When my husband and I planned our first backpack through Europe, we added Florence, Italy to our list of destinations because we were told it was a place worth visiting. With little knowledge of the city but being a train ride away from Rome– which was already on our list– we thought why the heck not?
Spoiler alert! It quickly became a spot we’d come to visit again and again annnnd again.
While Italy, in general, is full of beauty, there’s something about Florence that sets it apart from the rest. As the birthplace of the Renaissance, this culturally-filled city is flooded with historical architecture and works from individuals like Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Donatello (to name a few). There’s truly something to admire around every corner, and it’s rightfully one of the top cities to visit in Italy.
Whether you’re planning a trip to this stunning city for the first time or the third time, you’ll always find something new to explore. Here is my FULL list of things to do & see in Florence so you can fall in love just as quickly as I did!
With that being said, let’s get into it!
1. Visit Michelangelo’s Statue of David at the Galleria dell’Accademia
Who knew a statue could take your breath away?? Let me tell ya, it can. You may spy a replica in front of Palazzo Vecchio, but seeing the original Місhеlаngеlо’s Dаvіd is a must while visiting Florence!
In 1502, at 29 years old, Michelangelo carved this 17-foot stаtuе frоm а sіnglе blосk оf mаrblе- which is insane when you see how incredible this thing is in person! The detailing of David is unbelievable and worth the visit in itself. While David is the main attraction, be sure to take some time to admire other works around the gallery- like Місhеlаngеlо’s unfіnіshеd Ѕlаvеs which line the room leading up to David.
I would suggest booking your tickets beforehand, as this is one of (if not the) biggest attractions in Florence. The Gallery is open every day except Mondays.
2. Take a stroll around Piazza del Duomo
The Piazza del Duomo, aka Cathedral Square, holds some of the most iconic structures in Florence and all of Italy. Home to breathtaking buildings like the Florence Cathedral, Brunelleschi’s Dome, the Baptistery of San Giovanni, Santa Reparata, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, the Cathedral Square is truly the heart of Florence. Enjoy your time taking in your surroundings, or stop at one of the many leather shops or restaurants that outline the square.
3. Take in the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore & the Cupola del Brunelleschi
Remember the iconic structures I listed around the Piazza Del Duomo? Well, here is the MOST iconic- the Duomo. The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (aka the Florence Cathedral) began in 1296 and was structurally completed 150 years later by Flippo Brunelleschi. The cathedral itself holds the Cupola del Brunelleschi– a Pantheon-inspired cupola considered to be one of the greatest masonry works ever to be constructed.
The Cathedral is free without a ticket or booking, however, it’s closed on Sundays to visitors. It should be mentioned- if you’re planning to climb the dome, you must book a ticket in advance as tickets are limited.
4. Climb Giotto’s Campanile
Another iconic building worth mentioning in the Piazza del Duomo is Giotto’s Campanile or ‘bell tower.’ If you’re looking for the best views of the Capuloa del Brunelleschi and/or panoramic views of Florence, Giotto’s Bell Tower is where it’s at! I do need to mention that you’ll have to climb 414 steps to get to the view first, and unfortunately, there are no elevators. BUT, beauty doesn’t come without a little pain, right?? The bell tower is open every day.
5. Explore Mercato Centrale
Hungry? Look no further than Mercato Centrale! Located in San Lorenzo, the Mercato Centrale is a multi-floor foodie’s paradise. On the ground floor, you’ll find vendors selling fresh produce, olive oil, etc. Upstairs you’ll find a variety of stalls preparing food to order that cater to all, making it a great pit stop for some chow time. The Mercato Centrale is open every day from 10 am until midnight.
6. Tour Basilica di San Lorenzo & The Medici Chapels
Consecrated in 393, the Basilica di San Lorenzo is one of the biggest and oldest churches in Florence and is a staple of Renaissance architecture. The neighboring Medici Chapels house the burial place for all the principal members of the Medici family. The complex is open every day except Sunday.
7. Walk Across the Ponte Vecchio and Arno River
If you’ve ever googled ‘Florence,’ you’ve probably seen pictures of the stunning Ponte Vecchio (meaning “Old Bridge” in Italian) without even realizing it. This historical structure was buіlt back іn 1345 аnd іs thе оnlу mеdіеvаl brіdgе stіll stаndіng асrоss thе Аrnо Rіvеr- all of the other bridges were dеstrоуеd іn WWІІ. Enjoy the walk across while stopping at the many fine jewelry shops that line the bridge along the way.
