There are many attractions for visitors to enjoy in Florence, Italy. From impressive churches and palaces to amazing museums, there are a lot of must-see attractions. If you’re interested in architecture, the best things to see in Florence are:

1. 1. Florence Cathedral
   2. Brunelleschi Dome
   3. Uffizi Gallery
   4. Ponte Vecchio
   5. Palazzo Vecchio
   6. Basilica di Santa Croce
   7. Opera del Duomo Museum
   8. Giotto’s Bell Tower
   9. Baptistery of Saint John
   10. Abbey of San Miniato
   11. Basilica di San Lorenzo
   12. Gallery of the Academy of Florence
   13. Palazzo del Bargello
   14. Medici Chapel
   15. Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
   16. Pitti Palace
   17. Basilica of Santo Spirito
   18. Vasari Corridor
   19. Loggia dei Lanzi
   20. Mercato Nuovo
   21. Piazzale Michelangelo
   22. Central Market
   23. Palazzo Medici Riccardi
   24. Palazzo Spini Feroni
   25. Piazza della Repubblica
   26. Church and Museum of Orsanmichele
   27. Complex of San Firenze
   28. Church of Saints Michele and Gaetano
   29. Chiesa di San Salvatore in Ognissanti
   30. Chiesa di San Carlo dei Lombardi
   31. Strozzi Palace

We spent all of September and October visiting the sights in Florence. Based on our experience, we compiled this list of the best things to see.

If you don’t have a month to explore, you can follow our suggested Florence Walking Tour and see all the best sights on our list in one day (albeit a very full day). This time estimation is a drive-by of the sites and doesn’t include a thorough tour of the inside.

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The Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore or “Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower” aka Florence Cathedral (Duomo di Firenze) is located in the Piazza del Duomo.

• Architect: Arnolfo di Cambio (original design); Filippo Brunelleschi (dome); Emilio De Fabris (façade)
• Style: Gothic, Romanesque, Renaissance
• Built: 1296 to 1436
• Address: Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

The Italian Gothic and early Renaissance church was built between 1296 and 1436. The façade underwent major restorations in the 1870s and the dome has been continuously repaired since it was completed.

The architect Arnolfo di Cambio designed the Latin cross layout with a wide central nave and an aisle on each side separated by wide pointed Gothic arches resting on composite piers. Filippo Brunelleschi built the dome and Emilio De Fabris built the façade.

The architectural masterpiece is recognized as the most famous tourist attraction in Italy.

• Architect: Filippo Brunelleschi
• Style:
• Built: 1436
• Address: Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

The tour of the dome is a great place to geek out on an engineering marvel. It also offers great views of the city.

The Uffizi (meaning “the offices”), which originally housed the offices of the city magistrates, is located in Piazzale degli Uffizi.

• Architect: Giorgio Vasari, Alfonso Parigi, and Bernardo Buontalenti
• Style: Classical
• Built: 1560 to 1581
• Address: Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Firenze FI

The Uffizi is one of the world’s oldest art museums. It included a private exhibition space that was open to visitors upon request as early as 1590 and was officially opened to the public in the 1760s. Most of its works of art came from the powerful and wealthy Medici Family when the last lineal descendant died and donated her collection to Tuscany.

It is currently a world-renowned art museum and one of the most-visited museums in Europe. It is home to famous works such as the Birth of Venus by Botticelli, Madonna of the Goldfinch by Raphael, Annunciation by Leonardo da Vinci, Medusa by Caravaggio, and Doni Tondo by Michelangelo.

The Ponte Vecchio (the “Old Bridge”) spans the Arno river between the Palazzo Vecchio and the Pitti Palace.

• Architect: Taddeo Gaddi or Neri Fioravanti
• Style:
• Built: c. 1339 and 1345
• Address: Ponte Vecchio, 50125 Firenze FI

It is made up of three large low-arched passes topped with shops facing the central passage.

The shops on the bridge are currently home to jewelers and art dealers.

