There are few tourist destinations in the world that are more prominent than Florence. From art to architecture, Florence is truly a city to behold in Italy. With so many iconic places to visit and not enough time, choosing your visits can be problematic. Florence is known for its architecture, Italian cuisine, romantic charm, art galleries, and beautiful sunsets.
Even though you will need months to discover all the exciting things in Rome, Florence is one of the most exciting places in Italy. And it is also considered to be the most beautiful one. It is a big city but it is definitely not as big as Rome. This means that finding your way through Florence would be much easier.
Florence is located in Tuscany and it is also one of the most important cities when it comes to art and history. As gelato for the soul, Florence is the Tuscan capital, full of art, gastronomy, history and culture. Explore everything on foot. Shop at the famous Italian fashion brands like Prada and Gucci, etc. Don't leave the city before trying the tasty wine and mouth-watering cuisine at the towns in Tuscany.
The capital of Italy's Tuscany region, which is known as the center of Italian high culture, Florence perfectly encapsulates that reputation. Here you'll find famous artworks like Michelangelo's David, stunning architecture like the incredible Florence Cathedral (or Duomo), and the creative centers of some of the world's most famous fashion brands.
About 250 kilometres south of Venice is the wonderful Florence, where the splendor of the Renaissance is present in monuments, fountains and buildings but also in hidden corners of the city. Florence is a cultural and gastronomic hot spot with delicacies on every corner - perfect to go with your family or friends.
The food of Florence is another of its most celebrated exports – if you want Italian food at its very best, look no further. Florence is also known for having amazing ice cream shops. So while you are there, make sure you try at least one flavor because we are sure you will fall in love with it. Pizza is available on every step you make and plates of pasta are even easier to find if you are feeling hungry.
Florence passed an ordinance which bans people from eating on four streets that run through the historic city centre. You could be fined €500 for doing so. The shopping district in Florence looks so good that you won't feel sorry if you spend more money than you expected. Go to Florence if you appreciate an artistic or architectural masterpiece, you want to see how Italy's other half live, you like to keep up to date with the latest in fashion.
To make things easier, we have put together a list of the best places to visit in Florence:
1. Accademia Gallery
Those that love renaissance and or Michelangelo are sure to love a visit to this gallery. In Florence, there are numerous copies of his most famous work, David, but all pale in comparison to the original. The original happens to be located in the Galleria dell'Accademia along with a few of his other works, and some unfinished ones.
You don't have to be a fan of Michelangelo to love this gallery, as there are several other artworks. Among the other pieces of note held in this gallery is Sandro Botticelli's Madonna.
2. Ponte Vecchio
There are few architectural marvels in Florence that match the Ponte Vecchio, and with good reason. No longer just a bridge, you get to see a fully operating jewel market and still get a glimpse of self-portraits of famous artists. Originally, intended to simply link the two sides of the Arno, the Corridoio Vasariano has gone on to be much more.
If you are looking for a great place to take pictures and flaunt your beautiful dresses and pretty boots, Ponte Vecchio is perfect.
3. Pitti Palace
One of the main reasons for the Ponte Vecchio was to link the Pitti palace to Palazzo Vecchio. The Palazzo Pitti offers much about the history of Florence and was once home to the famous Medici family. With artworks from many notable artists present in the palace, one day won't be enough to see everything. Be sure to visit the royal apartments if you can only make one trip, it is certainly worth the trip.
4. Palazzo Vecchio
Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace) in Florence, Italy, is famous because it is extraordinary from both points of view. Here it is, a big reddish-brown medieval building, dominating the Piazza della Signoria. It stands here since 1299. Actually, it was built on the ruins of the palace of an aristocratic family and its tower is a rebuilt Uberti Tower - this is why it is not in the middle of the palace.
The Palazzo Nuovo (New Palace, yes, this is how it was initially called) was the seat of the Florentine government. It would be futile to enumerate every important event that happened in the Palazzo or under its walls. Its bells were the symbol of Florentine liberty, the one that would be remembered when Florence was menaced by the enemy (and one of the old bells, casted in the 13th century, is still there).
Of course, new authorities, whether monarchs, oligarchs, military dictators or democracies, always tried to embellish the Palazzo so that it would reflect their values. As a result, it hosts an incredible collection of art, including works by Michelangelo, Donatello, Ghirlandaio, Filippo Lippi, Fra Bartolomeo, Verrocchio, Bronzino, Vasari and many, many others.
5. Santa Maria Novella
Italy is home to numerous churches, including the most famous of them all, St. Peter’s Cathedral. Florence boasts a few impressive cathedrals and atop that list is Santa Maria Novella. With multiple Frescos, all from notable artists in the cathedral, art lovers won't want to leave Florence without a trip here. There are many other notable attractions in this cathedral including works from Brunelleschi, most notably, a marble pulpit.
6. San Miniato Al Monte
Marble structures are in no short supply all across Florence and the San Miniato al Monte is home to a few more. There aren't too many places that offer a spectacular view of the entire city like the San Miniato al Monte. The view alone is worth the trip to Florence, and the arduous climb up the stairs. There are a lot more attractions to see including a wonderful Renaissance chapel on the premises.
7. Piazza Della Signoria
One of the most notable public squares in Florence is the Piazza Della Signoria and the Loggia Dei Lanzi. This tourist attraction also happens to be home to government offices. Its Neptune fountain is a favorite spot of many locals and tourists alike. With a rich history dating back to the 14th century, it is easy to see why a lot of tourists love it. Fans of Greek mythology will love the sculpture of Perseus with Medusa’s head.
8. Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is located in Florence. If you are looking for cultural tourism, head to the Uffizi Museum. It won't be a trip to Florence without a visit to one of its many museums and the Uffizi Palace and Gallery tops the list. Ranking among the most notable museums in the world, the diversity on display here is astonishing and unparalleled.
The Art collection is truly remarkable, featuring works from a lot of 14-16 century artists. There also happens to be a building once owned by the famous Medici family, used as an office complex. If you visit this gallery, you will be able to stand face to face with some of the world's most meaningful art pieces.
9. Museo Galileo
Art has since dominated the renaissance period, but that isnt all that we got from the era. Science was also a key part of the era and where better to remember this than at the Museo Galileo. With an impressive collection of scientific toold from the renaissance,and yes, works of art, you must visit the Museo Galileo when in Florence.
Conclusion
Florence is one of Italy’s biggest tourist attraction filled cities and a popular destination for foreigners. There is no shortage of sights when in Florence, so, picking a few can be a bit challenging. We have compiled a list of some of the must-visit tourist attractions in Florence, to help make your stay memorable.