The 8 Best Places to Visit in Florence:
When it comes to Italy don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Especially when it comes to finding the best places to visit in Florence, especially for first timers. Florence awes first-time Italy visitors as the art capital of the world. The gorgeous city brims with world-class art museums, soaring towers, fabulous shopping, and scenic views.
To start your Florence visit off right, here are the top 8 things to do, especially if you’re short on time. This list covers the very best of Florence for both first-timers and those with limited time to spare in the city.
Wander through art-rich neighbourhoods, climb to rooftop cafes, and meander across Ponte Vecchio while exploring these top sights and activities. Let your inner adventurer loose to uncover Florence’s manifold treasures as you check these destinations off your list.
1. The Duomo Cathedral
The magnificent Duomo Cathedral complex houses Florence’s star attractions. It entices visitors with its world-famous Renaissance dome, soaring bell tower, ornate baptistery, and vast museum.
Additionally, purchase a combo ticket granting access to all areas. Ascend over 400 steps to stunning city views atop the cathedral rooftop. Enter the massive interior to study the elaborate Last Judgement ceiling frescoes.
Furthermore, plan ample time to take in the architectural feats, engineering brilliance, and priceless artwork. From Brunelleschi’s iconic dome to Giotto’s tower to the gilded baptistery doors, this is Florence’s treasure trove. The Duomo complex immerses you in the city’s prodigious heritage as nowhere else can.
2. Michelangelo’s David
Considered One of the Best Places to Visit in Florence
Inside the Accademia Gallery, behold Michelangelo’s towering marble sculpture of David. Marvel at the legendary work’s astonishing details—the veins in his arms, the definition of his muscles, the expression on his face.
While the museum holds other Florentine treasures, David remains the star attraction after 500 years. No replica captures the 17-foot figure’s breathtaking scale and magnificence.
Clearly, Michelangelo’s David must top your Florence itinerary. Stand before this larger-than-life biblical hero and join generations left awestruck by a masterpiece for the ages.
3. The Giotto Bell Tower
Climb 400-plus steps up Giotto’s 14th-century slender Campanile for awesome city views. Pause on terraces to rest and photograph Florence’s red rooftops and the Duomo’s iconic dome nearby. The open-air top once allowed unblocked panoramas. But mesh barriers now obstruct photos. Still, after hiking up the marble bell tower, this height impresses despite picture frustrations.
Therefore, allow 45 minutes to scale the 274-foot tower and see Brunelleschi’s cathedral dome next door. Even though sights are partly blocked, ambitiously ascending Giotto’s soaring campanile still rewards the sweaty climb with Florence unfurled below.
4. The Florence Baptistery
Inside the eight-sided Baptistery, look up at the glowing gold 13th-century mosaic ceiling showing Bible tales. Admire the fancy 15th-century “Gates of Paradise” doors carved by Ghiberti before seeing the originals at the Museum.
Furthermore, this small, 11th-century Baptistery impresses with art treasures like painted walls and marble columns plus ornamented outsides. Across from the famed Cathedral and Bell Tower in Piazza del Duomo, this architectural gem invites exploration. Visitors should not skip the elaborate interior of this historic site.
5. Tower of Palazzo Vecchio
One of the Best Places We Discovered to Visit in Florence
The imposing medieval Palazzo Vecchio is now Florence’s City Hall but holds art inside its stark fortress face. See Roman ruins or climb 200 narrow steps up the Arnolfo Tower for lovely city views.
Also, gaze at the sea of red roofs, taking vivid photos of famous places like the Duomo’s dome and Giotto’s slim Bell Tower far off. This wide landscape flawlessly captures classic Florence. Touring the palace and taking in sights from the tower encapsulates the essence of Florence in one memorable visit.
6. Take in Sunset Views From Piazzale Michelangelo
Make your way up to Piazzale Michelangelo for magical sunset views overlooking Florence. As dusk falls, watch the fading light set fire to the terracotta rooftops before illuminating the cityscape. Linger as night descends to admire iconic monuments like the Duomo dome glowing under a blanket of stars and street lights. This sweeping scene looks like a postcard come to life.