The Vasari Corridor, the Medici’s private walkway connecting Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi with the Pitti Palace, runs above the shops on the bridge.

The Palazzo Vecchio (“Old Palace”) is located on the Piazza della Signoria. It has been the town hall of Florence for over 700 years and has had many names, depending on who was in control at the time, including Palazzo della Signoria, Palazzo del Popolo, Palazzo dei Priori, and Palazzo Ducale.

• Architect: Arnolfo di Cambio
• Style: Romanesque and Renaissance
• Built: 1299 to 1314
• Address: P.za della Signoria, 50122 Firenze FI

The tower’s  clock was originally constructed in 1353 but was replaced with a replica in 1667.

The Basilica di Santa Croce or “Basilica of the Holy Cross” is located in the Piazza di Santa Croce.

• Architect: Arnolfo di Cambio (believed)
• Style: Gothic and Renaissance
• Built: 1294 to 1385; façade added in 1863
• Address: Piazza di Santa Croce, 16, 50122 Firenze FI

The interior floorplan is an Egyptian Tau cross with a nave and two aisles separated by octagonal columns.

Santa Croce is the largest Franciscan church in the world and the burial place of some of the most famous Italians in history including Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli.

The Opera Del Duomo Museum is home to many original works of art that were previously inside and outside the Duomo. They made copies for replacements and put the originals in the museum for safekeeping and exhibition.

The museum also provides a detailed history of the construction of Brunelleschi’s Dome and the Duomo facade.

• Architect: Arnolfo di Cambio
• Style: Florentine Gothic
• Built: 1298 to 1359
• Address:

Giotto’s Bell Tower (Campanile di Giotto) is located next to the Cathedral and the Baptistry in the Piazza del Duomo.

Giotto di Bondone began construction on the Florentine Gothic tower in 1334. After Giotto’s death in 1337, Andrea Pisano continued work until his death in 1348.  Finally, Francesco Talenti completed it in 1359.

Today, the bell tower houses twelve bells: five old, unused bells plus seven currently in use.

The Baptistery of Saint John (Battistero di San Giovanni) aka the Florence Baptistery was built in the Piazza del Duomo between 1059 and 1128.

The octogen-shaped Romanesque Baptistery is famous for its three bronze doors designed by Pisano, Ghiberti, and Michelangelo.

• Architect: 
• Style: Florentine Romanesque style
• Built: 1059 to 1128
• Address: 

The Abbey of San Miniato (Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte) is located on the hill of San Miniato al Monte, the highest hill in the city. It has a historic abbey, the best views of Florence, and a beautiful graveyard with elaborate mausoleums.

• Architect: Bishop Alibrando 
• Style: Romanesque
• Built: 1013 – 1018
• Address: Via delle Porte Sante, 34, 50125 Firenze FI

As of 2021, the Abbey of San Miniato is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The Basilica di San Lorenzo is located in in Piazza San Lorenzo.

• Architect: Filippo Brunelleschi, Micheaangelo, and Michelozzo 
• Style: Renaissance and Romanesque
• Built: 1419 to 1459 (mostly complete)
• Address: Piazza di San Lorenzo, 9, 50123 Firenze FI

Although construction was largely complete by 1459, final completion would not be until the end of the 15th century.

The interior of the church is a Latin cross with three naves and a dome at the intersection of the arms.

The Gallery of the Academy of Florence (La Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze) aka Accademia Gallery is famous for housing Michelangelo’s statue of David.

• Architect: Lapo Tedesco
• Style: Italian Gothic
• Built: opened 1256; added to 1323
• Address: Via del Proconsolo, 4, 50122 Firenze F

It houses a large collection of sculptures with famous works such as David by Donatello.

Cappelle Medicee

The Medici Chapels are the final resting place of members of the influential Medici family. The Medici Chapels, with beautiful architecture and intricate artwork, are a sight to behold.

The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella (Basilica di Santa Maria Novella) is located opposite the main railway station.