8. Explore Oltrarno the “newest” area of Florence
Oltrarno (which means ‘beyond the Arno’) is south of the Ponte Vecchio, and you’ll find an assortment of cafes, shops, bakeries, and bars there. I’ve been told this side of the bridge holds the more ‘authentic’ food, but honestly, I haven’t come across food in Florence I haven’t thoroughly enjoyed!
9. Catch the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo
If you want a free view of the city, the Piazzale Michelangelo is THE spot to go. This is my favorite place in Florence, BUT I’d be lying to you if I said it wasn’t a small workout to get to. My husband and I like to get a bottle of wine and a snack to bring before making the hike up the hill to enjoy the sunset and a gorgeous view of the city. This location is very popular, so get there early to claim a spot on the steps or railing. Trust me, it’s worth it!
10. Visit the Uffizi Gallery
The Uffіzі gаllеrу is sеt іn thе 16th-сеnturу Uffіzі Раlасе and is one of the most visited art museums in the world. It houses Botticelli’s famous Тhе Віrth оf Vеnus, Lеоnаrdо Dа Vіnсі’s Аnnunсіаtіоn, and thе Меdісі аrt соllесtіоn whісh wаs given tо the city of Flоrеnсе by the last Medici heiress оn thе соndіtіоn thаt thе соllесtіоn nеvеr lеаvеs Florence. The Gallery is open Tuesday-Sunday.
11. Walk through the Pitti Palace
Pitti Palace is the largest museum complex in Florence. Over the centuries, it functioned as the residence of the city’s rulers and treasurer house. Today, the palace is divided into four museums: the Treasury of the Grand Dukes, the Palatine Gallery and the Imperial and Royal Apartments, the Gallery of Modern Art, and the Museum of Costume and Fashion. The palace is open Tuesday-Sunday.
12. Stroll through the Boboli Gardens
The Boboli Gardens are located directly behind the Pitti Palace and are filled with statues, grottos, and fountains. This beautiful oasis of greenery set the standard for European courtyards when it was first opened to the public in 1766. Boboli is a must while visiting Pitti Palace if you’re up for a garden stroll. The gardens are open seven days a week.
13. Wander around the Piazza della Signoria
Piazza della Signoria is the main square in Florence and has been the center of political life since the 14th century. The gothic architecture of the Palazzo Vecchio and the breathtaking sculptures in the Loggia dei Lanzi make this stop a must-see.
14. Go back in time at Palazzo Vecchio
The Palazzo Vecchio is the town hall of Florence and is located right behind the replica of the statue of David in the Piazza Della Signoria. The oldest part of Palazzo Vecchio was created by Arnolfo di Cambio in 1299. This medieval masterpiece and its museum are truly a throwback in time. The Palazzo Vecchio is open seven days a week.
15. Enjoy the Bargello National Museum
A few short steps from the Palazzo Vecchio stands the Bargello Museum. The Bargello used to be a prison and is now an art gallery housing masterpieces from Michaelangelo, Donatello, and Genito (to name a few). How neat?! The museum is open every day except Tuesdays.
16. Roam Basilica of Santa Croce
Known as the Temple of the Italian Glories, this church is the largest Franciscan church in the world and the burial site of famous Italians such as Michelangelo, Galileo, the author Machiavelli, the poet Foscolo, the philosopher Gentile, and the composer Rossini. The Basilica itself is a site to see and is free to explore.
17. Go shopping down Via de’ Tornabuoni
Considered to be the fashion center of Florence, Via de Tornabuoni is the place to be if you’re in the mood to spend some money (or just window shop). The street is filled with high-end stores and jewelers, so you’re bound to find something that catches your eye.
18. Grab a panini at All’antica Vinaio
If it’s around lunchtime, you may notice people sitting on benches around town or the railing along the Arno holding a massive sandwich wrapped in that famous red and white parchment paper. This, my friends, is a panini from All’antico Vinaio and it. Is. Amazing. You’ll find this little slice of food Heaven on Via dei Neri street, but don’t be surprised when you see the line out the door that’s a mile and a half long. Good things come for those that wait, right? I promise this wait is worth it!
19. Enjoy an Aperol spritz
Originating from Padua, Italy, Aperol is described as Italy’s sunset in a glass, and it has become one of the most famous cocktails in Italy. This popular wine-based cocktail is commonly served as an aperitif and it’s only right you enjoy a delicious glass (or two) with some nibbles before a nice dinner.
20. Eat gelato, and then another one
I don’t need to go in-depth on this one right? Morning, noon, or night, gelato is ALWAYS a good idea. And that’s all I have to say about that. **Forrest Gump voice**
Whether you’re a history buff, digital creator wannabe, or a weekend worrier explorer, there is something in Florence for everyone!
have you been convinced?!?
visit my Other Helpful Italy Reads:
cheers! – sarah
