Cultural Getaway in Florence, Italy

Cultural Getaway in Florence, Italy
From the sky, the roofs of Florence beam as bright as the sun, blanketed by millions of red terracotta tiles protecting historic buildings and landmarks built upon the ancient city. But as amazing as the Italian city looks from the sky, it’s at ground level where you’ll want to experience Florence.
Florence is an unparalleled adventure trip, brimming with exciting landmarks to see and food that will make you want to never leave. It’s time for you to pack, because you won’t want to miss another second in Florence, Italy!
Read on for things to do, places to stay, and where to eat while you explore Florence, Italy.
See the Sights
There is much to do in Florence! But if you want to visit the best sights in town, here are a few special landmarks that await you.
The Jewel of the City – Florence Cathedral
Piazza del Duomo | 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
If Florentine residents were to pick the most notable place in Florence, it’d surely be Florence’s grand cathedral. The Italian gothic building, designed by Arnolfo del Cambio and completed in the 1300’s, is one of the most revered cathedrals in the world. It’s hard to miss, too—it’s one of the most massive and breathtaking architectural phenomenons in all of Florence.



Reaching across the river Arno, the Ponte Vecchio is an old and historic bridge built as early as 996 AD—it’s definitive origins are not known. Along the bridge are street vendors, art, tiny shops, and even a few snacks. Don’t forget to take a family photo here!
Piazza Pitti, 1 | 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Spanning over 45,000 square feet, these meticulously-kept gardens are as palatial as they are beautiful. Roll around in the grass, grab a cup of coffee, and breathe in the lovely scents from trees, plants, and flowers from all over the world.



Food the whole family will love
If you threw a rock in Florence, it’d likely land in front of a world-class restaurant. But we have a few favorites perfect for a hungry stomach.
Ristorante II Guscio | Via dell’Orto, 49 | 50124 Firenze FI, Italy
If you’re tired from seeing Florence’s landmarks and want to sink into a beautiful dinner, make way for Ristorante II Guscio. The famed wine selections from all over the world effortlessly pair with Tuscan and Italian classics, making for a culinary experience that’ll be hard to forget. Make this stop your nice evening out.
Trattoria Mario | Via Rosina, 2, Florence | Tuscany 50123, Italy
This little Florentine eatery may be easy to miss, but it’s worth the treasure hunt. This often-busy restaurant is light on the wallet and heavy on the flavor—come for lunch, but get here early. The best options tend to sell out quickly, and seats fill up fast!
You can’t say no to dessert
Keep the kids (and yourself) happy with a tasty treat. Explore some of the options below for authentic Italian sweets!
Gelateria La Carraia | Piazza Nazario Sauro | 25/r, 50124 Firenze FI, Italy
If you and the family are shopping for local favorites, look no more. Gelateria La Carraia boast some of the smoothest, most luscious gelato in all of Florence. Grab a cone and watch your little ones light up with a smile (put a smile on your own face, too—you deserve it!)
Try the Delizia Carraia—a creamy treat with chunks of white chocolate, a pistachio sauce, coffee, and a mousse tiramisu. Find this gem off the Ponte alla Carraia, the second bridge west of Ponte Vecchio (on the Oltrarno side).
Bar Piccioli | Via Borgo Ognissanti 118R | 50123 Florence, Italy
Florence is famous for gelato, but if you’re craving a delicious pastry, head to Bar Piccioli to recharge with a creamy coffee while munching on a homemade struffoli, zeppole, or torta caprese.



Art & Culture
Florence is bursting at the seams with museums, art, and culture. Whether you’re in Florence for a day or a month, be sure not to miss our following favorites:
Statue of David
Galleria dell’ Accademia de Florence |Via Ricasoli, 58/60 | 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
One of the most recognizable statues in the art world is Michelangelo’s statue of David—and the statue itself draws in 1.5 million people per year! The 17-foot depiction of the biblical character—the shepherd that defeated a giant warrior—is indeed on display in Florence, but there are a few copies throughout the city. The real David is viewable at The Galleria dell’Accademia. Time it right—the gallery is closed on Mondays!
Palatine Gallery
Galleria Palatina | Piazza de’ Pitti, 1 | 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
There are a number of amazing museums in Florence packed to the brim with awe-inspiring works of art. But the Palentine Gallery, located adjacent to the Boboli Gardens, has less of a crowd and spares no expense at the enlightening displays of magnificent art. Since the locale is a smaller museum, art is organized in a different way and not according to chronology—it’s designed for an intimate setting and a sensory experience.



The best places to stay in Florence
As an old-world city in a new-world era, Florence is teeming with ancient lodging and modern hotels. Here are a few exceptional hideaways:
The Westin Excelsior | Piazza Ognissanti 3 | 50123 Florence Tuscany, Italy
If an authentic Florence stay is what you and your family seek, the Westin Excelsior is one of the best selections in town. The hotel itself is a cultural experience, with finishes like stained glass and hanging tapestries. Sitting smack in the middle of Florence and on top of the Arno River, the Excelsior’s rooftop bar boast 360-degree city views—have a glass of vino as you stare out into the captivating city!
Authentic Florence with AirBnB
Be in the heart of Florence while staying in a restful abode. If a relaxing stay is what you’re looking for, try this AirBnB rental—it’s an authentic Tuscan apartment with exposed brick and a glass door leading out to a lovely garden for the kids to roam around in.
Unparalleled Views and a Unique Setting
Instead of a typical hotel or home, stay in a fully immersive Florence hideaway. Casa Barthel, a family-friendly home build atop a tree, is surrounded by olives and pines and is only 15 minutes away from the city center.


Florence is a popular place to visit, attracting over 10 million visitors a year—for good reason. The city of Florence is a cultural playground for anyone interested in art, but those visiting may be fascinated to know that almost a third of the entire world’s relevant art treasures reside in Florence! If it’s arts and culture that you seek, Florence is your dream family trip.
The off-season for visiting Florence is typically November through March, and there are special sales to take advantage of in January where you can buy high-end luxury items for cheap. Although you may be missing bright patches of sun, it may be in your interest to make your way here during these times to escape the crowds, inflated pricing, and long lines streaming out of shops.
Whatever period of time you decide to visit, one thing is a must—you and your family surely need to come and experience all this beautiful, ancient city has to offer.
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