You can look forward to a beautiful view of the entire city of florence (especially at night, when the lights are on and the city sparkles) as well as the Tuscan hills surrounding it from the wide terrace at Piazzale Michelangiolo. You can watch the sun setting here, which is a sight really worth seeing. You can see almost everything florence offers from this place- Duomo, Boboli Gardens, the Ponte Vecchio and other bridges, the Tower in Piazza della Signoria, the Arno River Don't skip it!
The atmosphere is as lovely as the history of the place. The bridge was the only lucky one out of the six, which escaped the fury of the Germans after the War in 1944. Today it proudly takes a place among the treasures of Florence. Be careful not to go by the usual practise of lovers to padlock a lock to the gate of the statue of Benvenuto Cellini and who later toss the key into the river. If the idea sounds interesting, be warned of a fine of EUR 50. You can shop for any type of jewellery you have a fascination for, from mundane ones to truly unique ones. Jewellers of gold are a beautiful sight by themselves even if you have no idea of shopping. You can spot two other serene attractions, just above the bridge, the Boboli gardens and the Pitti Palace.
One of the best places to enjoy a gelato listening to great music or spend some time with your honey, by dusk or after dinner would be the Ponte Vecchio.
Highlight:: Historical bridge with beautiful views and lovely atmosphere
The famed dome of the cathedral is said to be the trademark and skyline symbol of Florence. The structure dates back to the 13the century. In spite of the elaborate décor, you get to see on its exterior, the interior is comparatively disappointing. However the dome is worth the climb. A renaissance masterpiece of Filippo Brunelleschi's made of over 4,000,000 bricks. You can enjoy its beautiful paintings depicting heaven and hell on the Dome's ceiling . Observe its walls closely, take a look at the graffiti and you will get a fair idea of the generations this cathedral has witnessed.
A wonderful view of the entire city of Florence awaits you here, especially of the Santa Croce. And a beautiful way to get back your breath whilst the climb all the way up the dome (463 steps), is to stop at the balcony or peep out of the tiny windows.
Open Hours: 10am-5.30pm Mon-Sat (10am-3.30pm 1st Sat each month); 1-5pm Sun
Highlight:: Trademark and skyline symbol of Florence
San Miniato al Monte is a really beautiful church worth your visit on a city break to Florence. Don't forget to bring along your camera. You can click some beautiful snaps of the great views here. The church is perched high on the top of many steps. Take a look at the mosaics here which are beautiful by themselves. That of Christ Enthroned is quite a popular one and so is the special crypt here.
David is said to ne the most fabled work of Michealangelo and portrays one of the legendary heros in Judeo-Christian history. The political purpose of the statue is to act as a source of inspiration for the downtrodden people of Florentine to overcome their oppression. This statue is reason enough as to why Florence is called the "city of art"
Drop by this majestic fountain if you can spare some time whilst your city break. You can catch a glimpse of a statue of Neptune at the center. Encompassed by satyrs and naiads, this fountain dates back to 1565.
The Florence American Cemetery and Memorial is a beutiful spot by itself. Wooded slopes, the Greve River and just a few miles from the city centre, you might feel like getting to the place by the very sound of it. You can find 4398 graves of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country. There is a staff member on site to guide and help you with your queries.
Immaculately maintained in serene surroundings this place brings to memory the sacrifice of the American soliders. If you are a American on a Florence city break, a short trip to the site can turn out to be a real moving experience.
Though doubts still linger about the baptistery's origins, its foundations have their roots in the Roman times. The central doors are popularly known as the Gates of Paradise and portray scenes from the Bible-a beautiful work of art. The ornate doors were designed by Lorenzo Ghiberti way back in 1424.
The dome is worth a look and so is the interior gold mosaic over all the cupola.
The Giotto’s Bell Tower is one where you can enjoy great views of the Firenze, the Duomo’s red dome as well as one of the perfect vantage points to take a look at the adjacent Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore once you get to the heights of this free-standing bell tower. Giotto’s Bell Tower is a standing example of the Florentine Gothic structure. Well-laid out sculptural embellishments as well as marble encrustations further add beauty to the tower.
You are saved the long lines and never-ending wait to climb the top of Duomo but will be gifted an equally impressing view. The best thing is that you can halt and take photos as and when you fancy. Escape from the crowds at museums and free yourself from the noise at other major attractions.
Spark up your kid’s imagination by halting at and spending some time at this park. As a Trip advisor guest puts it ““Pinocchio Park is a park of statues, not a ‘theme park.” Each statue shouts out a story and this can get your children shouting with glee. Try telling them the original stories if you know it, before they start guessing their own!
But however, do not go for it if you are not a fan of Pinocchio and if you are not with your children. The Pinocchio Park is a good place to be with your kids!
Entrance Fee: 8.50 Euros (6.50 Euros for 3-14 and over 65 year olds)