Taylor Davis is a student at Middle Tennessee State University and an ISA Featured Blogger. She is currently studying abroad with ISA in Florence, Italy.
Florence, Italy is by no means a small place. While some believe it to be a small city, there are a variety of sights to be seen that cannot be fully embraced even after two months of living here. The numerous gorgeous locales in Florence cannot be reduced to only four options, but here are a few to get you started:
1. Piazza Michelangelo
Situated at the highest point in the city, Piazza Michelangelo provides a glorious view of the entire city below. Although it’s quite a climb, the spectacular panoramic view is the best place to bring a bottle of wine close to sunset and enjoy a nice picnic.
2. Piazza Santo Spirito
If you’re looking a little local beauty, Piazza Santo Spirito is by far the best Piazza around. The gorgeous local church stands tall in the front of the Piazza, while a fountain and various places to sit adorn the area.
Sundays carry the promise of antique markets while year round the Piazza has various restaurants, panino shops and cafes. Open-air markets are available daily in the morning along with fresh fruit and veggie stands throughout the days. This piazza is also home to some of the best food places in Florence, including Gusta Pizza and Gustapanino.
3. Palazzo Pitti
Sitting on the same side of the river as the two choices above, Palazzo Pitti, known as the Pitti Palace, is home to the beautiful costume and modern art galleries, and various museums including the silver, porcelain, and carriage museums.
Adjacent to the Palazzo Pitti is the Boboli Gardens, lined with sculptures, foliage and a quick trip to the past as you walk the path of the people from long ago. A leisurely walk with a camera in hand can lead you to an open area above the palace for a spectacular view.
4. Piazza del Duomo
Located in the heart of Florence, the Duomo stands like a beacon able to be seen from the farthest points in the city. The church is the fourth largest in the world and is made completely of varying shades of green, pink and white marble. The piazza is home to many bars, restaurants and shops for everything you may need.
While the Duomo is the heart of the city, the paths leading away can take you to some of the most delicious gelato shops and beautiful hidden sights.
If a tourist experience is what you wish to find in Florence then staying on the side of the Duomo is your best bet, but if you want an authentic experience then venture over the Arno River.
The quaint side of Florence houses many shops, restaurants and cafe’s allowing you to see how real Italians live. Piazza Michelangelo, Piazza Santo Spirito and Palazzo Pitti are all located on the local side of Florence, and although some shop owners don’t speak English very well you won’t be sorry you embarked on this journey.
Want to read more about Florence? Check “What Surprised Me Most When I Landed in Florence”
Been to Florence couple of years back but must have missed the Palazzo Pitti. Thank you for the tip :)
Reblogged this on Adventures and commented:
I cannot wait to visit all of these places – only 36 more days!