Renaissance in Florence, Italy - 24-Hour Travel Guide
Boboli Gardens
Giotto’s Tower
the Arno at night
Overview - Florence is a well preserved Renaissance paradise. There are crowds of tourists but do not let this spoil for you one of Italy’s best treasures.
Breakfast - You can easily get a coffee and pastry anywhere in town and be guaranteed it will be good. Some cafes are not open for breakfast but just wander until a storefront catches your eye and indulge.
Morning - With a coffee rush, head straight to the Uffizi, one of the most famous collections of Renaissance art in the world. Not only is the building beautiful but so is the collection. Nearby, wander into the Santa Maria del Fiore, commonly referred to as the Duomo. It is free to go inside but there is a charge to head up to the adjacent Giotto’s Tower but the cost is well worth it for the views. Be sure to check out the Baptistery doors across the courtyard (these are copies; the originals are not left outside).
Lunch - Trattoria da Garibaldi (Piazza del Mercato Centrale 38r) offers a nice light lunch, paired with perhaps a glass of wine.
Afternoon - Explore the expansive greenscape of Boboli Gardens. You will find various pieces of art tucked away in every corner, and in addition the hill the gardens are built upon offers great views. But do not linger too long, as you have made reservations to see Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia. The queues are enormous but with reservations you can walk straight in.
Dinner - Try the casual and relaxed Trattoria Sostanza (Via Porcellana 25r) near the train station. Do not be shy as you will share dining space with others on the long tables.
After Dark - Stroll along the Arno and over the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest famous bridge and the only to survive World War II. The bridge is wonderfully lit at night as the city gently reflects on the waters of the Arno.
Sleep - Relais Cavalcanti (Via Pellicceria 2) is clean and comfortable and you will find yourself falling in love with the friendliness of your hosts. The central location is handy yet very quiet.
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