Florence is a city like no other. The capital of the Tuscany region of Italy is home to many masterpieces of Renaissance art. This beautiful city is, in fact, one of the few cities on the globe whose historical centre is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its town centre is an open-air museum – the city’s skyline remains largely unchanged over the centuries. There are many beautiful places to visit in here; art lovers and history geeks will find plenty to entertain them. Choosing the best things was not an easy task. We did the hard part for you and created a list of the top things to do in Florence.
You might not be able to see everything on your first trip, but you can surely pick a few places.
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Beautiful places to visit in Florence
Wondering what the best attractions are? Here are some gorgeous places you’ve got to check out.
Top things to do in Florence for museum lovers
1. Uffizi Gallery
One of the first tourist attractions visitors head to is the Uffizi Gallery, and there is a reason for that. This renowned art museum is, in fact, one of the best art museums in the world. The gallery is home to priceless works dating from the Middle Ages to the Modern period. This gallery displays highly-celebrated artworks by some of the greatest artists in the world.
Here you can see masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio, as well as works by Dutch and Flemish masters. Across the two floors, you can find the paintings such as the Birth of Venus, Medusa or Annunciation by da Vinci.
FUN FACTS:
The name of the gallery translates to offices. It was the original purpose of this building. The famous Italian architect and painter Giorgio Vasari designed a construction this building for Cosimo I de Medici. When the last male member of the Medici family passed away, his sister donated the entire collection of art and the property to the city. She issued a decree which guarantees that all the works of art stay in Florence.
In the Uffizi Gallery, you can see a private art collection of the Medici Family. The Medici were the leaders of this city and made an enormous impact on it.
Exploring the Uffizi Gallery is one of the top things to do in Florence for art and history lovers. This world-famous museum houses one of the best collections of Italian Renaissance art on Earth. Moreover, the Uffizi Gallery is one of the most visited museums in Italy. It is also one of the most popular attractions in the city.
GOOD TO KNOW:
A visit to the Uffizi Gallery can be overwhelming because it contains thousands of artworks. Millions of tourists visit this museum every year. Hence, the tickets regularly sell out many days in advance.
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If you get to the gallery early in the morning when they open, you may get these world-famous paintings to yourself. Pre-booked tickets with an online reservation are the way to go here. Otherwise, you will have to queue in line for hours. Expect to spend here at least 3 hours. The entry to the Uffizi Gallery is a part of the Firenze card. The Uffizi Gallery is not open on Mondays.
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13 MUST-SEE UFFIZI GALLERY ARTWORKS
2. Galleria dell’ Accademia
You might not be surprised to learn that the Galleria dell’ Accademia is also one of the best places to visit. Even though this world-famous museum is much smaller than the Uffizi Gallery, it displays some valuable works. The museum houses Michelangelo’s works and also a collection of paintings by Florentine artists. You can also find here a museum of musical instruments.
However, the main reason why tourist flock here is to see the original statue of Michelangelo’s David. Yes, that is right, the Galleria dell’ Accademia is home to the original David statue.
The statue of David is one of the most famous sculptures in the entire history of art.
Michelangelo carved this world-famous statue from a single block of marble more than 500 years ago. It is hard to believe that he was only 26 years old when he created this more than 5 metres (17ft) tall statue. It took him over two years to create this masterpiece which weighs almost six tons.
Pay attention to the veins on David’s arms and the expression on his face. This statue has remarkable details – you can see Michelangelo’s passion for the human anatomy and his knowledge of the male body.
Visiting the Galleria dell’ Accademia is one of the top things to do in Florence because you can see Michelangelo’s famous David statue here. Moreover, this famed museum exhibits the world’s largest number of Michelangelo sculptures. Because of that, it is the second most visited art museum in Italy (after Uffizi).
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Don’t miss four unfinished statues by Michelangelo, which frame the corridor that leads up to the statue of David.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Don’t forget to pre-book your skip-the-line ticket for the Galleria dell’ Accademia. Arrive early in the morning or before closing – otherwise, you will wait in the legendary lines for a long time. The last entrance is at 4. 45 PM.
