Latest news with #UffiziGallery
Euronews
22-07-2025
- Euronews
This is Europe's best city, according to traveller survey
Florence has been named Europe's top city in Travel + Leisure's 2025 World's Best Awards, a reader-voted survey that highlights travellers' favourite destinations around the globe. The Tuscan capital came in 11th overall, the highest-ranking European city on this year's list. The top spot globally went to San Miguel de Allende in Mexico, followed by Oaxaca and Tokyo. While the overall top 10 was dominated by cities in Latin America and Asia, several European cities rounded out the list, all favoured by readers looking for culture, food and historic charm. Italy stands out with three cities on the list The rankings are based on nearly 180,000 reader responses. Cities were rated across six categories: sights and landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, shopping and value. Italy was the only European country with three cities in the top 25: Florence (11), Rome (18) and Siena (23). All earned praise for their timeless beauty, great food and culture, from centuries-old cathedrals and trattorias to cobblestoned streets full of local life. The results track with tourism data: Italy was the fourth most-visited country in the world in 2024, drawing more than 71 million international visitors. Florence continues to enchant travellers with its intimate scale, world-renowned art and sunlit piazzas. From the Uffizi Gallery's Botticellis to Florence Cathedral's terracotta dome, the Tuscan capital offers a walking-distance feast of masterpieces. Its rustic restaurants - many family-run for generations - add to the timeless atmosphere. Rome, meanwhile, offers something few cities can match: layers of living history. The Eternal City's blend of ancient ruins and street-level spontaneity earned high marks from readers. This year's Jubilee, an occasion that brings together Catholics from around the world every 25 years, is also taking place in the wake of Pope Francis' passing in April. And then there's the well-preserved Tuscan city of Siena. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995, the 12th-century city rises from rolling hills, with its medieval brick buildings and Gothic towers an immediate draw. Its lively restaurants and famed Piazza del Campo, where the Palio horse race unfolds twice each summer, set the pace for a city that feels like a welcome step back to a bygone era. Spain and Türkiye also make strong showings Spain saw two of its Andalusian cities land just behind Florence: Seville in 12th place and Granada in 13th. Both were recognised for their historical heritage and atmospheric old towns. Istanbul, bridging Europe and Asia, followed in 14th place. Seville is pure southern Spanish charm, complete with flamenco echoing out through winding cobblestoned streets, vibrant nightlife and grand heritage sites. Granada, lying at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, casts a quieter image, but it's no less magical. The Alhambra – the hilltop fortress filled with fountains, gardens and intricate Islamic architecture – remains one of Europe's most awe-inspiring sites. But the city's appeal also lies in its narrow alleys and generations-old tapas bars. Meanwhile, Istanbul's full-flavoured food, incredible history and location at the meeting point of two continents make it one of the world's most exciting cities. France misses out One country was noticeably absent from the list. Despite being the world's most visited country – drawing over 100 million tourists annually – France did not have a single city in this year's top 25. While France remains perennially popular, the absence may reflect shifting preferences among the magazine's predominantly American readership. Smaller, slower cities with greater perceived value – and perhaps fewer issues with overtourism – appear to have gained ground over larger destinations such as Paris. The final European destination to make the cut – Portugal's Porto in 24th – reflects this change, too, even if its tourism industry is starting to surge. The takeaway might be that in a post-pandemic era shaped by value, authenticity and ease, even travel's perennial favourites aren't guaranteed a spot at the top.