• Architect: Leon Battista Alberti (façade), Filippo Brunelleschi, Giorgio Vasari, and others
• Style: Renaissance, Gothic, Romanesque, and Classical
• Built: starting 1279; opened 1360
• Address: P.za di Santa Maria Novella, 18, 50123 Firenze FI

The original construction took nearly a century to complete with the façade still unfinished. The façade was finally completed by Leon Battista Alberti between 1456 and 1470.

The church has been remodeled multiple times including by the architect Giorgio Vasari beginning in 1567 and by Enrico Romoli between 1858 and 1860.

The interior is designed as an Egyptian cross with a nave, two aisles, and a short transept.

The Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti) is located approximately 400 meters from the Ponte Vecchio on the south side of the River Arno.

• Architect: Luca Fancelli and Giorgio Vasari 
• Style: Roman
• Year Built: starting in 1458
• Address: Piazza de’ Pitti, 1, 50125 Firenze FI

Luca Fancelli, Brunelleschi’s pupil, was likely the architect of the original Roman-style palace that was built for the banker Luca Pitti starting in 1458.  It was still not finished when Pitti died in 1472.

Giorgio Vasari significantly enlarged the palace after the wife of Cosimo I de’ Medici of Tuscany bought the building in 1549.

If you have the time, you can purchase a combo ticket for the Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens. The entrance to the gardens is at the back of the palace.

The Basilica of Santo Spirito (Basilica di Santo Spirito) or “Basilica of the Holy Spirit” is located on the south bank of the Arno in the Oltrarno district.

• Architect: Filippo Brunelleschi, Antonio Manetti, Giovanni da Gaiole, and Salvi d’Andrea
• Style: Renaissance
• Built: 1444 to 1487
• Address: Piazza Santo Spirito, 30, 50125 Firenze FI

Brunelleschi died soon after construction began and his facade was never built and left blank.

The Vasari Corridor (Corridoio Vasariano) is a private walkway running from the Palazzo Vecchio, through the Uffizi, above the Ponte Vecchio to the Palazzo Pitti.

It was built by the architect Giorgio Vasari for Cosimo de Medici to move easily and safely from his official residence to his private palace.

The Loggia dei Lanzi aka the Loggia della Signoria is located on a corner of the Piazza della Signoria.

• Architect: Benci di Cione, Bernardo Buontalenti, Francesco Talenti
• Style: Gothic with early Renaissance elements
• Built: 1376 to 1382
• Address: P.za della Signoria, 50121 Firenze FI

The loggia of the Mercato Nuovo aka the loggia del Porcellino is located in the Piazza del Mercato Nuovo at the intersection of Via Porta Rossa and Via Calimala.

• Architect: Giovanni Battista del Tasso
• Style: Mannerism
• Built: 1547 to 1551
• Address: Piazza del Mercato Nuovo, 50123 Florence, Italy, 50122

It was originally intended for the sale of silks and precious objects, but, in stark contrast, today most vendors sell leather goods and souvenirs.

Piazzale Michelangelo has the best view of Florence! It’s one of the best places to see the historic center of Florence from above and watch the sunset over the city’s skyline.

The Central Market (Mercato Centrale) is located between via dell’Ariento, via Sant’Antonino, via Panicale and Piazza del Mercato Centrale near Piazza San Lorenzo.

• Architect: Giuseppe Mengoni
• Style:
• Built: opened in 1874
• Address: Piazza del Mercato Centrale, Via dell’Ariento, 50123 Firenze FI

The cast-iron structure, originally known as the Mengonian Market, was built as a Hall for Exhibitions.

The Mercato Centrale is heaven for foodies and is the best place to learn and taste Tuscan cuisine. The first floor is an elaborate food market. The second floor is home to many restaurants, bars, and a cooking school.

The entrance to the Palazzo Medici Riccardi aka Palazzo Medici is located on Via Cavour (formerly Via Larga).

