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While long getaways may not be what most of us think of when we plan the perfect summer vacation, some places are just too iconic to pass out, even as temperatures rise quickly.
At least that’s what Tripadvisor discovered in the latest edition of Travelers Choice Awards – classic European city trips are as popular as ever.
And among the mega-popular hubs we’ve come to expect from these types of rankings (think Rome, Paris and London), there was one Italian city that, while popular, in my opinion doesn’t reach nearly the level of hype it deserves, and that is it too Florence.
Most of you know the Tuscan capital as the cradle of the Renaissance and (rightly) assume that it is a treasure trove of history and culture, but as someone who has experienced it all firsthand, let me tell you: nothing you can imagine does justice to the wonder that this city is.
So today we’re diving into all the reasons why this often overlooked Italian gem should be on your bucket list ASAP.
Incredible history with monuments to match
You don’t have to be a history buff to know that Florence’s historical allure is unparalleled, nor do you have to be an avid architecture buff to appreciate how breathtaking the city is.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve never been to the Tuscan capital, so let’s start with the most unmissable sights first, shall we?
A trip to Florence wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Duomo, also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.
Designed by Arnolfo di Cambio, this is nothing short of an architectural masterpiece that, as bonus points, also promises you some of the most breathtaking views of the city and surrounding Tuscan countryside (assuming you’re willing to climb the 463 steps to the top to climb). top of the dome).
Other stops not to be missed in your itinerary are the Uffizi Gallery (you know, the place where you can see the birth of Venus), Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze (you can see Michelangelo’s David here), Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, Piazzale Michelangelo, as well as the Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens.
Relief…
As incredible as this route seems, it is also exhausting.
Luckily for you, there’s no shortage of great places to restore that energy.
Great food too
I was about to say that true to Italian tradition, the food in Florence is incredible, but the reality is that thanks to those heavenly Tuscan influences, the culinary scene here is even better than what you would find in most other parts of Italy find.
Make no mistake, the dishes here are as simple as they come – think steaks, pizzas, soups and sandwiches – but it’s the freshness of the ingredients and the combination of flavors that take everything to the next level.
Do not you believe me?
Just try some Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a hearty bowl of Ribotilla or a lovingly made Schiacciata and see for yourself.
Remember, no meal is complete without a glass of Chianti and an ice cream.
…And you can do it all on a budget
One of the things I love most about not just Florence, but Italy in general, is that your trip here can be as cheap or expensive as you want.
Sure, there are five-star hotels and gastronomic experiences that make an Italian getaway that much sweeter, but you don’t need any of that to take in all the culture and history that Florence has to offer.
Of all the major attractions, the Uffizi Gallery is the most expensive to get into, at just under $30 (which is still reasonable considering what you get in return).
Everything else costs less than $15 or is completely free, so you don’t have to worry about spending too much on sightseeing.
Hotels are a bit more expensive, but you can still book a great place for less than $100 per night.
Public transport is well arranged and reasonably priced too – just make sure you book your tickets online and opt for a longer-term package if possible (a monthly pass for unlimited travel costs less than $40).
Every other major Italian destination is just a short train ride away
If you didn’t already know, you should definitely know that Italy has one of the best train systems in Europe, and in Florence you can easily take advantage of that.
From here you can get to Rome in 1.5 hours, Milan and Venice in 2 hours and Naples in 3 hours (check out the official Trenitalia website for more information) – it doesn’t get better than this!
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
