| What to do in Florence?
10 highlights and more
Florence is a city that is internationally famous as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. To this day, the city exudes the art, science, and architecture of this significant period in European history. You can find works by Raphael, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Donatello, and Da Vinci in renowned museums such as the Uffizi and Accademia galleries, as well as simply on the streets.
All of this means there is plenty to experience. Below, we have compiled a list of the 10 most enjoyable and interesting things to do in Florence. However, Florence is also the capital of Tuscany and serves as a great starting point for exploring this beautiful region. Therefore, we also provide a few additional tips on what you can do in the surrounding area.
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10 highlights of Florence in short
- 1. The museums, particularly the Uffizi Gallery and Galleria dell'Accademia.
- 2. Piazza della Signoria, the main square of the city, featuring the Vecchio Palace and the Uffizi Museum.
- 3. The Duomo and the Baptistery of San Giovanni.
- 4. Piazzale Michelangelo, offering the most beautiful panorama of the city, especially during sunset.
- 5. Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence with its "secret" passage.
- 6. Oltrarno, the charming neighborhood on the "other side" of the Arno River.
- 7. Giardino Bardini, one of the best-kept secrets of the city, featuring a beautiful garden.
- 8. Cappelle Medicee, the church where famous and lesser-known members of the powerful Medici banking family are interred.
- 9. Basilica Santa Croce, the pantheon of Florence, where many famous Florentines have found their final resting place.
- 10. Mercato Centrale, the iconic food court popular among both locals and tourists.
Map of Florence
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About Florence
As mentioned, Florence is the capital of Tuscany and the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, which emerged here in the 14th century. Led by the Medici family, an influential banking dynasty, the city attracted renowned artists and scholars of the time, persuading them to come and work here.
The most famous work resulting from this period is Michelangelo's marble sculpture, David, of which various replicas are scattered throughout the city. However, Florence's museums are filled with artwork by artists of the same caliber. This brings us directly to the first highlight of the city, which you shouldn't miss during your visit to Florence.
The Museums
Florence is home to museums that are renowned worldwide. The most famous ones are listed below. The Ufizzi museum houses famous paintings by Botticelli, such as The Birth of Venus and Primavera, as well as works by Caravaggio and Da Vinci. The Accademia Galleryis where you can find Michelangelo's David. Be prepared for long queues as these museums and their works are highly popular.
If you want to admire these artworks in a more peaceful setting, it's advisable to go early and book a skip-the-line ticket n advance. You can do this through platforms like Tiqets or Get Your Guide. Keep in mind that tickets for the Uffizi Museum, especially during the summer months, are often sold out well in advance.
Piazza della Signoria
The Uffizi Museum is housed in an old palace located on Piazza della Signoria. This is the main square of Florence, with the Palazzo Vecchio (the Old Palace) at its center. The Palazzo Vecchio served as the seat of the government of Tuscany for centuries.
A few years ago, the palace made headlines when scientists believed they had discovered a hidden work by Da Vinci behind the frescoes of another artist in the Hall of the Five Hundred. However, it was later determined that this work was not by Da Vinci.
From the tower of the Palazzo Vecchio, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the square, Piazza della Signoria, where you can find replicas of the most famous sculptures that you can see in person at the Uffizi Museum. For those who are short on time and cannot visit the museums, this square offers a chance to admire these works up close.
Another attraction you can find in Piazza della Signoria is the Neptune Fountain. This marble and bronze fountain depicts the mythical sea god Neptune as a symbol of Tuscan victories at sea. The face of Neptune is sculpted based on the likeness of Cosimo I, a prominent member of the influential Medici family.
The Duomo and the Baptistry of San Giovanni
The Cathedral of Florence , known as the Santa Maria del Fiore or simply the Duomo, remains the iconic symbol of the city, despite strong competition from the other artworks present here. For centuries, it has dominated the city's skyline. The unique appearance of this cathedral is characterized by the use of different-colored marbles on its facade and, of course, the large dome designed by Brunelleschi, which was an unprecedented architectural innovation of its time.
