DanckTravel

I was in Florence for about two weeks, taking an art course, and found it absolutely magical. Every day, I would walk down cobblestone streets past the Duomo. The air would be filled with the smell of fresh coffee and shopkeepers preparing to open their doors as I’d make my way to class. Florence is an incredible city and is well known for a multidie of things, including culture, food, and art.

If you’re considering Florence for vacation, but are unsure what the city is best known for and if those align with your interests, this guide is for you. Keep reading to learn more.

Food

Italy is well known as a whole for its pasta and pizza. However, Florence also has its own local cuisines and specialities that are worth checking out:

• Ribollita: This is a hearty, vegetarian soup, which traditionally uses leftover bread to add texture and taste to its base. I loved this soup and would highly recommend, especially in cooler temperatures.
• Pasta in a Truffle Sauce: Truffles are grown in the Mugello region, which is north of Florence and this food staple can be seen in many dishes throughout the city. Since Italy is also well known for its pasta, we recommend trying a truffle sauce on top of this already traditional dish.
• Florentine Steak: I’m a vegetarian, so I will be honest— I never tried this. However, this is a staple in Florentine cuisine. It comes from Chianina cattle and is typically cooked over a charcoal grill and served medium-rare.

Wine

The entire Tuscan region is known for its wine. Below are some that you can consider trying while here:

• Chianti: This is a wine conssting of at least 70% Sangiovese grapes, originating from areas such as Florence, Siena, and Pisa.
• Chianti Classico: While similiar to Chianti, there are stricter regulations in place for what is considered a “Chianti Classico” and a “Chianti”. Chianti Classicos can only can from a small region of Italy, in between Florence and Siena. All bottles must be aged for at least 18 months and consist of 80%+ Sangiovese grapes.

Pro Tip: Florence had wine windows during the plague, so locals could continue to enjoy their alcohol while reducing the risk of infection. For a long time, these were closed. However, during the pandemic in 2020, these were opened back up and once tourists were allowed back into Italy, these became a local attraction. We recommend visiting one of these wine windows while here.

Renaissance Art

If you are deciding between cities such as Rome and Florence, deciding on which artwork you want to see can play a key factor. Florence, in comparison to Rome, is really dedicated to Renaissance art specifically. In fact, Giotto, who is considered the father of the Renaissance by many, lived for many years in Florence. Many of his works, including the base of the Giotto Tower, can still be seen today.

However, Giotto is not the only famous Renaissance artists to have lived here. Michelangelo was born near Florence and spent significant time here. He’s responsible for famous art in the city (such as the David) and is the reason the facade of Bruneschelli’s Dome was never finished. Renaissance art flourished in Florence and the impact of this time in period can still be felt throughout the city today.

The Medici Family

Someone had to pay for all the Renaissance art in Florence and most of these artworks were funded by the Medici family. They began as a powerful banking family, later becoming noblemen and a highly influential family in the city. They were also responsible for the creation of the most famous site in the city known as The Duomo. Today, you can climb up the dome or the neighboring tower to get beautiful views of Florence below.

The last Medici family member donated the entire collection including the Boboli Gardens and the Uffizi Gallery to the city of Florence, so that it could be enjoyed for generations to come. 

The Tuscan Countryside

Tuscany is known for its rolling hills and beautiful countryside. Florence is no exception to this rule. If you drive on the outskirts of the city, you can truly appreciate the beauty of the landscape. Alternatively, we recommend climbing up Piazalle Michelangelo for some spectacular views.

Final Thoughts

The sites and attractions in Florence are amazing. If you are interested in art, beautiful landscapes, intriguing history, good wine, and delicious food, Florence may just be the city for you. Anything you’d recommend people go see? Leave it in the comments below.