Florence is the capital of Tuscany, one of the most popular regions in Italy. The city was founded in 59 BC by none other than Julius Caesar. As you wander through the historic center, you can feel the rich history of Florence. The highlight of a visit to Florence is undoubtedly the gigantic cathedral that suddenly appears when you turn a corner. What makes the city even more unique is that Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance. Masterpieces by world-renowned artists such as Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Brunelleschi can all be admired here. Curious about what else this city has to offer? Below are 10 tips for the most enjoyable attractions in Florence!
How to Get to Florence?
There are several ways to travel to Florence. Below, you’ll find information about the different options.
By Car (Rental) to Florence
By Train to Florence
From the Airport to Florence
What to Do in Florence?
Despite there being quite a few attractions in Florence, you can see everything in 2-3 days. The attractions are mostly close to each other, allowing you to do a lot in a day.
Tip: Many attractions in Florence require an entrance fee. Especially during the high season, the city can get very crowded, and there may be long queues to visit an attraction. Therefore, we recommend buying entrance tickets in advance so you don’t have to do it there. With a pre-booked online ticket, you can often skip the line at the ticket office. Ideal!
Visit the Florence Cathedral
You can’t miss it when you’re in Florence. The impressive Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, also known as the Duomo, is the centerpiece of the city. You can keep staring at the structure because the colors, details, and size of the cathedral will continue to amaze you. The construction of the cathedral began in 1296 and was completed in 1434. The Duomo has a height of 153 meters (502 feet) and can accommodate up to 20,000 visitors. It is one of the largest cathedrals in the world. You can visit the cathedral and its attractions in different ways:
The Cathedral: You can visit the interior of the cathedral for free. There is often a long queue at the entrance, but it usually moves quickly. Note: Women must have their knees covered, or they will be denied entry.
The Bell Tower: The 84-meter-high (275-feet-high) bell tower takes you up 414 steps to the top. From here, you have a magnificent view of the Duomo and the rest of the city.
The Dome: You can also choose to climb to the top of the cathedral’s dome. This requires climbing 463 steps, but the view is more than worth it.
Duomo Terrace: Then there is the 30-meter-high (98-feet-high) rooftop terrace. It’s a climb of 150 steps, and you find yourself among the domes and the bell tower. Standing here, you truly realize the size of the cathedral.
The Baptistery: This baptistery is located right in front of the Cathedral and predates the laying of a single stone of the cathedral. The baptistery is one of the oldest buildings in Florence. The baptistery is octagonal, and the interior is also very beautiful.
You can buy the entrance tickets for these attractions in advance through this website. We visited the cathedral and then climbed the bell tower for an amazing view of the cathedral.
Walk across the iconic Ponte Vecchio Bridge
Ponte Vecchio is the oldest bridge in Florence, and its name literally means “the old bridge.” During the Roman era, the bridge already existed and was entirely made of wood. It was destroyed by a flood and rebuilt in 1345, this time using stone. Ponte Vecchio is unique because it is the only bridge that survived World War II. On the bridge, you’ll find various shops. In the past, there were tanneries and butchers. However, due to the strong odor, they had to leave, making way for goldsmiths. You can still find them on Ponte Vecchio today.
Good to know: In many places in Florence, you will encounter African men who strike up a friendly conversation and then give you a bracelet. Once you accept it, they will ask for money, and since you have received something from them, it is difficult to say no. To avoid encouraging this, it is best to politely decline and not accept anything.
Have a Drink at a Rooftop Bar During Sunset
When walking through the streets of Florence, you are almost always surrounded by tall buildings. At a rooftop bar, you have a view of the entire city, and it’s especially enjoyable to have a drink there during sunset. The best location is near the cathedral. View On Art Rooftop Cocktail Bar offers such a view (see photos below). We don’t recommend eating here, but you can enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail. La Terrazza Rooftop Bar is also a cozy place with a great view over the Arno River.
Explore Art in and around Palazzo Vecchio
Palazzo Vecchio is the town hall of Florence. It breathes history, and inside, you can admire masterpieces by famous Renaissance artists. If you want to visit Palazzo Vecchio with an interesting audio tour, you can buy a ticket here in advance. With this ticket, you can also climb the 94-meter-high (308-feet-high) bell tower. If you don’t want to visit Palazzo Vecchio, you can still enjoy the beautiful hall for free. Palazzo Vecchio is located on the lively Piazza Della Signoria. This square is like an open-air museum with several historical statues. It’s bustling with activity, and the terraces invite you to have a drink.
