12 Best Things to See in Florence
Florence, the capital of Tuscany and the birthplace of the Renaissance, is one of Europe’s most enchanting cities. It’s like an open-air museum—packed with iconic landmarks like the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and the charming Ponte Vecchio.
The best part? Florence is totally walkable. Its historic center, buzzing piazzas, and cozy artisan shops are all easy to explore on foot, making it perfect for aimless wandering (which is kind of the best way to experience it!).
To really soak up the magic, we’d suggest spending at least 2 days in the city. That’ll give you time to check out the highlights and enjoy the vibe without rushing. If you’ve got a third day to spare, even better—you’ll get to dive deeper into the art, history, and ridiculously good food.
To help you plan, we’ve put together a list of the 12 best things to see in Florence.
Table of contents
1. The Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore) and its Square
We can’t help but hold our breath every time we see it – and we live here! The real star of the show is the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Il Duomo), with Brunelleschi’s Dome rising proudly above the rooftops.
Construction began way back in 1296, but the cathedral actually stood without a dome for over a century. No one could figure out how to build something so huge — until Filippo Brunelleschi came along.
In the early 1400s, he came up with a revolutionary idea: a self-supporting dome built without scaffolding. It was a total game-changer — a mix of classical inspiration and cutting-edge engineering.
When it was finally completed in 1436, the dome wasn’t just an architectural feat — it became a powerful symbol of the Renaissance and Florence’s bold, creative spirit.
The interior of the church may not be as impressive as its stunning exterior. However, the real gem is the dome. Make sure to climb to the top! It’s a challenging 463 steps, but the effort is well worth it. You’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of Florence. Along the way, you’ll also get an up-close look at Vasari’s stunning frescoes inside the dome.
Info to visit the Duomo
🕘Opening hours:
Cathedral: 10:15 AM – 3.45 PM, Monday to Saturday. Closed on Sunday
Dome: 8.15 AM – 6.45 PM Monday to Friday, 8.15 AM – 4.30 PM on Saturday and 12:45 PM – 1:30 PM on Sunday
🎟️Entry ticket: Entering the cathedral is free but if you want to see the inside of the dome, you will need the Brunelleschi Pass (30 €).
This is the only pass that includes access to the Dome, and it also covers all the main monuments: Campanile, Dome, Baptistery, Opera del Duomo Museum, and Santa Reparata.
The Brunelleschi Pass is valid for 3 consecutive days, so if you want to adjust your itinerary or take it slow, you’ve got flexibility.
⚠️ Important! To climb the Dome, you must book and respect the specific date and time slot you select when booking. No exceptions.
📌 Where to Buy: To buy your ticket and to get up to date info on works, unexpected closures click here.
🔍 Tip: There are other passes available on the website but the Brunelleschi one is the only one that includes the Dome.
👉 Just a heads-up: The time slot only applies to the Dome. You can visit the other monuments in the pass anytime during their 3-day validity.
2. Piazza del Duomo
Piazza del Duomo, home to the stunning cathedral and some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Right next to it is the Baptistery of St. John, one of Florence’s oldest buildings—famous for its Gates of Paradise (the real ones are in the Opera del Duomo Museum, included with many of the passes/tickets).
Just a few steps away, Giotto’s Bell Tower offers another epic viewpoint—especially if you’ve still got energy after climbing the Dome. Alternatively, you might want to save it for sunset. The golden light over the Duomo? Absolutely magical for photos.
3. Piazza Della Signoria & Palazzo Vecchio
Piazza della Signoria has been the political heart of Florence since the Middle Ages, anchored by Palazzo Vecchio, the city’s historic town hall from the 14th century.
The square has seen it all—public speeches, executions, and big moments in Florentine history. Today, it’s a symbol of civic pride, surrounded by powerful sculptures like Cellini’s Perseus with the Head of Medusa and Giambologna’s Ratto delle Sabine.
Palazzo Vecchio is Florence’s old town hall—and yep, it looks more like a fortress than a palace. Built in 1299, it became home to the Medici family. When they moved across the river to the fancier Palazzo Pitti, this place started being called the “Old Palace”—aka Palazzo Vecchio. Today, it’s part museum, part city hall, and packed with Renaissance treasures.
Want something a bit off the beaten path? Check out the Secret Passage Tour,—you’ll explore hidden staircases, secret doors, and areas once closed to the public. (Highly recommended!)
🕘Opening hours: Friday to Wednesday 9 AM – 7 PM, Thursday 9 AM – 2 PM
🎟️Entry ticket: 15€ (+5€ if you do the Secret Passages Tour).
📌 Where to Buy: you can buy tickets directly there or online.
