Welcome to Florence, Italy, the birthplace of the Renaissance and home to some of the most amazing historical and architectural sites in the world. From awe-inspiring art galleries and botanical gardens to awe-inspiring churches and piazzas, Florence is a must-see destination. Here are seven must-see sites and what to eat in Florence.
The Duomo: The Duomo, or Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, is the largest and most beautiful of Florence’s churches. A stunning example of Renaissance architecture, the Duomo is the perfect spot to admire the city’s stunning beauty. Located in the Piazza del Duomo, entrance costs €20 and is open every day from 8 AM to 7 PM. Insider tip: climb to the top of the bell tower for a breathtaking view of the city.
The Palazzo Vecchio: Located in the center of the city, the Palazzo Vecchio is a palace and one of the oldest buildings in Florence. Built in the 16th century, the palace houses the city’s government and is the perfect spot to admire beautiful Renaissance art and architecture. Entrance costs €7 and is open daily from 8:15 AM to 7 PM. Insider tip: arrive early to avoid the crowds.
Santa Croce: Located in the center of Florence, Santa Croce is a stunning 13th-century basilica known for its frescoes and the tombs of famous Italian artists. Entrance costs €10 and is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Insider tip: take a guided tour to learn more about the history and art of the basilica.
The Uffizi Museum: One of the oldest and most popular art museums in the world, the Uffizi Museum houses a stunning collection of Renaissance art and sculptures. Located on the banks of the Arno River, entrance costs €25 and is open daily from 8:15 AM to 6:50 PM. Insider tip: the lines can be long, so be sure to buy tickets in advance.
Boboli Gardens: Located at the back of the Palazzo Pitti, Boboli Gardens is a stunning 16th-century Italian garden filled with statues, fountains, and secret pathways. Entrance costs €10 and is open daily from 8:15 AM to 6 PM. Insider tip: visit in spring to see the gardens in full bloom.
Ponte Vecchio: Ponte Vecchio is one of the most famous bridges in Italy and one of the oldest in the world. Spanning the Arno River, the bridge is lined with shops and filled with history. Insider tip: take a stroll across the bridge at night for stunning views of the city.
Eating in Florence: Last but not least, no trip to Florence is complete without sampling some of the delicious food. From steak and pizza to gelato and tiramisu, Florence has something for everyone. Insider tip: be sure to try all the local specialties, such as Tuscan bread, Wild Boar Salami, and Pecorino Cheese.
From the iconic Duomo to the stunning Boboli Gardens, Florence is full of amazing sites to see and experiences to be had. Whether you’re an art lover or just looking for a city to explore, Florence is the perfect destination. So, grab your camera and get ready for an unforgettable trip.

Looking for a destination that combines history, architecture, and delicious food? Look no further than Matera, a stunning city in southern Italy that will transport you back in time. Known for its unique ancient cave dwellings, Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an architectural wonder.
Sassi di Matera: Start your journey at the Sassi area, where you can explore the ancient cave houses, churches, and winding alleyways. Don't miss the Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, a preserved cave dwelling that offers a glimpse into the city's past.
Matera Cathedral: Located in the heart of the city, the Matera Cathedral is a must-visit. This Romanesque-style cathedral dates back to the 13th century and features beautiful frescoes and intricate details.
Tramontano Castle: Perched above the Sassi area, the Tramontano Castle offers panoramic views of Matera. Built in the 16th century, this fortress is a testament to the city's defensive history.
Chiesa di San Pietro Caveoso: This rock-cut church is a hidden gem in the Sassi area. Admire the stunning frescoes and marvel at the unique architecture, which blends seamlessly with the natural rock formations.
Palombaro Lungo: Descend underground to discover the Palombaro Lungo, a fascinating cistern system used for water storage. Take a guided tour to learn about the city's complex water management system.
MUSM Art enthusiasts shouldn't miss the Museum of Contemporary Sculpture Matera (MUSMA). Housed within a 17th-century palace, this museum showcases contemporary sculptures in a historic setting.
Local Cuisine: No visit to Matera is complete without indulging in the local delicacies. Sample orecchiette pasta with tomato sauce, pane cotto (a traditional bread soup), and pasticciotto leccese (a delicious pastry filled with custard cream).
Experience the charm of Matera and immerse yourself in its rich history and unique architecture. From exploring ancient cave dwellings to savoring mouthwatering local cuisine, Matera promises an unforgettable journey back in time.

Florence is the capital of the Italian region of Tuscany and its main train station is Santa Maria Novella. It is located in the heart of the city and is the main hub for passenger trains operated by Trenitalia and Italo. There is another important station in Firenze Rifredi.
Santa Maria Novella is located at Piazza della Stazione, 50123 Florence, Italy. The station is open 24 hours a day. There's a public phone service and luggage storage. You can contact the station by dialing +39 055.212245 or by emailing customer@smn.it.
The main train station in Matera, Italy, is the Matera Centrale station. Located in the heart of the city, it serves as a major transportation hub for locals and tourists alike. Additionally, there are no other major train stations in Matera. This makes Matera Centrale the primary point of arrival and departure for train travelers in the area.
The Matera Centrale station is open from early morning until late evening, providing convenient access to train services throughout the day. It features a modern and well-maintained facility, ensuring a pleasant experience for passengers. For those needing to store their luggage, there is a luggage storage service available at the station. This allows travelers to explore the city without the burden of their belongings.
Book in Advance:
Just like with airfares, train ticket prices tend to rise as the departure date gets closer. Booking weeks or even months in advance can save you a significant amount.
Travel During Off-Peak Hours:
Avoid traveling during peak times such as weekday mornings and evenings. Opt for midday, late evening, or mid-week rides when there's less demand.
Consider Slower Trains or non direct routes:
Express or high-speed trains might save time, but they're often pricier. Opting for regional or slower services can reduce your fare.
Look for Special Deals and Promotions:
Train operators occasionally have promotions or special deals, especially during off-peak seasons. It's worth signing up for newsletters. Additionally, there are sometimes group or return ticket discounts, so consider these options if they fit your travel plans.