Florence is arguably one of the most famous and stunning cities in Europe and noted for its culture, Renaissance art, architecture and of course its monuments in addition to being the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region. What ever your interests are Florence will not disappoint. One “jewel of the city” as it’s known, is the Duomo which is one of the most beautiful and illustrious cathedrals in the world. If you are seeking a measure of culture and want to see some really fantastic buildings such as the Duomo, Florence will definitely not disappoint.
Best things to do in Florence
There are a tremendous number of exciting things to do, from visiting historical sites, cultural attractions, palaces, cathedrals, museums to art galleries. There are always tours available for those that like the ease of that option, however, we are explorers and always do so on our own. Here’s a list of a few of the local attractions we really enjoyed.
Florence Cathedral
Standing in the Piazza del Duomo, which was constructed during the 14th-century, we were captivated by the sheer magnificence of the Florence Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore), its stunning white, green, and pink marble façade glowing in the sunlight. As we gazed up at Brunelleschi’s massive dome, we couldn’t help but marvel at the ingenuity that made this Renaissance masterpiece possible.
The intricate carvings of Giotto’s Bell Tower and the golden brilliance of the Gates of Paradise on the Baptistery left us in awe of Florence’s artistic legacy. Surrounded by history and breathtaking architecture, we felt as if we had stepped into a living masterpiece, where every detail told a story of devotion, artistry, and human achievement.
Make sure you leave time to climb the bell tower which is really a once-in-a-lifetime event. We strongly suggest that like so many of the major attractions that you reserve tickets in advance of your trip to the city to avoid disappointment.
Ponte Vecchio
Walking across the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, the celebrated landmark that dates back to the 12th century that connects the city centre to the district on the south bank of the Arno River. In the past many Italian bridges were lined with small shops housing butchers and fish sellers. We were enchanted by its medieval charm, but today with rows of goldsmith and jewelry shops lining both sides of the bridge. The sparkling displays of handcrafted pieces gleamed in the warm glow of the shop windows, a tradition that had thrived here for centuries. As we paused to take in the breathtaking view of the Arno River, the soft hues of Florence’s historic buildings reflected beautifully in the water. Surrounded by history and romance, we felt the magic of this iconic bridge, a place where the past and present blended seamlessly.
Palazzo Pitti
Stepping into the Palazzo Pitti in Florence, which lies on the south side of the River Arno, we were immediately struck by its grandeur, a symbol of Medici wealth and power that had once housed dukes, kings, and even Napoleon. Today you can visit the palace and its museums, Royal Apartments and the gardens, which are Italy’s premier gardens. Wandering through its opulent rooms, we marveled at the lavish Baroque interiors and an extraordinary collection of Renaissance masterpieces by Raphael, Titian, and Caravaggio. lying Originally designed for the Medici and behind the Palazzo Pitti, the 111 acres Boboli Gardens offered a peaceful escape, with sculpted fountains, winding pathways, and breathtaking views of Florence. As we explored this palace-turned-museum, we felt as if we were walking through centuries of history, where art, royalty, and nature merged in perfect harmony.
Piazzale Michelangelo
Piazza Michelangelo is on a hill on the south bank of the Arno River, just east of the center of Florence, and offers a stunning view of the city. It also provides an incredible observation point for watching the sunset over Florence. Piazza Michelangelo is easily assessable by walking, climbing from the riverbank through the gardens.
The Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery in Florence lies adjacent to the Piazza della Signoria in the Historic Centre of Florence was a treasure trove of Renaissance masterpieces, and from the moment we stepped inside, we felt as though we were walking through the pages of art history. Originally built as government offices for the powerful Medici family, the Uffizi had since become one of the most famous art museums in the world. As we wandered through its grand halls, we found ourselves face to face with Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus”, its ethereal beauty more breathtaking in person than any image we had ever seen.
