Hi Y’all!
After the wonder of Venice, our next stop on the “Big Three” Italian adventure was the birthplace of the Renaissance: Florence.
I was so excited to see the city of the Medici, of Michelangelo, and… let’s be honest… of amazing leather bags! We arrived on a rainy, overcast day, and it turns out, Florence is just as magical under a few clouds. It’s a city made for walking, and I was so thankful for my trusty tennis shoes as we explored miles of uneven, ancient cobblestone steps.
The Overwhelming Beauty of the Duomo
My first “wow” moment in Florence was walking into the Piazza del Duomo. Y’all, I was just overwhelmed by the sheer size and beauty of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (the “Duomo”). You can’t really prepare for it. The building is massive, covered in the most intricate green, pink, and white marble.
And the doors! I loved walking around this gorgeous city and seeing all the different types of doors and door handles, but the bronze doors on the Baptistery (right across from the cathedral) are on another level. They are a work of art all by themselves.
An “Incredible Experience”: Seeing David
The main event for me, and a highlight of my entire trip, was our visit to the Galleria dell’Accademia. This is where you go to see the one and only David by Michelangelo.
I was so thankful we had “skip the line” tickets! The queue for people who didn’t book ahead was unbelievable when we arrived. (Y’all, please let me book this for you in advance!)
Being a person whose faith is very important to me, walking down the hall and seeing the statue of David for the first time was an incredible experience. You just don’t realize how tall he is! He stands 17 feet, and he is just breathtaking.
I enjoyed this entire museum so much. It wasn’t just David—I especially loved seeing the statues of the children, particularly one of a little boy playing with a dog. You just stand there in awe of the amazing talent these artists truly had.
The Heart of the City (and a Little Window Shopping)
We spent so much of our time just walking. My husband, Mike, was in heaven with his camera, and our friend (who was touring with us) was busy window-shopping for leather!
We explored the Piazza della Signoria, which is like a giant open-air museum. It’s where you’ll find the Palazzo Vecchio (the city’s fortress-like town hall) and the Fountain of Neptune. Our guide was so informative, telling us all kinds of stories about the statues, the culture, and the history of this amazing place. We also loved walking through the U-shaped courtyard of the Uffizi Gallery and seeing all the artists selling their beautiful paintings.
And of course, we had to see the Ponte Vecchio! This “Old Bridge” is from medieval times and is famous for the jewelry and leather shops built right onto it. I’m always on the hunt for a new Italian leather bag (even if I ended up finding my bag in Rome this time!), and y’all, the window shopping here is just incredible. It’s one of the best places to see the amazing craftsmanship.
Y’all… Let’s Talk About the Food
Okay, now for the really important part: the food!
I think I had gelato at least once a day… and maybe sometimes twice. Shh! I mean, when in Italy, you just must.
I also just fell in love with authentic Italian pizza. I don’t know if I’m remembering it wrong, but it seemed to me that the crust was so much lighter and homemade, and that the fresh, high-quality toppings were the real star—even more so than the sauce. I just loved that! I still long for that pizza when I’m back in the States and get so excited when I find a restaurant here that does it the real Italian way.
But the one meal you cannot miss in this city? The steak. While all of Italy has amazing food, Florence is world-famous for its steak above all else. It’s called Bistecca alla Fiorentina, and it’s not just any steak; it’s a massive, melt-in-your-mouth T-bone from a special local breed of cattle.
We had the name of an amazing restaurant, and we used Google Maps to “walk” our way there through the winding streets. Y’all. I had it, and it was, without a doubt, the best steak of my life. Just thinking about it makes me want to go back!
It is pricey, so be prepared, but it is 100% worth it. I always recommend it to my clients, and one of them told me they ate there twice it was so good!
Tips for Your Florence Trip
Book Ahead (Seriously!) If you want to see David at the Accademia or get into the Uffizi Gallery without spending 3 hours in line, you must book “skip-the-line” tickets weeks (or months!) in advance. This is one of the most important things I do for my clients.
Wear. The. Shoes. I can’t say it enough. Florence is a walking city with uneven, ancient streets. Your feet will thank you for choosing comfort and practicality.
Explore the Leather Markets: Florence is the place for leather. You can find high-end boutiques, but don’t be afraid to explore the San Lorenzo Market for great deals on bags, jackets, and belts.
Look Up: When you’re in the museums (especially the Uffizi and Palazzo Vecchio), don’t forget to look up. The ceilings are some of the most beautiful works of art in the city.
Try the Bistecca (Even if You Like it Well-Done!): The famous Florentine steak is huge (it’s meant to be shared!). Now, here’s a tip: it’s traditionally served very rare. As someone who loves my steak well-done, I was a little nervous. But y’all, I just asked for it ‘ben cotto’ (well-done), and it was just as excellent and so flavorful! Don’t be afraid to ask for it the way you like it. It’s an experience you just can’t miss.
A Little About Me!
Hi y’all, I’m Tara! There’s nothing I love more than traveling the world with my husband, Mike, and exploring the beauty of God’s handiwork. As an avid reader, when I’m not off on a real-life adventure, you can usually find me reading about one! I poured that passion into my business, Tailored Travel, a full-service travel agency where my team and I would be tickled to help you cross off the next destination on your list- including this beautiful place.
Let’s Start Designing Your Dream Trip!
Email: tara@tailoredtravel.vacations
Phone: (423) 641-1070