Florence – One of the most visited cities on earth

Florence is a stunning sight-seeing experience replete with beautiful centuries-old cathedrals and plazas, resplendent palaces and museums; easily maintaining an old-world feel of buildings and high art, combined with the most modern of contrivances and facilities.

Easily the most beautiful city in the world, Florence Italy can also be one of the most expensive to travel to, without proper planning. Florence accommodations can range from youth hostels, to simple bed and breakfasts, to hotels that cater to almost every conceivable budget. Florence hotels range anywhere from budget-amenable, to mid-range fares, to grand edifices designed for the rich and privileged. Wherever you choose to stay though, every Florence hotel comes with its own unique history and design, and can be cheaper by making online Florence hotel reservations, or availing certain discounts offered throughout the year.

Majority of the tourist attractions in Florence, Italy, can be visited simply by walking from one to the other. Free bicycles can even be made available during the day, depending on the hotel, for visitors to travel to farther locations. Transportation is easy, and range from taxis to buses, though bringing a private car can be more expensive in the long run, notably because of parking fees.

Most tourist attractions in Florence are cultural by nature. The Galleria degli Uffizi is one of the world's celebrated museums, housing most classic Renaissance art, and may even take several hours' queue to enter without buying reserved tickets. Other renknowned establishments include the Pitti Palace, once home to the famous Medici family, and the Accademia, where many sculptures by painter Michaelangelo are on display.

Museums though, aren't the only places one can visit in Florence. The Duomo di Firenze, also known as the Santa Maria del Fiore, is Florence's symbol, and easily one of the largest cathedrals in the area. Tombs of famous Italian figures including Michaelangelo, Dante Alighieri, and Galileo can be viewed at the Santa Croce church. The Boboli Gardens provide a breathtaking view of the city, complete with original sculptures that give the place an exquisitely Renaissance feel.

Florence also promotes outdoor cafes, but additional fees will be charged when occupying a table, as opposed to eating while standing up. Hot and cold sandwiches are served in different varieties, and price ranges varying according to both taste and budget. Florence hotels are fortunately, usually situated near these areas, though a Florence hotel may become more expensive the close it is to the historic sights.

Florence constantly tantalizes one's eyes, ears and sounds; almost every place is a historical treat in itself. While it may be sometimes too rich for one's wallet, with a good budget and carefully planned accommodations, Florence Italy can be visited with modest cost, and is easily worth all the expense.