Top 16 Things to Do in Florence

3. Grom Gelato: Italy as a whole is famous for many reasons, one of them being the food. You might have already had your white sauce thin crust pizza with a glass of rose wine and cheese, but you know what they say, ‘There is always space for dessert’. When in Florence, it would be a sin not to visit Grom Gelato, whether you have a sweet tooth or not. Old school building by design, but by flavor. Gelato ice creams have taken the ice cream world by storm but nothing beats eating a softy in Florence, accompanied by sounds of Church bells, frosty sunshine, and bicycle lanes. You might ask what makes this ice cream so special. Well, it’s all in the high-quality milk, Carruba flour, cane sugar, and eggs! It would be demotivating not to add the effort of the workers but these ingredients are unique to those found elsewhere. At Grom, get a taste of over 50 authentic flavors. Don’t shy away from the calories, just count the happiness.

4. Mercato Centrale: The Mercato Centrale is a busy central market located close to tourist spots. This market was the result of the renaissance period in Italy and was developed by the architect Giuseppe Mengoni. Heaven on Earth for food lovers, the market consists of fresh stocks of various Italian foods and ingredients to take home. Citizens come here for the fresh meat, variety of cheeses, bottles of olive oil and other local delicacies. Divided into two halves, the ground floor is where most of the shopping takes place whereas the second floor hosts a variety of small shops serving freshly baked pizzas, pasta, and Gelato scoops and so if you are hungry, this market is an appetizer.

5.Ponte Vecchio: Florence is considered as the city of art in Italy and Ponte Vecchio adds to it. It is a medieval stone bridge built over the Arno River believed to be built in 996 which is still debated. This landmark is said to have been destroyed numerous times due to floods and the World War. Giovanni Villani, Giorgio Vasari, and Taddeo Gadi were some of the renowned architects and craftsmen in its construction after the 12^th Century. Ponte Vecchio is full of small shops selling souvenirs and jewelry. The bridge opens up in intervals and tourists are given an opportunity to glance the Arno River in full. The setting of the bridge will take you back to the olden times. Come here during sunset, the beautiful sunshine only adds to the beauty of this site.

6.Galleria Degli Uffizi: There is a famous saying, “Art is not meant to be beautiful to the eye, but rather it is what makes you feel something’. The Galleria Degli Uffizi is one of the most talked-about art galleries, not only in Italy but across the globe. The building is a marvel and one can notice the various marble structures in most hallways. The ceilings are engraved with medieval artworks each having a story to tell. The Renaissance period was a massive era for the Italians as well as the rest of Europe that saw a transition from the olden times to modernity. The Gallery hosts masterpieces such as The Adoration of the Magi by Botticelli, The Baptism of Christ by Da Vinci and the Sacrifice of Isaac by Caravaggio. If you are a fanatic of history and artwork, this palace is likely to be the highlight of your visit to Florence, and if you aren’t fond of it, a tour here is sure to make you think otherwise.

7.The Bargello: Previously a prison, The Bargello, which is also known as Palazzo del Bargello is another museum ranked as a must-visit by the locals and regular backpackers. It is often called the Palace of the People. This museum houses artworks and sculptures including Bust of Christ by Lombardo, Bacchus and Michelangelo and of course the famous David by the great Donatello. Learn a little history about the museum which once served as a fortified castle run by kings during the times of war. Much of this site has been preserved as it was, hence it is often recommended along with other art galleries in Florence. As they say, ‘One can’t get enough from art’. When in Firenze, spend quality time at The Bargello.

8.The Accademia: Officially called the Galleria dell’Accademia, this is another art gallery one must explore. Florence is home to a large number of such museums. The Accademia, although smaller than the renowned Uffizi Palace is said to attract over 1.5 million tourists annually. Pietro Leopoldo is told to be its founder of this gallery in the 17^th Century which was initially used as a space to teach art to students. The highlight of this gallery is Michelangelo’s work, David. One can even find works of Pontormo, Andrea Del Sarto, Sandro Botticelli, Orcagna, Allessandro Allori, and other local Florentina artists. Each museum in Italy showcases unique sculptures and paintings. The Accademia, in particular, houses artworks belonging from the 13^th-16^th Century. Travel bloggers and many documentaries suggest a visit to the Accademia when in Florence and hence is a no brainer.

9.Churches of Santa Maria Novella: Santa Maria Novella is a Dominican Church located in front of the main railway terminal of Florence. Considered as the first great Basilica in the city, it is an important site that generates millions of tourists yearly. Much like most of the city’s Gothic Style Architecture, this Church too is an example of a gift from the period of Renaissance which is built using white marble and polychrome. Santa Maria Novella was previously financed by wealthy local families for funerary chapels at the time of a member’s passing. The Holy Trinity by Masaccio is one of the highlights of the church which is based on the Crucifixion of Jesus. Santa Maria Novella is divided into nine chapels in total namely; Tournabuoni Chapel, Gondi Chapel, Della Pura Chapel, Filippo Strozzi Chapel, Cappella Strozzi di Mantova, Bardi Chapel, Rucellai Chapel, Spanish Chapel, and Sacristy. Each chapel displays certain art and has a story of its own.

