Along the Arno River, the Ponte Vecchio is one of the city's most noteworthy landmarks, lined with…read moreshops and rich in history. The Ponte Vecchio ("old bridge" in Italian) is a working part of Florence's daily activities. Crossing the bridge for the first time, what stands out immediately is how unusual it is. It feels like a narrow street or marketplace suspended above the water, sprinkled with small shops. This distinctive layout with shops built directly onto the structure has existed for centuries and gives the Ponte Vecchio a special character unlike any other bridge in Europe. The current bridge dates to the mid-14th century, rebuilt in 1345 after earlier versions were destroyed by floods. Over time, it has evolved from a practical commercial crossing into a symbol of Florence's artistic and cultural identity. Originally filled with butchers and traders, it was transformed during the Renaissance when the Medici decreed that only goldsmiths and jewelers could operate here. Today, virtually every retail type is featured.

If you came to Ponte Vecchio without any context, it's pretty underwhelming. However, upon further…read moreAI deep dive, you'll learn it's the oldest bridge in Florence (1345) that survived WWII and once had butchers and fishmongers along the bridge, but were later replaced by goldsmiths and jewelers. While the original medieval vendors no longer exist, the bridge is still lined with goldsmiths and jewelry shops today. For the best experience, don't just walk across the bridge, take it in from different angles. My favorite view is from the riverbanks, but many prefer seeing it from a distance at Ponte Santa Trinita.

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

City hopping in Italy is an amazing experience!!!…read more Florence is a beautiful city with amazing hospitality and breathtaking architecture I had the best dinner here. I got to people watch and walk through city and I came upon a wine wall.....Literally a wall where you walk up and knock on the window and order a drink of wine I wish I could have stayed here longer but I am glad I got to visit for a little bit Nite life is fun Restaurant's all have an amazing menu Architecture and history is a 10/10 Easy to walk around and shop I felt safe at all times

Florence or Firenze such a stunning city! With all the amazing architecture. Everywhere you look…read moreyou get amazed of its beauty. It was a quick visit. I wished i stayed longer and I wish it was not raining. Rain didn't stop us to get marveled of everything we saw. Starting with the plaza where you can admire all the magnificent statues around. The Neptune fountain and the Perseus with the head of Medusa, Hercules and Caus, and David. I was so in awe of every figure so well represented. The city is small but so much to see, so much to eat, so much to buy. There are lots of stores, restaurants, lots of streets vendors. I wanted to buy lots of things but thinking about the excess of weight at the time I am flying back stopped me from buying. There is a Bronze Warthog statue that people rub its nose and put a coin in his tongue and if the coin falls inside the cells on the bottom you get a wish granted. According to the legend. Also they have water faucet running in places around the city where you could refill your water bottle. They have clean water that you can drink from any faucet. I was surprised about that. I loved The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. A gothic magnificent church. I really love my stay there. If you get a chance to make a trip to Italy you must visit Florence. This is just a simple description of my visit but the pictures speaks volumes.

Apparently cow stomach sandwiches are a thing you "must try" in Florence. This is one of the most…read morefamous places for it. The texture was ok at first but then I got to a bite that didnt agree with my palate. It really went sideways when a pigeon flew into my head. I let him have the rest of my tummy sammy.

This is not for everyone. Of course we came here because we saw it in the Tucci documentary. And…read moreyou better know some Italian to communicate with him because he didn't say a word in English. This is tripe sandwich, I was skeptical but honestly it was delicious. It's tucked in a little corner of the Mercato Nouvo. He sells wine too. Doesn't matter the time. Like 5 items on the menu. It's a cart, not a brick and mortar place. You're eating next to the shoppers, on your feet. But it was a great experience.

New York beat this Street!!! Via dei Calzaiuoli is the shopping Mecca of Florence Italy! I loved…read morethe atmosphere! It was pretty crowded for a week day but obliviously Italian workers "breaks" last 3-4hrs during the late afternoon, than an American workers 1/2hr lunch schedules ;) hahaha. They have from high end to low end. What's memorable were the old tall bldgs, the cobble stoned streets and the duffle bags that each demure lady would drag behind themselves with loads of clothes!!! Shop here when in Florence!!!

Who would have thought I would be writing a review for a street? But oh man, what a street. You are…read morein essence, one of my most memorable streets as I spent many hours walking your cobblestone cracks and bumping into strangers as well as my Italian friends hustling to work. Lined with stores from leather shops to the Disney store, you end or begin at Piazza della Signoria and lead me to the steps of the Duomo, straight to the most beautiful man I've ever laid eyes on. My David. Or sometimes I stood at the doorway of the negozio to watch the steady stream of what it seemed like a gazillion of people a day walk on your hard stoned surface. Silly to say, but I love you Via dei Calzaiuoli.

We went to Sasso del Dante three times during our last stay in Florence: twice for dinner and once…read morefor lunch. We only tried pastas and soups. They were all excellent. For dinner, we had ravioli with truffle sauce and tagliatelle with porcini once, and ravioli bolognese and lasagna the second time. For lunch we had two Florentine classics: ribollita and pappa pomodoro. The ravioli and the ribollita were particularly outstanding. We also tried several of their wines, which were all very good. We only tried to order dessert once: biscotti with vinsanto, but they were out of vinsanto. The atmosphere and service were also good. Service was attentive and friendly. The location is great: in a quiet side street, but just steps away from Santa Maria dei Fiori. This is a very good place if you are visiting the Duomo, or staying in that area.

We had a great time on our tour with Roberto from We Drive You Tuscany! We did the 8 hour San…read moreGimignano and Chianti Classico as well as the Pienza, Val d'Orcia, Montalcino wine and Pecorino cheese private tours with Roberto. This was my first trip to Italy, we enjoyed a comfortable ride throughout the countryside in the clean, air conditioned van! Roberto was so knowledgeable and made sure we knew all the best places to visit along with the history of the beautiful Tuscan countryside! He even gave us recommendations for our second leg of the trip to Rome. We will definitely use this service again!!

We had the pleasure of touring Tuscany with We Drive You Tuscany. Roberto was our driver and we…read morehad a beautiful Mercedes van that was new and comfortable. Bottled water was provided and he even stopped to get Fresh pizza for us. By the time we finished touring with Roberto for two days we felt that we knew so much about the area, history and culture of the region. Roberto's knowledge or art, history, food and culture was so impressive. The tour we did with Roberto was much more than him driving us from place to place. Each place we went was so carefully planned and curated. We visited wineries, vineyards and a sheep farm that makes cheese. With his help, we were able to visit every place we wanted to see as well as some smaller unknown, hidden gems. We saw so many beautiful landscapes and Roberto stopped frequently for us to take in the views! I cannot say enough wonderful things about Roberto. We hope to go back soon to tour Umbria and Florence with Roberto.

This fountain is mildly creepy looking witht he water flowing from the mouth of a man with entirely…read moretoo much facial hair. Beard, moustache, eyebrows, there's a lot going on here and he definitely appeared in my dreams the night after we saw him. It is located at the angle ("sprone") formed by the intersection of two streets, Borgo San Jacopo and Via dello Sprone which is near Piazza de Frescobaldi. There is a swirling marble basin below and considering that it was designed and sculpted in 1608, with a recent restoration in 2014, is in surprisingly good condition. [Review 17060 overall - 249 in Italy - 576 of 2022.]

The restaurant Sapporo Toscanini is beautiful. With handcrafted beer and drinks accompanied by…read moregenuine fresh meat raised here in tuscany, the restaurant proves to be an amazing spot to eat in the city.