Florence: 13 Highlights You Shouldn’t Miss

Florence, the capital of Tuscany, known in Italian as "Firenze", impresses with magnificent buildings and exceptional art.
It’s no wonder that this lively, romantic city is often considered the most beautiful in Italy.
In this guide, we’ll show you 13 highlights you absolutely must see in Florence, along with useful tips for your visit.

First and foremost: Don’t let the abundance of sights overwhelm you. Florence is compact and easy to navigate.
All major attractions are close together and can be conveniently reached on foot – so comfortable shoes are a must for your stay.

1. THE DUOMO OF FLORENCE

Let’s start with the city’s landmark: the Duomo of Florence, also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.
This architectural masterpiece impresses with its monumental Renaissance dome and splendid facade of white and dark green marble, attracting countless visitors daily.

Santa Maria del Fiore, located at Piazza del Duomo, is one of the largest churches in Europe and includes several important structures: the cathedral itself with its imposing dome, considered a technical marvel of the early Renaissance, and the nearly 85-meter-high bell tower designed by Giotto. There is also the octagonal Baptistery of San Giovanni, a separate building in front of the cathedral, as well as the Duomo Museum (Museo dell'Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore) behind the cathedral.

Entry to the church interior (nave) is free. However, a queue forms at the entrance shortly after opening, getting longer by the hour.
This means that if you want to visit the Duomo, arrive as early as possible!

If you’d like to see more attractions inside the Duomo, such as the bell tower or the dome, it’s best to book a ticket online in advance for your desired time slot.
You can find tickets and more information on the official Duomo website: duomo.firenze.it.

On Sundays and religious holidays, the cathedral and its paid attractions are closed to visitors due to services.

Good to know: Some Instagram photos might give the impression that the Duomo of Florence is empty, with no people in the background.
Such shots are usually taken at sunrise or shortly thereafter, as photographing the Duomo without crowds during the day is almost impossible. So, don’t be fooled by those photos!

2. PONTE VECCHIO

The oldest and most famous bridge in Florence is the Ponte Vecchio. Its name speaks for itself, as "Ponte Vecchio" means "old bridge".
This impressive bridge dates back to 1345, spans about 100 meters in length and 30 meters in width, and stretches across the Arno River.
It connects the old town with neighborhoods on the opposite side of the river.

What makes the Ponte Vecchio unique: Walking across the bridge feels like being in a bustling shopping street rather than on a bridge, thanks to the closely packed small shops (mainly gold and jewelry stores) that have been there since 1345. A walk across this historic bridge is a must on any Florence visit.

After crossing the Ponte Vecchio, it’s worth taking a look at it from afar. Here are a few viewpoints offering a great view of the bridge:

• Through the window in the Uffizi Gallery on the 1st floor
• From the Ponte alle Grazie
• From the Piazzale Michelangelo

3. GALLERIA DEGLI UFFIZI

With its significant collection from the Early and High Renaissance, the Galleria Degli Uffizi is one of the most famous art museums in the world – an absolute must for art lovers.
In the museum, you can admire paintings and sculptures by some of the most renowned artists, including Michelangelo,Leonardo da Vinci, Sandro Botticelli, and Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino. Additionally, you’ll find many other masterpieces by Italian, German, and Dutch artists, making the museum a treasure trove for art enthusiasts.

For true art lovers, half a day in the Uffizi Gallery is barely enough. Even for us, who admittedly know little about art, we spent more than 2 hours there.

Since the gallery is one of Florence’s main attractions, it’s almost always crowded, especially during the high season.
If you absolutely want to visit the Uffizi Gallery, it’s wise to book an online ticket in advance via uffizi.it.
Unfortunately, there’s an additional fee of $4 per person on top of the entrance price of $20.

Our tip: As beautiful as the paintings are, don’t miss the chance to take a quick look out the windows on the right side of the top floor.
From there, you’ll have a great view of the Ponte Vecchio.

4. PALAZZO VECCHIO & PIAZZA DELLA SIGNORIA

PALAZZO VECCHIO

After visiting the Galleria degli Uffizi, you should explore the Palazzo Vecchio, located right behind the museum exit on the Piazza della Signoria—a must-see on your itinerary.
The Palazzo Vecchio is an imposing, sandy-colored building from the 13th century and has served as the city’s power center for centuries.
Once the residence of the influential Medici family, today it houses Florence’s city hall.

