Our second day trip was to Florence. A high-speed train took us from Bologna to Florence in just under 40 minutes, making it an ideal day trip. We left quite early in the morning as we wanted to visit Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore first thing in the morning before the queues would become too long. This iconic landmark, with its stunning Gothic architecture, opens its doors to visitors at 10:15 am (free entry as of July 2024). We arrived at the station around 9am, giving us time to wander through Mercato Centrale a lively market filled with shops and stalls showcasing local produce and crafts. We had some doughnuts and pastries as breakfast and explored the market.
As we made our way to the cathedral, I was completely unprepared for the incredible sight that awaited us. Turning the corner and seeing the cathedral for the first time was an unforgettable experience. The intricate façade, the towering dome, and the sheer scale of the structure left us speechless. We walked by it several more times during the day and it was still amazing every time.
When visiting such historic sites, we always make sure to dress respectfully – covering our shoulders with jackets if wearing sleeveless tops, and ensuring our shorts or skirts reach knee-length or longer. We also opt for shoes or trainers instead of sandals. This is very important as many churches in Italy will deny entry to people who do not meet their dress requirements, and will tell you to buy a cover up in order to enter. There were scarf sellers trying to sell them for 10-12€. However, we overheard a Swedish family behind us bargaining with one of the sellers, managing to lower the price to just 2€! Just as we were about to enter, a group of young tourists attempted to cut the line in front of us, but thankfully, the situation was quickly resolved, the staff were helpful.
After our visit to the cathedral, we made our way to the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most renowned art museums in the world. The Uffizi is home to an unparalleled collection of Renaissance masterpieces, and it was a highlight of our trip. I had booked our tickets online before leaving for Italy, which made our entry process smooth and hassle-free. The booking process was easy, and the tickets were 25€ per adult, with an additional 4€ (pp) booking fee. Children under 18 could enter for free, though there was still a 4€ booking fee for each child (as of July 2024).
The Uffizi Galleries are vast, with room after room filled with some of the most famous works of art in history. We spent about three hours wandering through the gallery, though I could have easily stayed longer, absorbing in the beauty and history that surrounded us. The collection includes works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Caravaggio, to name just a few. Each room tells a story, guiding you through the evolution of art from the Medieval to the Renaissance.
One of the highlights for me was finally seeing Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus in person. This masterpiece has long been on my bucket list, and experiencing it up close was a dream come true. The painting is even more beautiful than I had imagined, with its delicate details and soft, flowing lines. The Uffizi’s layout allows you to get up close to the paintings, so you can truly appreciate the artistry that went into each piece.
We queued to see and take some photos of the Medici Venus, and it was well worth it. The sculpture itself is beautiful, as is the room it’s displayed in. There are two queues, each offering a different angle (front or side view of the statue), so make sure you know which one you’re queuing for.
The gallery is not just about the artwork, though. The building itself is a masterpiece, with ornate ceilings, grand staircases, and long hallways filled with statues. Benches are strategically placed throughout, offering a place to sit and reflect on the art or simply to take in the beautiful surroundings. One of the highlights is the view of Ponte Vecchio from the gallery’s windows—a perfect spot for a photograph.
After our cultural immersion at the Uffizi, we sought out a place for lunch. My older daughter had heard about All’Antico Vinaio, a popular sandwich shop, but the queue was dauntingly long. We also passed by Panetteria e Stuzzicheria De Neri, another well-known sandwich shop, which was equally busy. However, on our second pass after lunchtime, the queue had diminished, and my daughters eagerly went inside to order a sandwich. The staff kindly cut it in half for them to share. I had a bite and it was delicious, with fresh, flavourful ingredients, and very reasonably priced at around 6€. The sandwiches are large, so sharing was a wise choice. Although I wasn’t hungry enough to order my own, I’m already looking forward to a return trip to Florence just to try more of these delightful sandwiches!
After our Italian lunch, we strolled along the Arno River to see Ponte Vecchio, the famous medieval bridge lined with shops. This bridge has fascinated me since childhood, and seeing it in person was surreal. The shops, mostly jewellers, glistened in the sunlight, adding to the bridge’s unique charm. Crossing Ponte Vecchio was another tick off my bucket list, and my husband, who had been eager to visit Florence for this very reason, was equally thrilled. After crossing the bridge, we continued to wander through the city, admiring its architecture.
Our final stop before returning to the station was Officina Profumo – Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. It’s considered today the oldest pharmacy in the world. This exquisite shop is a hidden gem, offering a range of luxurious products such as perfumes, creams, and lotions. The interior is beautifully designed, with elegant displays and a rich history that dates back centuries. Even if you’re not planning to purchase anything, it’s worth a visit just to admire the stunning architecture and to take in the scents of the various perfumes on offer.
As our day in Florence came to an end, we made our way back to the station. We explored the shopping centre attached to the station, and then took a break at McDonald’s to cool down in the air conditioning. In Italy, it’s common to have to purchase something or pay 1€ to use the toilet in tourist areas, and McDonald’s was no exception. The receipt includes a code for the toilet, so be sure to hang onto it if you need to use the facilities.
Though we only spent a day in Florence, the city’s charm and beauty left a lasting impression. The summer heat may have slowed us down, but it has only increased our desire to return. Next time, perhaps in the cooler months of spring or autumn, we hope to explore even more of what Florence has to offer, including the Baptistery of San Giovanni, Piazzale Michelangelo, and the Museo Salvatore Ferragamo. Florence, with its rich history, stunning architecture, and world-class art, is a city that is definitely worth a visit.