The Galleria dell’ Accademia is not open on Mondays. The opening hours for the Galleria dell’ Accademia are from 8.15 AM – 6.50 PM every day, except Monday. Admission to the gallery is €16.00 (plus € 4 booking fee, no audio guide). You don’t need to pay if you have the Firenze Card – but don’t forget to make your reservation in advance.
3. Galileo Museum
Many tourists want to see only the top attractions, such as the famous Duomo complex and the Uffizi Gallery. However, this beautiful city offers much more than that. If you are looking for unusual attractions, then visit the Galileo Museum. As the name suggests, Galileo Museum is dedicated to the iconic Italian astronomer and scientist Galileo Galilei. Here you can see scientific instruments dating back to the 11th century. The exhibition includes his unique artefacts, such as his famous telescope and lenses, which helped him to discover the moons of Jupiter.
Why is Galileo Galilei a genius?
Galileo established the fields of physics and astronomy. He used his telescope to make many discoveries about the Moon, Jupiter’s Moons and Venus. Galileo was a genius because he proved that Sun was the centre of the Solar System, not Earth, as people believed before the 17th century.
Visiting the Galileo Museum is one of the top things to do in Florence because this museum houses one of the most important scientific collections in the world. You can find here old maps, globes, thermometers, calculating equipment, and even Galileo’s original instruments. The museum is definitely worth a visit. When visiting Galileo Museum, explore rooms with instruments collected by the members of the Medici family and the Lorraine dynasty. You can even find here the middle finger of Galileo’s right hand.
GOOD TO KNOW:
- The Galileo Museum is just a short walk from the Uffizi Gallery. Expect to spend here about 1.5 – 2 hours(you will not need more).
- Galileo Museum is open every day from 9.30 AM – 6 PM. An entry ticket to the Galileo Museum costs 10 euros for adults (free of charge with a Firenze card).
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Top things to do in Florence for culture lovers
4. Palazzo Vecchio
In the centre of the city, you will find the Palazzo Vecchio. It is one of the most famous symbols of the city. This iconic building in Piazza Signoria was once one of the most important administrative buildings in the city. Palazzo Vecchio, or the old palace, was a hub of Florentine government for several centuries. Today it is home to the city hall and the museum.
Take a wander through a courtyard and pay attention to the frescoes, which you can see on the walls. Afterwards, buy your ticket to the palace and explore its beautiful rooms. The highlights are the private apartments of the Medici, Dante’s death mask and the Hall of the Five Hundred. You may recognize the Hall of the Five Hundred because it plays a key role in Dan Brown’s Inferno. This richly decorated room is 54 metres long and 22 metres wide and is the largest room in the city. Giorgio Vasari painted six battle scenes on the walls together with his helpers. They represent the military success of Cosimo I against Pisa and Siena.
FUN FACT:
Did you know that Palazzo Vecchio has a series of hidden passages? Powerful Medici built them so they could escape their enemies. For example, in the Map Room, there is a secret door behind the map of Armenia.
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After exploring the rooms of Palazzo Vecchio, do not forget to climb 416 steps to the tower, which offers some of the best views of the Duomo.
Exploring the rooms of the Palazzo Vecchio is one of the top things to do in Florence because this is one of the most iconic buildings in the city. In the past, this palace played an important role in the city’s history. It certainly is a stop which you cannot miss when visiting this beautiful city.
5. Michelangelo’s graffiti
Nobody knows why Michelangelo carved this face into one of the walls of the Palazzo Vecchio.
Did you know that Michelangelo left his mark on the wall of one of the most famous buildings in the city? Yes, you read it correctly, the world-famous sculptor is responsible for the graffiti on the historic Palazzo Vecchio. The locals call it L’importuno di Michelangelo, which translates to the nuisance by Michelangelo.
