Florence, Italy, is an amazing open-air museum that is perfect for lovers of history and culture. It’s a city rich in museums, squares churches, statues, and Renaissance art. Firenze offers more than the iconic landmarks like the Ponte Vecchio and Florence Duomo. To get a better idea of Florence’s Renaissance city, be sure to visit these 25 most beautiful Florence tourist attractions. To learn more about these amazing sights in Florence, click on the icon.
1. Uffizi Gallery
The former Palazzo Vecchio is home to the Uffizi Gallery. It is Florence’s most popular museum. It sells out several days in advance. The Uffizi houses well-known works by Botticelli and Caravaggio, as well as Titian. Be captivated by the beauty of the different art periods that span from the Middle Ages up to the present era. More info ‘Galleria degli Uffizi’.
Important: Make sure you book your tickets on time. It is not uncommon for the Uffizi to be sold out for quite a while. This priority ticket is highly recommended. Or, you can get the Florence Pass which includes entrance tickets to all 3 major attractions in Florence.
2. Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore)
Florence’s landmark, the Duomo of Florence, is what everyone associates with. The cathedral dominates the skyline and has become an iconic landmark in Firenze. Piazza del Duomo is where you will find the Duomo. For stunning views of the city, climb Brunelleschi’s dome measuring 115 meters or Giotto campanile measuring 82 meters. The cathedral’s beautiful façade is worth a visit, as well as the Museo nearby for religious objects. More information about the ‘Duomo di Florence’.
3. Palazzo Vecchio
The Palazzo Vecchio was the place where Florence’s government took place for many years. The Palazzo Vecchio is still home to the city council. The palace serves more as a museum than it does today. The Hall of Five Hundred is a famous space that allows you to admire famous frescoes. Vasari’s cassette ceiling is a well-known example. Michelangelo is the most well-known wall fresco. For a stunning view of the city, you can also go to the clock tower. More info ‘Palazzo Vecchio’.
4. Ponte Vecchio is the famed bridge
Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s most iconic bridge over the Arno, is a must-see. It is most well-known for its shops that are situated on the bridge. There were once blacksmiths, tanners, and butchers who lived here. But today, you’ll mostly see jewelers there. You will find the bust of Cellini in the middle of this bridge. He is a famous metal smith. A fence surrounds the statue, where lovers can hang a padlock to forever cherish their love.
5. Accademia Gallery – Michelangelo’s David
Galleria dell’Accademia of Florence, an art school, houses a large collection of sculptures that inspire students. The Galleria includes famous statues as well as works of art created by students. It also contains a large collection paintings by Florentine artists, Middle Ages religious prints, and Russian icons. Michelangelo’s original David is the most well-known statue in the Accademia gallery.
6. Sights around Piazza della Signoria
The Piazza della Signoria is the most famous square in Firenze. The famous Palazzo Vecchio, which houses a replica of Michelangelo’s David, is right outside the door, as well as the clock tower. A loggia will be found with many statues, including the famous Perseus and the headless Medusa. This square also houses the Neptune Fountain. Cosimo deMedici’s face is made from the sea god. Cosimo can be seen in the bronze statue of an equestrian in the square. More info ‘Piazza della Signoria’.
7. Basilica Santa Croce
Santa Croce was designed to surpass the Santa Maria Novella. The Gothic basilica is most famous for its Florentines, which are buried there. They include Machiavelli and Michelangelo as well as Vasari, Galileo Galilei, Vasari, Vasari, and Vasari. Dante is also buried there. Brunelleschi made the famous Capella di Pazzi in a Renaissance style.
8. Pitti Palace & Galleria Palatina
The Palazzo Pitti, a second palace belonging to the banking family, is located on the opposite side of the Arno. After the Pittis couldn’t pay for it, the Medici took over the palace and made it a museum. It now houses all types of art, including paintings and clothes. The Boboli Gardens are a tourist attraction with their sculptures and famous Grotta Grande. The Vasari corridor connects the Pitti Palace to the Palazzo Vecchio.
9. Boboli gardens
The Boboli gardens, located behind Palazzo Pitti, can be described as the most beautiful gardens of Florence. Many famous gardens, including Versailles’s, were inspired by the Boboli gardens. There are trees, fountains and statues throughout the gardens, as well as ponds, and the ‘Grotta Grand’. Although smaller than the Giardino Boboli’s, the Bardani Gardens of Villa Bardini is quieter and more well-known. The Garden Park is divided into three sections: English, Baroque and Horticultural with the Olive Trees.
10. Piazzale Michelangelo – Viewpoint of Florence
Piazzale Michelangelo offers a stunning view of the city. You can enjoy a 360-degree view of the Tuscan capital from the top of a hill. You will find the original Michelangelo’s David at the Piazzale, as well as other replicas by the famous sculptor. Behind the statue is a loggia, which was built by Poggi to display all the sculptures of Michelangelo. This place now has a restaurant that will help you recover from the difficult climb. More info Piazzale Michlangelo.
11. Florence landmark: San Miniato al Monte
A small Romanesque church is located on the top of the hill, close to Piazzale Michelangelo. This Basilica di San Miniato al Monte was built by the famed guild Arti di Calimala. Architect Michelozzo built the Capella del Crocefisso. The north side of the church is where Cardinal Iacopo de Lusitania is buried. This chapel was designed by Brunelleschi’s student. The crypt contains relics from Saint Minias, the patron saint of the church.
