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WHAT TO SEE IN FLORENCE

Florence is one of the few cities around the world whose entire historical center
is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The reason is because it offers hundreds, maybe thousands, of things to see and to do.

Below you can find some tips and information so you can tour the city in total freedom.

FAST VISIT AROUND THE HOSTEL

PIAZZA AND CHURCH OF SANTA MARIA NOVELLA
Piazza Santa Maria Novella is where you can admire the recently renovated square with its beautiful Santa Maria Novella Church. The church's facade in white and green marble was designed by Leon Battista Alberti while the stunning Tornabuoni Chapel has frescoes by Ghirlandaio - a must see! PONTE VECCHIO Ponte Vecchio is one of Florence’s landmarks and certainly the most photographed bridge in the city. Admire houses and shops built on top of it in the narrowest point of the Arno. Here, there was the Vasari Corridor built for Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici in 1565. It was a passageway, from Vecchio to Pitti Palace. The jewelleries were brought to the bridge in 1593, on command of Ferdinando De Medici heir who thought that the previous tenants – butchers – smelled too bad to have their shops right below his corridor. THE UFFIZI GALLERY One of the world's top art museums, the Uffizi Gallery, houses some of the most important works of the Renaissance, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Giotto, Botticelli and Michelangelo and a large collection of Greek and Roman sculptures. Visitors to the Uffizi may also visit the famous Vasari Corridor linking Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi to the Pitti Palace on the other side of the Arno river. PITTI PALACE AND BOBOLI GARDENS Crossing Ponte Vecchio while admiring the spectacular goldsmith shops, you reach the Oltrarno area where the Pitti Palace stands magnificently, home today to several splendid museums such as the Palatine Gallery and the Modern Art Gallery, with the impressive Boboli Gardens as its backyard. While the museums take time to visit, if your time is limited and the day is shining, we recommend you visit the gardens. PIAZZA DELLA SIGNORIA AND THE LOGGIA DEI LANZI This broad square has been the centre of the power in Florence since its 14th-century origins - and perhaps even before, as Etruscan and Roman remains have been found below its pavement. Today, it is the social centre as well as a favourite meeting place filled with tourists and locals. At its centre there is the Neptune Fountain, at one side the Vecchio Palace, still housing the city's government. Against the wall of the Uffizi, which forms one end of the piazza, there is the Loggia Dei Lanzi, an outdoor sculpture gallery with several notable pieces. Most widely recognized of these is Benvenuto Cellini's best-known work, Perseus with the Head of Medusa. In front of the Vecchio Palace, there is a copy of Michelangelo David.
PIAZZALE MICHELANGELO
Piazzale Michelangelo, with its magnificent panoramic view of the city, is in the Oltrarno district and probably is the most famous square in Florence. The view from this observation point is justly famous and has been reproduced on countless postcards and snapshots over the years. To get there, walk the tiny streets of San Niccolò neighbourhood.
THE MAGICAL BARDINI GARDENS
This silent alcove in the city centre promises you a moment to actually stop and smell the roses! Spectacular panoramic views of the Florence skyline and explore the green beauty of the Florentine palaces and villas.
ACADEMY GALLERY
Michelangelo best-known work, David, is copied all over Florence, but inside this art museum, you'll find the original. Unfortunately, as a result of an attack on the sculpture, it is now behind glass, but it still never fails to inspire. You will tour among sculptures you can almost watch Michelangelo at work as you such as the four unfinished slaves, meant for a tomb in Rome, seemingly in the process of being released from the marble.
THE MAGICAL BARDINI GARDENS
This silent alcove in the city centre promises you a moment to actually stop and smell the roses! Spectacular panoramic views of the Florence skyline and explore the green beauty of the Florentine palaces and villas.
THE DUOMO
Florence's cathedral stands tall over the city with its magnificent Renaissance dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, with the baptistery right across. The cathedral named in honour of Santa Maria del Fiore, is a vast Gothic structure built on the site of the 7th century church of Santa Reparata, the remains of which can be seen in the crypt.

TIPS

APERITIVO HAPPY HOUR IN FLORENCE
Try an Aperitivo or dinner in San Lorenzo District and enjoy the view of the river! A must-do in Florence is a night on the Oltarno District, one of the more intimate areas in the city. In summertime the best place for Aperitivo is the Santa Croce District and enjoy the open sky museum all around you!
CLIMBING TO THE TOP OF BRUNELLESCHI'S CUPOLA
Don't forget to climb up to the very top!




SHOPPING IN FLORENCE
Duomo District: Via de’ Tornabuoni Signoria District: Via Di Calzaiuoli Duomo District: Via Del Corso Duomo District: San Lorenzo market Oltrarno District: Via Santo Spirito Via de’ Tornabuoni is THE most famous and elegant street in Florence. Here you can find Gucci, Emilio Pucci, Versace, Pomellato, Roberto Cavalli, Hermes, Tiffany & Co, and Cartier to name a few. Via de’ Tornabuoni is also home to Salvatore Ferragamo, infact, besides his boutique in Palazzo Spini Feroni, you can also visit his luxurious museum. Walking from Piazza del Duomo to Piazza della Signoria, in Via dei Calzaiuoli you will find yourself in a totally different atmosphere: a popular street filled with modern stores. In Via del Corso from Piazza della Repubblica, you’ll be surrounded by locals running errands on their bikes and an astounding array of boutiques representing both local and national brands. Enjoy shopping in San Lorenzo market, the bargain hunter’s paradise! The market fills the streets adjoining Piazza San Lorenzo and is a quick skip from Piazza del Duomo. This is the perfect place to buy souvenirs from Florence! From leather belts to purses and hats, the varieties are endless. Via Santo Spirito Via Santo Spirito lies between Borgo San Jacopo and Borgo San Frediano on the other side of the Arno River Here you will find artisanal boutiques!

MAIN DISTRICTS WORTH VISITING

MICHELANGELO

OLTARNO

SAN MARCO