Location: Florence
Top Things to do in Florence
What to do and see in Florence, Tuscany: The Best Things to do
Florence is an art historian’s dream. The Galleria dell'Accademia bursts with works by Michelangelo, who is entombed within the frescoed walls of the Basilica di Santa Croce. Budding photographers can snap pics of the Ponte Vecchio bridge, and serious shoppers can spend a blissful afternoon wandering the shops of Piazza Santo Spirito. Tuscan cuisine pays homage to the region’s bounty. Swipe a hunk of crusty bread across a pool of local olive oil and you’ll be instantly transported to your happiest place.
Restaurants in Florence
1. Gallerie Degli Uffizi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37,499 reviews
One of the great museums of the world, the Uffizi houses the premier collection of Italian Renaissance art, featuring works by such masters as Botticelli, Titian, Michelangelo and da Vinci.
Reviewed By sanju_222323 - New Jersey, United States
If art interests you, then Uffizi Gallery is one place that you should not miss on your Florence tour. It is one of the most interesting places to visit in Florence, Italy. Situated in the Piazza Della Signoria, it can be covered together with the L shaped beautiful square. With the world’s preeminent collection of Renaissance paintings from artists such as Botticelli, Raphael, Da Vinci and more, this is the obvious go-to museum for one day in Florence. However, it’s also enormous, with 101 rooms bursting with art. it still displays the Medici family's prominent art collection, which includes such masterpieces as Botticelli's "Birth of Venus," Raphael's "Madonna of the Goldfinch" and Titian's "Venus of Urbino." *** The 10 Most Important Artworks at The Uffizi Gallery ( just so that you don’t miss this, I did miss a few and found out when I was reading about it) The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli Coronation of the Virgin by Fra Angelico Laocoön and his Sons by Baccio Bandinelli Madonna with the Long Neck by Parmigianino Portrait of Pope Leo X with Two Cardinals by Raphael Head of Christ by Unknown Tuscan Master Annunciation by Leonardo da Vinci and Andrea del Verrocchio Medusa by Caravaggio Doni Tondo by Michelangelo Venus of Urbino by Titian It houses a collection of awesome Renaissance time paintings of Botticelli, Da Vinci, Caravaggio, Giotto, and Michelangelo to name a few. A minimum of 2-3 hours is needed to explore all the paintings and sculptures. Don’t miss the courtyard outside. It houses statues of Galileo, Dante, Da Vinci and other greatest of Renaissance times. Online Reservation of tickets is available and I suggest buy skip the line ticket. This is a must-visit place in Florence and it will easily take 4-6 hours. Just to know Uffizi's place is among the handful of world's top art museums. So don’t regret if you come across something and think, S**t, I was there, why I did not see this.
2. Basilica of Santa Croce
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,994 reviews
This is the richest medieval church in Florence, which features frescoes by Giotto, a chapel by Brunelleschi and one of the finest of all early Renaissance tombs.
Reviewed By revlisad - Sarasota, United States
Don't miss seeing the Duomo from the outside. But the one you want to tour inside is Santa Croce. It's a must see for multiple reasons 1. The grandeur of the architecture. It's the largest Franciscan church in the world. The main sanctuary is stunning as are the 16 chapels and courtyards. 2. Don't miss the tombs, both those on the floor of the main sanctuary, the sides of the main sanctuary, and the crypt. Many famous Italians are buried or memorialized here, including, Dante, Galileo, Machiavelli, Michelangelo, Rossini, Marconi 3. The art, including frescoes by Giotto and his pupils, incredible icons (my favorite is the Francis of Assisi Icon to the right of the main altar), and statues. Speaking of the main altar, take a few moments in the presence of the crucifix icon, altar icons, stained glass, and painted dome. Stunning. Be sure to find the Last Supper and Tree of Life fresco in one of the additional chapels on property. 4. Set in a delightful piazza with great restaurants, shops, and vendors. Neither the church nor the piazza were crowded when we visited. 5. Great restrooms and quaint gift shop
3. Palazzo Vecchio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,946 reviews
Florence's principal palace was begun in 1299 and built as the seat of the Signoria, the fathers of the city's republican government.