12. Mercato Centrale (Food Halls)
The covered Mercato Centrale is the best place to find fresh meat, vegetables and fruits, as well as pasta, fish, and other foods. The large market hall provides fresh food in a friendly market environment. The food hall also offers a variety of cooked foods, including Tuscan specialties like porchetta. There are also a few cozy wine bars where you can unwind from the bustle of the market. You can also purchase souvenirs and clothing at the Mercato Centrale, as it is a popular tourist attraction.
13. Santa Maria Novella
The Basilica di Santa Maria Novella is a church from the thirteenth-fourteenth century in a Romanesque style. Alberti designed the facade, which dates back to 1470. The fresco of The Holy Trinity by Masaccio is a highlight of the church. Lippi decorated in 1487 the Strozzi family chapel, one of the main rivals to the Medici, with frescoes depicting John the Evangelist’s life. This work captures the political and religious climate in Florence during the fifteenth century.
14. Medici Chapels
The Medici chapels are located at San Lorenzo parish church, which is the family’s banking family. There are three parts to the chapels. Behind the entrance is a crypt that houses the unidentified members of the Medici family. The Cappella dei Principi, a large family mausoleum that Cosimo I built in 1604 is the Cappella dei Principi. Six tombs belonging to the Grand Dukes can be found here. The tombs of Urbino Giulano, Lorenzo de Medici and Urbino are found in the New Sacristy.
15. San Marco Museum
In the former San Marco Monastery, is located the National Museum of San Marco. The works are primarily by Fra Angelico, a gifted monk who was also responsible for the creation of these works. Angelico painted Biblical visions using soft colors and the most recent painting techniques. Also, you will find paintings by Ghirlandaio as well as Michelozzo. This latter designer was responsible for designing the library. Here you will find valuable choir books.
16. Galileo Museum
This museum celebrates Galileo Galilei, an astronomer and scientist. The Pisaan was born in Pisa and has lived most of his adult life in Florence. The museum’s current focus is on scientific topics, illustrated with ancient scientific instruments. The museum is also dedicated to Galileo, whose legacy is reflected in the museum’s exhibits. The scientific collections of families like the Medicis or the Lorraine can be viewed as well. More info ‘Galileo Galilei Museum’
17. Florence cycling tour
Bicycles are a convenient way to explore many of Florence’s landmarks. You can rent a bicycle yourself or hire a guide who speaks English to show you the sights around Florence. You will be able to see the highlights and hear fascinating stories about Florence’s history in just half a day. Highly recommended! We recommend that you book in advance as these tours are very popular. Learn more about biketours.
18. Bargello National Museum
The Museo Nazionale del Bargello, which is located in an ex-palazzo, is one of Florence’s most significant museums. It houses a collection that includes Renaissance and applied art. It was originally a town hall, then a prison. However, it was reopened as one of Italy’s first national museum in 1865. The Michelangelo Room, the most well-known of the three floors, is the museum’s highest.
19. Palazzo Medici-Riccardi
The Palazzo Medici – Riccardi was the old city palace of the Medici’s where the Medici family lived. The palace was built by Michelozzo for Cosimo deMedici the Elder in 1444. The palace remained in the family of the Medici for a century. However, the Riccardi family purchased it with a number beautiful rooms.
20. Fontana del Porcellino
One of Florence’s most well-known fountains is the Porcellino fountain. Based on a legend, the fountain depicts a young man who would be a boar forever if he was reunited with his true love. Every year, hundreds of people visit the fountain to touch or kiss its snout. They assume they will return to Florence. To add a little luck to your day, you can also throw a coin one time in the grid between the legs and the bronze boar.
21. Piazza della Repubblica
This square, once a slum in Florence, is now the heart of the city. It has a rich history. You can now marvel at the Triumphal Arch for Vittorio Emaele, the colorful antique carousel, and the Colonna dell’Abbondanza. There are many options for shopping, dining out and accommodations. The Colonna dell’Abbondanza, which is also the center of Florence, is known as the navel.
22. Savings tips for sightseeing
Are you visiting Florence for a few hours and plan to see many top attractions and sights? The Florence Pass is the perfect option. FirenzeCard is also a great option, but only if there are many museums you wish to visit. Unfortunately, Florence’s admission prices are very high. Sometimes tickets at the box offices have been sold out for quite some time. You are particularly interested in Uffizi Museum. This combination ticket (Uffizi-Piti Palace-Booli Gardens) is the best and cheapest ticket you can purchase. It costs EUR 24.
23. See more churches in Florence
Florence is home to many churches. You can visit the Orsanmichele church, which is located right in the middle the famous shopping street. You can also visit Santa Maria del Carmine, which has the Cappella Brancacci frescoes (photo). Plan a visit the San Lorenzo Church, the Medici parish church. The Santissima Annunziata has beautiful frescoes. Learn more about other Florence churches.
24. More museums for ‘Firenze’
There are many museums in Florence, including the Uffizi, Accademia and Bargello. The Palazzo Davanzati, a beautiful medieval palace, is also worth a visit. The Leonardo da Vinci Museum is an interactive museum that is entirely dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci, the scientist and artist. Fashion lover? You should visit the Gucci Garden. This article gives an overview of the museums in Florence.
25. Florence sights
There are many options to make day trips throughout Tuscany from Florence. Firenze is close to cities with amazing sights and landmarks like Pisa, Lucca, and Siena. The capital of Tuscany is easily accessible to natural areas like the Tuscan hills, sea and Chianti region. You should also pay attention to smaller towns like Monteriggioni and San Gimignano, which are only 10 km away. This article will tell you about the top 10 day trips around the region.
