Florence is a living testament to the Renaissance era, where history, art, and culture converge. So, in case you plan to visit Italy, Florence should be a must on your itinerary. Traveling to Florence from India can be a bit costly, as no direct flights are available. Travelers often fly to European hubs such as Paris, Rome, or Munich before boarding connecting flights or Euro trains. Our chosen route took us from India to Paris, followed by a beautiful journey on the Euro trains with a captivating stop in Venice before ultimately reaching Florence.  One of the advantages of cities like Venice and Florence is that you can visit most places without the need for any vehicles. Walking tours are one of the popular ways to explore these cities for tourists.

Piazza del Duomo:

Located in the heart of the city, Piazza del Duomo draws a huge crowd as one of Florence’s popular spots. Therefore, it should be the first stop on your Florentine city walking tour. A long line of tourists awaits the opportunity to explore the cathedral and dome from the inside. If you are not very enthusiastic about climbing numerous steps, you can still enjoy a walk around Piazza del Duomo to admire its ancient architecture.

Battistero di San Giovanni:

As you continue your walking tour from the Duomo, your next destination is the Baptistry, where you can marvel at the intricate architecture of Florence through the detailed ceilings and doors of Battistero di San Giovanni. Tickets are available both individually and as part of combined tours with Piazza.

Piazza della Signoria

Located in the heart of the city, Piazza della Signoria is a vibrant square housing many renowned restaurants, cafes, and popular tourist spots. The square is adorned with beautiful sculptures, including Michelangelo’s David, statues, and fountains, making it one of Florence’s lively and crowded areas.

Gallerie Degli Uffizi – art museum

Situated near Piazza della Signoria, the Uffizi Gallery is an art museum where you can purchase guided tour tickets. However, exploring all the masterpieces from the Italian Renaissance era within a few hours can be challenging.

Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio

The arch-shaped Ponte Vecchio, an ancient stone bridge, has withstood the destruction of World War II. Connecting Piazza della Signoria to Palazzo Pitti, this bridge attracts a regular stream of tourists, offering a picturesque route through the city.

Basilica of Santa Croce

The grand Basilica of Santa Croce and its adjoining piazza are conveniently within walking distance from the Duomo. The basilica is the final resting place for celebrated Italian figures like Michelangelo and Galileo Galilei. Inside, you can marvel at intricate frescoes that vividly portray Florence’s rich cultural and historical heritage. As you explore the piazza, you’ll discover a lively ambiance with numerous shops and cafes, providing ample opportunities for entertainment and relaxation during your visit.

A day tour to Leaning Tower of Pisa

There are many tours organized from Florence to Pisa. Our tour started with a bus ride from Florence, allowing us to enjoy the picturesque journey to the Leaning Tower. The Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) is home to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa Cathedral, and the Baptistery. You can appreciate the architecture of these historical monuments from the outside, or you can also purchase tickets to explore the interior of the Pisa Tower.

I found the crowds to be too large to join the tourist line, but there are a few skip-the-line tickets available for visitors, allowing you to enjoy the view from the top. The Pisa Cathedral and Baptistery do not require any additional entry tickets, so you can explore their exquisite interior artworks.

After you are done taking typical tourist pictures of the Leaning Tower, there are many local shops outside for souvenir shopping, as well as cafes for lunch. You can explore these options before your trip back to Florence. Bargaining is recommended, as the prices tend to be high due to its popularity as a tourist destination. You can select tours which have English speaking guides so that you can get an informative guided tour of all these monuments.

A trip to Florence is incomplete without trying their GELATOS. Kindly don’t skip them, mistaking them for regular ice creams. Make sure to try as many flavours as you can.