• Architect: Michelozzo di Bartolomeo
• Style: Renaissance
• Built: 1444 to 1484
• Address: Via Camillo Cavour, 3, 50129 Firenze FI

The palace was originally built for Cosimo de’ Medici. Today, it is a museum and the seat for offices of the Metropolitan City of Florence. The palace is famous for the frescoes in its chapel. Specifically, The Procession of the Magi by Gozzoli which was completed in 1459.

Complesso di San Firenze

If you’re still on the fence about visiting Florence, check out “Is Florence Worth Visiting.” We review a long list of factors you should consider before reserving a room and booking your flight.

The vast majority of the Old Town is a limited traffic zone. Taxis drop passengers off at hotels, but they do not transport passengers from destination to destination within the Old Town. There are golf cart tours available, but the best way to see Florence is on foot.

If you only have one day in Florence, we suggest visiting the recommended sites in the following order:

1. 1. Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
   2. Central Market
   3. Medici Chapel
   4. Basilica di San Lorenzo
   5. Palazzo Medici Riccardi
   6. Baptistery of Saint John
   7. Florence Cathedral
   8. Giotto’s Bell Tower
   9. Brunelleschi Dome
   10. Piazza della Repubblica
   11. Church and Museum of Orsanmichele
   12. Chiesa di San Carlo dei Lombardi
   13. Mercato Nuovo
   14. Loggia dei Lanzi
   15. Palazzo Vecchio
   16. Uffizi Gallery
   17. Complex of San Firenze
   18. Palazzo del Bargello
   19. Basilica di Santa Croce
   20. Piazzale Michelangelo
   21. Abbey of San Miniato
   22. Ponte Vecchio
   23. Vasari Corridor
   24. Pitti Palace
   25. Basilica of Santo Spirito
   26. Palazzo Spini Feroni
   27. Strozzi Palace
   28. Church of Saints Michele and Gaetano

Following the suggested route will take you past 28 of the 31 places on the list above and many more amazing sights! The only sights omitted are the Opera del Duomo Museum, Gallery of the Academy of Florence, and Chiesa di San Salvatore in Ognissanti. The first two are not worth walking by if you are not going in, and the third is not located near any other sights.

Depending on your level of urgency, it will take approximately 4 hours to complete the abbreviated walking tour and about 6 hours to complete the extended walking tour. These estimates allow time to stop for photos and take a peak inside the churches (along with an occasional drink of water). But they do not include tours of the attractions or visits to any museums.

Our suggested Florence Walking Tour starts at the Santa Maria Novella train station, passes numerous sights in the Historic Center, and ends back at the train station.

The first part of the tour takes you to the Piazza San Lorenzo, Piazza del Duomo, and Piazza della Signoria. Once you’ve seen all the sights in the Piazza dell Signoria, you might want to take a short break. Or, if you got a late start, this would be an excellent time to get lunch. There are many good places to eat around the Palazzo Vecchio.

Once you have seen the Palazzo Vecchio and other sights in the Piazza della Signoria, you have a decision to make: do you want to take an abbreviated tour and get back for an early glass of wine? Or, do you want to take an extended tour and work up your appetite for a big dinner?

If you opt for the shorter version, follow the map below toward the river and the Ponte Vecchio.

If you’re up for a little more walking, you are in for a treat! This two-hour extension includes some of the best architecture and definitely the best view in all of Florence.

Whether you take the abbreviated or extended tour, you will finish back at the train station where you started.

If you still have daylight and haven’t yet gotten your fill of churches, you can squeeze the Chiesa di San Salvatore in Ognissanti in between the Palazzo Spini Feroni and the Strozzi Palace near the end of the tour. If you do this, please feel free to order another glass of wine with dinner… you deserve it!!

Florence has some of the best museums in the world. The Florence Walking Tour includes several museums because they are housed in historically significant buildings (the Uffizi Gallery and the Bargell0 National Museum are worth seeing from the outside even if you aren’t going in). Also, it is worth noting that the major churches have entry fees (except the Florence Cathedral – which is free) and are more like museums than churches. Basilica di Santa Croce even has an audio tour!

