FLORENCE
The Most Famous
of the Art Cities of Italy
Florence (Firenze in Italian), the birthplace of the Renaissance, is just 1.5 hours away from Rome by high-speed train.
Every inch of its historic centre is an art lover’s dream – it's a city full of beautiful architecture, history, and art in every street and piazza.
Walking around Florence is like stepping into a living art museum, where beautiful statues seem to pop up wherever you go (think Piazza della Signoria).
It is full of cathedrals, palaces and museums that house some of the most famous artworks in the world – works by the likes of Raffaello, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Caravaggio, and Leonardo da Vinci.
One of the things I love about Florence is its compact size that makes it easy to explore on foot, even beyond the main attractions.
Another thing I love about Florence is the food – including the delicious gelato and hot chocolate.
Whether you're an art lover, a foodie, a history buff, or just someone who enjoys wandering through beautiful cities, Florence is an unmissable destination.
TOP ATTRACTIONS IN FLORENCE
There are many things to see in Florence. The top attractions, however, are the following:
1. The Duomo (Florence Cathedral)
The Duomo is a spectacular cathedral at the heart of the city, just a short walk from the train station.
Its official name is the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, and it is famous for its massive red-tiled dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi.
You can climb to the top for jaw-dropping views of Florence, but be prepared for a workout—it’s 463 steps to the top!
If, on the other hand, you don’t fancy the climb, you can admire the stunning marble facade and the impressive bell tower (the Campanile) from the comfort of a café, while sipping an espresso or an aperitivo.
2. Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio is Florence’s most iconic bridge, a medieval stone bridge that has been lined with shops for centuries.
Today, it’s lined with high-end jewellery stores and souvenir shops, but even if you’re not in the market for a diamond ring, it’s worth a stroll just for the views over the Arno River.
Early morning and nighttime are the best times to take good photos of the Ponte Vecchio without crowds getting in the way or selfie-takers hogging the best angles.
3. Uffizi Gallery
If you love art, the Uffizi Gallery is a must-visit.
This museum houses masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, and Michelangelo, among many others.
The most famous painting here is probably Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, but there are many other famous paintings you’ll recognise.
You must book a time slot to visit the museum. I like to go as early as possible to avoid crowds and to get a good view of the paintings and other works of art.
You can also get good photos of Ponte Vecchio from the far end of the Uffizi courtyard.
4. Accademia Gallery (Michelangelo’s David)
You’ve probably seen pictures of Michelangelo’s David, but nothing prepares you for the real thing.
It stands over 5 metres tall and is so detailed and magnificent that it will leave you speechless.
Apart from David, there are other sculptures by Michelangelo, some impressive paintings, including Madonna of the Sea and Madonna and Child with Young St. John by Botticelli, and a museum of historical instruments.
5. Piazza della Signoria & Palazzo Vecchio
Piazza della Signoria is Florence’s central square, a short walk away from the Duomo and right next to the Uffizi Gallery.
Piazza della Signoria is dominated by Palazzo Vecchio (the town hall) with its impressive statues - including a replica of Michelangelo’s David – and by the Loggia dei Lanzi, an outdoor museum where you'll find a sculpture gallery which includes the dramatic Perseus with the Head of Medusa by Cellini.
6. Boboli Gardens & Pitti Palace
If you need a break from museums, the Boboli Gardens, behind the Pitti Palace, are the place to go for some peace among fountains, sculptures, and stunning views over the city.
The Pitti Palace houses several museums, including a vast collection of Renaissance paintings.
7. Mercato Centrale
The Mercato Centrale is a foodie’s paradise where you’ll find everything from fresh pasta and local cheeses to truffle sandwiches and Chianti wine.
The ground floor has traditional market stalls, while on the upper floor you’ll find a modern food hall with delicious local specialties.
FLORENTINE FOOD: What to Eat in Florence
You can’t visit Florence without indulging in some of its incredible food. Here are a few local specialties to try:
- Bistecca alla Fiorentina – A thick, juicy T-bone steak cooked rare. It’s a must-try for meat lovers.
- Ribollita – A Tuscan soup made with bread, beans, and vegetables.
- Lampredotto – A traditional Florentine street food made from slow-cooked tripe, usually served in a sandwich.
- Pappa al Pomodoro – A thick tomato and bread soup that’s simple but incredibly flavorful.
- Gelato – In Florence you’ll find some of the best gelato in Italy. Just go for it and experiment with the different flavours.
The Best Time to Visit Florence
Florence is beautiful year-round, but the best times to visit are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). The weather is pleasant, and you’ll avoid the sweltering summer heat and the biggest crowds. If you visit in winter, you’ll get a quieter, more intimate experience—plus, you can enjoy Florence’s festive Christmas lights and markets.
Getting Around Florence
Florence is a walkable city, and the best way to explore it is on foot. Most of the major attractions are within a short distance of each other. If you need to go further, the local buses are efficient, and taxis are available, though they can be expensive. Biking is also a great option, especially along the Arno River.
Day Trips from Florence
San GimignanoIf you have extra time, you might want to take a day trip to explore the surrounding Tuscan countryside. Here are a few options that I’ve tried out:
- Chianti Wine Region – Just a short drive from Florence, this region is famous for its vineyards and charming hilltop villages.
- San Gimignano – Known for its towers that you can see from miles away, this medieval village is picture-perfect and offers breathtaking views as well as the best gelateria in the world (as determined by its reviews on Tripadvisor).
- Pisa – for the famous Leaning Tower, of course.
- Siena – A beautiful medieval city with a magnificent cathedral and the famous Piazza del Campo.