Reviewed By asiyahnoemik - Pula, Croatia
The beautiful Palazzo Vecchio offers us mysteries, riddles, secret passages and a trip back into history to three eras. Palazzo Vecchio offers to us Roman ruins, a Medieval fortress and amazing Renaissance chambers and paintings. A microcosm where art and history have been indissolubly bound for centuries. Its significance and beauty is immeasurable. And its history is extremely interesting. Palazzo Vecchio is the main symbol of civil power for the city of Florence, whose original project is attributed to Arnolfo di Cambio. Construction on the solid fortress began in 1299 above the ruins of the destroyed Uberti Ghibelline towers, testimony of the final victory of the Guelph faction. From the very beginning, the main section of Palazzo Vecchio was destined to host the city council which was composed of chief members the Guilds of Florence (the Priori) who governed the Republic of Florence. In 1342, the Duke of Athens, Walter VI of Brienne, enlarged Palazzo della Signoria towards Via della Ninna, giving it the appearance of a fortress and even adding a secret staircase for nightly exits. The Salone dei Cinquecento (Hall of the Five Hundred) was built from 1494 during the Republic of Fra’ (friar) by Girolamo Savonarola. The Hall is the largest and most important room in terms of artistic and historical value inside the palace. Paneled ceilings and large wall frescoes, golden decorations and imposing sculptures leave us breathless. When the court of Medici was transferred to Palazzo Vecchio (from Palazzo Medici-Riccardi), it was transformed into a fascinating labyrinth of institutional chambers, apartments, terraces and courtyards. All of the rooms (the so-called Quartieri Monumentali) are magnificently decorated by artists such as Michelangelo, Giorgio Vasari and Donatello. It is fascinating that Pier Soderini, who was named gonfaloniere for life, selected the two greatest Florentine artists of the time, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarroti, for the construction of two large murals to decorate the walls of the room, with battle scenes depicting victories of the Republic. Leonardo began to paint the Battle of Anghiari, while Michelangelo used another part of the wall for the Battle of Cascina. The two geniuses of the Renaissance would have had the opportunity to work for a certain period of time face to face, but none of their work had ever been completed.
4. Galleria dell'Accademia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31,647 reviews
Europe's first school of drawing, this museum of art is chiefly famous for its several sculptures by Michelangelo, notably his David, in addition to an extensive collection of 15th- and 16th-century paintings.
Reviewed By Darren_C_Thomas - Brisbane, Australia
The Accademia is a wonderful art gallery in Florence which houses arguably the most famous statue in the world - Michelangelo's David which is simply perfection in a sculpture. Whilst the Accademia is far smaller than the Uffizi, it still houses a number of important works. Also the historical musical instrument collection is well worth taking the time to visit. To avoid the queues which are long and slow moving as well as always present, make sure you get a skip the line ticket -especially if you have children or impatient teens. We booked for 3:15pm and arrived at 3:05pm whilst we still had to queue in a small line, was into the gallery by 3:20pm
5. Piazza del Duomo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22,224 reviews
This large city square contains the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore, the third largest cathedral in the world after St. Peter's in Rome and St. Paul's in London.
Reviewed By andrewjA7047IT - Newark, United States
This was a simply breathtaking stop on our tour of northern Italy. I had seen pictures of the cathedral of Florence and knew a bit of the history, but nothing could have prepared me for seeing it in person. The structure is simply massive and incredibly ornate. The detail of marble on the outside is magnificent and the fresco on the grand dome on the inside is awe-inspiring. This is a must see!
6. Piazza della Signoria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16,857 reviews
Since its beginning during the Middle Ages, the Piazza della Signoria has been the political heart of the city.
