Top Ten Things to Do in Florence, Italy

Discovering Florence, a treasure located in the center of Tuscany, is akin to entering a vibrant, living Renaissance artwork. Here are ten must-do activities in this little city if you're considering a visit.

1. Go to the Gallery of Uffizi
Art enthusiasts simply must visit the Uffizi Gallery. It is brimming with creations by the greatest Renaissance geniuses, including Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo. You can practically sense the history and brilliance that shaped a period as you go through its halls.

2. Scale the Duomo
Florence's crown gem is the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the Duomo. Achieving the summit of Brunelleschi's dome, which requires 463 steps, offers an amazing perspective over Florence's terracotta rooftops.

3. Take a stroll in Boboli Gardens
Require a vacation from the city? Behind Pitti Palace, in the Boboli Gardens, is a serene haven. These exquisitely designed gardens, with their well-kept lawns, imposing fountains, and secret grottos, are ideal for a leisurely stroll.

4. View David by Michelangelo
Michelangelo's David, one of the most famous sculptures in the world, is housed in the Galleria dell'Accademia. You are struck, as you stand in front of this work of art, by the amount of skill and attention to detail that went into its creation.

5. Take a stroll Overlooking Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio, Florence's oldest bridge, offers a singular experience. It's a busy, lively area, lined with stores offering everything from gold jewelry to trinkets. Don't forget to stroll across it at dusk for an amazing view.

6. Examine the Museum at Bargello
Visit the Bargello Museum for a more sedate but no less amazing museum experience. It has an amazing collection of Renaissance sculptures by masters like Michelangelo and Donatello, and it is located in a medieval palace.

7. Appreciate the Signoria Square
The Piazza della Signoria is Florence's pulsating heart. The magnificent Palazzo Vecchio and an amazing collection of statues, including a recreation of Michelangelo's David and the Fountain of Neptune, can be seen in this busy area.

8. Scoop up some gelato
Without sampling Florence's renowned gelato, you must return. While there are many excellent gelaterias, some of the greatest are Gelateria dei Neri, Vivoli, and La Carraia. It's the ideal method to stay cool while taking in the city.

9. See the Santa Croce Basilica
In addition to being a stunning church, the Basilica of Santa Croce is an important historical landmark. It is the last resting place of notable people including Machiavelli, Galileo, and Michelangelo. The tombs and murals inside the basilica are both exquisite and somber.

10. Spend a day in the countryside of Tuscany
The location of Florence makes it ideal for touring the Tuscan countryside. A day trip is a fantastic way to see more of what Tuscany has to offer, whether you're touring historic towns like Siena and San Gimignano, sipping wine at vineyards, or just relaxing on the rolling hills.

Every visitor to Florence finds themselves enthralled with the city. There is something for everyone in this place, from its exquisite gelato and stunning gardens to its world-class art and old architecture. Make sure you give yourself enough time to explore and fully take in everything that this amazing city has to offer.