Historic Center of Florence

I did not think it would be busy on a rainy Thursday in April, but the crowds were unbelievable. I can only imagine what it must be like in the summer. In any case, despite the crowds, this is still my favorite city in Italy.

Best way to visit Florence is a walking tour of the city. Everything is interesting, from historic buildings, art, museums, churches; or just walking down the street seeing the massive homes with multi-story gardens. Restaurants are fabulous, the people are kind, and there is so much you want to take home with you!

For most people Florence is about Museums, Bridges and a magnificent Duomo.For me this city is all about the incredible architecture!Every building seems to be interesting and uniquely beautiful! It is an absolute MUST if you are considering a visit to Italy!

What I loved most about the historic center of Florence was the beauty of so many of the old buildings and also the fact that much of the old part of the city was cobbled and free of vehicles. Not having to doge cars made this part of the city very nice to stroll around.

As you walk through the historic center, you will feel that you have gone back in time (despite the buzz of Vespas). The duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, the Accademia....These are MUSTS when visiting Florence. The city is small enough to "do" in a couple of days.

Renaissance art at its best. The city is just full of art. You dont need to enter the museum to see a work of art its all around the streets and buildings! You dont need to ride to see, everything is just walking distance.

Florence is full of amazing history and sights. We went for a morning run through the city center and along the waterfront as the sun was coming up and - as our guidebook said - the views were truly magical.

Obviously the duomo is the main attraction here, but there are tons of other little shops, restaurants, and tiny "museums" that offer a slice of Italian life in the big city as well.

The center of Florence is impossibly packed with great buildings, museums, art, and merchants. No space is wasted on anything ugly or distasteful. It's the perfect Italian city.

The historic center of Florence is dominated by Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, otherwise known as the Duomo. It is architecturally and artistically stunning.