39 Reasons You’ll Fall In Love With Florence And Never Want To Leave
I have a confession: I am absolutely, completely, unequivocally in love…with Florence. So much so that after a month abroad last summer, I knew I had to move back. I remember my Italian teacher in the United States warning me that Florence was like a “black hole” because he would send students there and they would never move back, and now I understand why. Here are the top 39 reasons you’ll never want to leave.
1. The incredible food
The food in Florence is absolutely phenomenal, it will forever ruin “Italian” food when you head back home. Discover the top 30 places to eat and drink in Florence here, or see all of my posts about the Florence food scene here. Warning: you may get hungry!
2. Visiting Florence is like traveling through time
Churches covered in intricately carved marble, piazzas filled with cobblestones and statues, and Italian renaissance palaces surround you in this historic city. Being surrounded by so much culture and history is truly surreal.
3. The Vino
Florence is located in Tuscany, one of the best wine regions in the world, so enjoy the vino as much as you can! Grab a glass at one of the Top 5 Scenic Rooftop Bars To Hit In Florence.
4. Waking up to the sound of church bells
Waking up to the chime of church bells reminds you every day that you are lucky enough to be waking up in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
5. The Unforgettable Ponte Vecchio
No matter how many times you walk past the ‘Old Bridge’, its picturesque beauty will never cease to inspire you.
6. World Class Pizza
Margherita, Diavolo, Prociutto…no matter what tops off your pizza, you can’t go wrong. The pizza in Florence is some of the best in the world, and therefore it is your duty to consume as much as possible!
7. Pino (or your favorite business owner)
Your favorite business owner knows you by name and somehow always remembers your order.
8. The Vibrant Nightlife
Florence truly comes alive at night, with so many different pubs, bars, and clubs that its hard finding a reason to stay in. The real city that never sleeps. Looking to find some of Florence’s off-the-beaten-path nightlife spots? Read all about the 13 Florence Bars You Haven’t Heard Of (But Should!).
9. Your favorite café
I don’t know how I’d start my morning without an espresso from the bar near my apartment! Discover your favorite coffee spot by visiting these 6 Cafes in Florence Guaranteed to Satisfy Your Addiction to Coffee!
10. Your addiction to aperitivo
The Italian tradition of aperitivo (happy hour but with food) needs to make its way to the US, because nothing beats a leisurely cocktail and a meal with friends.
11. The Duomo
You will probably walk past the Duomo every day…and still marvel at it. Get helpful tips for climbing the bell tower and the cupola here!
12. The Magic of Piazza della Signoria
The water next to Neptune in the Piazza della Signoria somehow tastes better, and the view isn’t bad either!
13. The Amazing Gelato…Everywhere
I swear when I visit home I go through withdrawals. If you need a recommendation, be sure to check out The Top 10 Must Visit Gelaterias In Florence!
14. The Tuscan countryside
Just outside the city lie the rolling hills, cypress trees, and seemingly endless vineyards that will enchant you and provide a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Discover more about adventures in Tuscany here!
15. Charming streets
Even a simple trip to somewhere as simple as the grocery store leads you to unexpected delights. I’ve never enjoyed walking so much as I have simply strolling around Florence.
16. Live music
Walking through the city can sometimes feel like you are being serenaded everywhere you go.
17. Street art everywhere
From Florence’s signature floating red balloons to political graffiti to its adorably ‘vandalized’ street signs, there is always a modern touch to be seen in Firenze.
18. Mercato Centrale
The markets somehow make fresh fruits and veggies taste better, and always make a trip to the store an adventure.
19. Piazzale Michelangelo
Watching the sun set from the Piazzale Michelangelo will never fail to take your breath away.
20. The Carousel in Piazza della Repubblica
Nothing will remind you of your inner child like this irresistible delight.
21. The people
Some of the most interesting, well traveled, and creative people I’ve encountered have been people I’ve met in Florence, and this incredible city brought us together.
22. The shopping
From the leather markets to high end fashion, all of your shopping needs are met in Firenze, which is why I always return home with too many clothes and too few Euro.
23. For once in your life getting lost is a good thing
Because in Florence, getting lost means discovering something new.
24. Museums Galore
The Accademia, Uffizi, Bargello, Palazzo Pitti, and countless other museums provide endless opportunities to learn about the history of Firenze and the Italian Renaissance.
25. Florence at night
As beautiful as the city is during the day, it transforms into a magical city at night.
26. There is always something new to do or see
The city might be incredibly old and historic, but there are constantly new events such as plays, concerts, sporting events, charity walks, etc. Check out the blog Girl in Florence for a monthly list of upcoming events.
27. David
One of the most famous statues in the world resides here, and you can count yourself lucky to see it in person.
28. The Boboli Gardens
When you need a break from the bustling city center, you can get lost in these beautiful gardens, made even better by the numerous fountains, treelined paths, and views.
29. Navigating by landmarks
Giving directions is way more fun when you casually say things like “Keep walking past the Duomo until you see the piazza with the carousel, then continue until you run into the river.”
30. Piazzas
You’ll learn to appreciate the beauty of having so many open squares in one city, and wonder why we don’t have them back home.
31. Learning to drive a Vespa is on your bucket list
As much as you may feel like you’d get run over, you secretly wish you could drive through the city like an Italian. Looking to learn? Click here to discover how. If I can do it, you can do it (trust me).
32. You are never late
In Italy, timetables seem much more relaxed, so you’ll never have to stress about being a few minutes late.
33. Its okay, and even encouraged to spend forever eating a meal
As opposed to being rushed out of a restaurant as soon as your food is done, you’ll actually have to ask for your check, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy conversation with friends.
34. As much as you may trip walking the cobblestone streets, you’d take that over pavement any day.
I’ve become a pro at navigating the somewhat treacherous streets of Florence. I also gave up on heels.
35. Secret Bakery
The secret bakeries of Florence are a late night staple. Around 3 or 4 AM you can literally smell your way there. If you are in search of other great late night eats in Florence, click here!
36. The Language
Italian is an incredibly beautiful language, and hearing it around every corner makes it much easier to pick up.
37. Famous Florentines
When you are exploring Firenze, you are walking along the same streets as Dante, Brunelleschi, da Vinci, and the Medici family. Which makes you basically famous, right?
38. Even when it rains, Firenze is enchanting
It feels like you are in a whole new city when the rain is gently falling, making the cobblestone streets slick and renewing the town.
39. There is no place in the world quite like Florence
Try as you might, you’ll never find another city quite like Firenze. So go ahead, let it take your breath away.
There you have it! I’m clearly smitten. What city has stolen your heart?
Find more great posts about Florence here, or check out these popular posts!
