Florence is a beautiful city, and there are plenty of must-see attractions around the city and just outside of it. Whether you’re into Renaissance Art or Gothic Architecture, or just want to enjoy a glass of wine overlooking the city, Florence has a little something to offer every avid traveler! Here are 8 must-see attractions and things to do around Florence!
Admire the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (a.k.a. the Florence Cathedral) from Piazza del Duomo
One of the most iconic sites in Florence, you can’t miss this cathedral. The cathedral was completed in 1434 and is the fourth largest church in the world. The colorful facade and Gothic architecture style add to the uniqueness of this structure. Entrance is free to the cathedral, so venture on inside!
Note: when visiting cathedrals and churches in Europe, it is considered disrespectful to enter a church with bare shoulders. Bring a scarf or thin cardigan with you to cover up before trying to go inside.
Check out Michelangelo’s “David” sculpture at the Galleria dell’Accademia
Arguably one of the most famous pieces of art in Italy, you’ve got to make a stop at the Galleria dell’Accademia. Even if naked man sculptures aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other sculptures and artworks from Florence artists to appreciate.
Take a walk on Ponte Vecchio
Ponte Vecchio is a medieval stone bridge that is lined with small jewelry and gift shops. This bridge arches over the Arno River to join the 2 sides of the city. It makes a great backdrop for photos and you might even find a souvenir to take home.
Soak in the views from Piazzale Michelangelo
This lookout point offers breathtaking views of the city of Florence. Arrive just before sunset for jaw-dropping pictures as the sun disappears behind the city. This lookout spot is honestly a glorified parking lot, but it’s become one of the most popular spots for travelers looking to get a good view of the city.
Don’t be surprised if you have to weed through crowds once you’re there, but I think the payoff is well worth it.
Check out the statutes and historical markers in Piazza della Signoria
Explore this plaza & you’ll find several interesting statues, many of which have some political connotation. My favorite was the statue of Perseo holding Medusa’s head, it was meant to be a reminder of what happened to those who crossed the Medici.
Visit the Uffizi Gallery
Honestly, I don’t know much about art, but I still really enjoyed visiting the Uffizi Gallery. I booked the self-directed audio guide for 6 EUR so I could learn more about each piece that interested me and move through the museum at my own pace.
Be sure to book your tickets in advance! This world-famous gallery is a must-see!
Take a day trip to Pisa!
You can’t go to Italy without getting a cheesy pic in front of the leaning tower, am I right?!
The train from Florence to Pisa takes about an hour. You can enjoy the whole afternoon taking photos with the Leaning Tower and exploring Piazza dei Miracoli. At one end of the piazza is the Cattedrale di Pisa, you can go inside to appreciate the architecture and works of art. You must have a Tower of Pisa ticket to go inside.
When I visited, we were able to go inside of the leaning tower and climb the stairs up to the top for an amazing view! You must purchase tickets in advance to climb to the top, and they do adhere to a strict schedule. Be sure to plan ahead!
Wind-down with some Italian wine
It’s hard to recommend a wine bar in Florence because I found great wine literally everywhere I went! Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina is a great option if you want knowledgeable staff that can make recommendations. But sometimes, it was nice to just pick a restaurant with a picturesque outdoor seating area and sip on their house selection while enjoying the cool evening weather.
Bonus: Check out Rick Steve’s Audio Europe app for a walking audio tour of Florence!
It’s a free app that you can download to your phone which contains audio tours and corresponding maps of the city. I’ve used this app while visiting Prague & Italy, I have nothing but positive things to say! If you have a free morning or afternoon, download the Florence Renaissance Walk Tour to your phone, grab some headphones, and explore the city with Rick Steves as your guide!
If you like Rick Steves, check out this Italy 2020 Travel Guide!
What are you most excited to see in Florence?
Planning to visit other European countries? Check out my post on 5 Reasons You Should Visit Prague, Czech Republic!
