Visiting the Florence Duomo: 7 Crucial Tips + Recommended Ticket Options

The facade of the florence duomo at sunrise

When traveling to Florence, there’s one landmark that stands head and shoulders above the rest as an absolute must-see attraction: the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, simply known as the Florence Duomo.  While the Duomo and its famous Brunelleschi Dome may be famous worldwide, not everyone knows that the cathedral is just one piece … Read more

25 Essential Landmarks in Florence to Visit (+ Florence Attraction Map!)

Duomo in Florence, with rounded building and marble artwork with stripes and symmetry

The capital of the picturesque region of Tuscany, Florence is the cradle of Renaissance art and architecture and one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. Boasting stunning historical landmarks, beautiful churches, medieval squares and buildings, and many remarkable museums, the landmarks of Florence have much to offer every kind of traveler. The architecture and … Read more

7 Best Tuscany Wine Tours from Florence: A Curated List (2023 Update)

view of wine regions of florence's surrounding area of tuscany

If you’ve been planning your Italy trip for a while now or if you’re really into Italian food and wine, you’ve almost certainly heard about Tuscany and the impressive varieties of wines produced in the area. Considered among the best wines in the world, Tuscany is a heavy-hitter in the world of Italian wines. When … Read more

Vegan & Vegetarian Barcelona: Restaurant Guide from a Barcelona Local [2023]

Barcelona, you’ve come a long way, baby. When I first came to town, being a vegetarian wasn’t easy at all.  Locals would often ask me questions that seemed for all the world to have been plucked straight from the mouth of a grandpa in a 1980’s sitcom: “So, you don’t eat meat? Not even chicken?”  … Read more

13 Magical Things to Do in Salzburg in Winter [2023-2024 Season]

a frosty, wintry scene in the salzburg city center with a frozen garden and fountain

Salzburg is one of those places that captures your heart the moment you arrive, regardless of the season. However, anyone who knows a thing or two about this beautiful medieval city knows that winter is the absolute best time to visit.  Once winter falls over the city, you can admire the (already dazzling) cobblestone streets … Read more

10 Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting the Sagrada Familia [2023 Local’s Guide]

the sagrada familia of barcelona with water in the front

Unless you have a major aversion to architecture or religion, La Sagrada Familia is a must-see during your trip to Barcelona. It’s the city’s major tourist attraction, so visiting it is a pretty slick, painless experience, but there are still some things to bear in mind. As a Barcelona local living in the city of … Read more

The 22 Best Day Trips from Florence (+ How to Get There!)

Florence is a beautiful city known as the “Cradle of the Renaissance,” and it features not only stunning landmarks, but some of the best museums in Italy. This rich cultural heritage is an absolute must-see for anyone, but especially for aficionados of art history! However, if you plan on spending a considerable length of time … Read more