Florence

Florence celebrated its heyday during the Renaissance. The old city and its urban surroundings reflect the historical journey of this remarkable city. The statues, churches, stately monuments, and antique shops are characteristic of this city and attract millions of visitors every year.

If you intend to see Florence within a weekend, it's advisable to have some ideas of what you want to see in advance. Otherwise, you might risk missing out on something valuable if you don't plan ahead. Most museums in Florence offer the option to book your tickets online in advance. This helps you avoid waiting in long lines and saves you a lot of time. By preparing well for your weekend in Florence, you can avoid unpleasant surprises and hassles.

Among the many attractions in Florence, the following museums are noteworthy when it comes to the Renaissance and Mannerism. It's recommended to book online in advance to avoid long lines. The following museums have websites where you can book your tickets:

• Uffizi
• Bargello
• Galleria dell'Accademia
• Museo Bardini

Among the historic buildings in Florence, you'll find numerous religious structures, many of which are interesting from a historical and architectural standpoint. The following buildings in Florence are must-sees:

• The Florence Cathedral and Giotto's bell tower
• The Florence Monastery
• Holy Spirit
• Holy Cross
• Santa Maria Novella
• San Marco
• Orsanmichele
• San Miniato al Monte

Lastly, there are several notable palaces and monuments:

• Palazzo Vecchio
• Ponte Vecchio
• Palazzo Strozzi
• Palazzo Pitti
• Palazzo Medici Riccardi

A weekend visit to Florence is a perfect romantic getaway or an alternative for those who want to have fun in a city with a cosmopolitan culture.

If you enjoy shopping, Florence is the place to be. Florence has a lot to offer in terms of small shops selling artisanal souvenirs. It's also an interesting fashion city with boutiques from top designers and fashion jewelry. Via Tornabuoni is a luxurious shopping street near the Cathedral, where you can find many clothing stores. If you're particularly interested in fashion shops, Piazza Repubblica is a suitable shopping street with many fashion stores. For shopping, Via Roma, Via Calzaioli, and Via De'Cerretani, which runs from Stazione Santa Maria Novella to the cathedral, are highly recommended. For those interested in local antiques, the Santo Spirito neighborhood and the Pitti Palace, especially the street Via Maggio, are recommended. Besides the beauty of this neighborhood, which has retained its authentic charm - once the most popular neighborhood in Florence - you'll find many boutiques, shops, and antiques.

Another attraction you shouldn't miss is the famous Ponte Vecchio. Whether you're into jewelry and handicrafts or historical architecture, this is a place you must see.

In the Porcellino area and the market named after it, which runs from the Republic Square to the old bridge, you can find handicrafts and various types of clothing. Another market worth visiting is San Lorenzo, which has many different stalls with clothing and other leather crafts. However, be mindful of quality here; you might also come across a fair amount of clutter. If you're in this area, I recommend visiting the San Lorenzo fruit and vegetable market. Even if you're not interested in produce, the market is worth a visit for its special and pleasant atmosphere. You can also find many small authentic restaurants here.

Another market, Cascine, located in Florence's largest park, is usually held every Tuesday. It's a classic market for good quality clothing at reasonable prices. If you have a trained eye, you can find good value for your money here. For those who want to explore the market fully, it's advisable to go in the morning. The most suitable hours are in the morning, so you can stroll through the market without it being too crowded.

Florence is a city to be explored on foot. The major attractions are situated in the old city center. You can park your car in the center for a rate of at least two euros per hour and explore the city on foot from there. You can also use public transportation. The city bus is recommended.