Firenze

Florence (Firenze) is not just "a beautiful Italian city": it is one of the most significant centres of the Renaissance, where art, architecture and everyday urban life intertwine. The historic centre is compact and walkable, with almost every street corner offering something: a palace façade, a small square, a church, a craftsman’s workshop, or a view over the Arno that makes you slow down willingly. The city’s iconic focal point is the area around Piazza del Duomo: the dome of the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral and its associated complex are both grand and intricate, so it’s worth not just "snapping a photo" but also taking time to soak in the atmosphere of the square. From here, the natural continuation is to explore the inner city: Piazza della Signoria, with its open-air sculptures and palaces, and then heading towards the Arno and the Ponte Vecchio – one of Florence’s most famous and distinctive bridges. Florence offers a truly complete experience if, alongside the classic sights, you include half a day of "urban rhythm": for example, in the Oltrarno district, where the city feels less like a stage set and more lived-in and artisanal, or with a leisurely coffee–gelato–aperitivo trio that needs no justification. For art lovers, the museum offerings are world-class; the best strategy is usually to pre-select 1–2 "major" museums and complement them with churches, smaller exhibitions, and city walks to avoid an overly packed day. When is the best time to visit? Spring and autumn are the most pleasant times to visit Florence: better for walking, less heat, and the city feels more liveable. In summer, early mornings and late evenings work best, while in winter it’s an excellent choice for a culturally focused, more relaxed city break. Sustainable tourism and Florence Florence’s historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which makes the city particularly sensitive to overuse while also providing a strong framework for heritage protection. As a visitor, the most impactful decisions are simple: explore the city centre on foot and avoid car travel within the historic core (the ZTL/traffic restriction aims to ease the burden on the centre). Choose timed entry tickets and less peak-time visits, stay 2–3 nights instead of just passing through, and include less crowded neighbourhoods alongside the classic spots. In recent years, Florence has introduced several measures to curb mass tourism (such as regulations to reduce the use of public key safes), signalling the city’s focus on liveability and heritage preservation. By choosing local artisans, small eateries, and responsible service providers, a greater proportion of your spending stays within the community – one of the key elements for the long-term sustainability of the cultural landscape and urban community.