Room after room revealed more iconic works—Leonardo da Vinci’s “Annunciation”, its delicate details mesmerizing, Raphael’s “Madonna of the Goldfinch”, Titian’s “Venus of Urbino”, and Caravaggio’s “Medusa”, a haunting masterpiece that sent chills down our spines. The gallery’s elegant corridors, lined with ancient sculptures and arched windows, offered stunning views of the Arno River and Ponte Vecchio, a reminder of Florence’s enduring beauty.
One of the most thrilling moments was standing before Michelangelo’s “Doni Tondo”, the only painting by the artist still housed in Florence. The vivid colors and dynamic composition made us appreciate his genius even more. By the time we reached the top floor, where large windows framed a perfect view of the Palazzo Vecchio, we understood why the Uffizi was considered a must-visit. It wasn’t just a museum; it was a journey through the artistic soul of Italy, a place where history, creativity, and human expression came to life before our eyes.
The gallery’s wondrous collection is extremely vast and its rooms number more than 100 rooms. With such an incredible amount to see that you can easily spend many hours exploring, so we recommend that you preplan what’s important for you to see so you do not run out of time. We highly recommend that you get tickets beforehand.
Michelangelo’s David
Without a doubt, one of the most famous and recognizable works of art on the planet is Michelangelo’s sculpture of David, which resides within the Galleria dell’Accademia – or Accademia Gallery in Florence. We were awestruck by its sheer perfection—every muscle, vein, and expression carved with breathtaking detail. The towering 17-foot-tall (more than 5.1 metres) masterpiece, sculpted from a single block of marble, radiated strength and determination, a true symbol of Florence’s resilience during the Renaissance. As we walked around it, we marveled at how Michelangelo had transformed stone into something so lifelike, capturing the moment before David’s legendary battle with Goliath. Standing in the soft glow of the gallery, we felt a deep admiration for the genius of Michelangelo, knowing we were witnessing one of the greatest artistic achievements in history.
Aside from the sculpture of David, the museum also houses other works from Michelangelo along with a treasure of other historical art, and also a great deal of history relating to 14th and 15th century Florence.
Basilica di Santa Croce
Basilica di Santa Croce is the principal Franciscan church in Florence. we were struck by its stunning Gothic façade, a masterpiece of white, green, and pink marble. Stepping inside, we felt humbled to stand among the tombs of some of history’s greatest minds—Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli—their legacies forever enshrined in this sacred space. The soaring frescoes by Giotto and intricate stained-glass windows filled the basilica with a soft, ethereal light, adding to its solemn beauty. As we wandered through its peaceful cloisters, we couldn’t help but feel the deep connection between art, faith, and history that made this place so extraordinary. The Basilica is relatively easy to get to as its located about 800 meters south-east of the Duomo.
When is a good time to go to Florence?
Florence is lovely from the month of May through to September when the temperature is warm and there is open-air dining, and the city features many art festivals. The downside is these months attract many visitors so it can get crowned and hotel rates are high. During the months of October and April the temperature drops to single digit Celsius, additionally the months of November through April have a good amount of rain.
How many days do you need to visit Florence?
Florence is truly an amazing city. Given all that it has to offer to the art buff and for those interested in museums and art galleries three days is not enough by any stretch of the imagination, but it will afford you enough time for the highlights.
Is Florence safe for tourists?
Florence is no more dangerous than other European cities, and like everywhere else, you should take reasonable precautions like you would at home. Don’t flash your wallet and money around, don’t go with strangers, and stay out of areas that are less than desirable and avoid narrow back alleys and wandering around at night alone. We felt quite safe in the central core, even while out later into the evening as there were still a number of people out and about.
Getting around Florence
Florence’s historical centre is reasonably small and lends itself to discovering it on foot. This has always been our favorite way to explore a new area where you can get up and personal with the sights and sounds and smells. The alternative to walking would be to consider using the Florence bus system to get to some of your attractions. Taxis are also an alternate option, but they can be somewhat expensive. Getting to many of the popular city center hotels from the airport is generally a fairly quick 15-minute ride by taxi.