4. Ponte vecchio
Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s oldest and most iconic bridge. Built in 1345, this historic bridge is lined with charming shops that originally housed butchers. However The Medici family, who used the Corridoio Vasariano above the bridge to move between their palaces (Palazzo Vecchio And Palazzo Pitti), disliked the smell from the butcher shops. Consequently, they had them replaced with jewelers and goldsmiths.
A great spot to take a picture of the bridge is from the one next to it: Ponte Santa Trinita.
5. Basilica of Santa Croce
Santa Croce, one of Florence’s most famous churches, is a seriously impressive church right in the city center. It’s often called the “Temple of the Italian Glories” because legends like Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei and Machiavelli are buried there. Inside the church, you’ll find stunning frescoes by Giotto and some truly ornate tombs. It’s an absolute must-see for anyone who loves art and history.
Did you know? ✨ The square in front of the church hosts the famous Calcio Storico Fiorentino once a year, a historic sport that blends soccer, rugby, and wrestling, dating back to the 16th century.
🕘Opening hours:
9:30 AM – 5:30 PM Monday to Saturday
12:30 PM – 5:45 PM Sunday and Religious Holidays
🎟️Entry ticket: 9€
📌 Where to Buy: Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office of the monumental complex or online.
🔍 Tip: Hours are usually consistent, but it’s always a good idea to check the official website for any updates before your visit! 😊
6. Piazzale michelangelo
If you’re after the best views in Florence, Piazzale Michelangelo is the spot. You’ll get an epic panoramic shot of the whole city—Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and beyond. It was built in 1869, and while it’s definitely super touristy, we promise—everyone has a good time, and we locals go there often for an aperitivo. So yep, don’t skip it!
A little further up the hill, you’ll find San Miniato al Monte, a peaceful Romanesque church with even more stunning views. If you’re lucky, you might catch the monks singing evening vespers—a really magical moment.
7. The Medici's Chapels / Cappelle Medicee
The Medici Chapels might not be as famous as other Florence landmarks, but they’re honestly a must-see—and a personal favourite of ours. We’ve lost count of how many times we’ve visited, and trust us, they’re a favourite among local guides too.
Tucked behind San Lorenzo Church, this hidden gem is the final resting place of the powerful Medici family. Inside, you’ll find Michelangelo’s masterpieces and elaborate marble tombs, but the real showstopper is the Chapel of the Princes.
8. Galleria dell'Accademia
Here, you’ll come face-to-face with Michelangelo’s David, arguably one of the most famous sculptures in the world. This masterpiece stands at an impressive 17 feet tall and is a symbol of Renaissance perfection.
As you walk around the statue, take a moment to appreciate the detail in David’s anatomy—Michelangelo’s ability to carve marble into lifelike forms is truly astounding.
The museum is fairly small, and it will take you around 45 mins to 1 hour to visit.
Entry tickets sell out fast. Buy online to secure your spot. We recommend that you buy your Galleria tickets as soon as you know your travel dates!
🕘Opening hours: 8:15 AM – 6:50 PM ( Last entrance 18.20)
🚪 Closed: Monday
🎟️ Entry ticket: 20€
📌 Where to Buy: Book your ticket online
Didn’t book in time? You can still queue and buy a ticket at the door, but be ready to wait quite a while. Another option is to book through a tour operator—it costs a bit more, but often includes skip-the-line access.
🆓 On the first Sunday of every month, entrance is free—but you can’t reserve tickets, so expect big crowds and long queues.
9. The Uffizi
The Uffizi Gallery is housed in a gorgeous Renaissance building, it’s packed with iconic works by legends like Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo.
One of the highlights? Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus—it’s even more stunning in real life. The museum itself is a gem, with views over the Arno River and Piazza della Signoria as you wander through the galleries.
Pre-booking your tickets is essential to avoid the long lines. The Uffizi can be overwhelming, so if you’re short on time, prioritize the rooms dedicated to Botticelli, Leonardo, and Michelangelo.
10. The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is just a short walk from the train station and well worth a stop. Built in the 13th century, it’s a great example of Gothic architecture, with a distinctive façade designed by Leon Battista Alberti.
Inside, you’ll find frescoes by Ghirlandaio and Filippo Lippi, among others—plenty to keep art lovers happy. Don’t miss the Green Cloister, a quiet spot with more frescoes and a peaceful vibe.
It’s usually less crowded than other big sights in Florence, which makes it a nice break from the busy spots.
🕘Opening hours may vary throughout the year (please check here for the latest information
🎟️Entry ticket: €7.50 — tickets can be purchased directly at the Basilica.
11. Officina Profumo Farmaceutica Santa Maria Novella
Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is one of the world’s oldest pharmacies, dating back to 1221. Founded by Dominican monks, it began as a herbal laboratory and still uses traditional methods today.
