Best places to visit in Florence | Explore the top Picks
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Welcome back, folks, to a brand new blog. Florence, the entire city, is a showcase of the Italian Renaissance—the artistic movement that broke Europe out of the Dark Ages. So, if you’ve never been to this city before, let’s take a quick look at 10 Best places to visit in Florence.
So, let’s start with Best places to visit in Florence.
Number one: Piazza del Duomo and the group of buildings
that form its cathedral complex gather some of Italy’s greatest artistic treasures into one relatively small area. As you tour the baptistery, the bell tower, the cathedral, and its museum, you’ll see some of the best-known masterpieces of art and architecture by the greatest artists of the Italian Renaissance.
So, this is a perfect way to immerse yourself in Florence as you arrive. Walk around the square to admire the intricate marble exteriors, then step inside each one to look more closely—especially on a hot day. There are guided tours, and I’ve left a link in the description. It’s about 2 and a half hours and includes the cathedral, the dome, the baptistery, entrance fees, and the option to wait to visit the opera.
Number two: Piazza della Signoria
Now, this is a W-shaped square in front of the Palazzo Vecchio. The broad square has been the center of power in Florence since its 14th-century origins, perhaps even before, as Etruscan and Roman remains have been found below the pavement.
but today it’s a mix of people, a favorite meeting place filled with tourists and locals. At the center is the Neptune Fountain, and at one end, the Palazzo Vecchio still houses the city’s government. Against the wall of the Uffizi, you’ll see in front of the Palazzo Vecchio a copy of Michelangelo’s David, but you’ll also see several notable pieces such as Perseus with the Head of Medusa.
Number three: Ponte Vecchio
Now, this may just be the most widely recognized icon of Florence, and its graceful arches topped by a mix of shops are certainly one of the city’s prettiest scenes. Ponte Vecchio is the only bridge in Florence that managed to survive World War II. But the best views of the bridge are actually from the riverfront on either side because it’s less crowded. You can also get some good views from the upper floor of the Uffizi Gallery if you decide to visit, which I think is a must.
Number four: Uffizi Gallery
Now, few would argue around the world about its place among the handful of the world’s top art museums. Its collections are simply staggering in their diversity and quality. But even if art is not your main interest whatsoever, you should still see the highlights of the paintings here. There’s also a great view, by the way, of Ponte Vecchio, just so you know. But you’ll come away with a greater understanding of how Florence’s 14th to 16th-century painters changed the face of Western art as you see the transition from the stilted Byzantine images to the lifelike figures and landscapes of the Renaissance artists.
The typical Tuscan façade, Santa Croce, is both an art-filled church and a memorial for some of Florence’s greatest names. Among its treasures are several landmarks of Renaissance art, so it’s just a quick walk from the Duomo. It’s also the burial place of some of the most illustrious Italians, such as Michelangelo, the poet Foscolo, even the philosopher Gentile, and the composer Rossini. So, it’s also known as the Temple of Italian Glories. But just so you know, it’s a fair bit more expensive than most churches at €8. From my experience in Italy, that’s quite high, seeing as most churches allow you to enter for free.
Number Five: The typical Tuscan façade, Santa Croce
The typical Tuscan façade, Santa Croce, is both an art-filled church and a memorial for some of Florence’s greatest names. Among its treasures are several landmarks of Renaissance art, so it’s just a quick walk from the Duomo. It’s also the burial place of some of the most illustrious Italians, such as Michelangelo, the poet Foscolo, even the philosopher Gentile, and the composer Rossini. So, it’s also known as the Temple of Italian Glories. But just so you know, it’s a fair bit more expensive than most churches at €8. From my experience in Italy, that’s quite high, seeing as most churches allow you to enter for free.
Number six: Giardino di Boboli
Now, to get away from the crowds, it’s time to go somewhere for a little bit of peace. Directly behind the palace are the marvelous Boboli Gardens. The Medici family established this layout of gardens, created in the Italian Garden style that would become a model for many European courts. The vast green expanses with a regular layout are a real outdoor museum and are populated by ancient and Renaissance statues.
The gardens are also adorned with grottos as well as large fountains such as the Fountain of Neptune and the Fountain of the Ocean. So, if you want peaceful strolls, lovely fountains, and beautiful views of the city, then this is the attraction you need to head to.
