An Art Lover's Guide to Florence in 24 Hours
Florence itself is a beautiful work of art. The architecture, outdoor statues, and street artists make you feel like you’re in a scene of a moving painting. Art lovers will be spoilt for choice in this beautiful city, but if you’ve only got a day, here’s how to make the most of it.
Must-See Museums
1. Galleria degli Uffizi
Museum, Art Gallery
Insider’s Tip: There are skip the line options and private tours for the museums offered by tour companies. Check out your options here and here. They also have free entry on the first Sunday of every month for all national museums in Florence.
2. Palazzo Pitti
Museum
Insider’s Tip: The best time of year to visit Florence, in general, is during fall or winter since it’s off-season for tourists. If you are coming in spring or summer, get there first thing in the morning, or right at lunch time when the morning crowd takes a lunch break. It is said that Palazzo Pitti’s collection rivals Uffizi’s, but we’ll let you be the judge of that.
3. Artsy eats
Don’t forget about the food! Italian cooking is an art form in itself, and there are a few eateries in Florence known for once being hubs for authors, poets and artists. One such place is Caffè Giubbe Rosse, considered to be the birthplace of the Futurist movement. The café, which boasts artwork from Primo Conti and Depero, is still popular today.
Caffè Guibbe Rosse, Piazza della Repubblica, 13/14R 50123 Firenze
4. Art Bar
Bar, Cocktail Bar, Italian, Pub Grub
Insider’s Tip: This place is small and gets crowded fast, so get there a little earlier than prime cocktail hour to find a table. Also, after you order your drinks, expect to wait awhile. Don’t make any immediate plans for afterwards as the wait is notoriously long. Just remember, you can’t rush a masterpiece.
5. La Cucina del Garga
La Cucina del Garga
This place feels like you just stepped inside a modern painting. Dine in contemporary artsy style at this colourful restaurant and enjoy great food and an even better setting. Art of all kinds cover the walls and a few rooms are even completely painted vibrant colours. Even the food is beautiful. You’ll feel inspired and creative after being here.
Insider’s Tip: Make a reservation ahead of time since they’re only open for dinner. The menu can get pricey, so be prepared to splurge at this seemingly casual spot.
Via San Zanobi 33, 50129 Firenze
Homemade Pasta | © Unsplash/Pixabay
Contemporary and Modern Galleries
6. Palazzo Strozzi
Architectural Landmark, Building, Museum
If you appreciate Renaissance art, but modern and contemporary are more your style, get the best of both worlds at Palazzo Strozzi, a Renaissance palace with displays of modern and contemporary exhibits. There is always a new exhibit to be found at Palazzo Strozzi, so check before your trip what will be featured and buy your tickets ahead of time.
Insider’s Tip: There is usually not a long line since it’s a lesser known museum by tourists, so take advantage and pop in right after lunch. Be warned, however, that if something really special is being featured, there could be a line, so always plan in advance.
Aria Art Gallery and Galleria Tournibuoni
For the likes of Picasso, Basquiat, and Warhol, Aria Art Gallery and Galleria Tournibuoni are definitely the places to see. Both galleries have locations in other major cities such as London, Milan, and Paris, so you know you won’t be disappointed.
Insider’s Tip: Check their opening hours and if they are closed as certain parts of the year before you get your heart set on going, just in case. Florence can sometimes have odd days and hours of operation, such as being closed on Mondays (this also goes for museums and government services).
Aria Art Gallery Borgo Santissimi Apostoli 40R, 50123 Firenze
Galleria Tournibuoni Lungarno Benvenuto Cellini 3, 50125 Firenze
7. Auditorium di Santo Stefano al Ponte
Auditorium di Santo Stefano al Ponte
Lesser known and smaller niche exhibits can also be found at Auditorium di Santo Stefano al Ponte where exhibits pass through highlighting a particular artist, time period, or special interest. Check their website for more information.
Enjoy the city’s free art
Piazza della Signoria offers the most free art in one location. Take a walk through the loggia under the arches where you can marvel at some of the city’s famous sculptures. From the fountain of Neptune and a replica of David, to a plethora of other statues in bronze, marble, and limestone, the piazza seems more like an open air gallery than a public square.
Insider’s Tip: While you’re exploring the city, you should also pop into any open church door you see, especially since most of them are free to enter. Due to the religious history of Italy, many hidden gems and architectural marvels can be found inside the various churches, especially in the important city of Florence. But as an art lover, you probably already knew that, so take advantage whenever you can to see what most tourists walk past every day without a second thought.
Art Tours
Take an art tour if you want to get straight to it and choose which option suits your interests best. You can also find plenty of artists set up with easels and paints, with their past work on display for sale along the main tourist streets as they work on their next piece. Local artists’ work makes a great souvenir you can take home and escape into when you’re missing Florence.
8. Check out the street art
Store
Insider’s Tip: Clet has an open studio in the San Niccolò neighbourhood that doubles as a store where you can buy some of his designs and see what else he has to offer. And there you have it, a 24-hour guide to get the most out of Florence as an art lover. Art is everywhere in this city and one taste will inspire you to come back for more. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
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