1.Discover Renaissance Art Masterpieces
Florence, the Renaissance's birthplace, shines in the Uffizi Gallery with Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Leonardo's Annunciation. Admire Michelangelo's David at the Accademia, or Bargello's Donatello sculptures. Explore Palazzo Pitti's Medici halls, where Raphael's portraits and Titian's vivid Madonna glow. Wander past Uffizi's marble busts, or pause at Accademia's unfinished Prisoners, soaking in the city's revolutionary artistic heritage.
Uffizi Gallery
Grace Ks:“The Uffizi Gallery is definitely worth a visit, but since I bought a combined ticket, there was no guided tour. It contains some similar artworks to the Vatican Museums in Rome, and the pieces inside are all excellent – a true artistic feast!”Gallery of the Academy of Florence
130***58:“Booking tickets on Ctrip for two people was over a hundred yuan more than the official website, but the official website sold out the time slot we needed, while Ctrip was still able to book, which was quite good. Booking in advance and arriving on time to skip the line and scan the QR code to enter was very convenient. The original David was much larger than I expected and much more refined than the replica next to the Palazzo Vecchio. It's well worth a visit.”Bargello National Museum
长空一残月🌙:“Spent a wonderful afternoon at the Cinema Museum, including taking the elevator up to the top of the Mole to overlook the city of Turin. The museum was interesting, interactive and kept us entertained and busy for several hours.”Pitti Palace
美兜看世界:“Tickets are easy to get, just scan the QR code. However, you need to queue at the designated time, so we stood at the entrance for a while. Pitti Palace is really huge! We spent about an afternoon there. The gardens don't really take much time, although there weren't many flowers in spring and it was a steep slope, so it was quite tiring.”Gallery of the Academy of Florence
130***58:“Booking tickets on Ctrip for two people was over a hundred yuan more than the official website, but the official website sold out the time slot we needed, while Ctrip was still able to book, which was quite good. Booking in advance and arriving on time to skip the line and scan the QR code to enter was very convenient. The original David was much larger than I expected and much more refined than the replica next to the Palazzo Vecchio. It's well worth a visit.”2.Wander Historic Old Town
Stroll Florence's historic center, where Brunelleschi's Duomo looms over Dante's house. Visit Santa Croce, housing Michelangelo's tomb and Galileo's, which were added in 1737. Browse Ponte Vecchio's jewelry, or see Palazzo Medici Riccardi's frescoed Magi. Spot romantic horse-drawn carriages in Piazza della Signoria, where Cellini's Perseus gleams, blending Renaissance history with vibrant street energy.
Brunelleschi's dome
sculptor:“意大利佛罗伦萨大教堂的圆顶是由菲利波·布鲁内莱斯基 (Filippo Brunelleschi) 于 1420 年至 1436 年间设计和建造的，这是欧洲文艺复兴开始时期标志性的建筑，这位意大利建筑师被公认为第一位现代工程师。”Piazza del Duomo
Blessed by God:“such a lovely place, the duomo or cathedral is very big that I cannot take a picture of the whole cathedral. Even if I have seen it several times I always love to visit and see it again and again.”House of Dante
SUNSHINE ONUS:“但丁故居是一座中世纪塔楼式的房屋，外观古朴而不起眼。外墙上有一尊但丁头像浮雕，门前的地砖上也刻有但丁像，传说亲吻他的鼻子会带来好运。但丁故居是但丁出生的地方，他于1265年5月29日出生于此。但丁是意大利文艺复兴的先驱，以代表作《神曲》和《新生》闻名于世。”Piazza di Santa Croce
SUNSHINE ONUS:“Piazza Santa Croce in Florence is a famous square in the city of Florence, Italy, known for its Renaissance architecture and rich cultural and historical background. It is the most famous building in the square, known for its Gothic style and rich art collection. Many Italian celebrities are buried inside the church, including Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. The front facade of the church was rebuilt in the 19th century with a neo-Gothic style.”Piazzale Michelangelo
aly aza:“sit by the stairs and watch the sunset while sipping a glass wine. there are few restaurants and kiosk. we had live music and danced the night away. a must visit for a stunning view of the city.”Ponte Vecchio
sculptor:“The Ponte Vecchio in Florence is a famous landmark in Italy. This bridge spans the narrowest point of the Arno River and is believed to have been first built in Roman times. The bridge in Roman times was made of wood. After being destroyed by a flood in 1117, the bridge was rebuilt in stone.”Medici Riccardi Palace
莲子99:“The courtyard is open to everyone. The Medici family's mansion looks very low-key both inside and outside, but if you look closely, you will find that the waistline of the building is very exquisitely designed, and the courtyard is also very neatly arranged. It feels that the Medici family is indeed a group of well-educated aristocrats.”Piazza della Signoria
长空一残月🌙:“We went, only to find out it was sold out until July! Only 15 people were allowed in at any one time. Also couldn't bring any liquids, but they did provide lockers. Hopefully this helps anyone thinking of visiting. There was a lovely square outside where all the people without tickets were hanging out, looking for something else to do!”3.Chase Romantic Tuscan Sunsets
Linger on Ponte Vecchio, where the Arno mirrors Tuscany's golden sunset. Climb to San Miniato al Monte, hearing Gregorian chants as the Duomo's dome glows. Watch pastel palazzi fade into twilight, or spot cypress hills beyond Piazzale Michelangelo. Sip espresso by buskers' guitar strums, soaking in Florence's romantic skyline under serene, amber light.