Metro
18-07-2025
- Metro
'Exceptionally beautiful' city named the world's most walkable
If you're the type of traveller who loves nothing more than going for a stroll and getting lost, Florence is officially the place to be. In new research, the Italian city – often known simply as 'The Beautiful' – has been named the most walkable city in the world, thanks to a compact layout and pedestrian-friendly streets that are perfect for a good old wander. Financial website Insider Monkey analysed factors like the distance between the top five tourist attractions, air quality and crime and safety statistics across a range of major cities. The Italian hotspot beat the likes of Sydney, Madrid, Porto and Hamburg to take the crown, winning points for its convenient landscape, clean air and low crime rate. Not only are Florence's most popular landmarks – like the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio and Piazza del Duomo – within 0.5 miles of each other, it takes just 10 minutes to walk between them, meaning you can pack a whole lot of culture into your trip. The report praised its offering of 'history and timeless architecture with each step,' noting that the entirety of Central Florence can be explored in as little as two hours — with a number of hidden gems that are only accessible on foot. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Visitors are just as enamoured with it as well. On Tripadvisor, JorjaWr07 said: 'I've been here three times and I fall in love with Florence all over again every time. It's such an experience just going around the small quaint shops lining the streets.' Jacques D claimed it very much lives up to its reputation as the 'birthplace of the Renaissance,' while AvaVanGoth wrote: 'I have never seen such beauty in my life, speechless! The food is amazing people are very friendly and helpful.' Another reviewer, Ron09, added: 'Florence never fails to amaze, visually stunning. Even having been there many times, you get impressed by the history, art and great restaurants.' Ready to get your walking boots on for a Tuscan getaway? Here's what to expect. Florence's historic centre is UNESCO-inscribed thanks to '600 years of extraordinary artistic activity', and a trip there would be remiss withoutseeing some of it. Head to the Galleria dell'Accademia to see Michelangelo's iconic David sculpture, and to the Uffizi Gallery for Botticelli's The Birth of Venus and da Vinci's Annunciation. Just make sure to pre-book, as the queues can get long. There's also Palazzo Pitti, home to the Medici family treasures, Museo Galileo, which showcases the work of the Florentine polymath, and Museo del Bargello, where you'll find Italy's most comprehensive collection of Tuscan Renaissance sculpture. The city's isn't just confined to museums galleries though: the Duomo Cathedral, with its terracotta-tiled dome engineered by Brunelleschi and bell tower by Giotto, is a work of art in itself. Similarly, Ponte Vecchio is as impressive as it is distinctive: this three-arched bridge, lined by shops, dates back to 1345, and is the region's only one to have survived WWII. The options for art, culture and history are endless, but don't forget to make time to take it all in. Both Boboli Gardens and the Piazzale Michelangelo are perfect for a relaxing pitstop. Grab yourself a drink, snap a few pictures of the stunning views across the city, then just watch the world go by. Want to make the most of your visit? Tripadvisor users have some handy advice: Your best bet for great food and reasonable prices are the smaller, family-run restaurants on the side streets. — Murphy5708 If you're going to be in Florence for at least three days, get a three-day Firenze Pass for entrance to museums. The easiest place to get one is Palazzo Vecchio. — Manatee27 Wear comfortable shoes and prepare to walk everywhere, but if you poop out, don't be shy about hailing a cab. — OkArtist My hidden gem is the Della Fortezza Fountain and park; quiet tranquil, nice fountain and near the main train station with the fort walls, but hardly any goes there. — Hammercounty Florence is famous for its gelato, so sampling some is a must, alongside signature local delicacies like the negroni cocktail, bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine steak), and ribollita (a soup made with bread, beans and vegetables). In terms of shopping, you're spoilt for choice, with options including San Lorenzo's Mercato Centrale, the open-air Mercato del Porcellino, and Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio, the oldest covered market in the city. @triggtube Before you travel to Florence… If you want to get outside the city, this place fills up quickly, but check out The Accidental Tourist for some pasta classes, wine tours, and overnights in the Tuscan hills. Florentine steak and great local dishes are all around, but my fave spots are definitely @ituscani and @osteriadelcinghialebianco … the Florentine steak meatballs at I'Tuscani are a TOP 3 dish in the city. Amazing. Vin Santo is an awesome local dessert, and pappa al pomodoro is a nice local tomato soup. And if you insist on Antico Vinaio, the train station serves the same sandwiches without a line. But truly EVERY shop I've been to has been amazing. It's much more about ordering the right sandwich than choosing the right restaurant. I recommend stracciatella as a topping. Safe and happy travels! #florence #italy #travel #summervacation ♬ A Summer Place – Hollywood Strings Orchestra With around 9 million visitors every year, Florence is very much on the beaten track. But this popularity isn't necessarily a bad thing — at least when it comes to flight availability anyway. According to Skyscanner, there are 69 flights a week from the UK to Florence-Peretola Airport with major airlines like Vueling and British Airways. The journey takes just over two hours each way, and return fares start from a very budget-friendly £44. Many people see 'shoulder season' – April to June and September after the holidays – as the best time to visit, as temperatures remain warm but aren't too hot. Plus, it's less expensive than high summer. More Trending In August, daily highs typically reach 32°, and some businesses even close up entirely so locals can escape the heat. Another benefit (or not, depending on your constitution) to visiting in June is that you can catch Florence's Calcio Storico tournament in the Piazza Santa Croce. Each weekend, different neighbourhoods compete in a game described as a combination of football, rugby and wrestling, watched on by 4,000 braying spectators — it's brutal, but nonetheless a unique tradition you'll never forget witnessing. Florence, Italy Riga, Latvia Hamburg, Germany Porto, Portugal Madrid, Spain Edinburgh, Scotland Tallinn, Estonia Stockholm, Sweden Sydney, Australia Boston, USA This ranking was compiled by Insider Monkey, using data from sources such as Tourlane, WalkScore, IQAir and Numbeo. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Daredevil who jumped to Earth from space is killed in paraglider crash 'into hotel pool' MORE: I visited Prague's 'narrowest street' to see if it lives up to the TikTok hype MORE: I adored Jersey — it's a crying shame that tourists aren't visiting
NDTV
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Malaika Arora Shares Glimpse Of Her Florence Getaway With Son Arhaan
Bollywood icon Malaika Arora is embracing the slow living in Florence, Italy. The actress shared a glimpse from her laid-back vacation with son, Arhaan, on Instagram. From scenic hills to carb-loaded treats, Malaika Arora's Italian getaway was all about finding balance and relaxation. The reel of memories opened with Malaika Arora standing in what seemed like a hotel lobby. She was wearing a blue co-ords set with white sneakers and dark sunglasses. Up next, the actress shared a glimpse of the snowy hills from her plane window seat. Malaika Arora Is Having The Time Of Her Live In Florence, Italy The model and actor gave her fans a tour of her hotel room, followed by a picture of a waitress with a tray of welcome drinks and snacks in her hand. The next slide featured a snapshot of a flower bouquet. The actress was seen drinking her welcome drink while standing on the balcony of her room. In another picture, we see Malaika Arora 's son Arhaan finishing his drink. During her stay in Florence, Malaika went sightseeing and enjoyed the delicious culinary delights the city had to offer. She was seen posing in front of a canal dressed in a cute, printed dress. She had pasta, buttered toast and french toast with a lot of syrup. There were also candid images of the mother and son walking around in Florence. Malaika shared a mirror selfie of her dressed in a pink cutout gown, followed by a selfie with Arhaan. The duo had glasses of what looked like fruit juice in their hands. The post wrapped with a tour of the luxurious Hotel Savoy, where she was staying during her Italian getaway in Florence. In the caption, Malaika wrote, "Somewhere between the hills, the carbs, and the chaos… I accidentally fell in love with Florence. Didn't expect the hills around Florence to make me feel so held. Like the city just knew I needed to slow down." Check out the post: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Malaika Arora (@malaikaaroraofficial) What To Do In Florence, Italy? If you are planning to take a trip to Florence, here are 5 things you must do in the city: 1. Explore the iconic Duomo and climb to the top for breathtaking views of Florence. 2. Take a tour of the Uffizi Gallery. It is home to some of the world's most famous artworks, including Botticelli's Birth of Venus. 3. Walk through the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval stone bridge lined with shops and boutiques. 4. Indulge in the local cuisine, from ribollita to bistecca alla fiorentina. Don't forget to sample some of the region's renowned Chianti wine. 5. Visit the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo's iconic sculpture, David, up close and personal.
Metro
11-07-2025
- Metro
'Birthplace of the Renaissance' crowned world's most walkable city
If you're the type of traveller who loves nothing more than going for a stroll to see the sights, this is officially the place to be. In new research, Florence (Firenze) has been named the most walkable city in the world, with a compact layout and pedestrian-friendly streets that are perfect for a good old wander around. Financial website Insider Monkey analysed factors like the distance between the top five tourist attractions, air quality and crime and safety statistics across a range of major cities. The Italian hotspot beat the likes of Sydney, Madrid, Porto and Hamburg to take the crown, winning points for its convenient landscape, clean air and low crime rate. Not only are Florence's most popular landmarks – like the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio and Piazza del Duomo – within 0.5 miles of each other, it takes just 10 minutes to walk between them, meaning you can pack a whole lot of culture into your trip. The report praised its offering of 'history and timeless architecture with each step,' noting that the entirety of Central Florence can be explored in as little as two hours — with a number of hidden gems that are only accessible on foot. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Visitors are just as enamoured with it as well. On Tripadvisor, JorjaWr07 said: 'I've been here three times and I fall in love with Florence all over again every time. It's such an experience just going around the small quaint shops lining the streets.' Jacques D claimed it very much lives up to its reputation as the 'birthplace of the Renaissance,' while AvaVanGoth wrote: 'I have never seen such beauty in my life, speechless! The food is amazing people are very friendly and helpful.' Another reviewer, Ron09, added: 'Florence never fails to amaze, visually stunning. Even having been there many times, you get impressed by the history, art and great restaurants.' Ready to get your walking boots on for a Tuscan getaway? Here's what to expect. Florence's historic centre is UNESCO-inscribed thanks to '600 years of extraordinary artistic activity', and a trip there would be remiss withoutseeing some of it. Head to the Galleria dell'Accademia to see Michelangelo's iconic David sculpture, and to the Uffizi Gallery for Botticelli's The Birth of Venus and da Vinci's Annunciation. Just make sure to pre-book, as the queues can get long. There's also Palazzo Pitti, home to the Medici family treasures, Museo Galileo, which showcases the work of the Florentine polymath, and Museo del Bargello, where you'll find Italy's most comprehensive collection of Tuscan Renaissance sculpture. The city's isn't just confined to museums galleries though: the Duomo Cathedral, with its terracotta-tiled dome engineered by Brunelleschi and bell tower by Giotto, is a work of art in itself. Similarly, Ponte Vecchio is as impressive as it is distinctive: this three-arched bridge, lined by shops, dates back to 1345, and is the region's only one to have survived WWII. The options for art, culture and history are endless, but don't forget to make time to take it all in. Both Boboli Gardens and the Piazzale Michelangelo are perfect for a relaxing pitstop. Grab yourself a drink, snap a few pictures of the stunning views across the city, then just watch the world go by. Want to make the most of your visit? Tripadvisor users have some handy advice: Your best bet for great food and reasonable prices are the smaller, family-run restaurants on the side streets. — Murphy5708 If you're going to be in Florence for at least three days, get a three-day Firenze Pass for entrance to museums. The easiest place to get one is Palazzo Vecchio. — Manatee27 Wear comfortable shoes and prepare to walk everywhere, but if you poop out, don't be shy about hailing a cab. — OkArtist My hidden gem is the Della Fortezza Fountain and park; quiet tranquil, nice fountain and near the main train station with the fort walls, but hardly any goes there. — Hammercounty Florence is famous for its gelato, so sampling some is a must, alongside signature local delicacies like the negroni cocktail, bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine steak), and ribollita (a soup made with bread, beans and vegetables). In terms of shopping, you're spoilt for choice, with options including San Lorenzo's Mercato Centrale, the open-air Mercato del Porcellino, and Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio, the oldest covered market in the city. @triggtube Before you travel to Florence… If you want to get outside the city, this place fills up quickly, but check out The Accidental Tourist for some pasta classes, wine tours, and overnights in the Tuscan hills. Florentine steak and great local dishes are all around, but my fave spots are definitely @ituscani and @osteriadelcinghialebianco … the Florentine steak meatballs at I'Tuscani are a TOP 3 dish in the city. Amazing. Vin Santo is an awesome local dessert, and pappa al pomodoro is a nice local tomato soup. And if you insist on Antico Vinaio, the train station serves the same sandwiches without a line. But truly EVERY shop I've been to has been amazing. It's much more about ordering the right sandwich than choosing the right restaurant. I recommend stracciatella as a topping. Safe and happy travels! #florence #italy #travel #summervacation ♬ A Summer Place – Hollywood Strings Orchestra With around 9 million visitors every year, Florence is very much on the beaten track. But this popularity isn't necessarily a bad thing — at least when it comes to flight availability anyway. According to Skyscanner, there are 69 flights a week from the UK to Florence-Peretola Airport with major airlines like Vueling and British Airways. More Trending The journey takes just over two hours each way, and return fares start from a very budget-friendly £44. Many people see 'shoulder season' – April to June and September after the holidays – as the best time to visit, as temperatures remain warm but aren't too hot. Plus, it's less expensive than high summer. In August, daily highs typically reach 32°, and some businesses even close up entirely so locals can escape the heat. Another benefit (or not, depending on your constitution) to visiting in June is that you can catch Florence's Calcio Storico tournament in the Piazza Santa Croce. Each weekend, different neighbourhoods compete in a game described as a combination of football, rugby and wrestling, watched on by 4,000 braying spectators — it's brutal, but nonetheless a unique tradition you'll never forget witnessing. Florence, Italy Riga, Latvia Hamburg, Germany Porto, Portugal Madrid, Spain Edinburgh, Scotland Tallinn, Estonia Stockholm, Sweden Sydney, Australia Boston, USA This ranking was compiled by Insider Monkey, using data from sources such as Tourlane, WalkScore, IQAir and Numbeo. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: 'Heart-stealer' city is Europe's quirky foodie capital — and it just got direct UK flights MORE: Lufthansa CEO's wife 'runs over and kills woman crossing the road' on family holiday MORE: Boy dies on beach after being buried alive when hole he was digging collapsed
South China Morning Post
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Uffizi Gallery painting damaged by selfie-taking tourist
A visitor at the Uffizi Gallery in the Italian city of Florence accidentally damaged a valuable oil painting while trying to take a selfie. The unidentified tourist leaned against Anton Domenico Gabbiani's Baroque portrait of Ferdinando de' Medici, who was the grand prince of Tuscany, to take a photo – until the canvas gave way. Italian broadcaster TG1 posted a video on X, which shows the painting's canvas tearing under the man's weight. The painting is considered one of the highlights of the current exhibition. The man was identified by museum staff and reported to the police. The museum management said that the damage was minor, however, and could be repaired. The painting was immediately removed for restoration.
