updated on May 6th, 2018
Florence, Italy is an art lover’s dream. Everywhere you turn you will find Renaissance-era artwork, piazzas, and churches. Gourmet food abounds, the city is walking-friendly, and nothing screams Tuscany like sitting in an outdoor cafe and living la dolce vita.
Top Things To See In Florence
Florence Cathedral
The red dome of the Florence Cathedral is an iconic part of Florence’s skyline. It is located in the Piazza del Duomo and several surrounding buildings compromising the church’s complex are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Uffizi Gallery
You can’t visit Italy without seeing some beautiful art! The Uffizi Gallery is the most visited art museum in Italy and holds a massive collection of work from the Italian Renaissance. Plan to buy your tickets in advance online, or wait in a very long line to get in.
Ponte Vecchio
The gorgeous Ponte Vecchio bridge crosses the Arno River that runs through the center of Florence. Originally housing butcher shops, this bridge now hosts various souvenir and jewelry shops. It’s the perfect place for a photo or just a casual stroll while window-shopping.
Palazzo Vecchio
Adjoining the Ponte Vecchio is the Palazzo Vecchio, the town hall in Florence. This beautiful building is filled with galleries, courtyards, and classic works of art.
Palazzo Pitti
The Palazzo Pitti is a giant palace along the Arno River. Originally built as a residence for a wealthy banker, it eventually became a base for Napoleon, and now is the largest museum in Florence.
Piazza della Signoria
Considered a meeting place for locals and tourists alike, the Piazza della Signoria is a great place for an evening stroll and lively music and restaurants. If you like people-watching from an outdoor cafe, this is the place for you.
Galleria dell’Accademia
The original statue of Michelangelo’s David is located in the Galleria dell’Accademia, although there are replicas throughout Italy and the world. This museum also houses thousands of other works of art and is perfect for a rainy day in Florence.
Santa Croce
After spending your days in Florence gazing upon the works of famous artists, head to Santa Croce. This church is the burial place of Michelangelo, as well as other well-known Italians including Machiavelli and Galileo. This massive church houses sixteen chapels, frescoes, tombs, and monuments.
Florence Baptistery
The Florence Baptistery, one of the oldest buildings in the city, is an octagon shaped basilica in the center of Florence. When you visit, take note of the many doors that are ornately designed. Fun fact: Dante, the famous poet, was baptized here!
Giotto’s Campanile
Part of the Florence Cathedral, Giotto’s Campanile is a bell tower that is instantly recognized in Florence’s skyline. Visitors can climb the spiral staircase to the top for views of the city, which we highly recommend!
Santa Maria Novella
Santa Maria Novella is another beautiful church in Florence and filled with incredible artwork and numerous chapels. An interesting sight: inscribed on a tomb, in Latin, is the phrase, “I was once what you are, and what I am you will become.”
