Being A Tourist in Florence
Without a doubt, my favorite attraction in Florence is Boboli Gardens. The park is big and filled with flowers, statues, oak trees and gorgeous views. We spent an entire afternoon roaming around the grounds. There is a lot to see so give yourself time to explore. There are plenty of ornate fountains including Neptune’s Fountain. The best part about Boboli Gardens is the view from Giardino Del Cavaliere. You have made it there when you notice a pastel pink building with green doors. Walk towards the building and peer off the side. The rollings hills of Tuscany will greet you!


One day, we decided to get out of the city center of Florence and take a bus to Piazzale Michelangelo. Florence is alluring but it can get quite lively due to a mix of tourists, vendors and gypsies. We got out of the city and I am sure glad we did. Piazzale Michelangelo offers a panoramic view of the city. You can see the famous Duomo from here too. The square is lined with souvenir shops and small food stands. The prices for souvenirs here wasn’t as expensive as in the city. I bought t-shirts for my family and friends here. I think it’s a must to see Florence from above. The square also features a large bronze statue of the famous David by Michelangelo. Of course, it is a replica but it is still pretty captivating.


Another garden, although much smaller, is Giardino delle Rose. We walked here after our visit to Piazzale Michelangelo. The park offers another good view of the city. When we visited, it was raining very lightly but it really added to the serene environment of the garden. The garden has some benches to rest on and take in the view. It is not a very big space but I do recommend stopping here before heading back into the city center. The roses were in bloom and there were so many different colors. I really love gardens so I felt like Giardino delle Rose was a peaceful sanctuary away from the bustling city below.

The last attraction we visited before leaving Florence was Basilica of Santa Croce. You will easily spot the Basilica by its white marble and pointed roof. We weren’t originally planning on going inside but it started raining so we figured it was worth it. The cost per person was $6 USD. I am so happy we went inside because it is the burial-place of many great figures. In fact, we learned shortly after entering that Michelangelo is buried there. The inside is covered in dazzling stained glass. You must be quite inside so I wouldn’t recommend this attraction for children. Once you walk through the Basilica, you are greeted by a green outdoor area.

