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Best Things to do in Florence

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First time in Florence, here are the essential places to see and enjoy. Your first visit should include the big landmarks like the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and museums like the Uffizi and the Accademia.

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Author: Katie Greenaway

Day 1 - Florence

The first visit to Florence should be a relaxing and special one. On your first day, enjoy the enchantment of Santa Croce church. Then if the weather is gorgeous, take a stroll(I mean very slow) to Piazzale Michelangelo and enjoy the Tuscan countryside by taking some pictures or eating a gelato from the nearby vendors. If you still have the energy to climb more flights of stairs, conquer San Miniato just down the road from the Piazzale. The vista from the top is break-taking.

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Santa Croce Church

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Location:

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Piazza Santa Croce 16
Piazza Santa Croce
50122 Florence, Italy

Phone:

+39 055 244 619

Piazzale Michelangelo

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Location:

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Piazzale Michelangelo
50125 Florence, Italy

Santa Maria Novella

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Location:

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piazza Santa Maria Novella
Piazza Santa Maria Novella
50123 Florence, Italy

Phone:

055-215-918

San Marco Church

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Location:

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Piazza San Marco 3
50121 Florence, Italy

Phone:

055-238-8608

I Fratellini

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Location:

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Via dei Cimatori 38r
2 blocks from Piazza della Signoria, off Via Calzaiuoli
50122 Florence, Italy

Phone:

055-239-6096

San Miniato al Monte

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Via del Monte alle Croci 34
Via del Monte alle Croci/Viale Galileo Galilei (behind Piazzale Michelangiolo)
50125 Florence, Italy

Phone:

055-234-2731

Osteria Antica Mescita San Niccolò

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Location:

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via di San Niccolò 60r
50125 Florence, Italy

Phone:

+39 055 234 2836

Day 2 - Florence

As you wake up, know that you will be seeing one of the most gorgeous art museums today in Florence. Galleria degli Uffizi holds pieces by Da Vinci, Filippo Lippi, and Caravaggio. Making a reservation in advance will make your trip to the Uffizi and the Accademia much more calm. The Accademia shows off the work of Michelangelo from his later years, some pieces are still unfinished. Lorenzaccio is a delicious and friendly pizzeria where you can enjoy people-watching from your table.

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Galleria dell'Accademia (Academy Gallery)

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Location:

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Via Ricasoli 60
50122 Florence, Italy

Phone:

055-238-8609

Orsanmichele

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Location:

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Via Arte della Lana 1
Via de' Calzaiuoli
50122 Florence, Italy

Phone:

055-284-944

Lorenzaccio (Il)

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Location:

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Piazza della Signoria 32
50122 Florence, Italy

Phone:

+39 055 29 4553

Gallerie degli Uffizi (Uffizi Galleries)

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Location:

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Piazzale degli Uffizi 6
Off Piazza della Signoria
50122 Florence, Italy

Phone:

055-238-8651

Volpe e l'Uva (Le)

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Location:

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Piazza de Rossi, 1r
50123 Florence, Italy

Phone:

39 55 239 8132

Day 3 - Florence

I bet you are wondering why I didn't put the Duomo as the first to see. It is a glorious site but since it is in the center, you can visit the inside and climb the dome whenever it feels right. The Museo dell Opera del Duomo is located right behind the church so it is a great second stop on the cobblestones of Florence. Much of the original statues and artwork from the Duomo are stored there. For a nice mid-morning snack or lunch, enjoy Enoteca Coquinarius. It is small, cozy and full of delicious wine.

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Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria dei Fiori)

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Piazza del Duomo
Piazza del Duomo
53100 Florence, Italy

Phone:

055-230-2885

Museo dell'Opera del Duomo (Duomo Works Museum)

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Location:

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Piazza del Duomo 9
Directly behind the dome end of the cathedral
50122 Florence, Italy

Phone:

+39 055 230 2885

Enoteca Coquinarius

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Location:

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Via delle Oche, 15r
50123 Florence, Italy

Phone:

39 55 230 2153

Mercato Centrale

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Location:

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Piazza del Mercato Centrale
50123 Florence, Italy

Trattoria Marione

Location:

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via della Spada 27
50123 Florence, Italy

Phone:

39 55 214756

Day 4 - Florence

Grom is by far the best gelato you can taste in Florence. Take it with you on your walk towards San Lorenzo. While outside there is a bustling market, inside the church you will find many tombs of the famous Medici family. Also attached to the church is the Cappella dei Medici. The tombs were sculpted by Michelangelo and a grand sight to see. Ponte Vecchio being the oldest bridge in Florence, welcomes it's visitors to window shop and step in to the ancient gold and silver shops. For lunch, stop at Yellow Bar. It is a great afternoon sit for a pizza or a deliciously filling calzone. For an evening activity, take a walk before 7pm to the Loggia del Mercato Nuovo. This is a smaller more secluded market that is located close to Piazza della Signoria. Pass over the Ponte Vecchio to the Oltrarno, and head towards Santo Spirito. There is where one of the best pizzeria's are located. Borgo Antico is always crowded and the atmosphere is quite calm and serene in Piazza Santo Spirto.

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