User reviews of Florence
A city to live!
It has so many things to do and see, that I would like to live there 2 or 3 years.
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(Report Problem)The city that gave birth to our age
If ever access to education and culture could be considered to be a right, visiting Florence once in a lifetime is then nothing less than a human right. A lot of the legacy of western culture (which, for better or worse, has had an immense impact globally) is to be traced back to places like ancient Greece and Rome. Some, however, would claim the influence of Florence to be even greater, generally. After an (engaged) trip to Florence, this standpoint can no longer appear daring. Florence is not just a city of art. In Florence you are, literally, walking around in the very quarters of Dante, Gallilei, Donatello, Leonardo da Vinci, Petrarch, Michelangelo, Bocaccio, Brunneleschi the Medici's and other immortals. No city on earth is packed with history (and art) like Florence and so many people want to go there. Do you want it for yourself? Try a winter night. On other occacions Florence will be crowded. Sharing space with people from all corners of the world is not only negative though. Most people visiting Florence, I've found to be more pleasant and more well educated than your average tourist. Florentines are a bit reserved, but if you try and speak a little italian and display a genuine interest of whatever and whoever might be the case/person, underneath that surface you'll often find a buzzling, sparkling mentality, not seldom mischievousness. Like in Rome or Paris the best food isn't found where tourist flock (but few places are really poor). To be recommended are the restaurants south east to the Dome, especially around the church of Santa Croce. Many Florentines consider "Il Cibreo" to be the best in town (also with a cheaper trattoria branch directly neighbouring it). French Gourmets would prefer the extremely expensive "Enoteca Pinchiorri". A backpacker, tired of pizza of varying quality, should head for "lampredotto", a stew in a piece of bread served with an optinal hot sauce from hand pulled trolleys all over the city. Furthermore, don't miss the market of "Mercato Centrale" close to the San Lorenzo church. Hotel rooms are expensive in Florence. Use your surfing skills and remember Italians don't mind bargaining. The traffic in and especially around Florence is intense. Minor accidents are common. Try to get a feel for the "natural flow" of it. Being scandinavian, I find italian driving habits very exotic. Florence, unsurprisingly, offer ideal working conditions for pickpockets. Don't give them the opportunity. Nearly all the must do's and see's are at walking distance from eachother, but they can't be properly experienced in a few days! Do a bit of planning; Want to study "pieces" of art? Visit the Uffici's, Galleria dell'Accademia and the Bargello. Architecture? Don't miss Il Doumo (Santa Maria del Fiore), Piazza della Signoria and Ospedale degli Innocenti. Romantic spots? Ponte Vecchio, Piazzale Michelangelo(not walking distance from other major attractions, but very panoramic, although not a peaceful place), Fiesole (panoramic, not walking distance) and any restaurant that, preferably, a florentine lady would recommend. Choose a few objects, give them the attention they deserve and take the time to read a little bit before visiting them (including restaurants) and, as a suggestion, also reserve time for wandering about planlessly, contemplating, in this aged, elevatedly serene and yet vibrant city.
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(Report Problem)One of the Greatest Cities
Traveled to Florence in 1997 and 2004. Florence is one of the greatest cities in the world to visit. The extensive Architecture and Artwork is tied into and reflects the city's history. The city is centrally located and is a great staging ground to visit the rest of central Italy.
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(Report Problem)boo
florence isnt exactly tourist friendly. also as a woman i must admit i didnt feel comfortable. men harrassed my friends and i, if you want somewhere beautiful and romantic in italy ...go to cinque terre.
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(Report Problem)A bit overrated.
Much competition in Italy. Couldn't live up to its reputation in this light.
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(Report Problem)More than we ever expected
Florence in January! We arrived on the day of Epiphany, and here was this amazing parade moving through the narrow streets towards the cathedral. Everyone was dressed in authentic medieval clothing. Apparently there are several yearly events, when you can watch the Florentine wearing these fabulous costumes. Look for those when you plan your visit. Yes, it was a bit chilly, but we walked so much and were happy to avoid the crowded tourist season.
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(Report Problem)Birth of Renaissance!
My husband and I went to Florence last October 2004. It felt so good to be where Renaissance was born...just imagining all those great artists there...walking all over the place...Also, it is a very elegant place which is amazing because you can feel both things: the old historic sense of Florence, Ponte Vecchio at one side and the Versace and Channel stores at the other side...We ate at a very nice place and had a drink at an Irish Pub! WeŽll love to go back again!
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(Report Problem)A must see if you're in Italy
We loved all the churches. It's just one of the most beautiful cities I've ever seen. I cannot wait to take my kids there when they get older.
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(Report Problem)Bella, bella Florence
The people of Florence are lovely, and so are the churches and art treasures - though many of the buildings are old and not as well kept up as they should be. You can find some great souvenirs that don't look like tacky junk. However, don't go during the tourist season. Unlike London, Paris and Rome, Florence is NOT big enough to absorb all the tourists that invade it. When I went, the line to get into see the Botticelli paintings, the line stretched all the way around the building - so I didn't wait. Not only that, too many tourists are rude, obnoxious, pushy, and loud. Go in January, when it's fairly empty. You'll enjoy it a lot more.
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(Report Problem)Great
I absolutely loved it. Everybody is friendly, food is cheap and the city is beautiful with a lot to offer.
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