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10 of the Most Instagrammable Places in Florence

Aug. 27, 2017
11 min read
Florence: The Sites of Dan Brown's Inferno
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There's a reason why Florence is at the top of many travelers' bucket lists — between the food, architecture, history, fashion and culture, there's really no place else in the world like it. The next time you find yourself in the Renaissance City, make your way to these 10 remarkable places and start snapping. Sure, your Instagram followers may get a little jealous, but this highly-photogenic Italian city was made for the gram — with 16 million tourists visiting every year, the region's popularity can't be denied. Here are our top picks for the most Instagram-worthy spots in Firenze.

1. Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio is one of the most famous bridges in the world and there's nothing like taking a stroll across it, set along the Arno river. Translated to Old Bridge, the stone arch bridge was the first one built in Florence and some of its shops have been there since the 13th century. Beauty and history combine here for the ultimate snap.

2. Giardino delle rose

Is there anything more bellissima than a rose garden? Giardino delle rose overlooks the Arno river and is the ideal place to appreciate nature and sneak away from the crowds. The garden is adjacent to the Piazzale Michelangelo, so do yourself a favor and head up the hill to watch the sunset afterward. Pure bliss.

3. Piazza della Repubblica

Walking around this city square is almost like stepping back in time, although this historic plaza has seen a lot of changes over the last hundred years. But between the cafès, musicians and artists, the piazza bustles with energy day and night. Look for the merry-go-round, ideal for that perfect Florence Instagram picture you've been dreaming of.

4. Santa Maria del Fiore/The Duomo

The Duomo, as Santa Maria del Fiore is known to locals, is likely what comes to mind when you think of Florence, namely the red tiles of Filippo Brunelleschi's cupola. Made with more than four million bricks, it took over 140 years to build the cathedral, and this should be a must-see on your trip to the city. Take a moment to admire its beauty — and document it for your Instagram followers to see later.

5. The Statue of David

Michelangelo's magnificent David statue resides in the Galleria dell'Accademia and fortunately, admirers are now allowed to take pictures of this iconic and historic statue — just remember to turn your flash off. No trip to Florence is complete without a visit to this gallery — it sees over a million visitors a year — and while David gets most of the shine, you'll also find the work of other esteemed Florentine artists throughout the museum.

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6. Basilica di Santa Croce

There's no shortage of beautiful churches in Florence and this is one of the greats. The largest Franciscan church in the world, the building of which began in 1294, it's also the burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. Pro tip: after getting your shot, head over to All'Antico Vinaio to get one of the best panino (singular panini) you'll ever have; it's a short walk away and worth the detour.

7. Tempio Maggiore / The Great Synagogue of Florence

This magnificent Moorish-style synagogue is one of the largest in south-central Europe and dates back to 1882, although it was rebuilt and reconstructed after the Holocaust. Make sure to document this amazing part of history during your trip, and share it with your friends so they can experience its beauty, too.

8. Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi is easily one of the most spectacular art museums in the world — and certainly one of the most-visited. It's filled with the works of Italian Renaissance artists and you could spend days here and still not be able to see and appreciate everything that the gallery holds. Be sure to stop by Botticelli's Birth of Venus; pause to admire and then share it with your friends on Instagram.

 9. Boboli Gardens

Directly behind the Palazzo Pitti (the Royal Palace), these beautiful gardens are the perfect place to wander for an hour or three. One visit and you'll understand why this is one of the most famous open-air museums in the world. Home to trees, fountains and sculptures, the Boboli Gardens date back to the 15th century, but make for an ideal 21st century snap.

10. Gusta Pizza

This restaurant makes heart-shaped pizzas because they know people — we're looking at you, American students studying abroad — will Instagram them. But it's Italy after all, so of course Gusta's wood-fired stone oven pizza is fresh and flavorful. Despite drawing in tourists, the pizzeria is a hit — on and off Instagram.

What are your favorite places to photograph in Florence? Let us know in the comments below.

Featured image by Getty Images

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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.
Apply for American Express® Gold Card
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Best for dining at restaurants
TPG Editor‘s Rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
4 / 5
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Rewards Rate

4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
3XEarn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
2XEarn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
1XEarn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • Intro Offer
    You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
  • Annual Fee

    $325
  • Recommended Credit
    Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.