10.Santa Croce Art Gallery: You would have wondered if Florence has more art galleries and basilicas to explore. Make sure to add Santa Croce Art Gallery to your itinerary. It is nestled within the Basilica di Santa Croce which can be translated to the Basilica of Holy Cross. Don’t be surprised to find architecture which resembles other places you’ve visited. The Basilica also was constructed with a fine blend of green, red and pink marble and polychrome in contrast to its polished stones. It has been nicknamed as the ‘Temple of the Italian Glories’ as it was a common burial place for Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Foscolo, Galileo, Gentile, and Rossini, each master in their field, be it painting, poetry or music. In this art gallery, tourists can get a chance to admire some prolific works of literature, writings, and paintings dating back to the 14^th Century. The long ceilings here add to a mysterious atmosphere making the experience worth every penny for the tickets purchased.

11.Wine tasting: Italy and vineyards would make a perfect tinder match, wouldn’t they? If you are fanatic of this category of alcohol, Florence has a lot to show you! Vast green landscapes and a fine sip of carefully made wine shall get your mind tinkling. Much of Tuscany’s vineyards are located just around the outskirts of Florence, as close to nature. Wine tours are often conducted in groups of tourists who wish to visit. To make the experience comfortable and informative, tour companies provide a well-facilitated vehicle for the group which is handled by a certified tour guide. The wine is often combined with a variety of cheeses and some farms even offer traditional Italian lunch which consists of bread, olive oil, spaghetti, and risotto. If you plan to participate in wine tasting, make sure you mark a whole day in the itinerary.

12.The Oltarno: Oltarno is basically referred to as a quarter in Florence which is a few minutes from the Piazzale Michelangelo and Santo Spirito di Firenze. The literal translation of the term Oltarno is ‘Beyond the Arno’ as it is located south of the River Arno where the famous bridge Ponte Vecchio lies. Over the years, this quarter has witnessed tremendous changes due to heavy commercialization as a result of inbound tourism. The Oltarno doesn’t have its own art displays but is a beautiful part of Florence to hang around, click pictures and unwind. One can access many places to visit from the Oltarno which forms as a landmark to many tourist attractions. Truffle hunting, grape tours, art galleries, pizzerias and Basilicas, this part of town can get your itinerary covered without wasting time on the unnecessary commute. One can even find Air Bnbs and affordable accommodation options near the quarter if they wish to.

13.Boboli Gardens: Did you know the Boboli Gardens in Florence is said to cover an area of 45,000 square meters! Located behind the Pitti Palace, this 16^th Century garden is its first kind in the whole of Italy. Tourists enjoy visiting here due to the calm atmosphere and lush green grass. A delight to walk through, the Boboli Gardens is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, multiple fountains with sculptures and exhibits by various artists such as Jean Baptiste-Camille Corot and Vincenzo de’ Rossi. The Isolotto often is seen as a highlight of the garden. Conceptualized by Giulio and Alfonso Parigi in the 16^th Century, it forms to be an oval-shaped Island. It is also where the famous Neptune’s fountain can be seen. When in Florence, visit the Boboli Gardens for a couple of hours at least.

14.The Mall-Florence Outlet: When on vacation, shopping is always on the itinerary, and for shopaholics, it’s almost every day. The Mall Firenze is a luxury shopping outlet with top European brands to choose from. This is highly recommended by many fashion magazines and influences because of the discounts these outlets offer. Although Milan is tagged as the country’s fashion capital, Florence has seen to provide healthy competition. This mall is located in Leccio, 35 kilometers from central Florence in Tuscany. Brands like Armani, Valentino, Burberry, Gucci and Prada all have their own buildings near the mall but are not officially part of it. Hence, for shopaholics, it’s the best of both worlds, inside the mall as well as outside. Moreover, the countryside location makes shopping here a unique experience to behold.

15.Sunset on top of San Miniato al Monte: San Miniato al Monte is Basilica that defines beauty. This grandeur structure is located on a hill with a stunning view during sunset. Florence is one of Italy’s most romantic cities and this tourist site defines it. The best time to visit this Basilica is usually after lunch hours. Spend time inside the Church. Its alluring design and artwork will likely give you Goosebumps. During sunset, the skies are evenly lit exposing the charm of the city. From the hilltop, you can view the old town, Arno River and the Duomo Cathedral. Tourists, especially couples must visit here. Many wedding photographs are often taken from here.

16.Baptistery: Widely referred to as Baptistery of Saint John, it is a part of the Cathedral of Florence, but has a separate building to itself. This monumental building is located just opposite the main entrance of the Duomo. Constructed in the early 11^th Century, it is considered to be one of the oldest buildings in Florence. A touch of marble and Gothic style influence can be noticed. However, it is mainly built around the Florentine Romanesque style which is unique to other places within the city. On entering the Baptistery, one may compare it to that of a Kingdom and I wouldn’t blame the person. The doors are made from bronze and consist of art which has been engraved onto it. Andrea Pisano, Lorenzo Ghiberti, and Leonardo d’Avanzo were involved in the designing of the same. Vincenzo Danti’s work ‘The beheading of St.John Baptist from 1571 is notably the most highlighted on the doors. The interior is crowned by a mosaic ceiling making it the most attractive part of the Baptistery as told by many.

These were the top 16 things one must do when visiting Florence. Each tourist site possesses unique features and hence is a must on any traveler’s itinerary.