Set in the midst of Tuscany, Florence stands in timeless beauty. This enchanting city offers a blend of historical grandeur, artistic masterpieces, and charming Italian allure. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply a traveler seeking to immerse yourself in the romance of Italy, Florence is a destination that promises to leave a lasting impression.

My first trip to Florence was during a two month backpacking adventure with my college best friend. I was young and totally unaware of the beauty and heritage surrounding me, much to the dismay of my friend. She was a fan of history and art, constantly in awe, while I was more focused on the adventure itself (and the food). After all, we were in ITALY!! Fast forward many years, and I found myself returning with my family during our 15-month journey. By then, having homeschooled our children and developed a newfound appreciation for history, I saw Florence through fresh, inspired eyes. Experiencing the city’s treasures through the perspective of my children transformed my understanding and deepened my love for its rich heritage and stunning museums. See Exploring Florence, Italy.

But the true awakening came when Ryan and I visited Florence alone this past year. With plenty of leisure time woven into our schedule, we had the opportunity to fully immerse ourselves in the city’s stunning beauty and timeless charm. Each corner and piazza revealed new layers of Florence. Even the alleyways lined with cycles held their own appeal – making Florence one of those rare places that never seems to lose its intrigue. I’m certain I could return time and again and always find myself captivated.

Below…spanning the Arno River, the Ponte Vecchio is Florence’s iconic medieval bridge, renowned for its charming row of jewelry shops and its picturesque views.

Situated along the picturesque Arno River, you’ll find a charming array of hotels, shops, and restaurants, all offering stunning views of the flowing waters and historic architecture. The serene riverfront location provides a beautiful backdrop for leisurely strolls, unforgettable meals, and delightful shopping experiences.

Florence is a shopper’s paradise, known for its high-quality leather goods and unique boutiques. The city’s leather markets are a must-visit, offering everything from stylish jackets and elegant handbags to beautifully crafted leather accessories and goods. We loved exploring the bustling markets and charming boutiques, where each piece feels like a work of art. Wander through the charming streets and discover exquisite craftsmanship that reflects Florence’s rich tradition in leather artistry.

Florence is synonymous with the Renaissance, a period that saw an explosion of creativity and innovation. The city’s art galleries and museums are amazing, with masterpieces created by legends like Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci. They deserve a blog post of their own!

Walking through Florence is like strolling through a living museum. The city’s rich history is vividly preserved in its stunning architecture and cobblestoned streets. As you meander through Florence, you’ll encounter a cityscape that feels almost untouched by time. See here the replica of the Statue of David, located in the heart of Florence’s Piazza della Signoria. The original statue of David is located in the Accademia Gallery in Florence.

Below you’ll find Hercules and Cacus on the left, showcasing the legendary hero’s strength and bravery, and Perseus with the Head of Medusa on the right, capturing this moment of triumph and daring from Greek mythology. All of these and more are set amidst the lively atmosphere of the open public Piazza della Signoria!

Culinary Delights: Florence’s culinary scene is as rich and diverse as its cultural heritage. Traditional Tuscan cuisine features simple yet delicious dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. A few things not to miss while in Florence: Florentine Steak (served by the kilo), Tagliatelle Al Ragu, Tiramisu, Panna Cotta, and last but not least, Limoncello. In June, five of our favorite clients discovered La Scarpetta and were so impressed they nearly broke their rule of never dining at the same place twice. We followed their recommendation and were equally enchanted. Run by a talented father/son duo, La Scarpetta Firenze has quickly become one of our top dining experiences in all of Italy, thanks to its warm hospitality and exceptional cuisine.

Florentine steak (Bistecca alla Fiorentina) is typically a large, thick cut of T-bone or porterhouse steak, often weighing between 1 to 2 kilograms (approximately 2 to 4 pounds). It’s known for its impressive size and is often served on the bone to showcase its grandeur. The steak is usually weighed before cooking, and the price is often calculated based on its weight. Some restaurants may bring the raw steak to your table to show you its size and confirm its weight before cooking it. Ours did!

The steak is usually grilled to a rare or medium-rare doneness to highlight its tenderness and rich flavor. After grilling, the steak is typically sliced and served family-style, allowing diners to share the juicy, flavorful meat. Our kind waiter, whose family owns the restaurant, recommended rare – and while we only ever order medium-rare, we went with his recommendation. We LOVED it! The experience was made even more special by the son of the family, who took the time to talk with us, explain different options, and enhance our meal with his personal touch. He added a sweet dimension to our dining experience, making it especially memorable.

