Falling in Love with Florence: Art, Architecture, and the Heart of Tuscany

rahogard
7 hours ago
4 min read

Florence is one of those cities that gets under your skin—in the best way possible. With every cobblestone street, every gelato stop, and every breathtaking view, I found myself more enchanted by this Renaissance gem. We spent 3 nights in this glorious city and could have easily stayed longer. From climbing the Duomo to sipping Chianti in the Tuscan countryside, our time in Florence was the perfect mix of culture, history, and soul-filling travel.

Lasting First Impressions

Florence feels like walking through a living museum. Its compact size makes it easy to explore on foot, and around every corner, there’s another piazza, church, or architectural wonder waiting to be admired. The energy is artistic and romantic, yet completely approachable—whether you’re an art enthusiast, wine-lover or just here for the pasta.

Pro tip: you must cover your shoulders and knees to enter all churches in Italy. It is considered disrespectful if you don't. A scarf is an easy way to cover your shoulders in the hot summer months. Just tie it to your purse when not needed.

A Peek into the Past: Florence’s Wine Windows

Wine windows are one of the quirkiest and most delightful discoveries you can find in Florence. These tiny arched openings, tucked into the stone walls of restaurants or wine shops, date back to the 1600s when noble families would sell wine directly from their homes—an early version of contactless delivery during the plague! Some of them have been revived in recent years, and you can still find spots where wine is served through these charming little portals. It’s one of those small details that makes Florence feel so layered and alive with history.

A Date with David

Seeing Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery was a true highlight. Pictures simply don’t do it justice. Standing in front of this 17-foot marble masterpiece, I was struck by the detail, the emotion, the sheer scale. Our guided tour helped bring the statue—and the artist—to life with fascinating stories and context that made the experience so much more meaningful. I highly recommend a small-group tour. It is 100% worth it.

The Duomo Hike: Worth Every Step

Of course, no trip to Florence is complete without climbing to the top of the Duomo. It’s 463 steps to the summit—narrow, winding, and definitely not for the claustrophobic—but the payoff is immense. The panoramic view of Florence’s terracotta rooftops, rolling Tuscan hills, and the Arno River is nothing short of spectacular. And make sure you look up inside the dome itself before the climb—the frescoes of the Last Judgment are incredible.

After our hike, we were more than ready for some serious sustenance. How does a sandwich the size of your head sound? Head straight to All’Antico Vinaio, a Florence icon known for its massive, flavor-packed panini. For a gluten-free option that’s just as satisfying, Sgrano, located just down the block, delivers delicious sandwiches without compromise.

Pro tip: There are multiple All'Antico Vinaio shops right next to each other. They all serve the same thing so get in whichever line is shortest.

Later in the day, be sure to swing by Vivoli il Gelato for what might just be the most heavenly affogato imaginable. If you’re not familiar, an affogato is a classic Italian dessert made by pouring a shot of hot espresso over a scoop of creamy gelato—a delicious contrast of hot and cold, sweet and bitter. This spot has earned plenty of Instagram fame, but trust me—it’s well worth the hype. The line moves quickly, so don’t let it scare you off.

Day Trip to Tuscany: San Gimignano & Wineries

Our second full day was spent exploring the countryside on a private tour to Tuscany. Depending on where you want to go, Tuscany can easily be reached within an hour or so of Florence's city center.

Our first stop was the medieval town of San Gimignano—famous for its preserved towers, sweeping views, and charming streets lined with artisan shops and cafes. It felt like stepping into a storybook. We visited the Campatelli Tower and House for a glimpse into 19th-century middle-class life in this Tuscan village. While the tower itself dates back to the 1200s, the home has been beautifully preserved to reflect how it would have looked in the 1800s. We also couldn’t resist treating ourselves at Gelateria Dondoli, the winner of last year’s Gelato World Champion award—and it was delicious!

Afterwards, we visited a couple of local small-production wineries in the Chianti region. We tasted bold reds and crisp whites, all paired with rustic Tuscan food and stunning vineyard views. The pace was slow, the conversations warm, and the wine—well, let’s just say more than a few bottles came home with me.

Final Thoughts

Florence is the kind of place that lingers with you long after you leave. It’s not just about seeing famous art or climbing iconic domes—it’s about feeling the layers of history, the passion of the people, and the quiet magic of simply being there. If you’re dreaming of Italy, let this be your sign: Florence is calling.