7. Stroll Across the Ponte Vecchio
The 14th-century Ponte Vecchio filled with jewellery shops crosses the Arno River. Its medieval stone arches span the water. Walk on this pedestrian bridge enjoying river views both ways. Then retrace Florentine steps through history and soak up the timeless sights, like the Vasari Corridor above, as you stroll and view from this iconic and charming bridge.
8. Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens
Two Must-See Places to Visit in Florence
The imposing 15th-century Pitti Palace, once a private home and later the residence of the Medici Grand Dukes, now houses the Pitti Picture Gallery and four specialty museums, such as the Museo della Moda, showcasing fashion history.
However, the real draw of this palatial complex unfolds behind its stone façade – the splendid Boboli Gardens. As you roam through the expansive landscape gardens, you’ll discover charming fountains, sculptures, grottos, and enjoy choice views of Florence. Strolling through this green, hillside oasis provides a delightful contrast to the bustling city sightseeing. Lose yourself for hours amid neatly trimmed hedges and shady tree-lined walkways.
Our Latest Guides to Italy
Best Places to Visit in Florence, Italy: Pro Tips
When Visiting the Cathedral:
i. Plan ahead for the Dome Climb
Scoring tickets to ascend Brunelleschi’s iconic dome is competitive. Its popularity plus tight space at the top means spots sell out way in advance. If climbing the cupola is a must for your Florence trip, book dome climb tickets as soon as possible!
ii. Book a Tour to Avoid Disappointment
Booking a guided tour often guarantees entry. Companies snag batches of tickets ahead of time that individual travellers can’t get last minute.
iii. Dress Appropriately
Popping into Florence’s churches? Drape that scarf over bare shoulders and stash those short shorts for another day. Or grab a cheap cover up from souvenir stands surrounding the Duomo to meet modest dress codes on the fly when cathedral wandering whims strike!
iv. Grab Last Minute Duomo Tickets
If online tickets slipped your mind, the walk-up ticket office is located across from the side by the bell tower. Spot the nondescript door used by locals, not the tourist entrance.
Stand with your back to the colourful dome and look across the street. The office should be visible once you know where to look!
v. Admire the Famed Cathedral From Afar
From a distance at Piazzale Michelangelo or Boboli Gardens, admire the Duomo’s amazing red dome and cathedral face towering on the cityscape. Enjoy the stunning architecture soaring over Florence. These scenic viewpoints let you take in the impressive structures.
vi. Take Your Time Exploring
Combo tickets allow 3 days total to hit the complex’s sights, so pace yourself if needed!
If booking a tour, ensure it includes general Duomo entry – otherwise explore other sites solo on your ticket’s remaining days.
vii. Strategise Your Visit Time
Dodge queues coiling around Florence’s cathedral sights by rising at dawn or waiting until near dusk when crowds thin. We returned at sunset to a nearly empty bell tower, strolling right in to bask in golden hour ambiance all to ourselves! Time it right to avoid wait fatigue.
viii. Travel Light for Tight Spaces
Leave big bags and purses at your hotel or check them at the Duomo Museum’s cloak room. Toting large items isn’t allowed for good reason – things get tight!
Travel Planning Guide for Places to Visit in Florence, Italy
Travel Insurance for Your Trip to Florence, Italy
Buying insurance is always valuable when travelling abroad. Therefore, enjoy your holiday in Italy stress-free with one of my favourite providers, Visitors Coverage Insurance.
Renting a Car in Italy
Indeed, renting a car in Italy is easy and is a great way to explore. Consequently, I recommend booking yours with Rentalcars.com – they offer a variety of operators for all budgets.
Finding the Perfect Accommodation in Italy
The best way to book your accommodation in Italy is with Booking.com. In fact, it’s my go to site to compare and reserve places to stay each night, from affordable guesthouses to luxury hotels.
Booking Flights to Italy
Lastly, for air travel, I recommend booking your flight with Omio. Moreover, it has been my favourite platform for years, as it allows me to book the cheapest flights to visit Italy.
