Florence, Italy

Compiled by FatPassport's travel experts

Amazing center of Renaissance art
Florence, Italy

Many Travelers? Huge Tourist Crowds
Likes: Art and atmosphere
Dislikes: Large crowds/lines and noise

Florence is a beautiful city and a must-see for anyone interested in Renaissance art and architecture. Travelers come here specifically to see Michelangelo's famed statue of David; the Duomo, an old and beautiful church; and The Uffizi Gallery, home to one of the world's very best collections of Renaissance art. Beyond that, just about all of Italy is romantic by default and offers wonderful food, and Florence is no different!

A big highlight here is the Uffizi Gallery, one of the oldest and most famous art museums in the world.The Uffizi houses works of such masters as Titian, Botticelli, Michelangelo and da Vinci. It's an understandably popular place, and you'll do yourself a big favor by booking a ticket online prior to your visit.

Another place of interest is the Basilica of Santa Croce, the burial place of famous Italians such as Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. Off the beaten track is the Pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella, where they've made perfumes, lotions and powders since the 1400's. For a panoramic view of the city and the Arno River, visitors head up to Piazzale Michelangelo. It can be reached by foot, climbing up from the Piazza Poggi.

Visitors will be rewarded by quaint squares and cafes as they wander through the Oltarno district. The Piazza del Carmine market, also in the Oltarno district, is an artisans market where visitors can shop for souvenirs like honey, wine and trinkets. The Mercato Sant' Ambrogio and Mercato Centrale are both local markets selling a vast array of Tuscan specialties and countless leather jackets, shoes and other souvenirs.

There's also plenty of interest in the surrounding area; most notably, it's possible to use Florence as a base for a day trip over to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower.

There is a wide range of accommodations from nice hostels and reasonable B&B's to ultimate luxury, though costs in Florence do tend to be high.

Florence is on most world traveler's must-see lists and therefore is crowded, especially in the summer. The city's main tourist center is small, flat and easy to explore for all ages. Spending three to four days here will give visitors plenty of time to shop and see the sights. The most comfortable and least crowded times to visit are April, May and October, when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are more manageable.

Locals here are helpful and friendly. The city is safe for independent and group travelers, though be wary of occasional pick pockets at major tourist sites and on crowded buses.

There is no risk with drinking the water or eating foods that could make you sick. English is widely spoken.

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