As the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is a treasure trove of masterpieces, where you can take in the legacies of artists like Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli at the galleries and in the architecture of the city. The city is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets, and we joined a free walking tour of the city (note they ask for a donation at the end, which we more than happily paid for), which transported us to a time when creativity and innovation flourished, and you can feel the influence on our world today. Part of the tour introduced us to some local delicacies and we were able to sample a few of them when we stopped for lunch as this lovely trattoria right next to Ponte Vecchio.
Whether you’re an art lover, history buff, or simply in search of beauty, there is so much you could do. I could write essays about everything we saw in Florence, but I've tried to keep descriptions of everything short and sweet so as not to spoil the surpise when you go!
If you're planning a trip to Italy and you're after a one-stop-shop itinerary that includes accommodation, activities, travel and budget for Florence and other top destinations, check out my Complete Italian Itinerary.
The Magnificent Duomo: Florence’s Iconic Cathedral
The iconic Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, commonly known as the Duomo is a must for all travellers. The cathedral’s façade is an intricate design of pink, white, and green marble and is absolutely stunning, which is lucky because we didn't actually make it inside (although I do regret not making time for this!). However, it's in one of the two main squares in Florence and is a great place to stop for a glass of wine.
The Uffizi Gallery: A Treasure Trove of Renaissance Art
There is more than enough artwork for you to spend all day here and the gallery itself is a work of art, with its long corridors lined with classical statues and rooms filled with stunning frescoes. Take your time to explore as there are countless masterpieces to discover. I will say, the gallery is an extremely busy attraction and we were only able to tolerate it for a couple of hours before needing some personal space.
Palazzo Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria: The Heart of Florence
Piazza della Signoria is the other main square, surrounded by designer shops and it is home to impressive statues such as a replica of Michelangelo’s David, Cellini’s Perseus with the Head of Medusa, and the Fountain of Neptune. The square feels like the vibrant hub of Florence where locals and tourists gather to soak in the city’s atmosphere.
The Palazzo Vecchio is a fortress-like structure that dominates Piazza della Signoria. Supposedly, the building’s towering Arnolfo Tower is a symbol of the city’s power and influence during the Renaissance and it really feels like it. Dominating the skyline, this is another spot to visit when you're in the city.
Michelangelo’s David: The Masterpiece of Human Perfection
One of Florence’s most famous residents is undoubtedly Michelangelo’s David, a symbol of strength, beauty, and human perfection. Most guide books will tell you that this iconic statue, housed in the Galleria dell’Accademia, is a must-see for any visitor to Florence. And I am inclined to agree. There isn't a huge amount of artwork in the gallery, however David makes the ticket absolutely worthwhile. Carved from a single block of marble, David is huge. The statue stands at 17 feet tall (5m) and is so detailed it's hard to believe that someone carved it, what I would name, the most accurate depiction of the human form.
While the original David resides in the Accademia, if you really can't find the time, or justify the cost of the ticket, replicas can be found in Piazza della Signoria and Piazzale Michelangelo. With any version, viewing the statue up close is a humbling experience, as even I could appreciate Michelangelo’s genius and his ability to bring marble to life.
Boboli Gardens and Pitti Palace: A Royal Escape
For a taste of royal life in Florence, head to the Pitti Palace, the former residence of the powerful Medici family. The palace now houses several museums, including the Palatine Gallery, which features works by Raphael, Titian, and Rubens. The rooms themselves are richly decorated, offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Florence’s ruling families.
Behind the palace lie the Boboli Gardens, an expansive green space filled with statues, fountains, and grottoes. The gardens are a perfect place to relax and take in the beauty of Florence from a different perspective. Wander through the landscaped terraces, enjoy a picnic, or simply find a quiet spot to soak in the tranquility.
Chapel de Medici
You'd be forgiven if you weren't familiar with this attraction before now. We had a spare hour and wanted to make the most of our Firenze card so dipped inside the personal chapel (and tomb) of the Medici family. The entrance is tucked away behind the Basilica di San Lorenzo and we wandered in without really knowing what to expect. But once we made our way down and through the chapel, we were struck by the sheer opulence of the place. So much marble and granite that so ostentatiously advertised the sheer wealth of this powerful family. It's definitely worth a visit if you have some time.
Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio is a picture perfect landmark of Florence. Spanning the Arno River, it's lined with shops, primarily jewelers (a tradition dating back to the 16th century). Originally home to butchers, the shops were replaced with goldsmiths by decree of the Medici family, to showcase Florence’s wealth. However, in my humble opinion, the bridge is much better appreciated from an external vantage point as, walking across Ponte Vecchio, the crowds of tourists jostling to get to the jewellers and take the perfect selfie over the river really detracts from the experience. This is a stop I would make en-route somewhere rather than dedicating some time enjoying it.
There are so many churches and museums in Florence that you could explore but if you're going to make a trip, these are my recommendations of where to go... and where to avoid.
Let me know in the comments if you've visited any of these yourself, or if I've missed any.
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