Arriving in the Rain: A Memorable Day in Florence

I’ve always loved the sound and smell of rain, but traveling in it can be challenging. When I arrived in Florence during a downpour, I felt a bit disappointed, especially since I only had one day to explore the city. Stuck on the tour bus waiting for the rain to let up, I was eager to make the most of my visit.

With my umbrella in hand, I stepped off the bus and met our upbeat tour guide. Despite the gloomy weather, she wore sunglasses and a raincoat, embodying the Italian spirit of positivity. Her attitude was contagious, lifting my spirits as we began our walk.

Exploring Florence’s Architectural Marvels

Our first stop was the magnificent Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale, a sight that instantly captivated me as a bookworm. The stunning architecture of Florence, particularly its churches, left me in awe.

One highlight was the Basilica di Santa Croce, a grand Gothic church renowned for its marble façade designed by the Jewish architect Niccolò Matas, which incorporates a Star of David into its design. This church, often referred to as the “Temple of Italian Glories,” serves as the final resting place for several famous Italians, including Michelangelo, Galileo, and Rossini. Inside, I also discovered a monument dedicated to Florence Nightingale, who was born in the city.

Florence is home to many breathtaking churches, with the iconic Piazza del Duomo at the heart of the city. This magnificent square features the awe-inspiring Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, known for its stunning dome and intricate façade.

Completing the square are the historic baptistery and the renowned bell tower. Climbing the bell tower offers visitors a spectacular 360-degree view of Florence, allowing you to soak in the city’s beauty from above. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience when exploring Florence’s architectural wonders!

Florence Fashion: A Shopper’s Paradise

Florence is a fashion-forward city, offering a wide range of shopping options to suit every budget. You’ll find outdoor stalls selling stylish bags and scarves, as well as the famous leather sandals crafted by skilled Florentine shoemakers. These artisans operate both in stalls and dedicated stores, providing unique, high-quality footwear.

During my visit, I snagged a beautiful dress on sale for just 20 euros, along with a pair of sandals, all without exceeding my budget. Keep in mind that stalls near popular tourist attractions often have higher prices, so it’s wise to explore a bit before buying an item.

When shopping for leather, look for signs of quality: genuine leather has a distinctive smell, feels soft to the touch, and if you lightly scratch it with your nail, the mark should disappear when rubbed.

Built in 1345, the Ponte Vecchio is a vibrant and historic bridge that has transformed over the centuries. Originally home to butchery shops, it is now lined with exquisite jewellery and goldsmith stores, making it a must-visit destination in Florence.

The Ponte Vecchio is a popular spot for visitors, often bustling with activity. It offers stunning views of the Arno River, making it a picture-perfect location for photography. I was fortunate to have the sun peek out while I walked across the bridge, enhancing the beauty of this iconic landmark.

Indulge in Florence’s Culinary Delights

After all that walking in Florence, you’ll definitely work up an appetite! One must-try dish is Bistecca alla Fiorentina, or Florentine-style beefsteak. This iconic dish features a thickly cut T-bone steak grilled over a wood or charcoal fire, making it a popular choice among locals and tourists alike. Due to its size, it’s typically shared between two people.

When dining in Italy, be aware of the coperto—an admission charge that ranges from 1 to 5 euros per person. For a family of four, this could add up to 20 euros just for sitting down! Some restaurants, especially those near tourist attractions, may also charge a service fee. To save money, consider eating at a restaurant on a side street where you can often avoid the coperto, leaving you with more funds for delicious gelato.

For recommendations on the best places to enjoy Bistecca alla Fiorentina in Florence, check out this helpful guide: Where to Eat a Good Bistecca.

Experience the Art of Florence: A Visual Feast

Florence is not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s a paradise for art lovers as well. If you’re passionate about art, this city should be on your bucket list. The Uffizi Gallery showcases masterpieces by legendary artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Giotto, and Botticelli. Among its treasures is the iconic painting of Venus in a shell.

The Uffizi Gallery is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 8:15 AM to 6:30 PM. As of March 1, 2018, a ticket to the Uffizi also grants you access to the National Archaeological Museum, valid for up to five days.

Don’t miss the chance to see Michelangelo’s renowned marble statue of David, located at the Accademia Gallery, which shares the same operating hours as the Uffizi. Both galleries are incredibly popular, so be sure to arrive early to avoid long queues and make the most of your time.

Alternatively, you can admire the Piazza della Signoria it’s free of charge and there are no lines. It’s a wonderful square filled with numerous sculptures. There’s a replica of David and a statue of Perseus slaying Medusa amongst other marvellous sculptures.

A Bit of History: Niccolò Machiavelli and Florence

Not far from Piazza della Signoria, you’ll find the statue of Niccolò Machiavelli, a pivotal figure in political theory and a prominent politician during the Renaissance. He is best known for his influential treatise, The Prince, which was dedicated to Lorenzo de’ Medici, the then governor of Florence. In this work, Machiavelli sought to gain favour with the Medici family by providing a pragmatic guide for leaders on how to govern effectively.

The Prince focuses on the acquisition and maintenance of political power, often sidelining morality. One of his notable quotes states, “Since love and fear can hardly exist together, if we must choose between them, it is far better to be feared than loved.” Despite his insights, the guidelines in The Prince were never put into practice, and Machiavelli never regained his political position.

Today, Florence thrives as a centre of international banking and cooperation. Interestingly, former UK Prime Minister Theresa May delivered her Brexit speech in Florence, which some reporters interpreted as a nod to the UK undergoing a Renaissance. Perhaps she simply wanted an excuse to visit this enchanting city, which remains a fantastic destination to explore, come rain or shine.

More Information About Florence

For visitors looking for assistance in Florence, the main tourist information center is conveniently located at Piazza del Duomo.

• Address: 1 Via Cavour, Florence
• Phone: +39 (0)55 290832
• Hours:
  • Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday: Closes at 2:00 PM

To learn more about Florence, visit the official tourism website: Florence Tourism.

You can also find a comprehensive list of various tourist offices in Florence here: Tourist Offices in Florence.

I hope you find this updated version of my Florence post helpful! I appreciate your comments and suggestions, and thank you for reading my blog.

Wishing you happy travels!