Finding Michelangelo’s graffiti is one of the top things to do in Florence because it is one of the attractions tourists usually miss. This graffiti-like carving of a man’s head carved on the façade of Palazzo Vecchio is an unusual find.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Michelangelo’s graffiti is difficult to find if you do not know where to look. You can find a small square with a face of a man at the corner of the Palazzo Vecchio on the side near the Uffizi Gallery. This drawing is behind the statue of Hercules and Cacus.
6. Santa Maria del Fiore
Whatever you do, do not leave without visiting the Florence Cathedral. Its full name is Santa Maria del Fiore, but almost everyone refers to it as the Duomo.
At the time of completion in the 15th century, it was the largest church in Europe. Thanks to its size, you cannot miss it – the Duomo is 153 metres long and 90 metres wide at the crossing. From the floor to the bottom of the lantern measures 90 metres. Nowadays, the Florence Cathedral is the third largest church in the world (after St. Peter’s in Rome and St. Paul’s in London). The Duomo is, in fact, the city’s most famous landmark. It is a symbol of wealth and power in the city in the 13th and 14th centuries.
Exploring the Duomo is one of the top things to do in Florence because it is the main tourist attraction in Tuscany. What’s more, this cathedral is one of the largest churches in Italy. Together with the nearby Baptistery and Giotto’s Campanile (bell tower), it is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It took over 140 years to build the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Several artists contributed to its appearance. Take a look around and see this beautiful church covered in green, red and white marble. The interior of the cathedral is quite simple but has several interesting pieces.
The highlight is, of course, the inside of the cupola covered with breathtaking frescoes of the Last Judgement by Giorgio Vasari. Also, do not miss the large clock face and Dante’s picture with scenes from Dante’s Divine Comedy. You can find this famous painting above the door, which you enter when you want to visit the dome.
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Santa Maria del Fiore stands on the ruins of the old basilica of Santa Reparata. You can visit its remains, which are under the cathedral. There is a separate entrance to Santa Reparata, which allows you to explore the Duomo at the same time as well. Hence, you do not need to wait in line for hours with everyone who wants to visit the Duomo for free. The entry to Santa Reparata is a part of the two tickets. Buy one of the passes if you want to climb the bell tower and Brunelleschi’s dome.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Entry to the Duomo is free, but expect to wait in line for hours. Alternatively, buy one of the passes which allow you to enter the Duomo through a different door (Santa Reparata).
7. Baptistery of St. John
Geometrically patterned white and green marble covers the whole building. It is famous for its ‘’Florentine’’ design.
The Baptistery of St. John also deserves to be on a your bucket list. Why, you may ask? This octagonal building has as status of a minor basilica. It is as beautiful as fascinating. The Baptistery of St. John is the oldest religious site in Florence. As the name suggests, it’s dedicated to St. John the Baptist – the creator of the act of baptism and the patron saint of the city. Until the 19th century, this was the only place for baptism in the city.
The Baptistery of St. John stands in Piazza del Duomo in front of the famous Duomo. Many believe that the Baptistery of St. John stands on the ruins of what was once a Roman temple. The structure has a similar design to the nearby bell tower and the Duomo.
What makes the Baptistery of St. John unique is its mosaic ceiling and three sets of bronze doors with relief sculptures. Pay attention to the Gates of Paradise doors, which have ten square scenes of relief sculpture displayed in two lines. You can find this door near the Duomo. Afterwards, enter the building and see a beautiful golden Byzantine-style mosaic fresco. It is one of the highlights of the baptistery because the city is not famous for its mosaic tradition.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The Baptistery of St. John is open between 8.15 AM and 6.30 PM. You will need to buy one of 3 passes if you want to visit it (Brunelleschi, Giotto or Ghiberti pass).
Top things to do in Florence for the best views
8. Climb Brunelleschi’s Dome
The Dome is the largest brick dome ever constructed.
If you do only one thing when in Florence, make sure you climb the dome of its cathedral. The Brunelleschi’s Dome is a masterpiece of art. It is also the crowning jewel of the Duomo. Its giant cupola dominates the skyline of the city, and because of that, it is a symbol of the city.
