Planning a trip to Florence? Alexandra Korey, art historian from Florence, shares her best insider tips and recommendations for the dream city in Tuscany.
7 Exciting Facts About Florence
- The city of Florence was founded by Julius Caesar in 59 B.C.
- Florence is the capital of Tuscany
- From 1865 to 1871, Florence was the capital of Italy
- Today's Italian has its origins in Florence
- Florence was the first European city with paved streets
- The origins of the famous Ponte Vecchio date back to the 14th century
- The piano, as we know it today, was invented in Florence in the 17th century
What Are Three Good Reasons to Visit Florence?
Florence is:
- Manageable
- Profound
- Motionless
Florence is small enough to get to know during a weekend. It's got enough depth to come back to. And while it may seem frozen in time, it's actually still developing – step by tiny little step.
How Do You Best Escape From the Hordes of Tourists in Florence?
The crowds slosh back and forth between Firenze Santa Maria Novella railway station, the Cathedral, Piazza della Signoria, and the Ponte Vecchio, but Florence is still authentic in the back alleys of Santa Croce and Oltrarno.
What Can't One Afford to Miss in Florence?
The grandiose view onto the shimmering city from the terrace at Piazzale Michelangelo – and a bit farther uphill is one of the city's oldest and most beautiful basilicas: 1,000-year-old San Miniato al Monte. Then there's Ponte Vecchio with it's jewellers (though Ponte Santa Trinita and Ponte Vespucci boast better views) and the Cathedral: buy a complete Cathedral ticket and take in the baptistery's mosaic ceiling as well as the Grande Museo del Duomo in the Cathedral's rear area.
Which Hotel Would You Recommend in Florence?
Hotel Savoy on Piazza della Repubblica, with interior decorating by Emilio Pucci's daughter Laudemia and the outstanding restaurant Irene Firenze.
Where Is the Best Place to Have Dinner in Florence?
In Florence itself, head to the quiet Osteria dell'Enoteca – it's wine list and service can't be beat – and try a bistecca alla Fiorentina: this steak's being nominated for UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Or take a taxi out to hilly Bagno a Ripoli and make for Al 588, where the young Andrea Perini whips up Tuscan gourmet meals from his organic garden at humble trattoria prices.
Flights to Florence With Austrian Airlines
Stroll through the narrow streets of the city, enjoy the sunset from the Ponte Vecchio and end the evening with a good wine and Tuscan delicacies. Sounds good? Then off to Florence! Book your flight right here.