Although it’s part of the basilica complex, it can only be accessed from Via della Scala 16.
Entry is free, so it’s definitely worth popping in for a look (and maybe a sniff of those iconic perfumes and soaps).
12. Piazza della Santissima Annunziata
This quiet square is often overlooked—but it’s full of surprises and one of our personal favourites. You’ve got a great view of the Duomo dome right from the piazza, and if you look closely, you’ll spot the statue of Cosimo I surrounded by a swarm of bronze bees (there’s even a little challenge to count them!).
According to tradition, it’s impossible to count them correctly on the first try… but if you do, it brings good luck! So —how many bees can you spot?
On the other side of the square is the Museo degli Innocenti, once an orphanage run by the church. Don’t miss the small door where people used to leave babies anonymously—it’s a moving reminder of the city’s history. There’s also a café inside with a view over the Duomo, perfect for a peaceful coffee break.
And just next door, at Un Caffè Bistrot, you can sit outside and enjoy a decently priced spritz in the sun. A chilled break in a piazza full of secrets? Yes, please.
> Book Tickets in Advance: For major attractions like the Uffizi Gallery, Galleria dell’Accademia, and Palazzo Vecchio, book your tickets online in advance to skip the wait.
> Visit Early or Late: Arrive early at popular spots like the Duomo or Ponte Vecchio to avoid crowds, or go later in the evening for a quieter experience.
> If you’re from outside EU, get an E-sim card:
To plan your trip logistics while you’re there and handle any unexpected events, we recommend buying an E-sim card.
Get your eSIM before you travel and enjoy instant internet access as soon as you land. We use Airalo — it’s easy, affordable, and works in loads of countries.
> Tipping: It’s not mandatory in Italy
> Gelato Tip: Avoid gelato shops with overly bright or colorful displays—these often use artificial ingredients.
> Always have some cash with you: you can still find shops reluctant to accept cards these days
How to get around
Florence is a walkable gem, so you won’t need much more than comfy shoes most days. But here’s a quick guide to all your options:
✈️ Arriving from the Airport
Super easy! You’ve got three options:
> Tram T2 – Budget-friendly (€1.70), quick, and drops you right near Santa Maria Novella and other centric Florence areas. Our choice.
> Taxi – More direct if you have luggage or are arriving late but it’s pricey!
> Uber – there is now Uber in Florence but due to their deal with Florence taxi drivers the price is not much different!
🚶♂️ Walking (highly recommended!)
Florence is compact, flat, and full of charming streets — so walking is hands-down the best way to get around. Most attractions are just a short stroll from each other.
🚍 Public Transport: Buses & Trams
The city has a decent bus network and two tram lines:
> T1 runs southwest toward Scandicci.
> T2 connects the airport with the city centre,
In Florence, a tram/bus ticket costs €1.70. You can pay directly with your card when you board. If your card isn’t working or you prefer not to use it, there are ticket machines at the tram stations or where you can buy your ticket. Alternatively, you can buy it at the “tabacchi” shops.
You probably won’t need these unless you’re staying further out or heading to less central spots.
🛴 Rent a Bike or Scooter
Want to move a bit quicker? You can rent scooters and bikes through apps like:
> RideMovi
> Bit
> E-Dway
It’s a fun option if you’re exploring beyond the historic centre.
🚗 Driving in Florence (Not Ideal)
Driving here can be… stressful. Florence has a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) in the historic centre:
> Only residents, taxis, and authorised vehicles are allowed inside during the day.
> Enter without a permit? You’ll get fined.
> If you’re coming by car and your hotel is in the ZTL, ask them to register your number plate in advance.
The ZTL is inactive at night — but streets can still be narrow and tricky.
🅿️ Parking Tips
Parking in Florence can be a bit of a puzzle. Here’s the quick decode:
Paid Garages – Most convenient but pricey.
Blue Lines – Paid street parking (hard to find).
White Lines – Free, but usually for residents only.
Yellow Lines – Reserved for disabled permits and other special access.
Alternative tip if you’re passing by Florence with your car: Park outside the centre (e.g., Villa Costanza) and take the tram or a bus into town. It’s often easier and cheaper.
best time to visit florence
March to June is the best time to visit Florence, with mild temperatures and fewer tourists. The gardens and parksare in full bloom, and outdoor attractions are much more enjoyable.
From end of September to February, you’ll experience fewer tourists and lower prices. Florence is also beautifully decorated for the holidays, and you can enjoy its museums and attractions with minimal waiting. Cons of this time is it can be a bit chilly, and some attractions may have shorter opening hours plus shorter hours of light.
❌ Avoid visiting Florence during summer if you can (July to mid-September) due to hot, humid weather and crowded streets. Be prepared for long queues at the main attractions.
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