Top Tourist Attractions to Visit in Florence
Italy

24 Worth Visiting Tourist Places and Things to Do in Florence

Mustafa Natalwala 2587 Views

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.

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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.

Basilica of the Most Holy Annunciation

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.

I suggest you should book your skip the line entrance ticket of Accademia Gallery in advance.

Accademia Gallery

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.

I suggest you should book a guided tours with skip the line option at Florence Cathedral.

Florence 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.

Baptistery of Saint John

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.

Giotto's 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.

Church and Museum of Orsanmichele

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.

Signoria 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.

Loggia del Mercato Nuovo

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.

Santa Trínita

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.

I suggest you should book a guided tour with skip the line entry ticket at Palazzo Vecchio.

Palazzo Vechhio

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.

Loggia dei Lanzi

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.

I suggest you should book your skip the line entry ticket for Uffizi Gallery in advance.

Uffizi 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.

Ponte Vecchio

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.

I suggest you should get your skip the line ticket of Pitti Palace in advance.

Pitti 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.

I suggest you should book your ticket of The Baboli Gardens in advance.

The Boboli Gardens

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.

Basilica of the Holy Spirit

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.

Santa Maria del Carmine Church

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.

Basilica of St. Minias on the Mountain

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.

Michelangelo 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.

I suggest you should book a skip the line ticket for Museo Galileo in advance.

Museo Galileo

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.

I suggest you should book your ticket of Bergello Museum with Skip the line option in advance.

Bargello National 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.

I suggest you should get your skip the line ticket of Sasilica of Santa Croce in advance.

Basilica of Santa Croce

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.

Piazza della Repubblica

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.

I suggest you should book a Medici Family History Tour.

Riccardi Medici Palace

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

  1. Uffizi Galley
  2. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
  3. Palazzo Vecchio
  4. Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence
  5. Pitti Palace
  6. Accademia Gallery
  7. Piazzale Michelangelo
  8. The Boboli Gardens
  9. Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
  10. Bargello National Museum
  11. Basilica di San Lorenzo
  12. The Baptistry of St. John
  13. Giotto’s Bell Tower
  14. Capelle Medicee
  15. Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte
  16. Museum of Opera of Saint Maria of Fiore
  17. Riccardi Medici Palace
  18. Strozzi Palace
  19. Basilica di Santo Spirito
  20. Museo Galileo
  21. San Marco Museum
  22. Loggia dei Lanzi
  23. Church and Museum of Orsanmichele
  24. Palatine Gallery
  25. Cappella Brancacci
  26. Stibbert Museum
  27. Fountain of Neptune
  28. Giardino Bardini
  29. The SS. Annunziata di Firenze
  30. Fontana del Porcellino
  31. Musee Salvatore Ferragamo
  32. House of Dante
  33. Hospital of Innocents
  34. Laurentian Medici Library
  35. Forte di Belvedere
  36. Museo di Palazzo Davanzati
  37. La Specola
  38. Villa Bardini
  39. Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Firenze
  40. Stefano Bardini Museum
  41. Opificio delle Pietre Dure
  42. Iglesia de la Santa Trinidad
  43. Casa Buonarroti
  44. Villa di Castello
  45. Museum of Costume and Fashion
  46. Museo Novecento
  47. Chiesa di San Salvatore in Ognissanti
  48. Chiesa di Santa Maria del Carmine
  49. Musee Marino Marini
  50. Rusellai Palace
  51. Fortezza da Basso
  52. Jewish Museum of Florence
  53. Florence National Central Library
  54. Treasury of the Grand Dukes
  55. Badia Fiorentia
  56. Monument to Dante Alighieri
  57. Florence Charterhouse
  58. Leonardo da Vinci Museum
  59. Church of Santa Felicita
  60. Castle of Vincigliata
  61. Magi Chapel Riccardi Medici Palace
  62. Horne Museum
  63. Sacristia Nueva de San Lorenzo
  64. Hall of the Five Hundred
  65. Leonardo Interactive Museum
  66. Museo degli Innocenti
  67. Palazzo Martelli
  68. Knight’s Building and Rampart
  69. Centro di Contemporanea
  70. Chiesa di Sant’Ambrogio
  71. Santa Margherita de’ Cerchi
  72. La Villa Medicea a Fiesole
  73. Sant’Apollonia
  74. Porta San Niccolo