Climbing the 463 steps to the top of the dome is one of the top things to do in Florence. Brunelleschi dome is a masterpiece of the Renaissance. Many thought it is impossible to build it, but the Medici family, together with Brunelleschi brought it to realization.
Why is the Dome of Santa Maria del Fiore so unique?
The Dome of Santa Maria del Fiore is unique because it is the largest masonry vault in the world. Filippo Brunelleschi built it in only 16 years, following the project he presented in the competition. The internal dome stretches 45,5 m in diameter. The construction required around 4 million bricks.
More than 200 years later, Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari covered the ceiling with the Last Judgement frescoes. These beautiful paintings show heaven and hell with tortured sinners.
Once you reach the top of the dome, you can enjoy the 360˚ views of the city and the Tuscan countryside. Enjoy excellent views on the way to the top of the cupola.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Those who want to climb to the top of the Duomo must buy a Brunelleschi pass. Also, you will need a reservation with a time slot. To go up to the Duomo, you need to use the Dome entrance, not the main Cathedral entrance.
After climbing Brunelleschi’s Dome, you will have three calendar days to visit all the other attractions included in the pass. Tickets with time slots sell out days in advance.
9. Climb Giotto’s Campanile
White, green and red marble, similar to the one in the nearby cathedral, covers this eye-catching bell tower.
Right next to the cathedral stands Campanile, or bell tower in English. Giotto’s bell tower is one of the four main monuments on the Piazza del Duomo. This elegant free-standing bell tower is, in fact, one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in Florence in the 14th century. The spire stood here for countless centuries and is almost 85 metres (279 ft) tall. It is a true masterpiece of Gothic architecture and is recognizable from afar.
As the name suggests, the famous artist Giotto designed this beautiful structure. If you look closely, you can see different designs on the tower. It is because Giotto, before his death, completed only the first of five levels. The other architect carried Giotto’s design only up to the first two levels.
If you have time, climb Giotto’s Campanile – you will not regret it. To reach the top of the bell tower, you will have to climb many steps (414 steps to be precise). The bell tower has three middle floors – these are perfect for catching breath and views of the city.
Today climbing Giotto’s bell tower is one of the top things to do in Florence because it offers the best views of the magnificent dome and the city. Moreover, thanks to the harmonious colouring and sculptural decorations, Giotto’s bell tower is one of the most beautiful bell towers in the country.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Steps will lead you to the top of the tower, where you will find a viewing platform. Giotto’s bell tower does not have a lift. The bell tower is open every day from 8.30 AM to 7.30 PM.
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If you want to visit Giotto’s bell tower, buy one of the two tickets: the Brunelleschi pass or the Giotto Pass. The Brunelleschi Pass allows you to see Dome, Bell tower, baptistery, museum and Santa Reparata in 3 calendar days for €30. With Giotto Pass, you can visit only the bell tower, baptistery, Opera del Duomo Museum and Santa Reparata for €20 in 3 calendar days.
10. Ponte Vecchio
A part of the secret Vasari Corridor still runs above the bridge.
You cannot visit this city without seeing the Ponte Vecchio, or the old bridge in English. This medieval stone bridge connects two sides of the River Arno. Many years ago, this was the only bridge across the river. Today it is one of the most recognizable bridges in the country. Walking along the River Arno is one of the top things to do in Florence because you can get impressive views of Ponte Vecchio from there.
What is Ponte Vecchio, and what makes it famous? The Ponte Vecchio is famous because this beautiful bridge near Palazzo Pitti is the first segmental arch bridge built in the West. Not only this shop-lined bridge offers stunning views of the Arno River, but also it has a fascinating history.
Ponte Vecchio is unique because this bridge is the only bridge in the city that survived World War II. During the war, the Nazis bombed all Florentine bridges – except for this one. Also, Ponte Vecchio is only one of a few bridges in the world lined with shops on both sides.
FUN FACT:
Shops, which line the main walkway, sell only jewellery and leather products. Ferdinand I, banished butchers and fishmongers from the bridge in the 16th century.
