A city built for footsteps
Florence packs churches, markets, and river crossings into a few square kilometers, so the sights sit close enough that a car mostly gets in the way.
- In 1436 the cathedral dome was finished after sixteen years of work; standing in Piazza del Duomo you still read the city from that skyline.
- Via de' Tornabuoni and the side alleys off it carry you from banking palaces to workshop doors without a straight shot longer than a block.
- Locals still buy lunch at Mercato Centrale or a corner bar and eat standing at the counter when the day is short.
What to eat
Bistecca alla fiorentina — Chianina cattle and the grill culture of Tuscan trattorie made a thick T-bone the city's default splurge.
Ribollita — Peasant bread-and-bean soup thickened with stale pane and cavolo nero fits a city that once fed workers cheaply between market runs.
Lampredotto — Fourth-stomach tripe simmered in broth and served from street carts grew out of the San Lorenzo meat trade.
Schiacciata all'olio — Olive oil from the surrounding hills turns flat bread into the snack Florentines grab between errands.
Before you go
Don't forget the ticket
If you want the inside, buy it before you go. The walk still works from the street.
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