I wanted to check out the Basilica but we got there while it was midday closed so we decided to…read morewalk around the piazza while we waited for the re-opening at 3pm. We happened to not only be there on a Sunday, but the second Sunday of the month, which is when they do hardware, leather, fabrics, etc. I wasn't necessarily interested in any of that (my preference would have been food on the third Sunday) but it was fun seeing people, especially locals, shop for stuff. It's a feast for the eyes, that's for sure. That being said, there aren't many newer Yelp reviews for this place but if you are researching this area, know that it is no longer a quiet, more local part of town. This is a full blown tourist destination now and the area shows it. I'd highly recommend the basilica. The cloisters are gorgeous, with a beautiful garden in the middle. You cannot take pictures inside for some reason, but it's still worth it.

Came to this jewelry store, Giuliano Ricchi, where I had a customized bracelet with beautiful…read morecharms to remind me of our visit to Florence - Ponte Vecchio bridge, palaces, fleur de lis, and heart locket. Outside, there was live entertainment at the square.

In the afternoon I decided to do some exploring, and attempt to find the gate that the bus took us…read morepast. Well, it ended up that I landed up at this gate, which is actually a completely different gate (though at the time I didn't realise it). Basically this is the gate that leads to Rome, which is why it is called the Porta Romana. Once again it creates an interesting perspective as to why cities were like back in the Renaissance era, and also how wandering into a city is nowhere near as easy as it is these days (though crossing country borders can be fun at times).

Porta Romana is a traffic hub, and entrance point to the historic centre of Florence. It's one of…read morethe few doorways that boasts an actual door and a long length of wall. (Most of the others doors and walls are no longer intact). Just outside the door is a huge roundabout for cars that leads traffic to piazzale Michelangelo, Poggio Imperiale, and viale Petrarca. By entering the doors you have access to the Oltrarno neighbourhood via via de' Serragli or via Romana. There is a great Lampredotto stand in the small piazza just outside the door, if you're looking for some traditional Florentine eats.

A beautiful area to walk through to get to the top of the hill, where Piazzale Michelangelo is…read morelocated. When we mapped out walking to Piazzale Michelangelo from the Point Vecchio area, it wanted us to take a different route, which would have been through neighborhoods, but we wanted to walk along the river, so we chose a route that was 2 minutes longer and it took us through here. This was gorgeous! Plenty of waterfalls, grottoes, and nice walkways up the hill. You'll want to stop a take lots of pics too!

This is a bridge with a gorgeous view that takes you across the Arno River in Florence. It's just…read morenorth of the Ponte Vecchio, which is a wildly popular shopping destination. This bridge has better shopping on the east side of it, if you're seeking designer, because there are many over there. It's popular for stopping in the middle of it to take pics of the river and various views of the city.

The "Holy Trinity Bridge" is named for the nearby Basilica di Santa Trinita…read morehttps://www.yelp.com/biz/basilica-di-santa-trinita-firenze?hrid=_HOZbsEAMD4p7GBFRSU-lQ and dates back to 1252 at this site. It is the oldest elliptic arch bridge in the world and crosses teh Arno between Ponte Vecchio https://www.yelp.com/biz/ponte-vecchio-firenze?hrid=NKwmanPnwPUKMkkNMwMcow to the wast and Ponte alla Carraia https://www.yelp.com/biz/ponte-alla-carraia-firenze?hrid=F2pGIQICjjNsRYi2ELsdgQ to the west. Constructed by Bartolomeo Ammannati from 1567 to 1569 it started off as a wooden bridge in 1252 that only lasted until 1259 when it was washed away in a flood. The next iteration was a stone bridge that was destroyed in 1557. The retreating Germans destroyed the bridge in 1944 and this current structure was rebuilt in 1958 with the original stones recovered from the riverbed. This bridge is open to vehicular and motorcycle traffic but there are curb-protected sidewalks on both sides for pedestrians. The view from here, much like the other bridges in Firenze, is wonderful and worth consideration for your sunset photos. [Review 17059 overall - 248 in Italy - 575 of 2022.]

