Climb the bell tower, she suggested. Also known as Campanlie di Giotto, there’s 414 stairs to the top. If you’re heading to Florence and considering conquering the Campanile, don’t worry, there are places to rest during your climb so you can have a breather.

Once you’re up there, the view of the Duomo and the city landscape is a stunner. The views are spectacular from all sides of the lookout. Thankfully, the weather is pretty cool right now with a fresh breeze. I can’t imagine climbing it in the dead of summer with hordes of tourists packed into the tight staircases.

Notice how shiny my face is from the climb. I think wearing my heeled boots to climb the stairs contributed to the shine. ha!