Top 10 Sights to See:
1. Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore: You can’t make a stop in Florence without visiting the landmark that covers all the postcards. Visit the Duomo early in the morning to avoid lines. Although the cathedral is free to visit, if you wish to visit the other monuments in the area, including climbing to the top of Brunelleschi’s Dome, you’ll need to purchase a 15 Euro Cumulative Ticket. This ticket gives you access to the Cathedral, Dome, Baptistry (see #7 on the top 10 list), Bell Tower, Crypt, and Museum. Ladies, remember your shoulders must be covered to enter.
If you are going to climb to the top of Brunelleschi’s Dome, be aware that there are no elevators or lifts to assist you if you get tired. There are 463 stairs between you and the top of the Dome. For the majority of the climb, the stairs are steep and narrow, with few small windows to peer out of. If you suffer from claustrophobia or fear of heights, this climb may not be for you. You come down the same way you went up, which can make it uncomfortably warm during the summer months, as there are many people making the trek up and down. The earlier you climb the better, so eat a good breakfast and get in your workout before eating your weight in gelato later in the afternoon.
2. Ponte Vecchio: The Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) is a favorite for any visitor to Florence. Be sure to see it from both sides, as well as make your way across it, while peering in to all the jewelry stores that line the bridge. The Ponte Vecchio was the only bridge crossing the Arno until the year 1218.
3. Piazzale Michelangelo
4. Uffizi Gallery
5. Santa Croce
6. Florence Baptistry
7. Palazzo Vecchio and Boboli Gardens
8. David Statue
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