When you visit Florence, don't miss the Michelangelo Square by all means! You can enjoy a beautiful cityscape not only throughout the day but also in the evening.
Ponte Vecchio Bridge is worth seeing. In the past, dirty butchers and grocery stores were removed by the Ferdinand of the Medici Family, and only precious luxury stores were allowed to open here. During the Second World War, even German soldiers did not bomb it because of its beauty.
Brunelleschi's masterpiece, the dome of the Duomo. It is possible to climb inside as well as the adjacent bell tower of Giotto. It is tiring but fun!
Florence is located in the Tuscany region. Its population is 35 million. It was the capital city of the former Republic of Florence, and Grand Duchy of Tuscany. After the unification of Italy, even though for a short-term (1865-1871), it was also the capital of the Kingdom of Italy.
Now Florence is called the "City of Flowers". The glitz and glamour of the Renaissance period remain still now. You can find the crests of pills and lily everywhere in the city. Those are symbol of the Medici Family, founder and patron of the Renaissance culture. During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, Florence had been one of the most important commercial and financial centers of Europe. The city developed as a cultural center with plenty of art and architectural masterpieces, which we can see still now.
The city is divided by the beautiful Arno river flowing from east to west. The north part is the center of the city, which contains the wonderful dome of the Duomo (Cathedral) and Giotto's Bell Tower, as well as Palazzo Vecchio (the town hall), the famous Uffizi Gallery, the San Lorenzo church of the Medici family, Santa Croce church where Michelangelo is sleeping, and Santa Maria Novella church. The south part of the Arno River, there are the Pitti Palace with the spacious Boboli Garden (Palatine Museum), Santo Spirito church and Michelangelo Square overlooking the city. Florence is full of must-see spots!!
During the 11th-15th century, Florentine culture had culminated. Especially the Medici family and Renaissance culture flourished since the 14th century is very important in the history and the art of Florence. The Medici family loved arts and studies. They were important patrons which protected famous artists like Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.
In the Uffizi Gallery, there is a large collection of sculptures and paintings of the Medici. It's one of the must-see sights in Florence.
It's recommendable to read a book about the Medici Family's story before coming to Florence. Sightseeing in Florence will become much more interesting.
From the Cathedral to the Ponte Vecchio bridge, there is a shopping street full of pretty boutiques. In particular Tornabuoni street (Via de' Tornabuoni), and Calzaiuoli street (Via Calzaiuoli), as well as Strozzi street (Via degli Strozzi), Porta Rossa street (Via Porta Rossa) are the central area of Florentine mode and fashion. You can visit the well-established boutiques of Ferragamo, Bottega Veneta, Prada, Bulgari, Gucci, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Yves Saint Laurent, Cartier, Dior etc.
In addition to the famous brand boutiques, there are many traditional shops of Florence. It's perfect to choose some souvenirs of Florence. In particular, the famous Florentine leather gloves would be a good memorial.