11. Piazzale Michelangelo
Have you ever seen those beautiful pictures of Florence and wondered where they were taken? The Piazzale Michelangelo, or Michelangelo Square in English, is that place. Architect Poggi built this large square on the hills above the city more than 150 years ago when this city was the capital of Italy for a short time.
Today the Piazzale Michelangelo is one of the best places to visit in Florence for uninterrupted views of the city. The tourists and the locals come here to see the whole city: Brunelleschi’s Dome, the Arno River, and even Palazzo Vecchio. Also, you can find a replica of David in Bronze at this famous observation point.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The best time to visit Michelangelo square is in the evening if you want to see a beautiful sunset. However, this is not a hidden gem – the place fills up quickly just before sunset. Alternatively, visit during the day.
Other beautiful places to visit in Florence
12. Basilica of Santa Croce
It is easy to see why many visitors put Santa Croce on their bucket lists. Santa Croce (Italian for the Holy Cross) is a minor basilica of the Roman Catholic Church. According to a legend, St Francis of Assisi founded the original structure when he visited this city.
This beautiful church has always played an important role in the religious and civic life of the city. Over the centuries, Santa Croce has become one of the most appreciated places in Florence because it has a significant artistic heritage.
Is Santa Croce worth visiting?
Santa Croce is worth a visit because this is one of the most beautiful churches in the city. Moreover, this basilica is the largest Franciscan church in the world. Santa Croce is home to almost 4,000 works of art (paintings, sculptures and funeral monuments). It is a living heritage.
Because of that, Santa Croce is one of the best places to visit in Florence for everyone who loves history and art.
Santa Croce, with eye-catching pink, green and red marble polychrome panels, is a living heritage. Most of the works in the basilica are still in the original setting for which the Renaissance masters designed them.
What is Santa Croce famous for?
Many people refer to Santa Croce as the Pantheon of Florence. It is because this basilica is a burial place of famous Florentines. Yes, that is right, Santa Croce in Florence is famous because you can find here tombs of world-famous Italians, such as Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei and Machiavelli.
Spending an afternoon in Santa Croce is one of the top things to do in Florence. It is because this beautiful basilica with the marble façade has sixteen chapels. You can find here some of the greatest treasures of the Italian Renaissance by Donatello, Brunelleschi, Giotto and others. Also, don’t miss the tombs of the famous Italians and Santa Croce’s Museum.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Admission to the Basilica of Santa Croce and the Santa Croce Museum costs €8 for adults and €6 for teenagers and students. However, you do not need to pay if you have a Firenze card. Children under 11 can visit the basilica for free.
13. Basilica di San Lorenzo
Did you know that there is the official parish church of the Medici family? Yes, that is correct, the most powerful and influential family in this city had their official church. This church is Basilica di San Lorenzo. The family used it for weddings, baptisms and even funerals. No wonder the members of this family have their tombs here.
The church of San Lorenzo, which you can see today, is a result of the renovation constructed under the design of the Medici family. Even though the building from the outside is not as ornamental as the Duomo, it is well worth a visit. Brunelleschi transformed it into a beautiful Renaissance building.
Once inside, pay attention to the gold and white ceiling and beautiful dome. The church is a part of a larger complex and has significant artefacts. Do not miss the Old Sacristy, sculptures by Donatello and the Medici Chapels. Also, when you visit the St. Lawrence Treasure and the Cellar, find Donatello’s final resting place. Close by is also the tomb of Cosimo de Medici (buried within the column). It shows his role as a pillar of the family and the church.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Basilica di San Lorenzo is open every day except Sundays between 10 AM – 5 PM. You will need to buy an entry ticket for the basilica unless you have a Firenze card. You will need to buy a separate ticket for the Medici Chapels.
14. Medici Chapels
Afterwards, see the Medici Chapels, which are a part of the monumental complex of San Lorenzo. As the name suggests, this is the final resting place of the numerous members of the noble family.
The chapels consist of three parts – the crypt, the Chapel of the Princes and the New Sacristy. Inside, you will find magnificent reliquaries, beautiful frescoes and the second-largest dome in Florence. Many art lovers visit the Medici Chapel because of Michelangelo’s sculptures. Here you can see three beautiful Michelangelo works: Day and Night, Dawn and Dusk and Madonna and Child.
