Made my dreams come true without spending so much! 10 recommendations of things to do in Florence for a day for your first time without spending so much.
Florence is the capital of the Tuscany region of Italy. It is the most populated city in Tuscany. Being the birthplace of the Renaissance, you will learn so much about their art and history. Visitors would definitely be in awe of how amazing everything Florence has got to offer.
Ranked by Forbes as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Florence, or Firenze is a very dreamy place to visit. Being second on my travel bucket list, visiting such gorgeous city just proved that dreams do come true. My heart was delighted throughout my whole stay there.
Knowing that such a lovely city exists doesn’t mean that you would be spending so much just to visit it.
Here are my 10 recommended things to do in Florence for a day or two on your first visit there without spending so much:
1. Visit Piazza del Duomo and admire the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore
Piazza del Duomo, located at the heart of the historic centre of Florence, is one of the most visited places in Europe, the world and the most visited area of the city of Florence. This for number 1 because as you step in the Cathedral Square, this will wake you up and you’ll realize, you’re in Florence. Trust me, literally pinched myself once I arrived here and it took my breath away.
The Florence Cathedral, or formally known as, Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, is a gothic style Cathedral. This is the most beautiful Cathedral I have ever laid my eyes on. With its, polychrome marble panels in shades of green and pink, it is simply gorgeous.
2. Spend some time and people watch at Piazza della Repubblica
Piazza delle Repubblica is a city square in Florence. It is where everyone would gather to relax. I really liked the vibe this area gave me. During our visit, I found myself visiting this square the most.
3. Stroll around Piazza della Signoria then appreciate Palazzo Vecchio and Loggia dei Lanzi
There for the art? Then Piazza della Signoria is the place for you to be in the city of Florence! Piazza della Signoria is an L shaped square in front of Palazzo Vecchio, the town hall of FLorence. It is filled with beautiful pieces of art like the fountain of Neptune. In the corner, you will find Loggia dei Lanzi, an open-air museum. Here, you’ll be able to appreciate Renaissance art without spending a penny.
4. Walk across the Ponte Vecchio and enjoy window shopping
The Ponte Vecchio is a medieval stone arch bridge over the Arno River. It is known for having shops built along it. Their current tenants are jewelers, art dealers and souvenir sellers which makes it nice to enjoy window shopping here.
5. Buy souvenirs at Mercato Centrale
Italy taught me to enjoy going on markets and getting my souvenirs there which made Mercato Centrale a must visit site for me. Inside the market, Tuscan cuisine are being sold while outside, leather goods are for purchase.
6. Take a break at Palazzo Pitti and around the Oltrarno area
Palazzo Pitti is a Renaissance palace and now the largest museum complex in Florence. It is divided into several galleries and museums. It is also a must visit site if you want to see the lovely Renaissance art.
It was closed when we visited the Palace but it didn’t really bother us because the outside was really grand and people were there too to take a break and so my friend and I did the same. The palace is located in the Oltrarno area. Oltrarno is a quarter of Florence located south of the River Arno. It contains part of the historic centre of Florence and you can find many notable sites here.
7. Visit various museums and galleries such as the Galleria degli Uffizi
When we talk about Florence, gorgeous Renaissance art is one of the things that would pop in one’s head. So, Galleria degli Uffizi is one of the must visit galleries whenever you’re in the city. It is a prominent art museum in the city, one of the most important and most visited Italian museums which holds priceless works.
8. Climb up to Piazzale Michelangelo and get the most beautiful panoramic view of Florence’s skyline
Located at the Oltrarno district, the Piazzale Michelangelo is a square with a panoramic view of Florence. A bronze cast of David facing Florence is found from the centre of the square. I’ve got to say that this had the best skyline and panoramic view of Florence, it made me tear up. I’ve got no words to describe how breathtaking it was. Being there just completed my whole Florence trip.
9. Try a dish or two from the Florentine cuisine
Being in another city meant getting to try their signature dishes. So I had to taste Florentine pizza and pasta. My favorite would be this Prosciutto e Funghi. I also liked the Tagliatelle Funghi Porcini e Tartufo.
10. Have some more gelato!
When in Italy, you never have enough gelato! This made my trip extra special and me, extra happy!
Florence is a city I know I’ll go back to. I’m just in love with it and everything it has to offer. There are no words to describe it and no pictures that give justice to how amazing it is. I’ll see you soon Florence!
Be pretty, be happy, be you! H~
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