Florence or Firenze is the capital of Tuscany region in Italy. It is one of the most historically and culturally significant in Italy, Europe and the World. The best places to visit in Florence have been the venue for groundbreaking advancement in art, science, culture, religion, politics, trade and economics. This city is recognized not only for its places but for its people as well. As you explore top things to do in Florence, you will come across homes, lives and works of noteworthy figures who changed the course of history in their respective fields.
The city is most well known for the glory days of Renaissance under the rule of the Medici family. Majority of historical Florence tourist attractions can be attributed to them including churches, museums, art galleries, public buildings and more. They have been patrons to several well known historical figures. The city of Florence has given rise to numerous artists Michelangelo being the most famous among them. There are many Florence attractions dedicated to him and his works. At the same time the city was also the resident of his rival Leonardo da Vinci. The city has also be home to numerous other renowned artists such as Donatello, Raphael, Botticelli, Lorenzo Ghiberti, Bruno Innocenti, Masacio, and many more. The contributions of these great artists are some of the best things to see in Florence.
The city has also been immortalized by its writers and creators such as Dante Alighieri, Giovanni Boccaccio, Robert Browning, Elizabeth Browning, Robert Lowell and so on. You can enjoy several Florence sightseeing tours which are connected with life and works of these authors. The city is further known for several historical figures in the fields of science, explorers, music, politics, medicine, fashion and religion like Saint Antonia of Florence, Roberto Cavalli, Salvatore Ferragamo, Galileo Galilei, Machiavelli, Guccio Gucci, Florence Nightingale, Amerigo Vespuci and several more. The places to see in Florence were once visited and explored by these great people. As you move through the city, you will be learning about life and works of these great people.
Many tourists visit Florence to get inspiration from the works left behind by legendary people. There is just something about Florence that brings out greatness.
Top 24 Tourist Places to Visit in Florence in 3 Days ( Trip Itinerary)
Day 1
1. Basilica of the Most Holy Annunciation (Basilica della Santissima Annunziata / La SS. Annunziata di Firenze)
This church and the square are both named after a paintings. This painting named Miraculous Annunciation is held in the church itself. It is also one of the best places to visit in Florence, Italy to see beautiful church frescoes. You will need an hour or so for this church and the square.
2. Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell’Accademia)
This art museum is home to one of the top things to see in Florence, the statue of David carved by Michelangelo. The gallery has many other sculptures and works of Michelangelo alongside works by renowned artists such as Bartolini, Botticelli, Giambologna, Perugino and many more. You would need about 2 hours to explore this museum.
3. Florence Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore)
Also known as Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, this cathedral is the most iconic Florence attractions. It is the mother roman catholic cathedral of the city. The green and pink marble as well as the dome designed by Brunelleschi are among the most recognizable aspects of Florence sightseeing. You would need 2 hours for this cathedral.
4. Baptistery of Saint John (Battistero di San Giovanni)
This is one of the oldest baptistry in the city. It is known as the Baptistry of Saint John or Baptistery of Saint Giovanni. It was built in 12th century in romanesque style and octagonal shape. It is one of the most important historical Florence tourist attractions. You would need about an hour or so for this baptistry.
5. Giotto’s Bell Tower (Campanile di Giotto)
This 14th century bell tower was designed by Giotto and was completed by Andrea Pisano. The tower is one of the most wonderful Florence sights owing to its gothic designs adorned with red, green and white marble. You will need 30 to 45 minutes from Florence travel to explore this bell tower.
6. Church and Museum of Orsanmichele (Chiesa e Museo di Orsanmichele)
This church was built upon the convent of St. Michael. The construction of this church was completed in 1404 and is home to one of Florence must see artifacts, the gothic Tabernacle of Orcagna. You would need an hour or so for this church when you visit Florence.
7. Signoria Square (Piazza della Signoria)
This L shaped historic square is surrounded by several popular places to see in Florence. The square also has several quaint restaurants, cafes and shops to explore. You would need 20 to 30 minutes at this square.
8. Loggia del Mercato Nuovo
This market is the venue for one of the most fun things to do in Florence, Italy. It is a historically shopping venue with a history going back to 16th century. You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring the shops and the statues here.
9. Santa Trínita (Basilica di Santa Trinita)
This Trinity Church was built in 1092. It is included among Florence top attractions for the frescoes of by Domenico Ghirlandaio. You would need an hour at least to see various works of art adorned in this church.
Day 2
1. Palazzo Vechhio
This grand palace was built to serve as the seat of Signoria. The palace was built like a fortress and also has a wonderful clocktower in its structure. The building is full of sculptures and other works of art by several renowned artists. It is one of the most significant places to go in Florence. You will need an hour to explore this palace.
2. Loggia dei Lanzi / Loggia della Signoria
This loggia serves as an open air museum. It is a major highlight of Firenze sightseeing as it houses works of art by well known artists such as Donatello, Giambologna and many more. You would need 20 to 30 minutes for this museum.