Number seven: Palazzo Pitti
A day at the palace complex, and I’m telling you, you could spend a whole day seeing it all. It will give you a little taste of the many things Florence has to offer:
An outstanding art gallery, a Medici palace, Florentine craftsmanship, museums, history, royal apartments, and one of Italy’s premier gardens, which I’ve just explained. So, I highly recommend that you visit this particular attraction. But if a day isn’t quite what you had in mind, then at least take the time to visit the palace to see the royal apartments and the rooms, where you’ll find paintings and other collections.
Number eight: Baptistery
From any angle, inside or out, the 12th-century octagonal baptistery is a consummate work of art. Its marble façade, the intricate mosaics of its interior, and the artworks it holds all merit a place high on your list.
But the magnificent bronze panels that were created for the doors facing the cathedral trump them all. Nowhere has bronze been worked with such exquisite expression as in these gates. So, this is another really interesting place for you to visit.
Number nine: Michelangelo’s Terrace
Now, this terrace above the city is an absolute standard stop for anyone who wants to see the beautiful views of Florence. During the busy tourist season, I think the best time for you to visit would be super early in the morning or at sunset.
While you can get a 360° panoramic view of Florence from the dome of the cathedral, only from this terrace can you fully appreciate how Brunelleschi’s dome dominates the city center. Nor can any other height give you the sweeping city view that Santaencompasses the Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio, Santa Croce, and other landmarks. You can walk here, and it’s about 20 minutes from, I would say, Boboli Gardens.
Florence is a really crowded city, and it will always be that way. It’s just because it’s that good. There are so many people around the world who just want to admire the Renaissance paintings and, of course, immerse themselves in the Florence environment. But while you’re walking around and you will be able to see so many galleries and museums, there’s still an opportunity for you to get out of the city and see something else that’s not too far away from Florence.
Number Ten: bargello national museum
The museum itself is a treasure, as the building is remarkable in its own right. Here, you can see the giglio, the symbol of Florence, and enter a room filled with treasures and beautifully frescoed walls. This building dates back to the 1200s and has served various purposes, mainly related to civic government, justice, the police, the legal system, and even choir lectures. It’s very cool!
Over here, we have some crosses. This is a reliquary cross by Paolo Aloe from Florence in the 1400s. Moving into the chapel, which was built in the 1300s, you’ll see even more wonders. Besides this fabulous building, there is what appears to be a baptismal font or perhaps just a container for holy water—I’m not entirely sure. There are countless statues, artworks, ceramics, and so much more. It’s definitely worth visiting this incredible place.
As you can see, I’m here at 8:15 when the museum opens, and I virtually have it to myself. Besides the workers, there are only a handful of tourists here right now. Unlike the Accademia or the Uffizi, which are packed the moment they open, you can enjoy yourself here at a more relaxed pace. You can take your time to admire the art without waiting in long lines.
That’s not to say you should skip the Accademia or the Uffizi—both are must-visit places. But here, you can enjoy a more leisurely experience. In my visits, it has never been overwhelmingly crowded. Some areas do get busier later, but overall, it’s a much calmer environment.
Number one would be my favorite, San Gimignano, located just an hour’s drive from Florence. It’s a medieval masterpiece that I’m sure you will enjoy. It has an iconic skyline with towering medieval towers, and this is a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s a sight to behold. Narrow cobblestone streets and a small hilltop town offer beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding Tuscan countryside. So, San Gimignano is a true gem, and I’m sure you’ll really enjoy the beauty of Tuscany.
And then comes the second day trip opportunity: in less than an hour and a half, you can drive from the Renaissance splendor of Florence to the enchanting medieval streets of Siena. Lose yourself in the history and beauty of the UNESCO-listed historic center, or you can explore the iconic Piazza del Campo and marvel at the majestic Siena Cathedral. Its proximity to Florence is really convenient, and Siena is a must-visit destination for those of you seeking a very authentic Tuscan experience.
So, there you have it, folks. That was Florence. What can I say about this super busy city? It’s literally a showcase of the Italian Renaissance, and you can see why.
It’s so busy no matter what time of year you go. I do recommend that you visit at least once in your lifetime. It’s definitely not my favorite city, and it’s actually quite low on the list of places to visit in Italy. But would I recommend someone to visit? Absolutely! And it doesn’t matter if you’re interested in museums or not — this is a city where you will be very interested because it is that good. It’s a beautiful city as well.
Do take the opportunity to go on day trips. They’re not that far away, and you can cram in three places for the price of one visit to Florence.
Thank you, and that wraps up our Best places to visit in Florence | Explore the top Picks. Do you agree with the places we chose, or is there somewhere you visited that you feel should be on the list? leave us a comment.
You can find me on Instagram: @dreamytravelersofficial/.