A proper visit to a few of these museums should be included in every Florence itinerary. While the lines can be very long, they do move quickly. The following are well worth waiting in line to visit (ordered by preference):

1. 1. Uffizi Gallery
   2. Opera del Duomo Museum
   3. Palazzo Vecchio
   4. Basilica di Santa Croce
   5. Gallery of the Academy of Florence
   6. Basilica di San Lorenzo
   7. Medici Chapel
   8. Palazzo del Bargello
   9. Pitti Palace
   10. Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
   11. Florence Cathedral
   12. Baptistery of Saint John
   13. Palazzo Medici Riccardi
   14. Church and Museum of Orsanmichele

Finally, you can climb Giotto’s Bell Tower and Brunelleschi’s Dome. While these are somewhat strenuous activities, the views from the top are worth the effort. If you’re going to be in Florence for multiple days, you should consider doing these vigorous activities on different days. The Dome is probably the most impressive if you can only do one.

If you’re interested in the best walking tour experience, consider hiring a professional tour guide. A private guide will bring the city to life with stories and insights, show you hidden gems, and personalize the experience to your interests.

Alternatively, a small group tour can also provide a great way to explore Florence with like-minded travelers. Whichever option you choose, having a knowledgeable guide will enhance your understanding and appreciation of the city.

Book a highly-rated guided tour of Florence to learn about its history!

Florence, Italy is best known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and being the birthplace of the Renaissance. It is home to iconic landmarks such as the Florence Cathedral (Duomo), the Uffizi Gallery, and the Ponte Vecchio. Florence is also renowned for its art and culture, with world-class museums that house masterpieces by artists like Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli. The city is also famous for its culinary delights, including traditional Tuscan cuisine.

The number one tourist attraction in Florence, Italy is the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the Duomo. This iconic landmark is famous for its stunning Renaissance architecture, including the iconic dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. Visitors can climb to the top of the dome for breathtaking views of Florence and explore the interior of the cathedral, which features beautiful frescoes and intricate marble work. The Duomo is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Florence.

Florence is known for its stunning architecture, art, and rich history, so it’s hard to pick just one part as the most beautiful. However, many people find the historic center of Florence to be particularly enchanting. This area is home to landmarks such as the Florence Cathedral (Duomo), the Ponte Vecchio bridge, and the Piazza della Signoria. The narrow streets, cobblestone squares, and grand buildings in this part of the city create a sense of timeless beauty and charm. Additionally, the views from Piazzale Michelangelo, a terrace overlooking the city, offer breathtaking panoramic vistas that showcase the beauty of Florence from above. Ultimately, the beauty of Florence can be found throughout the city, so exploring different areas will reveal unique and captivating sights at every turn.

Florence has a rich history and a wealth of attractions to explore. Some must-see sights in Florence include:

1. The Duomo: Florence’s iconic cathedral, known for its impressive dome designed by Brunelleschi.

2. Uffizi Gallery: One of the world’s most famous art museums, housing an extensive collection of Renaissance masterpieces.

3. Ponte Vecchio: A historic bridge with shops spanning the Arno River, offering beautiful views and a unique shopping experience.

4. Michelangelo’s David: Located in the Accademia Gallery, this renowned sculpture is considered a masterpiece of Renaissance art.

5. Piazza della Signoria: The main square of Florence, home to the Palazzo Vecchio and an array of impressive statues.

6. Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens: A grand palace filled with art and surrounded by stunning gardens, providing a tranquil escape from the city.

7. Santa Maria Novella: A beautiful church with stunning frescoes and an intricate facade.

These are just a few highlights, but Florence has much more to offer in terms of art, history, and culture. Exploring the city’s narrow streets, visiting local markets, and indulging in delicious Tuscan cuisine should also be on your itinerary in Florence!

There are many great places to stay on both sides of the river in Florence. For the best experience, we recommend staying near the Ponte Vecchio (the castle marker on the map below). North of the river is home to Florence’s famous museums, squares, and cathedrals. It is also busier and more crowded. South of the river is home to the Pitti Palace and famous gardens. It is less crowded and quieter.