3. Uffizi Gallery (Gallerie degli Uffizi)
This art gallery is one of the oldest museums in the world. It is one of the top sights in Florence for not just the art gallery but for architecture as well. Some of the works displayed at this museum include works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli, Raffaello, Caravaggio, Masaccio and more. You would need about 2 hours to explore this gallery.
4. Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge)
This is the oldest stone arch bridge in the city. If you are looking to shop, which is considered one the top things to do in Firenze, this bridge also serves as a market. You won’t need more than half an hour for this bridge and the stores atop it.
5. Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti)
This palace once served as the residence of Grand Dukes of Tuscany. It now serves as a museum and an art gallery. You can see paintings, sculptures, porcelain art and costumes. These are some of the best things to see in Florence. You would need about an hour for this palace.
6. The Boboli Gardens (Giardino di Boboli)
This garden sits behind the Pitti Palace. It was commissioned by Cosimo Medici I for his wife. The garden has several 16th to 18th century sculptures scattered across it. You would need an hour or so to explore this garden during Florence travel.
7. Basilica of the Holy Spirit (Basilica di Santo Spirito)
The construction of this church began in 1250, but was later completed in 15th century under Brunelleschi. The church is well known among Florence tourist attractions for housing artworks by Rosselli, Lippi, Botticini and others. You would need about 30 to 45 minutes for this church.
8. Santa Maria del Carmine Church
This church complex consists of 2 chapels: Brancaccio and Corsini. These chapels are famous for frescoes painted by renowned artists. You would need an hour or so to explore this church complex when you visit Florence.
Day 3
1. Basilica of St. Minias on the Mountain (Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte)
This church is dedicated to Saint Miniato Monte and built upon the cave where he lived during his final days. The church one of the best places to visit in Florence owing to its significance in culture, religion and art. You will need about an hour for this church.
2. Michelangelo Square (Piazzale Michelangelo)
This is the square where Michelangelo’s David sculpture was first installed. You can still see bronze replica of the statue standing at this square. It is among the top things to see in Florence. You will need about 30 to 45 minutes for this square.
3. Museo Galileo
This museum is dedicated to advancement if various fields of science between 15th and 19th century. A major highlight of this museum is the life and work of Galileo Galilei. It is a very fascinating Florence tourist attraction. You would need about 2 hours to explore this museum.
4. Bargello National Museum (Museo Nazionale del Bargello)
This museum is housed inside a 13th century barracks. The building is now serves as an art museum housing paintings and sculptures. It is most well known among Florence attractions for being home to Donatello’s sculpture of David. You will need about 2 hours for this museum.
5. Basilica of Santa Croce
This magnificent church is the final resting place of several renowned Italians such as Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli and many more. It is integral to Florence sightseeing and will require an hour of your time.
6. Piazza della Repubblica
This ancient square is the hustling bustling heart of the city. It is frequented by tourists and locals alike for shopping, hobnobbing and dining. You can easily spend an hour or so at this square.
7. Riccardi Medici Palace (Palazzo Medici-Riccardi)
This palace was built for Cosimo de’ Medici and was designed by Bartolomeo. It is perhaps the most opulent building, both inside and outside, among Florence sights. You would need about an hour to explore it.
If you are looking for more fun things to do in Florence, check out the section below.
Things to do in Florence
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Florence
- Uffizi Galley
- Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
- Palazzo Vecchio
- Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence
- Pitti Palace
- Accademia Gallery
- Piazzale Michelangelo
- The Boboli Gardens
- Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
- Bargello National Museum
- Basilica di San Lorenzo
- The Baptistry of St. John
- Giotto’s Bell Tower
- Capelle Medicee
- Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte
- Museum of Opera of Saint Maria of Fiore
- Riccardi Medici Palace
- Strozzi Palace
- Basilica di Santo Spirito
- Museo Galileo
- San Marco Museum
- Loggia dei Lanzi
- Church and Museum of Orsanmichele
- Palatine Gallery
- Cappella Brancacci
- Stibbert Museum
- Fountain of Neptune
- Giardino Bardini
- The SS. Annunziata di Firenze
- Fontana del Porcellino
- Musee Salvatore Ferragamo
- House of Dante
- Hospital of Innocents
- Laurentian Medici Library
- Forte di Belvedere
- Museo di Palazzo Davanzati
