10 Things to Do in Florence (Oh, How Civilized)

Here are 10 things I do every time I go back to Florence.

1/ Eat Gelato
I'm not even kidding around when it comes to gelato in Italy. I eat gelato like it's my job. MY JOB. Two a day at a minimum. Three a day at maximum since I don't want to return home with diabetes.

My favorite places in Florence to get a scoop (or two):

2/ Get Breakfast at a Local Cafe
Go to the pastry display and pick a baked good and order a cappuccino or latte to enjoy at the bar, standing. Quick, delicious, and you're all fueled up to start the day.

3/ Take Pictures of the Duomo
I do this on every trip. It's hard not to since the duomo is quite a sight and hard to miss. If this is your first trip, definitely walk to the top of the duomo bell tower.

4/ Have Afternoon Tea at the Four Season Hotel Firenze
Not only is the afternoon tea wonderful, but it's inside a centuries-old Tuscan palazzo. The hotel and the grounds are simply stunning.

5/ Go Shopping for Italian Products
When in Florence, I always visit the Pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella. It's the oldest pharmacy in Italy and it's housed in a building that looks like a museum. A gorgeous one.

Another place I like to visit is Scriptorium, a handmade leather book shop near the duomo.

6/ Visit a Museum
Whether it's the Uffizi, Pitti Palace (and the Boboli Gardens), or that one where you pay too much to basically see David, take in a little culture and history since the art it's housed in is equally worth seeing.

7/ Walk Around and Take in the Art Around the City
The entire city is really a giant outdoor museum with treasures around each corner.

8/ Explore and Stroll the Streets with Gelato in Hand
Go beyond the main tourist spots and discover the quaint streets of Florence.

9/ Eat Bistecca alla Fiorentina
I'm drooling just thinking about it. When this steak is ordered, servers usually won't ask how you want it cooked. It's best to get it for at least two people.

10/ Walk Along the Arno River at Night
It's pretty safe in Florence, so after dinner, a stroll down the Arno is a must. (With a gelato, of course.)

Jee | Oh, How Civilized

10 Things to Do in Florence