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Florence

  1. Valdarno

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Florence

  1. Parco delle Cascine
  2. Giardino delle Rose
  3. Orto Botanico di Firenze
  4. Giardino Torrigiani
  5. Giardino dell’Iris

Shopping in Italy

  1. Mercato Centrale
  2. Via dei Serragli
  3. Mercato di Sant’ Ambrogio
  4. Via Romana
  5. San Lorenzo Market
  6. Via dei Calzaiuoli
  7. Via della Spada
  8. Mercato del Porcellino
  9. Via Maggio
  10. Via dei Calzaiuoli
  11. Borgo Santi Apostoli
  12. Via Roma

Offbeat Places & Adventure Activities in Florence

  1. Cycle Tours
  2. Boat Cruise

Sightseeing in Florence

  1. Ponte Vecchio
  2. Piazza della Signoria
  3. Piazza della Republica
  4. Piazza di Santa Croce
  5. Piazza del Duomo
  6. St. Trinity Bridge
  7. Borgo San Frediano
  8. Pizza di Santa Maria Novella
  9. Piazza della Republica
  10. Piazza della Santissima Annunziata

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Florence

  1. Trattoria da Burde Firenze
  2. Coquinrius
  3. Enoteca Bellini
  4. Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori
  5. Pizzoria Giovanni Santarpia
  6. Libreria Brac
  7. Osteria Tripperia II Magazzino
  8. Del Fagioli
  9. Trattoria Sabatino
  10. Locale
  11. Procacci 1885
  12. Ara e Sicilica
  13. La Vecchia Bettola
  14. Zeb
  15. Le Volpi e L’Uva
  16. Aroma
  17. Ristorante II Guscio
  18. La Divina Pizza
  19. Buca dell’Orafo
  20. La Giostra
  21. Trattoria Ruggero
  22. Perseus
  23. Enoteca Alessi
  24. Parione
  25. Culinaria Bistro
  26. Trattoria Mario
  27. My Sugar
  28. II Giova
  29. Essenziale
  30. II Latini
  31. Persiano Tehran
  32. Cafe Italiano

Where to Stay in Florence?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Florence. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Florence.

Luxurious Hotels

  1. Hotel Davanzati
  2. Hotel David
  3. Hotel Spadai
  4. Hotel Orto De Medici
  5. c-hotels Ambasciatori
  6. San Firenze Suites & Spa
  7. Palazzo Castri 1874
  8. Hotel Croce di Malta
  9. Grand Hotel Baglioni Firenze
  10. Hotel Alba Palace
  11. Grand Hotel Cavour
  12. Bernini Palace Hotel
  13. Ville sull’Arno
  14. Hotel Laurus Al Duomo
  15. Grand Hotel Minerva

Mid-Range Hotels

  1. c-hotels Joy
  2. C-Hotels Club
  3. Hotel Santa Croce
  4. B&B Monte Oliveto
  5. Hotel Perseo
  6. Hotel Orcagna
  7. Hotel Palazzo Vecchio
  8. Grand Hotel Adriatico
  9. Italiana Hotels Florence
  10. NilHotel
  11. Hotel Mario’s
  12. Hotel Alessandra
  13. Hilton Florence Metropole
  14. Novotel Firenze Nord Aeroporto
  15. Plus Florence

Budget Hotels

  1. Firenze Camping in Town
  2. Best Western Plus CHC Florence
  3. Hotel Balcony
  4. Il Grillo di Firenze
  5. B&B Hotel Firenze Nuovo Palazzo di Giustizia
  6. Hotel Corona D’Italia
  7. Hotel Fiorita
  8. B&B Hotel Firenze City Center
  9. Hotel Dali
  10. Hotel Bavaria
  11. Bed & Breakfast Leopoldo
  12. Villa la Stella
  13. Hotel D’Azeglio
  14. Hotel Ferretti
  15. italhotels san lorenzo

TripAdvisor

Custom Tours Package in Florence

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

Mustafa Natalwala

Mustafa is a content writer and digital marketing expert at WideWorldTrips.com His mainly interests are into travelling, photography, film-making

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