Florence + Pisa

Set on the River Arno, Florence is the capital and principal city of Italy’s Tuscany's region. Florence is a Renaissance city famous for its art and architecture. You'll find history and culture in every corner, tucked among the city's many piazzas, beautiful churches and fascinating museums.

If you’re a history and art buffs you should save a major portion of your trip in Florence.

In this post, I’ll try to give you a little guide and tips based on my experience and my handy guide book.

Duomo and Campanile- open 7 days but 1:30pm to 4:45pm on Sundays.

This giant cathedral dominates the skyline of Florence. Completed in the early 1400’s you’ll be amazed at the intricate detail and painting like contrast of the various types of marble used to complete the facade. The imposing domed designed by Brunelleschi is arguably the third largest in the world (only St. Pauls in London and St. Peters in Rome are larger) You can climb the 400+ stairs to the top of the dome for fantastic views of the terracotta buildings making up Florence. You can also climb the bell tower (Campanile) standing next to the Duomo.

Galleria dell’ Academia- closed Mondays

This gallery is a must see for one reason and one reason only. Michelangelo’s “David” is the Mona Lisa of the sculpture world. David certainly holds the title of the most recognizable statue in the history of art and has become regarded as a symbol both of strength and youthful human beauty. The marble statue portrays David at the moment that he decides to do battle with Goliath. I just have the chance to photograph the replica of David, it’s all over the city. Expect long lines at the gallery.

Piazza Della Signoria

Picturesque square full of statues. The Palazzo Vecchio (old palace) is the backdrop of this tourist focal point in Florence. The former home to the ruling Medici Family, the palace and its apartments can be visited at the balcony also featured in the movie Hannibal.

Ponte Vecchio

The entire atmosphere around Ponte Vecchio is so buzzing. The jewerly shops are amazing but expensive. Though the area is a little crowded, but how many times do you get to walk on bridge that was originally built in 1300's.

Remember that restaurants have separate prices for food to go (take out) versus sit down service, don't try to sit at a table after paying for food or coffee from the restaurant's to go booth. Also ask always beforehand for the price if you want to sit at a table. Otherwise you might be uncomfortably surprised. Cappuccino on standing up might cost €3-4, but at a table it's €5.

The best lunch places don't always turn out to be the best dinner places. Dinner in Florence really starts sometime between 7PM and 9PM. If a place looks like they're preparing to close before 8PM, it might not be the best option for dinner. Reheated pasta is not very tasty.

Shopping in Florence is excellent but the city closes down on Sundays. If it’s Sunday, go to museums! Weekdays, go shopping! You’ll get a lot to see just by walking around. Try a Florentine steak when you’re hungry or hit up at least 3 scoops of gelato!

Learn Basic Italian:

Hello ----Buon giorno/ Ciao------Bwon joarno/ chow

Goodbye-----Arrivederci/Ciao-----Ahrreevaydeechee/chow

Yes/No------Si/No------ over, obvious na to! Lol

Please-------Per favour------pair fahvoaray

Do you speak English?----Parla inglese?----pahlah eenglaysay?

How are you?-----Come sta?------ koamay stah?

Fine thanks------Bene grazie------bainay graatseeay

How much?-----Quanto?-------kwahntoa?

Thank you----Grazie-----graatseeay

Leaning tower of Pisa

The construction of the tower started in the year 1173 and was a bell tower for the cathedral right next to it. But what has made it famous is that it is...well, leaning. According to the guidebook the tower started leaning over soon after the construction. In the end it was leaning over so much that they had to close it for several years for safety reasons.

When we walked into the area known as Campo dei Miracoli I was surprised to see that the tower was only a small part of the complex. There are hundreds of small souvenir shops selling t-shirts, small models of the leaning towers etc. We just walked around for a while, took some pictures of the tower and the other buildings and OK, I admit it, I also took some goofy and naughty pictures of me. That’s the beauty of being a tourist right?

We will be in Monaco on my next post!