The Piazza della Signoria has been a centerpiece of the Florentine Republic since the beginning of modern civilization. The plaza is L-shaped and is also known as Palazzo Vecchio. The plaza is often full of tourists from all over Europe and the world looking to find a spot to soak in the Italian lifestyle. You will often see many passing Florentines as well as the Piazza dell Signoria is a significant location for city happenings.

Located in the plaza is the Uffizi Gallery, which is one of the most famous and ancient art museums in all of Europe. To get to the museum, visitors must walk through a narrow walkway with the looming tower as its focal point. The current museum was originally constructed as a palace in 1560 by the architect Giorgio Vasari. The ceilings of the grand palace turned museum are done in typical renaissance style with cherub like creatures and lords of intellect grazing the sky in blue, beige and gold. The palace was originally created for Cosimo l de' Medici and whom over the years began a grand collection of historic art pieces including both paintings and sculptures. Michelangelo and the renaissance king himself Leonardo DaVinci are said to have been guests to the Medici family during their reign at the palace. The gallery is so popular today for its collection of Western treasures that it can some times takes hours to enter. Some of the more famous contributing artists include DaVinci, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Rembrandt. Both "The Birth of Venus" and "The Annunciation" are displayed here and are some of the reason waiting lines are so long.

There are a great number of Florence hotels near the Piazza della Signoria if you would like to stay close to the tourist attraction, but there are also a great deal of shopping and restaurant venues for you to choose from if you are in the area for only the day. One very popular restaurant in the area is the Il David Ristorante Pizzeria Bar. At the Il David, flavorful porcini mushrooms are the star here as they have many dishes from crispy crust pizza to freshly made pasta sauce. The name of the restaurant reflects the nature of the Piazza where looming sculptures dominate the open-aired free to all location. Chiseled mannequins and distorted images of beasts and Gods are available for viewing as you chow down on your carbohydrate rich lunch. "The Rape of the Sabine Woman" is probably one of the most famous sculptures for this reason as it reflects the ancient Latin context of how men were responsible for stealing their brides. Il David is known to many for its exquisite food as well as its extensive wine list. Choose from red or white whilst enjoying palazzo views of passing visitors and some of the world's most important artwork.

Another favourite part of dining at the Piazza della Signoria are the nighttime entertainers that come out after dark, particularly in the summer. If you would prefer something more casual on your trip to the Uffizi Gallery, then try 'Ino. 'Ino is low cost compared to many fine dining restaurants in the region, but still offers the luxurious taste of rich Italian food. Panini sandwiches and freshly made Italian breads are served here alongside the country's world famous oils. The Sandwich shop slash wine bar also offers a number of fresh ingredients jarred and ready for you to take away with home. That is, if it makes all the way back with you before you pop the top later that day in the hotel room. The restaurant is extra value worthy too as a glass of wine is served alongside the dish of your choice. Located between the river and the museum, 'Ino is a great place to eat if you need a break from the posh and would simply like to enjoy an inexpensive, easy meal in the company of English-speaking Italians.