- La Specola
- Villa Bardini
- Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Firenze
- Stefano Bardini Museum
- Opificio delle Pietre Dure
- Iglesia de la Santa Trinidad
- Casa Buonarroti
- Villa di Castello
- Museum of Costume and Fashion
- Museo Novecento
- Chiesa di San Salvatore in Ognissanti
- Chiesa di Santa Maria del Carmine
- Musee Marino Marini
- Rusellai Palace
- Fortezza da Basso
- Jewish Museum of Florence
- Florence National Central Library
- Treasury of the Grand Dukes
- Badia Fiorentia
- Monument to Dante Alighieri
- Florence Charterhouse
- Leonardo da Vinci Museum
- Church of Santa Felicita
- Castle of Vincigliata
- Magi Chapel Riccardi Medici Palace
- Horne Museum
- Sacristia Nueva de San Lorenzo
- Hall of the Five Hundred
- Leonardo Interactive Museum
- Museo degli Innocenti
- Palazzo Martelli
- Knight’s Building and Rampart
- Centro di Contemporanea
- Chiesa di Sant’Ambrogio
- Santa Margherita de’ Cerchi
- La Villa Medicea a Fiesole
- Sant’Apollonia
- Porta San Niccolo
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Florence
- Valdarno
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Florence
- Parco delle Cascine
- Giardino delle Rose
- Orto Botanico di Firenze
- Giardino Torrigiani
- Giardino dell’Iris
Shopping in Italy
- Mercato Centrale
- Via dei Serragli
- Mercato di Sant’ Ambrogio
- Via Romana
- San Lorenzo Market
- Via dei Calzaiuoli
- Via della Spada
- Mercato del Porcellino
- Via Maggio
- Via dei Calzaiuoli
- Borgo Santi Apostoli
- Via Roma
Offbeat Places & Adventure Activities in Florence
- Cycle Tours
- Boat Cruise
Sightseeing in Florence
- Ponte Vecchio
- Piazza della Signoria
- Piazza della Republica
- Piazza di Santa Croce
- Piazza del Duomo
- St. Trinity Bridge
- Borgo San Frediano
- Pizza di Santa Maria Novella
- Piazza della Republica
- Piazza della Santissima Annunziata
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Florence
- Trattoria da Burde Firenze
- Coquinrius
- Enoteca Bellini
- Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori
- Pizzoria Giovanni Santarpia
- Libreria Brac
- Osteria Tripperia II Magazzino
- Del Fagioli
- Trattoria Sabatino
- Locale
- Procacci 1885
- Ara e Sicilica
- La Vecchia Bettola
- Zeb
- Le Volpi e L’Uva
- Aroma
- Ristorante II Guscio
- La Divina Pizza
- Buca dell’Orafo
- La Giostra
- Trattoria Ruggero
- Perseus
- Enoteca Alessi
- Parione
- Culinaria Bistro
- Trattoria Mario
- My Sugar
- II Giova
- Essenziale
- II Latini
- Persiano Tehran
- Cafe Italiano
How to Reach Florence?
By Air
Amerigo Vespucci International Airport is the direct and easiest route for Florence travel. You can get direct flights from Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna, Paris, Brussels, London, Rome, Madrid, Luxembourg, Dusseldorf, Zurich, Geneva, Lisbon, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Copenhagen and more. You can get trams, buses and cabs to get to places from the airport.
By Road
Florence is well connected in Europe with trains and busses. You can get direct and connecting trains from almost every major city in Europe. If you are planning to visit Florence take routes E35, A11, SR302, SP34 or SS67.
By Water
Being a landlocked city, there are no direct water routes to reach Florence.
Image Reference
- Basilica of the Most Holy Annunciation (Basilica della Santissima Annunziata / La SS. Annunziata di Firenze) – Paul VanDerWerf / Flickr
- Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell’Accademia) – Renato Torii / Flickr
- Florence Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore) – darrenquigley32 / PixaBay
- Baptistery of Saint John (Battistero di San Giovanni) – Bradley Weber / Flickr
- Giotto’s Bell Tower (Campanile di Giotto) – Luca Perino / Flickr
- Church and Museum of Orsanmichele (Chiesa e Museo di Orsanmichele) – Mia Battaglia / Flickr
- Signoria Square (Piazza della Signoria) – Allie_Caulfield / Flickr
- Loggia del Mercato Nuovo – Yair Haklai / Wikimedia Commons
- Santa Trínita (Basilica di Santa Trinita) – Damien / Flickr
- Palazzo Vecchio – Michael Beaton / Flickr
- Loggia dei Lanzi / Loggia della Signoria – Fred Romero / Flickr
- Uffizi Gallery (Gallerie degli Uffizi) – dalibro / PixaBay
- Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) – Daniel Wanke / PixaBay
- Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti) – Dimitris Kamaras / Flickr
- The Boboli Gardens (Giardino di Boboli) – Sebastian.gone.archi / Flickr
- Basilica of the Holy Spirit (Basilica di Santo Spirito) – Groume / Flickr
- Santa Maria del Carmine Church – ctj71081 / Flickr
- Basilica of St. Minias on the Mountain (Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte) – michael kogan / Flickr
- Michelangelo Square (Piazzale Michelangelo) – brando / Flickr
- Museo Galileo – Massimiliano Calamelli / Flickr
- Bargello National Museum (Museo Nazionale del Bargello) – Dave & Margie Hill / Kleerup / Flickr
- Basilica of Santa Croce – Guy Dugas / PixaBay
- Piazza della Repubblica – user32212 / PixaBay
- Riccardi Medici Palace (Palazzo Medici-Riccardi) – Robert Scarth / Flickr
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