If you set out on a mission to see everything that Florence has to offer, it will take weeks indeed. In fact, this small city is a showcase of the remarkable Italian Renaissance, the artistic and humanistic movement that proudly broke out Europe from the chains of the Dark Ages. Some of the places to visit in Florence are among the best-known tourist attractions in Italy, including an eminent collection of landmarks, museums, churches, and palaces.
Best Places To Visit In Florence
Florence is a hub for all the exciting things to try in Italy. If you’re still thinking about what to see in Florence Italy, you’re at the right place. Let the game begin.
1. Cathedral Of Santa Maria Fiori And Piazza Duomo
The list of Florence’s tourist attractions can never be complete without a mention of this great artistic treasure that Italy proudly boasts of. If you are an appreciator of art and architecture, this is one of the best places to see in Florence to visit. As you take a tour of the baptistery, it’s museum, the cathedral, and the bell tower, you will come across some of the best-known masterpieces of architecture and art by the greatest artists – Michelangelo, Giotto, Donatello, Brunelleschi, and Ghiberti.
Location: Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI
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2. Winery At Renaissance Villa
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For wine lovers, the Tuscan countryside vineyards and wineries can be one of the top places to visit in Florence! Saddle up for a ride through the countryside and enjoy the scenic beauty, or get amazed by the landscape changing to scenic olive groves and vineyards. Hop off the pedal at a winery at the Renaissance villa and enjoy some delicious tasting of olive oil, wine or other Tuscan specialties. If you desire so, you may even top off the bike tour with a delicious serving of Italian gelato for more Florence sightseeing.
Location: Renaissance Villa
3. Cinque Terre
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If you are an adventure lover, you may even try a one-day hike at Cinque Terre which is a UNESCO listed site. Experience old-world Italy while you go through the five idyllic fishing villages. You can even enjoy the glorious views of the unspoiled stretch of Italian Riviera after walking through the trails along the cliffs of this national park and soak up the atmosphere on a boat ride along the Riviera. This definitely answers your question – what to see in Florence!
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4. 9 Santa Croce
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This is another great option among the places to visit in Florence for the architecture lovers. Behind the Tuscan façade’s typical geometric marble inlay, there’s both a mausoleum for some of the greatest names of Florence and an art-filled church. It treasures its landmarks of the Renaissance art. You must lookout for the Cappella Bardi, Cappella Peruzzi, as well as tombs of Machiavelli, Ghiberti, Galileo, and Michelangelo.
Location: Piazza di Santa Croce, 9, 50122 Firenze FI
5. Ponte Vecchio
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One of the most widely recognized icons of the city of Florence, it is one of the best places to visit in Florence, Italy. A dazzling array of fine jewellery can be seen upon strolling through it. The Vasari Corridor or the Passageway of the Price has walls lined with priceless collections of portraits by artists like Velasquez, Michelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci and Rembrandt, among Florence’s top attractions.
Location: Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence
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6. Palazzo Pitti And Boboli Gardens
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You can actually spend an entire day seeing the entire Pitti Palace Complex. This is one of the best places to visit in Florence with Italy’s premier gardens, royal apartments, history, museums, Florentine craftsmanship, a Medici Palace, and an outstanding art gallery. The gardens climb in terraces that give a sweeping view of the city. Throughout these amazing Florence tourist attractions are fountains, an amphitheater in the quarry hole, formal beds, a maze and a faux grotto carved into the hillside
Location: South side of the River Arno, near Ponte Vecchio
7. Santa Maria Novella
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This Dominican church showcases the familiar striped façade of inlaid marble of Italy. This traces curving designs gracefully. It also has highlighting rows of arches in the lower floor. The artistry inside is by eminent masters like Paolo Uccello, Lippi, Domenico, Giotto, and Masaccio. Even if these are not enough, there is an entire chapel which has Andrea di Bonaiuto’s frescoes lining it. Indeed, some of the best things to see in Florence!
Location: Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, 50123 Firenze FI
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8. San Miniato Al Monte
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Inlaid with a façade of green and white marble, the sight of San Miniato al Monte is definitely worth the short climb beyond Florence’s favourite viewpoint, the Piazzale Michelangiolo. This is the first of its kind, where the dramatic effect was put to use in Florence. Indeed one of the beautiful things to see in Florence.
