Despite our many weekend trips and different experiences, Florence continues to be my favorite place in Europe. From the food, to the culture, to the people, Florence never disappoints.
In Florence there is never a reason to be bored, yet it is small enough to be walkable. Florence is home to many beautiful outdoor spaces, my favorites being the Boboli Gardens and Piazza Michelangelo.
The Boboli gardens consist of a massive expanse of land that used to be the backyard of the Medici family. The gardens have some of the most beautiful views of the city and you can often find people relaxing, reading, or painting in the grassy areas. For example, we spoke to a man from Virginia who was sitting at the peak of the garden areas, painting and perfectly captivating the views. The Boboli gardens and Medici Palace are a must see in Florence.
Piazza Michelangelo was my other favorite place in the city. I recommend grabbing a pizza from Gusta Pizza and walking up the hills to enjoy the sun setting behind the Florence skyline and hills.
Another thing that made Florence so special were the welcoming and kind people we met. From servers in our restaurants to random people on the street, most people in Florence love to spark up conversations and listen to your story. It was rare to encounter any rude or unwelcoming people.
I recommend that everyone should visit Florence at least once in their lifetime. When you go, do not just stay for a few days, and stick to the touristy activities. Try your best to emerge in the culture and seek out the locals. That is how you will receive the most meaningful and true experience of Florence.