With its impressive architecture and the distinctive Arnolfo Tower, named after its architect, the Palazzo Vecchio is one of the most photographed sights in the city.
A highlight of your visit is the beautiful inner courtyard of the Palazzo, which is free to enter.

If you want to explore inside the building, you can visit the museum and access the magnificent historic rooms.
Especially worth seeing is the Grand Hall of the Five Hundred (Sala dei Cinquecento).
This Venetian-style hall exudes a royal atmosphere with its many artworks, arches, columns, and sculptures.

Tickets and more information on opening hours can be found on the official website: museo-di-palazzo-vecchio.it.

TORRE DI ARNOLFO

Our top recommendation is the panoramic view of Florence from the nearly 100-meter-high tower of Palazzo Vecchio – the Arnolfo Tower.
The tower not only defines Florence’s skyline but is also a hidden gem among the best viewpoints of the city.
The only downside: To enjoy this fantastic view, you must first climb around 200 steps.

Tickets for the tower can be purchased in combination with admission to the Palazzo Vecchio Museum or as a standalone ticket ($12.50 as of 2022).
Tickets and more information on opening hours can be found on the official website: museo-di-palazzo-vecchio.it.

PIAZZA DELLA SIGNORIA

Standing in front of the Palazzo Vecchio, you’re already on the bustling Piazza della Signoria (Square of the Signoria), one of Florence’s most important squares.
Annually, this historic site attracts millions of visitors.
The square is not only surrounded by impressive historic buildings but also features numerous sculptures representing significant moments in the city’s history.

Among the most famous artworks are the statue of Grand Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici on his horse, a replica of Michelangelo’s David (the original can be admired in the Galleria dell'Accademia), and the imposing Neptune Fountain. These sculptures lend a unique atmosphere to Piazza della Signoria, making it an essential stop on any trip to Florence.

5. PALAZZO PITTI

Had enough of the bustling Piazza della Signoria? Then it’s time to head across the Arno River and visit the Palazzo Pitti, specifically its art museum and the expansive green space, the Boboli Gardens (Giardino di Boboli).
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The Renaissance palace’s exterior is relatively plain in terms of architecture, but that doesn’t detract from its grandeur.
Due to its sheer size, Florence’s largest palace certainly doesn’t go unnoticed among the surrounding buildings.

The Palazzo Pitti was built in the 15th century for the merchant Luca Pitti. After his death, ownership of the palace passed, as expected, to the Medici family.
To allow the city’s most influential family at the time to quickly move from one palace to another, Cosimo I de’ Medici had a passageway, known as the Vasari Corridor, constructed above the shops on the Ponte Vecchio.

Inside the Palazzo Pitti are several museums and exhibitions, including the Palatine Gallery, the Medici family’s painting collection, which overwhelmed us with its countless masterpieces, as well as the impressive Appartamenti Reali (Royal Apartments), which attract countless visitors daily.

Tickets and more information on opening hours are available on the official website: uffizi.it/en/pitti-palace.

GIARDINO DI BOBOLI

Need a break in the green after all the vibrant artworks at the museum? Then you should visit the Boboli Gardens adjacent to the palace.

The Giardino di Boboli is the second-largest park in the city.
Through a separate entrance (additional cost, not included in the Palazzo Pitti ticket price), visitors can wander along well-maintained paths past manicured lawns, various ponds, fountains, a small amphitheater, and along avenues lined with sculptures.
At the top of the garden, you’ll enjoy a fantastic view of Florence and the surrounding hills.

Despite its size, we found the admission price of $10 per person quite steep.
Tickets and further information on opening hours can be found on the official website: uffizi.it/en/boboli-garden.

TIP FOR AN IDEAL CENTRAL ACCOMMODATION

When visiting a city like Florence, the location of your accommodation is crucial. The rule is: the more central, the better!

We opted for a Central Apartment with its own parking near the Palazzo Pitti, which we booked via booking.com. The apartment was ideal due to its size, location, and included parking.

