The sheer abundance of choices on things to do in Florence can make planning an itinerary a tough nut to crack. However, by focusing on art, architecture, history, great views, and of course, foodie hotspots, this guide makes your own planning easier by highlighting the essential attractions to visit. No matter your interests, you’re guaranteed to love these treasured landmarks.
The Duomo Complex
First impressions count, so begin your exploration of Florence at the Duomo Complex. Several gigantic monuments make up this outstanding architectural complex, including the famous Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore with its huge dome, the Campanile for its breathtaking panoramic views, the Baptistery for its mosaic-covered ceiling, and the masterpieces found inside the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo.
Before entering any of the buildings, stand in the piazza and take in the magnitude of what is laid out before you. The volume of ornate architecture created out from pink, green, and white marble has the power to inspire even the most weary travellers. Standing in this piazza, as in so many other spots in Florence, you begin to understand why it’s called the Renaissance City.
San Lorenzo Market
At lunch make your way to San Lorenzo Market (Mercato Centrale), the largest and oldest market in Florence located in the heart of the city. This is where you come to soak up local culture, seeing how a love for food is a huge part of the Italian way of life. Smell, see and taste the freshest products and whatever catches your attention. If you’re looking to sit down, the market also hosts high quality bars, restaurants and cafés where you can try a number of aperitivos washed down with an obligatory glass of wine.
Boboli Gardens
After gorging yourself to the seams at San Lorenzo Market, a stroll around Boboli Gardens is the perfect way to burn off calories. This enchanting green space is a meeting point of nature, architecture and public art. Amid majestic landscaping are modern sculptures including a four-metre-long bronze cracked head by Igor Mitoraj and older sculptures depicting Bacchus. Other points of interest to look out for are Bernardo Buontalenti’s famous grotto, pretty rose gardens and mazes, fountains and a stunning viewpoint overlooking the whole of Florence and the surrounding Tuscan hills.
Uffizi
The Uffizi is the Italian equivalent of the Louvre, it’s got all the show-stoppers that make it one of the great art museums of the world. Feast your eyes on important works by the Old Masters such as The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli, Medusa by Caravaggio, Venus of Urbino by Titian and Doni Tondo by Michelangelo to name a few.
As you would expect, the Uffizi attracts large crowds so you should book in advance and try to avoid weekends. It’s also worth getting a guide map that shows you the location of significant works, otherwise you could easily get lost.
Ponte Vecchio
Florence’s oldest bridge spans the narrowest point of the Arno River and is an important fixture in the city’s history.
Dating back to 1345, it was the only bridge across the Arno in Florence until 1218. What’s striking about Ponte Vecchio is how it doesn’t really resemble a bridge at all, due to the numerous overhanging shops that have decorated the entire length of the bridge since the 13th century. Initially, there were all types of shops, including butchers and fishmongers and tanneries, but in 1593, Ferdinand I decreed that only goldsmiths and jewellers be allowed to have their shops on the bridge in order to improve the wellbeing of all, including their own as they walked over the bridge. Floods nearly destroyed the bridge in 1966 and many of the shop owners were convinced the waters would sweep away their livelihoods, but it held and the glittering wares of the jewellers still entice shoppers from around the globe today.
David inside the Galleria dell’Accademia
A symbol of strength and youthful beauty, arguably the most well-known sculpture in the world, Michelangelo’s David is housed in the Galleria dell’Accademia. Carved by Michelangelo when he was only in his mid-twenties, David was made out of a piece of marble ironically rejected by other artists as being imperfect.
Depicted with only a rock and a sling, Michelangelo’s David is shown preparing to launch his deadly missile which kills Goliath in an epic Biblical encounter. At the time, this depiction was rare compared to other artists who portrayed David during his victory.
Piazza della Signoria
The sculpture of David originally stood outside in the Piazza della Signoria and was moved to the Accademia Gallery in the late 1800s. However, a replica was created so that people could continue to enjoy the powerful image of David in this famous L-shaped piazza. Unlike David however, all the other sculptures in this square are originals, and there are a surprising number of them. Take note of Neptune’s Fountain, Equestrian Monument of Cosimo I by Giambologna and Cellini’s Perseus with the dead of Medusa makes it alone worth a visit.
During the summer especially, the piazza is full of energy, with musicians, shoppers and street painters. It’s also a common place to watch orchestras playing Classical music, as well as seeing streets artists from painters to musicians to street performers showcasing their talents.
Piazzale Michelangelo
One of the most breath-taking views of Florence is from Piazza Michelangelo and it’s absolutely free. It’s a short walk from the town centre up a steep hill but well worth it once you’re greeted with a panorama overlooking the city’s iconic monuments. Time your visit with sunset.
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Where to stay in Florence
There’s a wide selection of accommodation to choose from in Florence. If you’re looking for a place to stay for only a few days, choose somewhere centrally located to maximise your time.
For a short stay, Il Guelfo Bianco offers charm and comfort within a central location. It is within walking distance to the train station and to all of the city’s main attractions. For the quality I also think it offers great value for accommodation in Florence.
For more long-term stays, HousingAnywhere is an online housing platform with a large variety of housing possibilities. This international housing site allows you to book long-term accommodation in Florence before your arrival. All landlords are verified and the beauty of booking online means there’s no need for time-consuming viewings.
