At the base of the hill leading up to Piazzale Michelangelo lies the San Niccolò district, one of Florence’s most atmospheric neighborhoods. This medieval quarter still feels like a small village, with cobbled streets, ivy-covered buildings, and artisan studios.
Climb the Porta San Miniato, one of the city’s ancient gates, and follow the winding steps up the old defensive walls. You’ll be rewarded with sweeping views and a sense of having stepped back into Florence’s medieval past. San Niccolò is also a wonderful place for dining—its trattorias are frequented more by locals than tourists.
In selecting our picks for the world's most beautiful rivers, we considered a number of factors beyond simply length and historical significance. For us, these rivers offer stunning natural beauty and make for excellent vacation destinations. These are our picks for 10 of the most beautiful rivers in the world.