It still stands as one of the largest domes in the world. You can climb to the top of the dome, but be prepared to ascend 463 steps and make a reservation in advance. The reward is a breathtaking view of the city and an opportunity to see Giorgio Vasari's frescoes up close.
In front of the Duomo stands the freestanding Battistero di San Giovanni , featuring the grand golden doors known as the "Gates of Paradise." These doors are renowned for their intricate design and are considered the entrance to heaven, hence their nickname.
Piazzale Michelangelo
When we talk about the Florence Cathedral and the breathtaking views you can have from there, we must also mention Piazzale Michelangelo. This square, located on a hill on the south bank of the Arno River, offers the most beautiful panorama of the city, with the Cathedral itself as the centerpiece.
In the middle of the square, you will find one of the replicas of Michelangelo's David. However, that's not the main reason why this square is so beloved. It's truly the view, especially during sunset, that makes it special. The sunset views from Piazzale Michelangelo are truly epic!
If you want to secure a good spot to admire the sunset, perhaps while enjoying a bottle of wine, it's best to arrive early. This popular spot attracts hundreds of people at once. You'll find several stalls on the square offering alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshments.
Ponte Vecchio
From Piazzale Michelangelo, you not only have a fantastic view of the Duomo but also of the Ponte Vecchio, one of the most famous bridges in Europe. This bridge, spanning the Arno River, is the only bridge in Florence that survived the bombings of World War II, thus preserving its long history.
There has been a bridge at this location since Roman times, although it was originally made of wood. The shops on the bridge were once occupied by butchers, blacksmiths, and tanners, but they were eventually replaced by jewelers, who caused much less odor. In 1966, a major flood occurred, causing a significant amount of their gold to be swept away by the river.
Above the shops on the Ponte Vecchio, there is a "secret" passageway known as the Vasari Corridor. This passageway allowed the Medici family, in the past, to escape from the Palazzo Vecchio to their Pitti Palace located on the other side of the Arno River, known as the south bank. This leads us to our next highlight.
Oltrano
Oltrano is a neighborhood located on the south bank of the Arno River. This area is noticeably less crowded with tourists compared to the city center on the north side of the river. Oltrarno is therefore more authentic, catering more to the people who live in Florence permanently, and it offers cozy and affordable dining options.
Our top recommendation for dining in this neighborhood is Osteria Antica Mescita San Niccolò. We stumbled upon this place by chance during our walk back from the sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo. It was difficult to get a table because it was completely packed with locals and tourists, all enjoying traditional Tuscan dishes. locals en toeristen, die allemaal zaten te genieten van de traditionele Toscaanse gerechten.
Other highlights in this neighborhood include the San Frediano area and the square near the Santo Spirito church. Here, you'll also find charming terraces and osterias offering good food at reasonable prices.
The Giardino Bardini garden
The Giardino Bardiniis our seventh highlight, and we're still staying on the south bank of the Arno River. This garden is one of Florence's best-kept secrets. Not only is the garden itself beautiful, with a stunning wisteria in full bloom in May/June, but those who wander through it are rewarded with an amazing panorama of the city.
You can find the entrance to the garden on Via de' Bardi, across from the Bardini Museum. It's a delightful place to spend an hour or two walking and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
The Medici Chapels
The Medici Chapels, our eighth highlight, could have easily been included alongside the Uffizi and the Accademia Gallery in the "museums" category. However, the Medici Chapels are more than just a museum; they are primarily a crypt. This is the final resting place for both famous and lesser-known members of the influential Medici banking family. The highlight within this highlight is the New Sacristy, a marble tomb designed by Michelangelo.
You can find the Medici Chapels in the Basilica of San Lorenzo, a seemingly unremarkable church not far from the Duomo. But don't let its modest exterior deceive you. Behind it lies an immense treasure trove of art and culture.