Location: Via delle Porte Sante, 34, Florence
9. Bargello Palace National Museum
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Are you a history and art buff? The four masterpieces by Michelangelo are reason enough to put the Bargello Palace National Museum on your list of Florence’s places to visit. And we rest our case! Do let us know after you have been to this amazing museum, how you found it!
Location: Via del Proconsolo, 4, 50122 Firenze FI
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10. Mercato Centrale
Image Credit: Timitruis by Flickr
Well if you have started stereotyping Florence as a giant open museum, you must meet the Florentines going about their regular routines. There’s definitely no better place to find them, apart from the food market at Florence. We won’t complain if you plan to bring back home some souvenirs!
Location: Piazza del Mercato, Florence
11. Mercato Nuovo
This is one of the unique marketplaces in Florence. Known as the Loggia del Porcellino, this is a building with Renaissance form of architecture. Other than souvenirs, the place is famous for its history. Once the debtors were punished here. At the center here is the ‘stone of shame’, which is one important spot here. Established in the 16th century, the market sold luxury items including silk. Today, one can shop for leather items here.
Location: Piazza del Mercato Nuovo, Florence, Italy
12. Piazza Della Repubblica
Piazza Della Repubblica, the town square in Florence, is a famous place with tourists. The famous cafe here Giubbe Rosse cafe, which was opened in 1896 has been the top place frequented by writers and artists. Once the Roman forum, today the square is visited for its dainty cafes. These cafes were important places where literary people met and had great discussions. On your visit to Florence, check out some of the literary cafes here.
Location: Florence, Italy
13. Basilica Di San Lorenzo
If you are looking for places to visit in Florence in 1 day then this Basilica should definitely be on your list. Located in the heart of the main market in Florence this is quite a visited attraction in the city. This 15th-century church is one of the oldest churches in Florence and is a site of attraction owing to its marvelous architecture. One can see the ecclesiastical Renaissance architecture in Basilica Di San Lorenzo, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. The interiors flaunt totally of Renaissance neo-classical architecture. Do visit the church on your trip to Florence.
Location: Piazza di San Lorenzo, 9, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
14. Piazza Della Signoria
An important landmark over the years for political and historical matters, the Piazza Della Signoria is a famous landmark in Florence. In front of Palazzo Vecchio, is this L shaped square which houses some major attractions. The square is really beautiful owing to the aesthetic structures that the plaza holds. Some famous sculptures here are Michelangelo’s Statue of David, Hercules, the Fountain of Neptune, and more. If you are visiting Florence on a Sunday then spend some time at this plaza on a lazy Sunday evening.
Location: Piazza della Signoria, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
15. Uffizi Gallery
If art interests you, then Uffizi Gallery is one place that you should not miss on your Florence tour. It is one of the most interesting places to visit in Florence, Italy. Situated in the Piazza Della Signoria, it can be covered together with the L shaped beautiful square. It is a haven for art lovers, as the gallery holds paintings dating back to the times of the Renaissance. Witness here the masterpieces by famous artists like Michelangelo, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and more.
Location: Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
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Excited to head to this art capital of Italy? The city will offer you some lifetime experiences. Know any more places to visit in Florence? Pop them in the comments below and book a marvelous trip to Italy right away!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Florence
What should you not miss in Florence Italy?
Uffizi Gallery, Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, Accademia Gallery, Sights around Piazza della Signoria, Basilica Santa Croce are some of the major places that you should not miss in Florence.
What is Florence best known for?
Florence is best known for its culture, stunnin architecture, art galleries, and numerous monuments and museums.
Is it safe to visit Florence given the covid situation?
Yes, it is safe to visit Florence given that you follow all guidelines and take all the necessary precautions. Make sure to get yourself vaccinated before planning a trip, also wear masks at all times, maintain social distance at public places and sanitize your hands regularly to avoid the spread of the virus.
How do I spend a day in Florence?
You can spend your day in Florence explore around places like Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, Accademia Gallery and visiting famous art galleries like Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Pitti.
What is Florence famous for?
Florence is famous for its art. It is home to many great galleries and museums like Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Pitti and many more.
What kind of food is Florence known for?
Like any other Italian city, Florence is known for its Itlaian cuisine. But its famous dish is Florentine Steak.
How many days do you need in Florence?
One can spend a minimum of 2 days in Florence. There are many great restaurants and sightseeing spot to explore in 2 days. However, you can always increase the number of days if you wish to explore more places.
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