Tip: You’ll find Euronet ATMs all over the city center of Florence. They charge high commissions, so it’s best to avoid them. If you need to withdraw money, you can find an ATM with lower commission fees in the hall of Palazzo Vecchio.
Stroll through the Food Market in Florence
Something completely different from the rest of this list is Mercato Centrale. Mercato Centrale is a food market located in a large old hall. Inside, you’ll find many stalls offering various local products. You can taste a variety of foods or enjoy a coffee or wine. In the streets around the building, there is also a market every day, mainly selling leather bags and souvenirs.
Tip: A fun way to explore Florence is with this bike tour. You’ll join a Dutch guide who can tell you all about Florence and its fascinating history.
Visit One of the World’s Largest Art Museums
In the impressive Galleria degli Uffizi, you’ll find works by the greatest artists in art history. Here, you can admire Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” and Caravaggio’s “Head of Medusa.” Masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Rembrandt are also on display. The Uffizi is divided into 45 rooms on two floors, making it an incredibly vast museum. Conclude your visit with a refreshing drink on the rooftop terrace, which offers a beautiful view of Palazzo Vecchio. The Uffizi Gallery is often crowded, so it’s wise to buy an entrance ticket in advance. By purchasing the entrance ticket ahead of time, you can skip the – often long – line at the ticket office.
Visit the Santa Croce Basilica
The Santa Croce Basilica is a very important church in Florence. Many famous people from the past are buried here, including Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, and Niccolò Machiavelli. The basilica is beautiful both on the outside and the inside.
Tip: If you want to visit another basilica, Basilica di Santa Maria Novella, located near the train station, is also beautiful (2nd photo below).
Enjoy the 360º View at Piazzale Michelangelo
Escape the tall buildings of the streets of Florence by walking to the viewpoint at Piazzale Michelangelo. Especially on clear days and during sunset, the view here is breathtaking. You’ll overlook the Arno River, the mountains, and, of course, Florence with the cathedral at its center.
Tip: Walk back down through the rose garden, known as the ‘Giardino delle rose.’
Admire the David Sculpture at Galleria dell’Accademia
The David sculpture by Michelangelo Buonarroti is one of the most famous sculptures in art history and can be seen at the Galleria dell’Accademia. In 1501, the Tuscan artist was only 26 years old when he began this masterpiece. It depicts the biblical figure David, ready to defeat Goliath with a stone in his hand. The David sculpture stands an impressive 5 meters (16 feet) tall. To ensure access and skip the queue at the ticket office, it’s recommended to purchase your entrance ticket for Galleria dell’Accademia in advance.
Best Restaurants in Florence
One thing is certain, there are many excellent restaurants in Florence! Start your day fresh and healthy at Shake Café. While many restaurants only offer croissants for breakfast, here you’ll find healthy options like smoothie bowls, salads, and avocado toast. Shake Café has three branches in Florence, so check which one is closest to your hotel. For a delicious Italian sandwich, head to All’ Antico Vinaio. It’s such a popular place that there’s often a long line, but don’t let that discourage you from getting a sandwich here. In the same street, you’ll find three separate locations of the same establishment, so the line moves quickly! We highly recommend the sandwich called “l’inferno.” For a delightful authentic Italian dinner, visit Matto Matto. Reservations are recommended.
Budget tip: You can enjoy a tasty cappuccino or espresso at any café in Florence. However, if you drink it while seated at a table, you’ll be charged more than if you have it standing at the counter. The price differences are often displayed on a sign, as shown below.
Our Favorite Places to Stay in Florence
B&B San Remigio is located in the heart of Florence’s historic center and is one of the best places to stay in Florence. It’s only 200 meters (656 feet) from Palazzo Vecchio and is surrounded by many excellent restaurants, cafes, and shops. The B&B features a rooftop terrace, and you’ll stay in a comfortable room with a cozy bed. The intimate atmosphere of this small-scale hotel, with only six rooms, creates a special ambiance. Due to its small size, it’s recommended to book well in advance if you want to stay here, as it often fills up quickly. Near the train station, you’ll find Archi Rossi. Here, even during high season, you can book a comfortable double room at a friendly price. There’s a beautiful courtyard with comfortable seating, and the staff is incredibly friendly. Lastly, we’d like to recommend Spirit of Florence. This boutique hotel is perfect if you’re looking for a bit more luxury. It’s located across the river, on a charming square, and the rooms are tastefully decorated.
  B&B San Remigio |
  Archi Rossi |
  Spirit of Florence |