Medici Chapels are one of the best places to visit for everyone who loves art and history. Thanks to Michelangelo’s magic hands visiting this mausoleum is one of the top things to do in Florence.
GOOD TO KNOW:
To enter the Medici Chapels, you need to enter through the back of the church. Do not use the main entrance of the basilica. The entry ticket to the Medici Chapels costs 12 euros (included with a Firenze card). You can buy a ticket at the entrance of the Medici Chapels.
Medici Chapels are open every day except Thursday. Opening times are 8.15 AM – 6.50 PM (on Sunday only until 1.50 PM).
15. Palazzo Pitti
Though you may not find it on the cover of a tourist magazine, the Palazzo Pitti is also one of the most beautiful places you should visit. But why is this enormous palace so important?
You maybe don’t know it, but originally the Palazzo Pitti was the town residence of a Florentine banker Luca Pitti. Later, the Medici family bought this palace, and it became their residence. Today Palazzo Pitti is famous because it is the largest museum complex in Florence.
The Palazzo Pitti was once home to Italian royalty and powerful families, such as the Medici.
Visiting the Palazzo Pitti is one of the top things to do in Florence if you are an art lover. The Palazzo Pitti is a fine example of Renaissance architecture, which houses important collections of paintings and sculptures. Palazzo Pitti has richly decorated galleries and apartments with masterpieces from Titan, Rubens, and Caravaggio, to name a few.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The Palazzo Pitti is not open on Mondays. The price for an entry ticket to the Palazzo Pitti is 10 euros, while combined tickets with Boboli Gardens are 14 euros. Firenze card holders can access the Palazzo Pitti for free. Free admission to the Palazzo Pitti is every 1st Sunday of the month.
16. Boboli Gardens
If you want to take a break from museums, it is worth popping into the Boboli Gardens. The Boboli Gardens are a large private park. It was the Medici Family who invented this gorgeous park. Some of the most influential architects designed these famous UNESCO-listed gardens.
The Boboli Gardens are famous because this park represents one of the most important examples of the Italian garden. Not only that, but this park served as an inspiration for many European courts. Today Boboli Garden are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Moreover, the Boboli Gardens are a manicured oasis in the city centre, which is also an open-air museum. That’s why taking a stroll in the Boboli Gardens is one of the top things to do in Florence.
Once inside, do not miss large ponds with water features, such as the Neptune Fountain, a rose garden and the Buontalenti cave. Many people refer to this beautifully-decorated cave as the Grotto Grande.
GOOD TO KNOW:
You can find the Boboli Gardens directly behind the Pitti Palace. If you want to visit only the Boboli Gardens, an entry ticket costs 6 euros. Otherwise, buy a combined ticket with the nearby Palazzo Pitti for 14 euros. There is free admission for everyone who has a valid Firenze Card. Boboli Gardens are free to enter every 1st Sunday of the month.
17. Santa Maria Novella
If you have a spare hour (or two) while visiting the city, stop at the Church of Santa Maria Novella. The Santa Maria Novella might not be at the top of your bucket list, but it is well worth a visit. Why, you may ask? The Church of Santa Maria Novella is one of the top city landmarks because it is a fine example of Renaissance architecture. This house of God has a similar design to the Duomo and the Basilica of Santa Croce. But there is more to this church than its striking front façade.
Within the church, you can see numerous chapels dedicated to various wealthy Florentine families from the Renaissance era. Santa Maria Novella is home to countless works of art. Various frescoes by famous artists cover the walls and the ceiling. Do not miss the Crucifix by Giotto, which hangs in the centre of the nave. Also, the complex contains 3 cloisters, the buildings of the former monastery, a museum and a garden.
GOOD TO KNOW:
A ticket to the Santa Maria Novella costs 7.50 euros for an adult (included with a Firenze card).
Now you know what are the top things to do in Florence!
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Last updated: 06/05/2024