Ponte Vecchio
sculptor:“The Ponte Vecchio in Florence is a famous landmark in Italy. This bridge spans the narrowest point of the Arno River and is believed to have been first built in Roman times. The bridge in Roman times was made of wood. After being destroyed by a flood in 1117, the bridge was rebuilt in stone.”San Miniato al Monte
sculptor:“Located at the highest point on the hillside in Florence, the church of San Miniato in central Italy is described as one of Tuscany's finest Romanesque buildings and one of the most scenic churches in Italy.”Piazza del Duomo
Blessed by God:“such a lovely place, the duomo or cathedral is very big that I cannot take a picture of the whole cathedral. Even if I have seen it several times I always love to visit and see it again and again.”Piazzale Michelangelo
aly aza:“sit by the stairs and watch the sunset while sipping a glass wine. there are few restaurants and kiosk. we had live music and danced the night away. a must visit for a stunning view of the city.”4.Enjoy Authentic Florentine Flavors
In Florence's trattorias, taste bistecca alla fiorentina, a charred T-bone, or pappa al pomodoro, a tangy tomato-bread soup. Try lampredotto, tripe rolls with salsa verde, or ribollita's hearty vegetables. Sip Chianti, and get a scoop of pistachio gelato at Vivoli. Candlelit tables and beamed ceilings evoke Tuscany's farm-to-table roots, offering unique Italian flavors.
5.Hunt Artisanal Tuscan Treasures
Florence's Renaissance craft guilds thrive in Oltrarno, where artisans stitch leather journals or emboss belts. Visit Santa Maria Novella's perfumery for rose-lavender eaux de cologne, blending 800-year-old recipes. Find marbled paper books at Il Papiro, or gold rings on Ponte Vecchio—these workshops, tucked in cobbled alleys, craft keepsakes that capture the city's creative legacy.
Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
_TT***28:“This is the cathedral that I liked the most during my one month trip to Europe. If you take your time and have a glass of spritz at a nearby outdoor cafe, it's heaven :)”Ponte Vecchio
sculptor:“The Ponte Vecchio in Florence is a famous landmark in Italy. This bridge spans the narrowest point of the Arno River and is believed to have been first built in Roman times. The bridge in Roman times was made of wood. After being destroyed by a flood in 1117, the bridge was rebuilt in stone.”6.Admire Panoramic City Views
Climb the Duomo's dome, tracing Vasari's Last Judgment frescoes, to see Florence's terra-cotta roofs. Ascend Giotto's Bell Tower for views of Tuscan hills, or stand at Piazzale Michelangelo to spot Ponte Vecchio's arches. Hear buskers' violins drift from below, framing the Renaissance skyline with the Arno's silver glow, perfect for savoring Florence's timeless beauty.
Siena Cathedral
M45***29:“Siena Cathedral is quite different from Florence's Florence Cathedral and is definitely worth seeing. However, children's tickets are only 2 euros on-site, but 31 euros on Ctrip, double the price – isn't that a rip-off? Adult tickets are 9 euros on-site, 90 euros on Ctrip. Furthermore, QR code tickets purchased through Ctrip cannot be used directly to enter the cathedral; you still need to exchange them for paper tickets at the ticket office. Alternatively, you can buy combined tickets on-site, which offer more choices and better deals. I suggest avoiding the pitfalls of buying through Ctrip.”Brunelleschi's dome
sculptor:“意大利佛罗伦萨大教堂的圆顶是由菲利波·布鲁内莱斯基 (Filippo Brunelleschi) 于 1420 年至 1436 年间设计和建造的，这是欧洲文艺复兴开始时期标志性的建筑，这位意大利建筑师被公认为第一位现代工程师。”Giotto's Bell Tower
Anonymous user:“What a beauty. I would recommend 10/10. You will see and live the history!”Piazzale Michelangelo
aly aza:“sit by the stairs and watch the sunset while sipping a glass wine. there are few restaurants and kiosk. we had live music and danced the night away. a must visit for a stunning view of the city.”Ponte Vecchio
sculptor:“The Ponte Vecchio in Florence is a famous landmark in Italy. This bridge spans the narrowest point of the Arno River and is believed to have been first built in Roman times. The bridge in Roman times was made of wood. After being destroyed by a flood in 1117, the bridge was rebuilt in stone.”7.Explore Tuscan Wine Country
Journey to Chianti, tasting Sangiovese and oak-aged Chianti Classico in Antinori's 600-year-old estate. Stroll Greve's vineyards, sipping Rosso di Montalcino in medieval cellars. Pair prosciutto with Brunello at a stone-walled enoteca, or wander olive groves, inhaling lavender. Visit Castello di Verrazzano's market, learning Renaissance winemaking secrets.
