Florence, the home of the Renaissance and birthplace of our modern world, has the best Renaissance art in Europe. In a single day, you can look Michelangelo's David in the eyes, fall under the seductive sway of Botticelli's Birth of Venus, and climb the modern world's first dome, which still dominates the skyline. Of course, Florentine art goes beyond paintings and statues — enjoy the food, fashion, and street markets. Sure, Florence is touristy. But where else can you stroll the same pedestrian streets walked by Michelangelo, Leonardo, and Botticelli while savoring Italy's best gelato?

This neoclassical-style piazza built by Giuseppe Poggi in the 19th century offers some of the best panoramic views of Florence's historic center. The plaza is also home to several replicas of Michelangelo's famous sculptures, including David and the Medici Chapel statues. To get to the piazza, you'll need to climb up a steep hill, but the unobstructed views are worth it. Sunset is a popular time to visit when the plaza is bathed in golden light. You can take a taxi or car tour up the hill, or for a unique experience, pass by the piazza on a Vespa tour through Tuscany from Florence.

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Piazzale Michelangelo, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy

One of the great museums of the world, the Uffizi houses the premier collection of Italian Renaissance art, featuring works by such masters as Botticelli, Titian, Michelangelo and da Vinci. You can find the website for tickets here.

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Duration: 2-3 Hours

Admission Tickets: $45

Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

Europe's first school of drawing, this museum of art is chiefly famous for its several sculptures by Michelangelo, notably his David, in addition to an extensive collection of 15th- and 16th-century paintings. You can find the website for tickets here.

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Duration: 1-2 Hours

Admission Tickets: $30

Via Ricasoli, 58/60, 50129 Firenze FI, Italy

The cathedral's iconic dome was an architectural feat designed by famed Renaissance architect Brunelleschi. Climb 463 steps to the cupola for panoramic views of Florence.

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Duration: < 1 Hour

Admission Tickets: $15

Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

This large city square contains the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore, the third largest cathedral in the world after St. Peter's in Rome and St. Paul's in London.

Duration: < 1 Hour

Piazza Del Duomo 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

This historic plaza is the political heart of the city and home to significant monuments like the Palazzo Vecchio, Loggia dei Lanzi, and Uffizi Gallery.

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P.za della Signoria, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

Discover the wealth of history and art in Florence with Firenzecard, the only official museum pass for the city of Florence. Choose a physical or digital card, and activate it with your first museum visit. Enjoy 72 hours exploring Florence’s incredible heritage.

*Duomo is not included in this pass*

€85

One of the best cafes in Florence, Italy to spread out and work, reliable wifi, and brunch bites. Ditta Artigianale is one of my most visited Florence coffee shops. There are three locations, each offering a different vibe and crowd. Another perk worth mentioning is their extensive coffee menu. Unlike most cafes in Italy which stick to espresso with or without milk, you'll find almost anything here: V60, Aeropress, flat white, cold brew, iced drinks, matcha, and flavored lattes.

8:00AM - 7:00PM

$

Via dei Neri, 30/32 R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

8:00AM - 7:30PM

$

Via dello Sprone, 5/R, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy

8:00AM - 10:30PM

$

Lungarno Benvenuto Cellini, 1r, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy

(a convenient 13 minute walk from Piazzale Michelangelo)

Ben Caffe offers any coffee (or non-coffee) drink you could want; cold brew, V60, tea, matcha, chai, flat white, smoothies, and more. The location also can't be beat as it's a two minute walk from the Duomo!

7:30AM - 6:00PM

$

Via Santa Margherita, 2 r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

Hands down one of "the most Instagrammable cafes in Florence." La Menagere does not disappoint when it comes to decor and atmosphere. It's a concept store consisting of a cafe, flower shop, home store, and restaurant. If you're going to visit for coffee I recommend going in the morning/early afternoon as it's more of a restaurant vibe later in the day. La Menagere is probably the highest you'll pay for cafe/coffee fare...you are paying for the atmosphere though it's on par with what you would pay in the US.

8:00AM - 2:00AM

$

Via de' Ginori, 8/R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy

Coffee Mantra is said to serve some of the best tasting espresso in Florence. If you're looking for specialty coffee and small batch brews from around the world, Coffee Mantra will not disappoint. Choose from several brewing methods including V60, AeroPress, French press, filter coffee, and cold brew. The prices are surprisingly low, considering the quality. Coffee Mantra is located just outside the main tourist zone, which offers a nice escape from the crowds. Stop here after your visit to the Basilica di Santa Croce as it's an 8 minute walk away.

8:00AM - 6:00PM

$

Borgo La Croce 71r, Via della Mattonaia, 24r, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy

For more of the adventurous eater... this is a great place to try one of Florence's specialties- tripe and lampredotto (a typical Florentine dish, made from the fourth and final stomach of cattle). Since 1890 the history of the Bambi family has been linked to an ancient craft that requires a great deal of dedication: that of trippaio which means tripe maker. Here, you can taste all the genuine dishes of the popular Tuscan tradition: lampredotto(lamprey), trippa (tripe), bollito (boiled meat), stracotto (beef stew), peposo (stewed meat cooked in red wine and tons of black pepper) and recipes that change daily.

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7:00AM - 3:00PM

$

Mercato Centrale, Via dell'Ariento, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy

10:00AM - 4:00PM

$

Via dei Neri, 18/r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

Panetteria e Stuzzicheria De Neri is the PERFECT place to stop and grab a bite for lunch while walking around and sight-seeing. At €6-€7 each, these delicious sandwiches cannot be beat and we’re not the only ones that think so! This Panetteria boasts five stars on most review sites. Be warned, there are no tables to sit at here so you’ll have to eat it on the go or find a sunny piazza to take a nice lunch break. I ordered the “La Firenze” which I highly recommend: Tuscan cured ham, Tuscan pecorino cheese, truffle cream, fresh tomato and salad. If you need a coffee boost as well, Ditta Artigianale is just a couple steps away.

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