Florence is a city that offers a lot of attractions for visitors who want to explore its rich history, culture and art. Whether you are interested in museums, churches, monuments or gardens, you will find something to suit your taste and curiosity. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the best things to do in Florence, as well as the top tourist attractions in Florence that you should not miss. From the iconic Duomo to the stunning Uffizi Gallery, here are some of the top things to do in Florence and the best tourist attractions in Florence that will make your trip unforgettable.
Looking for things to do in Florence? Discover the best tourist attractions in Florence:
- Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Piazza Duomo: The heart of Florence, where you can admire the stunning dome, bell tower, baptistery, and museum of the cathedral complex.
- Battistero di San Giovanni (Baptistery of St. John): A 12th-century octagonal building with exquisite bronze doors and mosaics.
- Piazzale Michelangiolo: A terrace with a panoramic view of the city and a bronze replica of Michelangelo’s David.
- Uffizi Gallery: One of the world’s most famous art museums, housing masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and more.
- Accademia Gallery: The home of Michelangelo’s David and other sculptures by the Renaissance genius.
- Ponte Vecchio: The oldest and most iconic bridge in Florence, lined with jewelry shops and offering a romantic view of the Arno river.
- Palazzo Vecchio: The former residence of the Medici family and the seat of the city government, featuring frescoes, sculptures, and a tower.
- Boboli Gardens: A vast and beautiful park behind the Pitti Palace, filled with fountains, statues, and grottoes.
- Pitti Palace: A grand Renaissance palace that was once the home of the Medici family and now hosts several museums and galleries.
- Basilica of Santa Croce: The largest Franciscan church in the world and the burial place of many famous Florentines, such as Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli.
- Basilica of Santa Maria Novella: A Gothic church with a striking façade and a rich collection of art works by Giotto, Masaccio, Botticelli, and others.
- San Lorenzo Market: A lively market where you can find leather goods, souvenirs, food, and more.
- Basilica of San Lorenzo: The oldest church in Florence and the former parish church of the Medici family, containing their magnificent chapel and library.
- Basilica of San Miniato al Monte: A Romanesque church on a hill overlooking the city, with a beautiful interior and a cemetery.
- Piazza della Signoria: The main square of Florence, where you can see the Palazzo Vecchio, the Loggia dei Lanzi, the Fountain of Neptune, and a copy of Michelangelo’s David.
- Loggia dei Lanzi: An open-air gallery on the Piazza della Signoria, displaying statues by Cellini, Giambologna, Donatello, and others. [^3
- Bargello Museum: A former prison and now a museum dedicated to sculpture, featuring works by Michelangelo, Donatello, Cellini, and more.
- Basilica of Santa Maria del Carmine: A Gothic church with a stunning fresco cycle by Masaccio and Masolino in the Brancacci Chapel.
- Museo dell’Opera del Duomo: A museum that showcases the original sculptures and artworks from the cathedral complex, including Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise and Michelangelo’s Pietà.
- Piazza Santa Maria Novella: A square in front of the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, where you can admire the architecture and enjoy some people-watching.
- Mercato Centrale: A covered market where you can find fresh produce, meat, cheese, bread, wine, and more.
- Museo Galileo: A museum dedicated to the life and inventions of Galileo Galilei, featuring his original instruments and experiments.
- Museo Nazionale del Bargello: A museum that showcases the original sculptures and artworks from the cathedral complex, including Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise and Michelangelo’s Pietà.
- Piazza Santo Spirito: A lively square in the Oltrarno district, where you can find a daily market, cafés, restaurants, and the Basilica of Santo Spirito.
- Basilica of Santo Spirito: A Renaissance church designed by Brunelleschi, with a simple façade and a rich interior with artworks by Filippino Lippi, Sansovino, and others.
- Museo di San Marco: A museum housed in a former Dominican convent, where you can see the frescoes and paintings by Fra Angelico and other monks.
- Piazza della Repubblica: A large square in the center of Florence, where you can find the triumphal arch, the carousel, and many shops and cafés.
- Museo degli Innocenti: A museum that tells the history of the first orphanage in Europe, founded by Brunelleschi in the 15th century, and displays artworks by Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, and others.
- Palazzo Strozzi: A splendid example of Renaissance architecture, hosting temporary exhibitions of modern and contemporary art.
- Museo Salvatore Ferragamo: A museum that celebrates the life and work of the famous shoe designer, displaying his creations and collections.
- Piazza San Marco: A square in front of the Basilica of San Marco, where you can find the Museo di San Marco, the Accademia Gallery, and a statue of Savonarola.
- Basilica of Santa Trinita: A Romanesque church with a Gothic façade and a Baroque interior, containing artworks by Ghirlandaio, Cimabue, Giotto, and others.
- Palazzo Medici Riccardi: The first palace of the Medici family, designed by Michelozzo, with a beautiful courtyard and frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli and Luca Giordano.
- Museo Horne: A museum that recreates the atmosphere of a Renaissance home, displaying paintings, sculptures, furniture, and objects collected by Herbert Horne.
- Museo del Novecento: A museum that showcases Italian art from the 20th century, featuring works by De Chirico, Morandi, Fontana, Burri, and more.
- Piazza Santa Croce: A square in front of the Basilica of Santa Croce, where you can find a statue of Dante Alighieri, a leather school, and many events throughout the year.
- Museo Marino Marini: A museum dedicated to the sculptor Marino Marini, displaying his works in bronze, marble, wood, and plaster.
- Palazzo Rucellai: A Renaissance palace designed by Leon Battista Alberti, with a harmonious façade and a loggia overlooking the Arno river.
- Museo Casa di Dante: A museum that recreates the life and times of Dante Alighieri, the father of the Italian language and the author of The Divine Comedy.
- Orsanmichele: A former granary and now a church with a unique Gothic façade and statues by Donatello, Ghiberti, Verrocchio.
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