Dave Matthews Band returns to Florence, Italy on Saturday, April 20th, 2024. Our group is spending 5 days in Florence and we’ve planned some day trips to both Tuscany and Cinque Terre (tours will be linked below for anyone who’s interested).
If you’re visiting Italy for the shows, here are some of the top things to do in (and around) Florence!
Head to the city’s historic center. Florence’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is filled with Renaissance architecture, stunning churches, and world-class museums.
Visit the Uffizi Gallery. This world-famous gallery houses an incredible collection of Renaissance art, including works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Raphael. Be sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid the lines.
Discover the work of Florentine artisans. Florence has a long history of craftsmanship, and you can find beautiful examples of leather goods, jewelry, and pottery throughout the city.
Check into one of the city’s most opulent hotels. Florence is home to some of the most luxurious hotels in Italy, so if you’re looking for a splurge, this is the place to do it.
Enjoy a bistecca alla Fiorentina. This thick-cut steak is a Florentine specialty, and it’s best enjoyed with a side of local vegetables.
Appreciate Michelangelo’s work inside the Medici Chapels. The Medici Chapels are home to some of Michelangelo’s most famous sculptures, including the tombs of Giuliano de’ Medici and Lorenzo de’ Medici.
See the city from Piazzale Michelangelo. This panoramic viewpoint offers stunning views of Florence and the surrounding countryside. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Dine at a local trattoria. Trattorias are small, family-run restaurants that serve traditional Tuscan cuisine. They’re a great way to experience the local food culture.
Find all the Davids. There are actually several replicas of Michelangelo’s David statue scattered around Florence. See if you can find them all!
Cheers over Negronis. This classic Italian cocktail is said to have originated in Florence. Enjoy one at a local bar or cafe.
Take a walking tour. A walking tour is a great way to learn about Florence’s history and see some of the city’s hidden gems.
Go on a wine tasting tour. Tuscany is a world-renowned wine region, and there are many wine tasting tours available from Florence.
Take a cooking class. Learn how to make traditional Tuscan dishes in a cooking class.
Explore the Oltrarno district. The Oltrarno is a charming neighborhood on the other side of the Arno River. It’s home to artisans’ workshops, local trattorias, and the Boboli Gardens.
Visit the Palazzo Vecchio. This former palace is now Florence’s city hall. It’s worth seeing for its architecture and art collection.
See the Ponte Vecchio. This historic bridge is lined with gold and jewelry shops. It’s a great place to browse for souvenirs or just to take in the view.
Climb the Duomo. The Duomo is Florence’s cathedral, and it offers stunning views of the city from its dome. Be sure to book your tickets in advance, as it can get crowded.
Explore the Basilica di Santa Croce. This church is home to the tombs of some of Florence’s most famous citizens, including Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli.
Visit the Palazzo Pitti. This former palace is now a museum that houses a collection of Renaissance art.
Take a day trip to Siena or Pisa. These two nearby cities are both worth a visit. Siena is a beautiful medieval town, while Pisa is famous for its Leaning Tower.
Take a day trip to Cinque Terre, Italy’s gorgeous coastline. We are doing the tour through viator linked below.
In terms of food, I highly recommend watching Stanley Tucci’s “Searching for Italy – Tuscany”!
While Tuscany as a whole has its own culinary specialties, Florence boasts some unique dishes you won’t want to miss:
Bistecca alla Fiorentina: This iconic dish features a massive T-bone steak from Chianina cows, grilled simply with salt and pepper to showcase the quality of the meat.
Lampredotto: This street food features tripe (stomach lining) of a cow, slow-cooked with tomatoes, herbs, and vegetables in a flavorful broth.
Ribollita: This hearty Tuscan stew is made with leftover bread, vegetables like cannellini beans and black cabbage (cavolo nero), and topped with olive oil.
Pappa al Pomodoro: This simple yet delicious soup features fresh tomatoes, bread, olive oil, and basil. Perfect for a lighter summer meal.
Schiacciata alla Fiorentina: This savory flatbread comes in various versions, but the Florentine version is often filled with herbs and vegetables or simply drizzled with olive oil.
Tuscany is a world-renowned wine region in central Italy, famous for its bold, Sangiovese-based red wines. Here are the types of wines you’ll find produced in Tuscany:
Red Wines:
Chianti: The most well-known Tuscan wine, Chianti is made primarily from Sangiovese grapes and can range from light and fruity to bold and complex.
Brunello di Montalcino: Made exclusively from Sangiovese grapes grown in the Montalcino region, Brunello di Montalcino is known for its full-bodied style and long aging potential.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano: Another full-bodied Sangiovese wine, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano comes from the vineyards of Montepulciano.
Super Tuscans: A more recent style of Tuscan wine, Super Tuscans are blends of Sangiovese with international grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. They’re known for their bold flavors and luxurious style.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano: While most Tuscan wines are red, Vernaccia di San Gimignano is a notable exception. This white wine is made from the Vernaccia grape and is known for its dry, mineral character.
Vin Santo: A sweet dessert wine made from dried white grapes, Vin Santo is a traditional Tuscan treat.
Without renting a car, the best way to see the areas around Florence – TUSCANY – is by taking some tours. Here are some of the top rated tours, along with some of the tours our group signed up for.
Here are the two tours our group has signed up for:
Tuscany Day Trip from Florence: Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa and Lunch at a Winery
Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional Hiking
And here are some of the other cooking classes and activities that look great! If only we had more time. I highly recommend doing a cooking class in Italy if you have time. Our group is signed up for one in Venice.
Florence Cooking Class: Learn How to Make Gelato and Pizza
Pasta making class in Florence
Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class at a Tuscan Farmhouse from Florence
Florence Sunset Walking Tour with Wine & Food Tasting
Wanna Be Italiano – The original Cooking Class & Market Tour in Florence
Small-Group Wine Tasting Experience in the Tuscan Countryside
Siena and San Gimignano: Small-Group Tour with Lunch from Florence
Chianti Safari: Tuscan Villas with vineyards, Cheese, Wine & Lunch from Florence
Florence Private Food Walking Tour With Locals: 6 or 10 Tastings
Cooking Class and Lunch at a Tuscan Farmhouse with Local Market Tour from Florence
San Gimignano, Siena, Monteriggioni, Chianti Day Trip with Lunch & Wine Tasting
Chianti Half Day Wine Tour from Florence
Semi Private Cinque Terre and Pisa Leaning Tower Tour from Florence
Scent of the Sea: Cinque Terre Park Full Day Trip from Florence
Florence Accademia Gallery Tour with Entrance Ticket Included
Florence Electric Golf Cart Tour (Something like this is a great way to zip around and see stuff quickly!)
Florence Walking Tour with Skip-the-Line to Accademia & Michelangelo’s ‘David’
Uffizi Gallery Small Group Tour with Guide