Greve in Chianti
Greve in Chianti
Castello di Verrazzano
Wendy Song:“Castello di Verrazzano is located about a mile from Greve in Chianti, Italy, at the foot of the mountain above the Greve River. It is a 30-40 minute drive from Florence and has a very good location.
If you come to the Chianti region, you will miss a lot of beautiful scenery and food if you don't find a day to visit a wine cellar, and you will also miss very interesting people and legends.
We chose to visit a private wine cellar called Verrazzano, and specially signed up for a local wine tasting group. Under the explanation of a professional guide, this day was more interesting than walking around by ourselves, and we also learned more about the wine culture of Chianti.
During the meal, we talked about wine culture with Italians and tasted local food, ham, cheese, olives, pasta, pizza, etc. It was very rich and interesting in one day.
Here you can not only see the wine cellar, taste ham, eat olives, but also learn about their daily life with the locals. The local customs and customs are very unforgettable.”8.Discover Medici's Renaissance Palaces
Tour Palazzo Vecchio's Salone dei Cinquecento, where Vasari's frescoes depict Medici triumphs. Visit Palazzo Medici Riccardi’s Magi Chapel, glowing with Gozzoli's vibrant murals. Stroll San Lorenzo's stalls, sampling truffle panini. Hear street musicians play lutes near Palazzo Pitti’s gates, immersing you in Florence's Renaissance power and artistic patronage.
Palazzo Vecchio
M56***64:“The towers of the Old Palace are well worth climbing; they offer panoramic views of the city and the Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore). However, climbing the cathedral itself would obscure the view of the Old Palace itself.
The interior of the Old Palace is also magnificent, with many rooms open to the public. However, the rooms are mostly furnished with frescoes and few other pieces of furniture or decoration.”Vasari Corridor
紛享樂:“Anyone who knows a little about art will know the name of Vasari. The Uffizi Gallery also has the Vasari Corridor designed by Vasari, which was built in 1565. The corridor is most famous for displaying many self-portraits of masters and famous artists, so it is also called the Self-Portrait Corridor.”Medici Riccardi Palace
莲子99:“The courtyard is open to everyone. The Medici family's mansion looks very low-key both inside and outside, but if you look closely, you will find that the waistline of the building is very exquisitely designed, and the courtyard is also very neatly arranged. It feels that the Medici family is indeed a group of well-educated aristocrats.”Pitti Palace
美兜看世界:“Tickets are easy to get, just scan the QR code. However, you need to queue at the designated time, so we stood at the entrance for a while. Pitti Palace is really huge! We spent about an afternoon there. The gardens don't really take much time, although there weren't many flowers in spring and it was a steep slope, so it was quite tiring.”9.Master Tuscan Cooking Arts
Learn to roll tagliatelle or simmer ribollita with Tuscan grandmothers in a countryside villa. Stir wild boar ragù, using herbs from farm gardens, or pair crostini with Brunello wine. Savor your dishes under pergolas, overlooking cypress hills. Take home recipes for pappa al pomodoro, rooted in Florence's peasant-to-plate culinary heritage, sparking joy in every bite.
10.Roam Lush Renaissance Gardens
Wander Boboli Gardens, a Medici-designed oasis behind Palazzo Pitti, where the Oceanus fountain sprays amid laurel hedges. Admire Buontalenti's grotto, dripping with stalactites, or stroll lemon-tree paths to Forte di Belvedere's views. Hear fountains bubble in Renaissance amphitheaters, offering a tranquil retreat steeped in Florence's artistic landscaping heritage.
Boboli Gardens
小鱼儿2015:“The private villa of the Boboli family, a legendary Italian family, covers a huge area and is also a very nice garden landscape in the old town. Many people are maintaining it here and you can visit it from the outside.”Pitti Palace
美兜看世界:“Tickets are easy to get, just scan the QR code. However, you need to queue at the designated time, so we stood at the entrance for a while. Pitti Palace is really huge! We spent about an afternoon there. The gardens don't really take much time, although there weren't many flowers in spring and it was a steep slope, so it was quite tiring.”Forte di Belvedere
游游dd:“Castel Belvedere is also called the Castle of Belvedere. It is really a castle. It is located on the high ground on the south bank of the Arno River, not far from the Boboli Gardens. It was built by the Medici family to surround the city of Florence and the rule of the Medici family. There is a Medici villa in the Castel Belvedere, which was used as a refuge during the war. There are many works of art and sculptures of various forms in the castle now. From the castle platform, you can overlook the old town and the surrounding area on the north bank. It is a good viewing platform besides Piazzale Michelangelo.”11.Explore Florence's Literary Heritage
Visit Casa Guidi, where Elizabeth Barrett Browning penned Sonnets from the Portuguese—Stroll to Santa Margherita dei Cerchi, linked to Dante's Beatrice in Divine Comedy. Browse medieval manuscripts at Libreria Antica, or sip coffee at Todo Modo. These haunts weave Florence's poetic legacy, from Dante's exile to Victorian verse, into a literary journey.
