Along the Arno River, the Ponte Vecchio is one of the city's most noteworthy landmarks, lined with…read moreshops and rich in history. The Ponte Vecchio ("old bridge" in Italian) is a working part of Florence's daily activities. Crossing the bridge for the first time, what stands out immediately is how unusual it is. It feels like a narrow street or marketplace suspended above the water, sprinkled with small shops. This distinctive layout with shops built directly onto the structure has existed for centuries and gives the Ponte Vecchio a special character unlike any other bridge in Europe. The current bridge dates to the mid-14th century, rebuilt in 1345 after earlier versions were destroyed by floods. Over time, it has evolved from a practical commercial crossing into a symbol of Florence's artistic and cultural identity. Originally filled with butchers and traders, it was transformed during the Renaissance when the Medici decreed that only goldsmiths and jewelers could operate here. Today, virtually every retail type is featured.

If you came to Ponte Vecchio without any context, it's pretty underwhelming. However, upon further…read moreAI deep dive, you'll learn it's the oldest bridge in Florence (1345) that survived WWII and once had butchers and fishmongers along the bridge, but were later replaced by goldsmiths and jewelers. While the original medieval vendors no longer exist, the bridge is still lined with goldsmiths and jewelry shops today. For the best experience, don't just walk across the bridge, take it in from different angles. My favorite view is from the riverbanks, but many prefer seeing it from a distance at Ponte Santa Trinita.

What a fun and totally not fattening event! We learned to make a simple accessory out of a coin. My…read moreresults aren't exactly spectacular... I'd already been to Officine Nora a few times and have custom ordered a piece from one of the artisans, but it's always nice to go and learn more about them and their work!

This is a fantastic initiative from the Opera di Firenze who collaborated with Yelp. The opera…read morehouse has been organizing Twitter parties for the opening might of each opera this season, and this time around us Yelpers took over. The opera was Barbiere di Siviglia, which is perfect for a group of opera newbies and a favourite of opera lovers. Before the show we had the chance to visit the dressing rooms and make up area to speak to the singers and the director. During the performance we were provided with a private balcony to watch the show from where we could freely tweet and take photos during the production. This was a lot of fun, and a unique way to experience the show. During the intermission we were invited into the stage to see the set and talk to one of the orchestra members. It was a unique and special experience for sure. After the show a groups of us went for a pizza nearby with some of the crew to have a beer and a real chat about the performance. It was heaven for an opera lover like me. I am very excited to attend I again, it was a great experience. Thanks to our fantastic CM for organizing this fab collaboration.

#NeverlandOF is about to change your perspective on how to behave in a theater making you feel…read morespecial even if you're not an actor on stage. Premium seats just above the scene, a hidden compartment where your awe for operas and your addiction to social medias become a join venture that some privileged people, together with you, come to share to review and live-stream their experience. A few more details right here: - A pre-tour of the theater when it's still crawling with preparations - An exclusive guided visit backstage to meet the stars - Direct access to wi-fi - Seats near the stage - Pics and mini-videos are a must-do What else do you want? That it'd be free? Done. Come kids, the Opera just got real! Thanks to Yelp for this magic opportunity, as always! The Barber of Seville This piece is the one you want to attend to if you're just getting started with the opera. Brilliant and extremely comical, it was written by Rossini following the vicissitudes of Figaro, an outstanding love matcher that helps the Count of Almaviva with his crush on Rosina, a very independent girl just arrived in town. Of course their relationship is challenged in a lot of circumstances, but in the end love prevails. This particular piece has been revisited in modern age, leaving the actors being the real protagonists while the scenic design takes a little part on the stage. It is very easy to watch and laughs are guaranteed. Actors are joyful and beautifully talented, all young and determined to make their characters main traits come in the foreground for the the public, also thanks to their costumes that reinterpret an almost comic book of themselves. Bravo to everyone!