to linger over a Tuscan meal. Sit down for a Renaissance-style meal accompanied by traditional music, or connect with a Florentine host and master classic Italian recipes during a home dining experience.

Opera in Surprising Places

Florence is home to several historic churches that have been converted into concert venues, which makes for soaring acoustics and architectural grandeur. Whether you’re an opera expert or a newbie, you can enjoy the most famous arias performed on any evening of the week. Book your ticket in advance for a performance in order to avoid disappointment.

Florence is famous for its art, architecture, and museums, yet its elaborate and expertly tended parks and gardens are also well worth exploring. From palace grounds to public green spaces, here’s where to find verdant tranquility in the busy city.

Boboli Gardens

Set on 11 acres (4.45 hectares, Boboli is the largest garden in Florence and widely considered to be one of the finest royal gardens in all of Europe. It is located at the Pitti Palace—former home of the Medici family—and is full of blossoming green space, impressive fountains, and fine Italian sculptures.

**How to Visit:**Choose a design- and storytelling-focused tour or one best suited for families with kids. Both explain the history of the palace and the Medici family, and provide details of the varied plants. The Boboli Gardens are also part of private or small-group tours of Florence’s gardens.

Bardini Garden

Bardini is lesser known but no less spectacular than the larger Boboli Gardens. Located in the hilly Oltrarno neighborhood, Bardini offers visitors a wonderful view of the city as well as a baroque staircase, an enchanting wisteria tunnel, and Italian Renaissance landscape design.

**How to Visit:**Bardini Garden and the Villa Bardini are both visited on tours of Florence’s gardens. Choose a private tour or a small-group tour.

Cascine Park

Cascine is the largest public park in Florence, with 395 acres (160 hectares) laced with popular walking and cycling paths. Located on the banks of the Arno River, it was once the Medici family’s property, and was used for hunting and farming.

**How to Visit:**Pedal through Cascine Park—and Renai Park as well—on a cycling tour of Florence’s green spaces. Tours include a mountain bike and helmet.

Rose Garden

Located on a hill overlooking the city, Florence’s Rose Garden is open year-round but is most stunning during the month of May, when all the flowers—including 400 varieties of rose—are in bloom.

**How to Visit:**You can visit the Rose Garden, located just below the Piazzale Michelangelo, on your own or as part of an art tour that also visits the San Miniato al Monte.