Italy
Florence, the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, is the undisputed birthplace of the Renaissance, offering an unparalleled density of world-class art and architecture. The city is a highly walkable UNESCO World Heritage site defined by its monumental Duomo, the timeless Arno River, and its proud tradition of artisanal craftsmanship. The atmosphere is one of sophisticated historical beauty, complemented by the rustic, hearty flavors of traditional Tuscan cuisine.
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Explore popular activities, attractions, and places to visit in Florence.
The Duomo, or Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, is the city’s heart. Climb Brunelleschi’s magnificent Dome (reservation essential) for spectacular views and an up-close look at the ceiling frescoes. For an alternative, climb Giotto’s Bell Tower for an equally high vantage point that offers the best photo opportunity *of* the Dome itself.
Visit the world’s most important galleries. The Uffizi houses Renaissance masterpieces like Botticelli's *Birth of Venus*. The Accademia is home to Michelangelo's iconic statue of *David*. Insider Tip: Tickets for both must be purchased weeks in advance, especially during high season, to avoid hours of waiting.
Cross the Ponte Vecchio into the Oltrarno district, Florence’s traditional artisan neighborhood. This area is known for authentic leather workshops, gold smiths, and local life centered around Piazza Santo Spirito. Insider Tip: Seek out the Basilica di Santo Spirito's sacristy to find a beautiful, early wooden crucifix carved by Michelangelo.
Explore the oldest continuously operating pharmacy in the world, founded by Dominican friars in 1221. The sales rooms are breathtakingly beautiful, functioning as a free museum with vaulted ceilings and frescoes. The pharmacy sells artisanal perfumes, liqueurs, and soaps made from centuries-old recipes, making for a unique historical visit.
Visit this stunning terraced garden, often overlooked for the larger Boboli Gardens (but usually included in the same ticket). It features a grand baroque staircase, an English-style garden, and a famous wisteria-covered pergola that is spectacular in spring. The garden offers peaceful, less-crowded views of the city.
Experience local food culture at the Mercato Centrale. The ground floor is a traditional fresh market, while the upper floor is a modern food court with Tuscan specialties like *Lampredotto* and fresh pasta. Insider Tip: Look for the historic *buchette del vino* (wine windows) scattered on city palace walls; some are now open, allowing you to buy a glass of wine directly from the street.
A spectacular historical parade featuring hundreds of participants in lavish Renaissance costumes, celebrating the Epiphany.
No major events scheduled for February.
A traditional, historical celebration of the New Year, featuring a parade with flag-throwers and period costumes from Palazzo Vecchio to the Santissima Annunziata.
A unique, centuries-old Easter tradition where a historic cart in front of the Duomo is ignited in a massive fireworks display to bless the city.
One of Italy's most prestigious classical music and opera festivals, featuring international artists at the city's main theaters.
A historically authentic and often violent blend of soccer, rugby, and wrestling played in 16th-century costume, culminating on the Feast of St. John the Baptist.
Italy's oldest open-air festival, hosting concerts, theater, and dance in the stunning ruins of the Roman Theatre in nearby Fiesole.
Celebration for the city's oldest basilica, featuring a free open-air classical concert, followed by the tradition of distributing free pasta and watermelon.
A charming children's festival and parade where participants carry colorful, often homemade, paper lanterns through the streets.
Austria’s most important international film event, screening new films, documentaries, and retrospectives in various cinemas across the city.
A major running event where thousands of athletes from around the world race past Florence’s Renaissance landmarks.
The city hosts several festive markets, with the largest being the German-style Weihnachtsmarkt in Piazza Santa Croce, selling crafts, food, and mulled wine.
A spectacular historical parade featuring hundreds of participants in lavish Renaissance costumes, celebrating the Epiphany.
No major events scheduled for February.
A traditional, historical celebration of the New Year, featuring a parade with flag-throwers and period costumes from Palazzo Vecchio to the Santissima Annunziata.
A unique, centuries-old Easter tradition where a historic cart in front of the Duomo is ignited in a massive fireworks display to bless the city.
One of Italy's most prestigious classical music and opera festivals, featuring international artists at the city's main theaters.
A historically authentic and often violent blend of soccer, rugby, and wrestling played in 16th-century costume, culminating on the Feast of St. John the Baptist.
Italy's oldest open-air festival, hosting concerts, theater, and dance in the stunning ruins of the Roman Theatre in nearby Fiesole.
Celebration for the city's oldest basilica, featuring a free open-air classical concert, followed by the tradition of distributing free pasta and watermelon.
A charming children's festival and parade where participants carry colorful, often homemade, paper lanterns through the streets.
Austria’s most important international film event, screening new films, documentaries, and retrospectives in various cinemas across the city.
A major running event where thousands of athletes from around the world race past Florence’s Renaissance landmarks.
The city hosts several festive markets, with the largest being the German-style Weihnachtsmarkt in Piazza Santa Croce, selling crafts, food, and mulled wine.
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