6. PIAZZALE MICHELANGELO

Though it’s no longer a hidden gem, the Piazzale Michelangelo remains a must-see.
From this terrace, you have a fantastic view over Florence, especially at sunset when the city is bathed in warm, golden light.
The hill where the terrace is located is easily recognizable from afar thanks to the replica of Michelangelo’s David.

You can reach the Piazzale Michelangelo in about 20 minutes on foot from the city center (Palazzo Vecchio).
The climb is manageable, but for a more leisurely option, you can take the bus or drive.

Special tip: Directly below the terrace is the beautiful rose garden “Giardino delle Rose”. It’s a wonderful addition to your visit and, unlike the Boboli Gardens, it’s free to enter.

7. GALLERIA DELL’ACCADEMIA

Do you want to see the original, world-famous “David” by Michelangelo after viewing the copies at the Piazzale Michelangelo and the Palazzo Vecchio?
Then you should visit the Galleria dell’Accademia. It’s here that the 6-ton marble original, which took Michelangelo around 3 years to complete, resides.

Naturally, the gallery also houses other sculptures and paintings by notable artists, like Sandro Botticelli’s “Madonna with Child”.
But, let’s face it, they’re probably not the main reason why hundreds of people visit the museum daily – 'David' is the undisputed star!

Tickets and further information on opening hours are available on the official website: galleriaaccademiafirenze.it.

8. MERCATO CENTRALE FIRENZE

If you’re looking for a break from the art and history in your sightseeing schedule, the over 140-year-old and largest market hall in Florence is well worth a visit.
The impressive iron and glass structure, Mercato Centrale, is located just a few streets north of the Duomo, right in the old town – so you’ll likely pass by on your tour.

From 10:00 am to midnight daily, numerous modern street food stalls in Mercato Centrale offer a variety of treats, including pizza, sausage and cheese platters, burgers, pasta, as well as wine and aperitifs. The market hall is a popular spot for both locals and tourists to grab a midday snack or enjoy an aperitif.

Outside Mercato Centrale, you’ll also find many stands selling souvenirs, bags, belts, clothing, and more, mostly run by vendors from Asia.

9. MERCATO DI SANT’AMBROGIO

Unlike the busy Mercato Centrale, the smaller Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio retains the charm of a traditional market hall and is a real hidden gem, as primarily locals shop here.
Inside, you’ll find a variety of fresh, locally-sourced products at permanent stands.
Some stands even allow you to sample Tuscany’s culinary delights on the spot – and we can guarantee it’s worth it!

Around the market hall, you’ll find stalls selling fresh fruits and vegetables as well as antique items. Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio is open Monday to Saturday from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm.

10. FIESOLE

The very small, authentic town of Fiesole is only about 10 km from Florence, making it perfect for those who’ve already seen all of Florence’s sights or simply want a break from the city.

But why Fiesole, you ask? The answer is simple! On a clear day, you can enjoy a fantastic view of Florence from the hilltop Convento San Francesco.
Surrounded by a picturesque landscape of olive and cypress trees, the capital of Tuscany lies practically at your feet. The ambiance here is especially stunning at sunset.

Depending on your mood, you can take a leisurely stroll through the town’s few streets before or after enjoying the view of Florence to soak in the historic atmosphere.
The old buildings, ruins, and statues exude a special charm that you should take in. A visit to one of the traditional and cozy restaurants will perfectly round off your Fiesole trip.

11. TIPS FOR RESTAURANTS & CAFÉS IN FLORENCE

The culinary offerings in Florence are vast in every sense and may even feel a bit overwhelming to some.We felt the same way at first.
But after sampling various restaurants, gelaterias, and cafés, here are our top recommendations for you:

• Our Local Secret Tip – Trattoria Sabatino: An unpretentious, affordable place where you won’t find many tourists. The menu is in Italian, but the waiter is happy to translate.
  Make sure to arrive early, as it gets crowded after 8 pm!
• Il Rifrullo: A kind of tapas restaurant with delicious dishes meant for sharing. The slightly elevated, very quiet terrace with a view of an old brick gate is particularly beautiful.
• Neromo: Craving pizza? Then you’ll be in good hands at this small, authentic restaurant on the other side of the river.
• Ditta Artigianale & Hario Cafe Sant’ Ambrogio: Perfect for breakfast or coffee.
• Sbrino – Gelatificio Contadino: A small chain with several gelaterias around the city. No matter which one you visit, the gelato is absolutely delicious!