Tagliatelle al Ragù is a classic Italian dish featuring long, flat ribbons of egg pasta served with a rich, slow-cooked meat sauce made from ground beef, tomatoes, and vegetables. In Florence, this hearty dish reflects the region’s love for traditional, flavorful meals, often enjoyed with a sprinkle (well…maybe more than a sprinkle) of Parmesan and a glass of robust red wine.

Delicious Panna Cotta and Tiramisu: Panna Cotta is a silky, creamy Italian dessert made from sweetened cream and gelatin, often served with a berry compote or caramel sauce. At La Scarpetta, it was elegantly presented with a rich chocolate sauce. Tiramisu, another Italian classic, features layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese, dusted with cocoa powder for an indulgent treat. Though we’ve had both in the States, experiencing them in Florence revealed a delightful difference. Both were truly amazing.

Limoncello: I had tasted Limoncello many years ago while traveling with the kids and didn’t quite enjoy it at the time. However, our waiter at La Scarpetta encouraged us to give it another try, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it this time around. It was remarkably different from my previous experience, offering a refreshing, vibrant flavor. Thank you, La Scarpetta, for the delightful recommendation and for the extraordinarily delicious meal. We’ll definitely be back!

As you savor the local cuisine, don’t miss the chance to explore another unique aspect of Florence’s charm: its historic wine windows, or ‘Buchette del Vino’. The first recording of a Tuscan ‘Wine Window’ was during the Bubonic plague in the 17th-century, when shops installed these little windows as a way of distributing food and drink while, quite literally, keeping the Plague at bay. They are scattered throughout Tuscany.

These quaint, small openings in old buildings, originally used for selling wine directly to customers, now offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s rich past and its enduring love for fine wine.

Admire the stunning door details nestled next to the magnificent Duomo! These intricate designs, with their rich textures and ornate craftsmanship, add a layer of artistic elegance to the already stunning backdrop of Florence’s iconic cathedral. Each door tells a story, offering a glimpse into the city’s history.

Be sure to notice the beautiful details of Florence’s doors, windows, and arches. Each one is a small masterpiece, reflecting the city’s rich artistic history. I could have photographed these details all day; they’re just that gorgeous!

I could go on and on about Florence, but I’ll wrap up with one final tip: choosing the right hotel is important. The good news is that Florence boasts an array of exceptional hotel options. We took the time to explore many of the city’s finest hotels, meeting with their staff and sales managers, and even uncovering some fascinating archaeological ruins hidden beneath! Each hotel has its own unique charm, so it’s important to select one that aligns with your preferences and interests. Consult with your travel advisor, who can help you narrow down the best choices based on your personality, interests, and the attractions you’re most excited to see. If I have time, I will blog more on some of our favorite hotels, but until then, let me share one photo of the view from our balcony!

We were welcomed with a gorgeous suite upgrade upon arrival and were delighted to be allowed an early check-in, which was a wonderful treat. We were pleasantly surprised to find ourselves on the top floor, offering stunning views of the Duomo. Throughout our stay, we enjoyed an ever-changing canvas of weather – sunny days, refreshing rain, and dramatic clouds – transforming our view from hour to hour. The highlight was catching a few breathtaking sunrise moments. And, of course, having a view of the Duomo right from our window made the experience truly unforgettable. This was the nighttime view from our hotel.

One evening, the Duomo was bathed in a stunning blue light, casting an enchanting glow that transformed the iconic structure into a night-time masterpiece. We were thrilled to capture several gorgeous photos of this magical sight, making it a perfect way to remember our four nights in this captivating city.

As we reflect on our time in Florence, we bid a heartfelt farewell to this captivating city. Every moment spent exploring its beauty, history, cuisine, and charm has been unforgettable and has truly captured our hearts. Arrivederci for now, Florence! We’re already anticipating our next visit to experience your charm once again. Until then, you will remain in our hearts.

Stay tuned for our new post on Perugia, Italy! For more information on our itineraries, feel free to email us at dtgainor@gmail.com or visit Global Getaways to learn more about who we are and how we work.