The Vibe
Exciting. Historic. Bustling. Clean. Beautiful.
Our Florence Italy travel guide begins with what we loved most about the city: having Renaissance history all around us.
Florence is one of those cities where history doesn’t feel tucked away inside museums—it surrounds you.
From magnificent Renaissance architecture and sculpture to narrow cobblestone streets, bustling piazzas, wonderful shopping, beautiful jewelry, and little restaurants tucked into centuries-old buildings, Florence feels exciting from the moment you arrive.
For anyone who loves European history, Florence is especially fascinating. So much of what we read about the Renaissance happened right here, and walking through the city gives you an entirely different appreciation for that period of history.
Florence has tremendous energy. The streets and piazzas are busy, but the city still manages to feel elegant and remarkably beautiful.
Everywhere you look there seems to be another church, sculpture, historic building, beautiful storefront, or architectural detail worth stopping for.
What We Loved Most
Having history all around us.
That was probably the thing we loved most about Florence.
You aren’t simply visiting historic attractions and then returning to a modern city. In Florence, the history is the city.
You walk the same narrow streets, pass buildings that have stood for centuries, and find reminders of the Renaissance everywhere. If you enjoy European history, it is difficult not to be fascinated by Florence.
Our Most Memorable Moment
One of our favorite Florence memories began almost by accident.
We started talking with the gentleman who had a horse and buggy and initially just wanted to take some pictures with the horse. Before long, he was taking us on a carriage ride through Florence.
It was surreal.
As the carriage traveled down those narrow cobblestone streets, surrounded by historic buildings, it was easy to imagine what Florence might have looked and felt like centuries ago at the height of the Renaissance.
For a little while, it felt as though we had stepped backward in time.
It remains one of our favorite memories from Florence.
What Surprised Us
The sheer amount of extraordinary history, art, and architecture concentrated into one relatively walkable city surprised us.
Florence is home to landmarks you’ve seen in books and photographs your entire life, yet seeing them in person is completely different.
You can walk through a piazza filled with Renaissance sculpture, turn a corner and discover another magnificent church, and then continue down a small street lined with shops and cafés.
There is simply so much to see.
Coffee, Food & Everyday Moments
Some of our favorite travel moments are usually the simplest ones—sitting outside at a little restaurant, having lunch, watching people walk by, and enjoying the fact that we have nowhere else we need to be.
Florence is perfect for that.
The historic center is filled with restaurants and cafés tucked into old buildings and along beautiful streets. Eating outside in Florence and simply watching the city go by became part of the experience.
Adventures Together
Florence is a city made for exploring.
We walked through the historic center, wandered through its piazzas, admired the Duomo and surrounding architecture, explored the streets near the Arno, saw the Ponte Vecchio, and spent plenty of time simply walking without worrying too much about where we were headed next.
And that may be one of the best ways to experience Florence.
Sometimes the street you weren’t planning to take becomes the one you remember.
Did We Feel Safe?
Absolutely.
We felt very safe walking around Florence.
As with any busy European destination, it is always smart to stay aware of your belongings in crowded tourist areas, but personally, we felt comfortable exploring the city.
Where We Stayed
For Florence, we would definitely recommend staying somewhere that makes it easy to walk into the historic center.
This is a city you want to experience on foot, so a central location can make a tremendous difference in how much you’re able to see and enjoy.
Things We Didn’t Love
The heat was probably our biggest challenge. We went mid September, and assumed we’d be past the heat.
Florence can be very hot, particularly when you are spending much of the day walking and sightseeing outside.
Which brings us to our biggest practical advice…
Things of Style Travel Tip
Be prepared for the heat.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, dress for the weather, carry water, and build in time to stop for lunch, coffee, or a little break during the hottest part of the afternoon.
You will likely be doing considerably more walking than you realize.
Shopping in Florence
Florence also has some wonderful shopping.
Along with fashion and specialty shops, we found beautiful jewelry. I came home with a gorgeous gold-and-silver bracelet that became one of those perfect travel purchases—something I can wear at home that immediately takes me back to the trip.
Shopping isn’t necessarily the first thing people associate with Florence, but it was another part of the city we really enjoyed.
Who Should Visit Florence?
If you enjoy walking, historic sightseeing, Renaissance art and architecture, European history, shopping, jewelry, lively streets, beautiful piazzas, and simply exploring an exciting city, Florence is absolutely worth visiting.
And if you have ever studied or read much European history, Florence becomes even more interesting.
The city was central to the Renaissance, and being physically surrounded by the places, architecture, and artwork connected to that period makes the history suddenly feel much more real.
Would We Go Back?
He: Yes.
She: Yes.
Absolutely.
There is simply too much to see to feel as though one visit is enough.
If You’re Looking For…
If you’re looking for a European destination with an exciting atmosphere, extraordinary history, Renaissance architecture, beautiful art, great shopping, wonderful food, and streets that make you want to keep exploring, Florence should be high on your list.
Final Thoughts
Plan to spend at least two or three days in Florence, because there is simply so much to see.
And if you really want to get a sense of what life might have felt like during the European Renaissance, it is difficult to imagine a better place to experience it.
Florence allows you to walk directly through that history.
For us, that was what made it unforgettable.
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