The perfect guide for what to see in Florence, Italy – all of the must-do, must-see attractions that the city has to offer.
Florence is the capital of the region of Tuscany in central Italy. It is often named as the birthplace of the Renaissance and known as one of the most beautiful cities. The city is full of art, history, and culture.
The city of Florence is best known for its beautiful Duomo with its world-famous red dome that dominates the city’s skyline, the statue of David by Michelangelo, and its numerous art galleries.
If you are traveling to the Tuscany region, I highly recommend visiting Siena during your trip. We much preferred Siena over Florence during our vacation. You can find what to do in Siena here.
Top Things to See in Florence
The Duomo is Florence’s massive cathedral and its dome can be seen all over the city. Construction on the church began in 1296 in the Gothic style and was completed in 1870 in the Neo-Gothic style.
You can climb the spectacular dome within a dome that was built between 1420 and 1436 by Brunelleschi. The climb to the dome is through tight quarters and is a total of 463 steps.
Campanile (Giotto’s Tower) is a 270-foot-tall bell tower with great views including being able to see the Duomo’s dome. The bell tower has about 50 fewer steps than the Duomo’s dome.
The Baptistery is Florence’s oldest surviving building and is known for its doors, particularly Ghiberti’s Bronze Doors. The Duomo Museum houses all the original works of art of the cathedral including the Baptistery’s doors and statues.
The Duomo is free to enter, however many of the sights are covered by a combo ticket including the Baptistery, the dome, Campanile, Duomo Museum, and Santa Reparata crypt.
Piazza della Repubblica is a large square that sits on the site of an original Roman Forum. There’s a gorgeous arch, a carousel, and lots of cafes and shops lining the plaza.
Palazzo Vecchio is the ‘old palace’ and town hall of Florence and until 1873, Michaelangelo’s David stood where the replica does now. You can climb the tower which offers views of the Duomo. The Piazza dell Signoria is the plaza in front of Palazzo Vecchio and contains several Roman statues including the Fountain of Neptune, The Rape of the Sabine Women, and Perseus.
Uffizi Gallery is an art museum full of Italian Renaissance artwork. The courtyard in front of the gallery is filled with merchants and artists along with 19th-century statues of great figures of the Renaissance.
Ponte Vecchio is a medieval arched bridge that spans the Arno River. The bridge is lined with souvenir and jewelry shops. Be very careful of pickpockets.
Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze is worth the admission just to see the statue of David by Michelangelo. While not a large gallery, there is a nice-sized collection of plaster casts and models by Lorenzo Bartolini and his student Luigi Pampaloni and a collection of early Italian paintings. It is also home to musical instruments that belonged to the grand dukes of Tuscany.
