Florence is considered to be the birthplace of Renaissance and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It has a global impact on art, history and cultural heritage that can be seen to this day. Also, the city has a major impact in music, architecture, education, cuisine, fashion, philosophy, science and religion. Please see below for some must- do activities while in the city.

• The Uffizi Gallery - the most visited art museum in Florence showcasing various masterpieces from artists such as Giotto, Botticelli, Michaelangelo, Titian, Leonardo da Vinci and many more!
• Galleria dell'Accademia - this is the second most visited gallery in Florence and where you can see Michaelangelo's statue of David. Do not miss this one! For just 10 euros more we recommend getting a guided tour of Galleria dell'Accademia. Actually understanding how Michaelangelo worked makes seeing his work much more impressive. Guided tours are offered right outside of the museum.
• Stroll over the Ponte Vecchio - the oldest bridge in Florence is now adorned with jewelry shops and live music. The charming center most area of the city.
• Pitti Palace - Palazzo Pitti is a vast, mainly renisance palace in Florence. It is s a large complex of impressive galleries and museums that house important collections of paintings, sculpture and pieces of art.
• Baboli Gardens - The Boboli Gardens is a historical park in the city of Florence that was opened to the public in 1766. It was originally designed for the Medici family and it represents one of the first and most important examples of the Italian gardens.. Here you can see some of best views of Florence.
• Piazza Michelangelo - A famous plaza known for having the best 360 views of Florence. Grab a bottle of wine and head here for sunset!
• Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella - If like Renée you are a beauty and cosmetic nerd head here! This is the oldest pharmacy in the world which has been crafting beautiful fragrances, remedies and herbal products since 1221.

While it is difficult to go wrong with food in Italy, it is possible! Below you can find a few of our favorite foodie spots to try.

**Pro Tip: Eat the "pear pasta" whenever, wherever possible. It comes in little pasta purses and is life altering**

Lunch:

• For pizza try Napoli1955, Giotto Pizzaria, or Gusta Pizza.
• Mercado Centrale is Florence's most famous and largest food market.
• For a panini try I Fratellini or Pino's. There is another place called All'Antico Vinaio which is good but became very overhyped the last few years, you will spend hours waiting in line when there are other places that are better (sorry Florence peeps don't hate!).

Dinner:

• Osteria delle Tre Panche - rooftop restaurant famous for anything truffle.
• 4 Leoni - get the pear pasta!!!
• Osteria Santo Spirito - Great food with outdoor seating.
• Il Profeta
• Da Giovanni or 13 Gobi for the Florentine steak.

Gelato:

Pro Tip - if the gelato is piled high with foods in it DON'T go there. Gelato should be in line with the metal tin or covered. Well made, natural gelato usually has a natural color to it, not too bright.

• Gelateria di Neri (Centro) – the best selection of chocolates
• Carraira (Oltrarno and Centro) – crowd-pleaser!
• Gelati Del Bondi - great selection
• Santa Trinita (Oltrarno) – don’t miss the black sesame!
• Sbrino – a small chain of very good gelateria.

Cocktail/Aperitivo Bar:

• La Terrazza at the Continentale (Centro) – cool, great views
• Il Santino (Oltrarno) – great wines, small plates
• Volume (Piazza Santo Spirito) – a lot going on in Santo Spirito, a good place to take it all in
• The terrace of Hotel Palazzo Guadagni (Piazza Santo Spirito) – not many people know about this throwback to an earlier era, with an unparalleled view.
• Locale (Duomo) – in a stunning setting that is named one of the “Worlds 50 Best Bars."

We highly recommend buying tickets for museum's and other activities in advance as they will be sold out if you wait until the last minute. We recommend guided tours for museums as they will teach you so much more about the most important pieces than you could ever have known on your own. You will be able to buy last minute tickets the day of just be prepared to wait.