Here’s a map with hotel and apartment options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.

Book your stay now!

You will need three very busy days to walk the Old Town of Florence and see a selection of its famous sites.

If you fly into Florence Airport, you can get to the historic city center and the main train station by taxi, tram, or bus. The tram will take you to the main train station, Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN).

If you are comfortable pulling your luggage on very cobbly streets and narrow sidewalks and your accommodation is not far from the main train station, I recommend taking the tram. Otherwise, you should take a taxi from the airport to your hotel. To arrange a taxi or private transfer, we recommend GetTransfer.

Yes, Florence, Italy is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world which makes it expensive.

The time of the year with good weather and fewer crowds is often referred to as the shoulder season. The shoulder season in Florence is March, April, October, and November. For many, this is the best time of the year to visit.

We spent September and October in Florence. Florence was very hot for all of September and the beginning of October. The weather was nice for the second half of October. It was very crowded for all of September and October.

Yes, Florence Old Town is very safe.

It is not necessary to speak Italian to visit and enjoy Florence. A large percentage of the locals speak English.

Florence is located in the Tuscany region of Italy. Tuscany is in central Italy and is famous for its red wine, cured pork, and hilly countryside.

Your Florence packing list should include very comfortable walking shoes that absorb the impact of the very hard stone.

Do you need wifi during your trip and don’t want to pay for roaming? We use eSIMs from Airalo during our travel and highly recommend them. They are cheap, easy to set up, and allow you to leave your primary sim card in your phone (so you don’t loose it). Click below for more info.

Florence is a major city in central Italy. It is a 2 hr 15 min train ride south of Venice, Italy, and a 1 hr 30 min ride north of Rome, Italy.

Absolutely! A walking tour of Florence is highly recommended. The city is best explored on foot, allowing you to immerse yourself in its fascinating history and beautiful architecture. You’ll be able to visit iconic landmarks like the Florence Cathedral, Ponte Vecchio, and the Uffizi Gallery while discovering hidden gems tucked away in its charming streets. A knowledgeable guide will enhance your experience by sharing fascinating stories and insights about this enchanting city. So wear your comfortable shoes and prepare for an unforgettable walking tour of Florence!

The duration of a walking tour in Florence can vary depending on your pace and the specific sites you plan to visit. Generally, exploring the main attractions in the city center can take anywhere from half a day to a full day. If you want to thoroughly explore every nook and cranny, including lesser-known sights and hidden gems, you may want to allocate at least two days for your walking tour. Remember to take breaks along the way to soak in the atmosphere, grab a gelato, or enjoy a delicious Italian meal.

The time it takes to walk around Florence, Italy, can vary depending on your pace and the specific route you choose. If you stick to the main sights in the city center, you can expect to spend anywhere from a few hours to a full day exploring on foot. However, if you want to truly immerse yourself in the city’s charm and discover its hidden corners, it’s best to allocate at least two days for your walking tour. Take your time to meander through the cobblestone streets, admire the Renaissance architecture, and indulge in all that Florence has to offer.

Yes, you can certainly walk almost everywhere in Florence. The city center is compact and easily navigable on foot, making it a perfect place for a walking tour. You’ll be able to visit the main attractions, such as the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Uffizi Gallery, all within walking distance of each other. However, some sights may be located slightly further away from the city center and require public transportation or taxis. But overall, walking is a fantastic way to explore and experience the beauty and charm of Florence.

Absolutely! Touring Florence on your own can be a delightful and rewarding experience. With a map and a sense of adventure, you can navigate the city’s narrow streets at your own pace and discover its hidden treasures. There are plenty of guidebooks and online resources available to help you plan your itinerary and learn more about the city’s history and culture. Just remember to allocate enough time to explore each attraction thoroughly, take breaks to relax or savor some delicious Italian cuisine, and simply enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of this magnificent city.