Reviewed By asiyahnoemik - Pula, Croatia
The Piazza della Signoria is the main political center of the former Florence Republic, and today one of the two most famous squares in Florence. It is surrounded by sights such as Palazzo Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery, Loggia dei Lanzi, which houses a statue of Perseus holding Medusa's head in his hand, and several city palaces like the Palace of the Tribunale della Mercanzia (1359) (now the Bureau of Agriculture), and the Palazzo Uguccioni (1550, with a facade attributed to Raphael). The Piazza della Signoria was the scene of great triumphs, such as the return of the Medici in 1530 as well as the Bonfire of the Vanities instigated by Savonarola, who was then himself burned at the stake here in 1498 after he was denounced by the Inquisition as a heretic. A marble circle inscription on the piazza shows the location where he was burned. There is also a monument to the Duke of Florence, Cosimo I.(Giambologna's equestrian statue of Duke Cosimo I (1595) is an elegant portrait of the man who brought all of Tuscany under Medici military rule), the Neptune Fountain, and a magnificent sculpture of Michelangelo's David (which is become one of the most recognized works of Renaissance sculpture, a symbol of strength and youthful beauty), which is actually a copy, while the original is kept in the Academy (Galleria dell'Accademia), Bandinelli's sculptures of Hercules and Cacus (1534) to the right of the David was appropriated by the Medici to show their physical power after their return from exile. The square is named after the Palazzo della Signoria, which is another name for the Palazzo Vecchio, the 'old palace', which is also the city hall. The construction of the palace began at the end of the 13th century, and was adorned with the shape of a real fortress with a prominent tower, which wanted to show the importance and power of the then Republic. In the past, the bell inside the tower called for citizens to gather when threatened by fire, flood or enemy attack. The feeling is wonderful when we look at these wonderful palaces, sculptures and when we know the history of this beautiful square.
7. Duomo - Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28,537 reviews
Designed by Arnolfo di Cambio at the end of the 13th century, the Cathedral's trademark dome is now the symbol of Florence.
Reviewed By sanju_222323 - New Jersey, United States
This dome is not only Florence's identity, but it also represents Italy along with other monuments. The list of Florence’s tourist attractions can never be complete without a mention of this great artistic treasure that Italy proudly boasts of. This is one of the most famous cathedrals in Italy due in large part to its dome – the largest in the world from when it was built in 1431 until 1888. It’s still the largest brick and mortar dome in the world and architects are still trying to figure out how the architect, Filippo Brunelleschi, pulled it off. You will have to strain your neck to see the church's massive, iconic dome. The red-tiled cupola was designed by Brunelleschi and is described as a must-see by experts and travelers alike. Though in the photo, it does not look big, but in reality, it’s very huge and do I need to mention how beautiful it is. Outer walls art, it’s so brilliant. This majestic cathedral features 600 years’ worth of stunning architecture and artworks. From its beautiful Gothic facade of red, green and white marble to its elaborate interior of stained-glass windows, mosaics, frescoes and bronze statues. As you take a tour of the baptistery, its museum, the cathedral, and the bell tower, you will come across some of the best-known masterpieces of architecture and art by the greatest artists – Michelangelo, Giotto, Donatello, Brunelleschi, and Ghiberti. There is one ticket for all (Crypt, Museum, Belltower, Dome & Belltower) and that too is only 18 euros, so it’s totally worth it if you are thinking about it. I also felt like the cathedral was designed inside-out: its exterior boasts intricate designs and breathtaking features while the interior is surprisingly plain. Yes when you get in, it feels like where am I? it was so extravagant from outside but inside it’s like any normal church. if you have a ticket, you can get down to Crypt. The dome climb is one of the more popular attractions in Florence but in high season the line can stretch to over 2 hours.so folks get the ticket online with the time slot so that you can reach there on your ticket time and skip the line. Be aware that there is no elevator and some of the narrow walkways require you to stand to the side while people pass in the opposite direction. Also, I think this is not for the claustrophobic. Duomo complex also includes the impressive structures of the Baptistery and Giotto’s bell tower. A climb to the top will reward tourists with incredible views of Florence and the outlying valley. Dome is totally dominating the panoramic view of Florence from Piazza Michelangelo. If you are an appreciator of art and architecture, this is one of the best places to see in Florence to visit. If you’ve never been before and only have one day in Florence you should at least walk around the outside of the cathedral to get a feel for its immensity and see the Gates of Heaven.