12. GETTING AROUND FLORENCE

The best way to get around Florence is on foot. Of course, there are public transport options like buses and trams, but they aren’t necessary or relevant for reaching the tourist attractions.

With comfortable shoes, you’re all set to leisurely explore the almost car-free old town of Florence.

13. ADDITIONAL TIPS & INFORMATION

HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED IN FLORENCE?

Despite its manageable size, there’s a lot to see in Florence. Towards the end of our stay, we felt there was still so much more to see and discover beyond the main attractions, so we could have easily stayed an extra night or two. In general, we would say:

• Stay 2 nights if you want to see the most famous and essential sights within the city.
• Stay 3 nights if you want to take a more relaxed, dolce vita-style approach to sightseeing.
• Stay 3 or more nights if you want to explore the areas around Florence (day trips to Pisa, Livorno, etc.).

IS FLORENCE TOURISTY?

To this question, we give a resounding YES. The word "overtourism" is no stranger to Florentines.
You’ll especially notice the tourist influx when encountering the very long queues at the city’s main attractions, the packed streets, and the high prices in the restaurants.

During our visit in April (around Easter), we already felt that it was incredibly busy despite being off-season (likely due to the Easter holidays).
So we can imagine how crowded it must be during peak season, which is why we recommend visiting Florence in the spring or fall rather than the summer months.

Regardless of the season, it’s a good idea to get up early (at sunrise) to take photos of the area around Florence Cathedral, Piazza della Signoria, and Ponte Vecchio without crowds of people.

HOW EXPENSIVE IS FLORENCE?

Generally speaking, all of Tuscany is not exactly known as a “cheap” travel destination. So we weren’t surprised by what we felt were sometimes high prices, especially for entry to attractions and restaurant visits.

Here are some examples to give you an idea of what you can expect:

• Double room in a central hotel: approx. $150 per night
• Parking in a public garage: approx. $30 per day
• Florence Cathedral admission: Bell tower $15, Dome additional $20
• Uffizi Gallery admission: $20
• Main course in a city-center restaurant: approx. $15
• A glass of wine: between $5 and $8

WHERE TO PARK IN FLORENCE?

The center or historic district of Florence is, like in many Italian cities, a car-free zone – in Florence, these are known as ZTL zones.
Although there are no physical barriers, this means that you’re not allowed to simply drive in. Various signs (mostly in Italian) indicate the ZTL zones.
If you ignore or accidentally drive into these zones, it can be costly.

If you’ve booked a hotel in this zone, that’s the only exception allowing you to drive there. However, don’t forget to register your car with the hotel.

If you’re parking outside the ZTL zones, here’s what you need to know:

• Florence has a general parking problem, so it’s best to book accommodation with parking if possible!
• White parking lines are reserved for residents with parking permits.
• Blue parking lines indicate paid parking spaces.
• Yellow parking lines are reserved for those with disabilities.

FINDING THE RIGHT ACCOMMODATION IN FLORENCE

For a city trip like Florence, the location of your accommodation is key. The closer to the center, the better!
This allows you to easily reach all the major attractions on foot, take breaks in your accommodation between sightseeing, and perhaps even enjoy an extra aperitif in the evening without needing to drive.

We opted for a central apartment with parking, which we booked via booking.com. The apartment was ideal for its size, location, and included parking.

USEFUL LINKS & RECOMMENDED TRAVEL GUIDES FOR YOU

• Find affordable rental cars at rentalcars.com‍
• Find affordable flights at skyscanner.com‍
• Discover the best accommodations‍
• The best Travel Guides for Florence
• Unique Excursions to Experience in Florence

Can’t get enough of the Italian flair and La Dolce Vita? Then Sardinia might be the perfect destination for you!
In our post, 8-Day Road Trip in Sardinia – Our Tips & Highlights, we reveal the island’s most beautiful spots, highlights, and everything else you need to know about this Mediterranean gem. Check it out!

Note: This blog post contains our personal recommendations in the form of so-called affiliate links. If you book or purchase something through these links, we earn a small commission. There is absolutely no change to the price for you.