Basilica Santa Croce
The Basilica Santa Croce , once again, is a well-known church in Florence that serves as the final resting place for key figures of the Renaissance. In the case of the Basilica of Santa Croce, it is the artists, writers, politicians, and scientists who are buried here. Among the famous names are Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, Vasari, and Machiavelli.
Monuments commemorating Dante and Da Vinci can also be seen here, although they are buried elsewhere. Due to the presence of so many famous Florentines in its grounds, the Basilica of Santa Croce is also known as the pantheon of Florence.
Mercato Centrale
The Mercato Centrale is a central market where you can not only find fresh products such as meat, fish, and vegetables to cook with, but it also offers a popular food court. Located on the upper floor, it is a beloved spot for both tourists and locals. Mercato Centrale features several cozy wine bars and osterias where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy. You can find Mercato Centrale in the San Lorenzo district.
How much time should you allocate for a visit to Florence?
Most of the highlights in Florence are within walking distance in the old city center and can be seen in a day or two. However, we recommend setting aside at least one extra day to visit the famous museums in Florence. Additionally, it is worth adding another day or two to explore the surrounding area of Florence.
Around Florence
Chianti wine tour
As mentioned before, Florence is the capital of the Tuscany region and serves as a great base for exploring this remarkable area. One of the ways to do so is by taking a Chianti wine tour. Chianti is a type of wine produced in the Chianti region, where the conditions are favorable for creating delicious wines.
You can find the Chianti region between Florence and Siena, surrounding the well-known road SR222, also known as the Via Chiantigiana or the Strade del Vino. The wineries along this road can be visited independently, but there are also daily tours available from Florence that you can join.
We ourselves took this wine tour, which departed at 8:30 a.m. Despite the rain on the day we were there, it was still a very enjoyable way to learn about something we love: wine! Depending on the tour you book, you will visit two or three different wineries, where you can taste multiple wines, paired with various cheeses, cured meats, and/or vegetarian snacks.
It won't come as a surprise that the atmosphere on the way back from our tour was even more convivial than on the way there. In fact, the mood was already lively during the first tasting!
Truffle Tour
Another fun activity to do in the vicinity of Florence is a truffle tour. In the early morning, you join a truffle hunter and a dog to search for this precious delicacy in the woods. The white truffle, in particular, holds great value and is often referred to as "white gold." After assisting the truffle dog in finding the truffles, you get to taste the harvest later in the day while enjoying a delightful wine.
Siena
From Florence, it takes about 1.5 hours to drive to Siena on the SR222, the medieval and Renaissance city that was once a major rival of Florence. The wealth of that time has shaped Siena into a beautiful and lively city with stunning medieval houses, museums, cathedrals, and palaces.
The distinctive Siena Cathedral was built in an attempt to rival the Florence Cathedral. The central square is the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, where the annual horse race Palio di Siena takes place.
To really get to know Siena, it is best to take a walk through the historic and car-free city center. For this purpose, we have created a free walking guide that will take you to the major highlights of this beautiful city.
Where to stay in Florence?
The answer to this question largely depends on whether you have a car with you. If that's the case, it's better not to stay in the city center of Florence. The center of Florence is completely car-free, and finding a parking spot in the surrounding areas can be very difficult and stressful (in our experience).
In this case, it's better to stay just outside the city in a cheaper and quieter area. For this reason, we stayed at the beautiful Hotel Mulino di Firenze, which is located in an old water mill. This hotel is situated on the banks of the Arno River, a 10-minute drive from the center of Florence.
If you don't have a car, you can indeed stay in Florence itself. In that case, we recommend looking at hotel options on the south side of the Arno River, for example in the charming Oltrarno district. Here you'll find hotels that are just outside the busy historic center but still within walking distance of all the major attractions. The accommodations here are more affordable, and the restaurants and bars in this area also offer better prices.
During our stay, we stayed at the B&B Stupido Hotel, which fortunately didn't live up to its name. It was a very nice accommodation located in one of Florence's classical buildings.
Hi! We are Samira & Maurits, two travel enthusiasts with an enormous passion for photography.
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