I have been to Siena twice. On my second trip, I visited for Palio. The day of the festivities, I…read moremade my way to Torre del Mangia to do some sightseeing. Located in Piazza del Campo, the center and heart of Siena, Torre del Mangia is one of the most prominent symbols of Siena. It's one of TripAdvisor's most popular attractions in Siena and for good reason. Snap a few pictures of the tower from the outside and then walk inside. It's free to check out the courtyard area where you'll be able to take a really cool photo of the tower from the interior. You'll know what I mean when you're there. After you're done checking out the courtyard, for a fee, you can buy a ticket to go up the tower and get some panoramic views of the city. If they happen to be sold out, you can also get some scenic views by checking out the Duomo. Torre del Mangia is a must visit while in Siena!

10/28/2013 My…read morehusband and I woke up early and went to the City Wall Tower as our first stop of the day. Good thing we went early in the morning, as we were able to get some sparkling nice views from the top. Once you climb the 330 steps to the top (the staircase is rather narrow in some areas, so they will ask you to check in your bags about 1-2 flights up). This is definitely one of the best views of Siena and Tuscany. Well worth the 8€ per person. We were able to stay at the top for a good 20-30 minutes to take some photos of the beautiful Siena landscape + look out into the hills of Tuscany. GORGEOUS!! We think the best time to go is in the morning when the sun is not out in full force, and the fog is leaving the hills...so you can get some clear photos. :) We loved our experience and definitely recommend it. We know of others who went to the top of the Duomo, so that's another option as well; but we didn't do that one since we already went to the top of the City Tower. Either way, I'm sure the views are great. :)

Piazza del Campo is the main public square and heart of Siena, Italy. Renowned for its distinctive…read moreshell shape and gently sloping brick surface, it is one of Europe's most celebrated medieval squares and a centerpiece of Siena's UNESCO‑listed historic center. The square is framed by elegant palaces, including the Palazzo Pubblico and its towering Torre del Mangia, and serves as a gathering place for daily life and civic events. Twice a year, it becomes the dramatic setting for the Palio di Siena, the city's historic horse race that brings Siena's neighborhoods together in a display of tradition and rivalry.

Siena was one of our stops on our all day bus tour through Tuscany and I'm so happy it was!…read more We grabbed aperitivos and enjoyed the sun set while people watching. It's such a vibrant city center. Really fun place to relax after a long day.

The Castle of Monteriggioni is one of Tuscany's most memorable and well preserved medieval…read morefortresses, on a hill between Siena and Colle di Val d'Elsa. Built by the Republic of Siena in the early 13th century, its circular walls and fourteen towers form a distinctive shape that merges naturally with the surrounding countryside and according to our tour guide, was referenced by Dante in the Divine Comedy. Originally constructed to defend Siena along the Via Cassia, the castle has remained remarkably intact for more than 800 years. Passing through its gates reveals a small, authentic village centered on a quiet square and the Romanesque Church of Santa Maria Assunta, creating the feeling of stepping back into the Middle Ages. There are cute little shops plastered on the pathway including tourist favorites like jewelry, clothing and food items. Tourists were walking along portions of the medieval walls for sweeping views over vineyards and olive groves, gaining a clear sense of the fortress's strategic design. Though once military fortress, Monteriggioni today feels peaceful, warm and welcoming while also being a beacon of history. Spending the morning Monteriggioni was delightful...

We did the tour to learn the history of their winery, wine tasting and brunch. Overall, reasonably…read morepriced! The wine was good and not acidic for my stomach. (I am not a wine expert) and the food was even better! ( I . am a. Foodie.) The owner and staff was pleasant as well. The dessert was delicious too! Overall, I can see myself coming back with friends. The family owns the enclosed town just above the winery.

Piazza Santa Croce is spacious, beautiful, and full of character. The basilica is breathtaking, and…read morethe piazza feels lively without being overwhelming. Perfect for people-watching, a coffee stop, or soaking in Florence's atmosphere--especially lovely in the evening.

Named after the fameous churce at the end of the piazza, the Basilica of Santa Croce, this is a fun…read moreopen air area in Florence. The piazza is all paved, however, there is usually a famers market (mostly prepared goods vs produce), and the people watching can be pretty spectacular. It was a easy 15 second walk from my apartment, and the adjacent Taxi stand made getting to the airport a breeze. There are no services or greenery, but the steps of the church can be used as a nice place to sit. It is dotted by a large number of restaurants, leather shops, and gelato places. Its a cool place to simply stop and take a breather and the church is worth a visit as it houses the remains of many famous Italian's and the interior is quite nice as well