Florence, Italy: Art, Gelato, and My Engagement in the Heart of the Renaissance

Published by

JP

on

February 19, 2026

Florence shaped modern art and architecture in ways few cities ever have.

I’ve been 2x, once in February and once in October, and somehow it rained both times. While spring and summer are considered the best seasons to visit, Fall and winter were still lovely, but it did rain a lot though.

Book tickets for almost everything in advance – especially the Duomo, the Uffizi, and Palazzo Pitti. It will save you hours.

Why people love Florence:

Because of its legendary art and breathtaking architecture, of course. Florence was immensely wealthy during the Renaissance — and wealthy families commissioned art to display their power and influence.

Fun fact: the Mona Lisa (which you can see in Paris) was a portrait commissioned in Florence. Lisa del Giocondo, a Florentine noblewoman, sat for the painting, which was created by Leonardo da Vinci during the Italian Renaissance.

crowd admiring mona lisa at the louvre museum

Florence also houses world-famous collections like the Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Pitti, filled with works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio.

The Duomo

During the Renaissance, Florence was one of the most influential cities in Europe. It was home to the Medici family, whose patronage fueled masterpieces in art, architecture, and science. The city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore) dominates the skyline with its massive terracotta dome engineered by Brunelleschi in the 1400s. It was literally built as a symbol of wealth – you see it from anywhere in the city, and it’s gorgeous.

brown dome building seen through the brick

Ponte Vecchio

Then there’s Ponte Vecchio, the medieval bridge lined with shops. It dates back to the 14th century, survived World War II when other bridges didn’t, and still gives you one of the best views over the Arno River at sunset.

It really does feel like walking through a living museum.

picturesque view of florence and arno river

See Michelangelo’s David

One of the most iconic things to do in Florence is see Michelangelo’s David inside the Galleria dell’Accademia.

The statue in Piazza della Signoria, outside Palazzo Vecchio, is actually a replica. The original was moved indoors to protect it from damage.

Created between 1501 and 1504, the statue stands over 17 feet tall and was carved from a single block of marble. The detail is unreal.

Even if you’re not an art person, seeing it in person is different. It’s one of those “okay… I get it now” moments.

the statue of david in gallery of the academy of florence

tourists in front of david statue in galleria dell accademia in florence

Pisa

Ok, not in Florence at all but they’re so close you might as well go. It’s a 50 minute train, it costs €9–€11 for a one-way. On one hand it’s kind of silly, because its just a square of this lop-sided building next to this gorgeous church. I’ve never been in either building. Just walked around and got McDonalds a few feet away (lol).

university of pisa under the clear blue sky — I’m 23 years old here

Why I don’t love Florence:

Even in rainy weather and shoulder season, Florence feels packed — especially around the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio.
The lines for museums and cathedral entry can take a lot of the magic out of it.
Florence is a study abroad hub, and at night the energy shifts, and you’ll see groups of young American students acting up in the streets.

It’s beautiful. It’s historically important. But it felt more like a tourist machine than a romantic Italian city to me.

My Personal Highlight

My husband proposed to me at the Piazza Santa Croce! Right in front of the stunning Basilica of Santa Croce.

The square is wide and open and the church makes for the perfect backdrop. Inside are the tombs of legendary Italians like Michelangelo and Galileo.

Leather, Gelato & Pizza

This is the magical rotation of things I search for in Florence.

Florence Leather Markets

Florence’s artisan markets have been legendary for centuries. I always buy something.

Not all “Made in Italy” leather is equal. Look for “vera pelle” (real leather) and check the inside stitching. Smell it. Real leather has a strong, natural scent (not plastic or chemical). If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Visit smaller workshops away from the main tourist streets for higher-quality craftsmanship but I also like to go to the 2 main markets as well.

San Lorenzo Market – The largest and most famous leather market in Florence. Stalls overflow with jackets, bags, belts, and souvenirs. Very tourist-friendly.
Mercato Nuovo – Smaller and more historic (this is the market with the famous bronze boar). A bit more curated, but still very much aimed at visitors.

Pizza & Gelato

Gusta Pizza – One of the most famous pizza spots in Florence. Always a line.
Pizzeria O’Vesuvio – A more traditional, old-school pizzeria in the historic center serving classic southern Italian pizza.
Vivoli – One of the oldest gelaterias in Florence (open since 1930). A true institution known for rich, traditional flavors.
Gelateria dei Neri – Extremely popular near Santa Croce, with a wide variety of flavors and generous portions.

I’ll Certainly Visit Italy again:

My first trip was a euro-backpacking whirldwind. I flew into Pisa, trained to Florence, then south to Rome and Naples, flew to Milan, and squeezed in Pompeii and Sorrento.

I still haven’t been to Venice, barely scratched southern Italy. There’s so much more to see. Florence may not be my favorite Italian city…but Italy? I’ll be back.

Location Varies