8. Palazzo Pitti
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,738 reviews
A complex of art museums housing some of the most celebrated treasures in the city..
Reviewed By asiyahnoemik - Pula, Croatia
The palace, which houses several important museums, was built in the second half of the 15th century by project of Filippo Brunelleschi for rich banker Luca Pitti. Pitti's intention was to build a palace that would overshadow Palazzo Medici. However, the building could not really be compared to the size or luxury of the Medici family palace. Luca Pitti died in 1472 and the construction remained unfinished. The architectural significance of this palace lies in its simplicity and strict lines. The stone facade is roughly finished in a rural style. The original building, formed by two floors and the ground floors, with only five windows on each floor, was purchased in 1550 by Eleonora da Toledo, the wife of the Grand Duke Cosimo I de'Medici, thus becoming the official residence of the family. The later rulers of these lineage are upgraded palace and arranged gardens around it (Boboli Park). Most of the upgrades date from the 17th and early 18th centuries. As regards the domestic life inside the palace, it is know that it was the home of several components of the family who were distributed in different private apartments. The rooms on the left wing belonged to the Grand Duke, while those on the right side were used by the heir. The lateral wings housed the apartments of their wives. The rooms on the second floor contained the large library, while the side rooms were used for the children. The left side on the ground floor housed the apartment that the Grand Duke used in summer. An important detail of history is the fact that Anna Maria Luisa de 'Medici (11 August 1667 - 18 February 1743) was the last heiress of the House of Medici. She was the patron of the arts, and she decided to donate the Medici's large and rich collection, including the contentsof the Uffizi, Palazzo Pitti and the Medicean villas which inherited after the death of her brother Gian Gastone in 1737, and her Palatine treasures to the Tuscan State, on the a condition that no part of it could be removed from Florence. During the nineteenth century, the Pitti Palace was used by Napoleon Bonaparte and later was the residence of the King of United Italy. In 1919, the palace, with its rich artistic treasures, was donated to the Italian people by King Vitorio III Emanuel. Today, the palace and the Boboli gardens house the Palatine Gallery, the Silver Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, the Costume Gallery, the Porcelain Museum and the Museum of Carriages. They include works by Titian, Giorgione, Rafael and Rubens, among others.
9. Piazzale Michelangelo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33,242 reviews
This 19th century piazza has undoubtedly the best panoramic view of Florence. The square is decorated with copies of Michelangelo's sculptures, but it's the view people come here to see.
Reviewed By 224lorie - Bonita Springs, United States
Many friends recommended that we get some food, a bottle of wine and go to the top of the Piazzale Michelangelo to watch the sunset and see the fantastic views of Florence as the sun sets and the lights of Florence go on. It did not disappoint. We walked there and found it to be a good walk but don't recommend walking it if you're not a walker. While it was very crowded, that did not take away from the experience. We are very happy we had this experience!
10. Cupola del Brunelleschi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,660 reviews
Reviewed By idmt1 - London, United Kingdom
The view from the top, the experience of climbing between the two shells of the dome (don’t worry it’s quite spacious really) getting up close to the amazing painted ceiling...all well worth the 463 steps. You must MUST book a time as soon as you get to Florence (free with the Firenze Card, €18 without) it sells out everyday so make it one if the first things you do...easiest way is at the Duomo Museum.
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