Few cities have so many good lookers – whether they’re strutting around naked like Michelangelo’s David or glammed up in the latest winter fashions from the city’s renowned designers, the city folk of Florence are guaranteed to always impress. Visitors, in need of a much-deserved break after admiring the city’s art, find themselves mesmerized by the confident and happy-go-lucky locals, rushing around and clearly enjoying their lives. Florence, it seems, hasn’t changed too much since the time when Medici was around.

A view of Florence, Italy at sunset.

 

Known as “the cradle of Renaissance”, Florence is brimming with architectural treasures and artistic wonders, attracting visitors from all over the world keen to explore its unique heritage. Popular attractions that this Renaissance city of Tuscany can so rightfully boast include the Cappella Brancacci. Also known as the Brancacci Chapel, the marvelous structure is situated within the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine, and contains several treasures of the past (such as frescoes by Massacio, Filippino Lippi and Masolino).

 

Fine bronze statue copy of an ancient Greek work - "Il porcellino" ("little pig", actually a boar), by XVIIth century sculptor: Pietro Tacca, (1577-1640).Another attraction to visit would be the Galleria degli Uffizi, which is considered to be one of most significant art collections in all of Italy. Here, after a potentially long wait, tourists will be given a limited timeframe to feast their eyes on the city’s biggest draws, such as Leonardo Da Vinci's Annunciation, and Botticelli's mythological masterpieces.

 

To gain a better view of the entire city and all its architectural glory, making a trip to the Campanile (Bell Tower) is highly recommended. Though visitors will have to climb a relatively grueling 414 steps to reach the top, the relatively large effort needed to do so will be rewarded with a spectacular bird’s eye view of Florence.

 

Of course, there’s a lot more to the Italian city than its architectural beauty – living fun-filled nightlives is an indulgence that many foreigners enjoy partaking. A popular bar that’s frequently visited by tourists is the Casa del Vino situated near the central market. The classic old-style wine bar doesn’t just serve refined alcoholic beverages, but provides a classy atmosphere with polished wood and excellent interior design.

 

Another bar alternative for vacationists (preferably 30 years and beyond) is Negroni. Aside from serving the all-time favorite Italian clubber drink, Campari and red Martini, the bar boasts a sleek and contemporary interior design as well, therefore giving customers an enhanced feeling of VIP treatment.

 

Ponte Vecchio, Florence

 

There are many clubs in Florence as well, and one of the most popular includes the Montecarla located nearby the Boboli gardens. Furnished with lavish fixtures, such as leopard-skin seats, tourists should be prepared to wear their finest outfits when partying at this club.


Main attractions: Cappella Brancacci, Galleria degli Uffizi, Campanile, Casa del Vino, Negroni, Montecarla, Church of Santa Maria del Carmine, Boboli Gardens

Budget for one week: €1,250

Currency: Euros

Taxes and gratuity: Tipping is recommended

Official language: Italian

Area: 39.54 sq mi

Population: 370,702

Electricity:

    • Voltage: 220-240 Volts (U.S./Canada are 110-120 Volts)
    • Primary Socket Type: Italian
    • Others sometimes found: Europlug
    • Multi-voltage appliances (laptops, etc.): Plug adapter
    • 110-120V electronics: Plug adapter + step-down transformer
    • Hair dryers, curling irons, etc.: Plug adapter + voltage converter

Images courtesy: Sherseydc, Radomil, © Jenifoto - Fotolia.com