top 5
BEST FLORENCE ATTRACTIONS
Firenze is a must-see in Italy and one of the most popular cities. There is so much to see and do within the city, but it is also a great location to do day trips to other charming Italian areas such as Pisa, Cinque Terre, Tuscany, and even Milan. Florence is the perfect destination for those who want to experience classic Italian architecture, food, and history. Below is a carefully compiled list of the best Florence Attractions to maximize your Florence itinerary.
Florence Top Attractions:
About Florence
Florence, Italy, known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, is a city that embodies beauty, history, and culture. Located in the heart of Tuscany, Florence is home to some of the world’s most famous art and architecture, including Michelangelo’s David, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Duomo.
This city has a rich and storied past, having been ruled by powerful families such as the Medici and the Pitti. Today, Florence is a bustling city that attracts millions of visitors each year who come to experience the city’s unique blend of ancient and modern. Let’s explore the best Florence attractions and why it is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art, history, and culture.
What you need to bring to Florence
Let’s get ready to explore the best Florence attractions in style. Here’s a list of what to bring to Florence:
- Comfortable walking shoes: Florence is a city that’s best explored on foot, so make sure you bring comfortable shoes that are suitable for walking on cobblestone streets.
- Sunscreen: The sun can be strong in Florence, especially during the summer months, so it’s important to bring sunscreen to protect your skin.
- A hat: A hat is also a good idea to protect your face and head from the sun.
- A lightweight jacket or sweater: Even in the summer, evenings in Florence can be cool, so it’s a good idea to bring a lightweight jacket or sweater.
- A camera: Florence is a beautiful city with many photo opportunities, so don’t forget to bring a camera or your smartphone to capture your memories.
- Adapters and chargers: If you’re traveling from outside of Europe, don’t forget to bring adapters and chargers for your electronic devices.
- Euros: Although credit cards are widely accepted in Florence, it’s always a good idea to bring Euros, you could transfer cash before you leave or when you arrive in Florence.
- Travel guide or map: Even with smartphones and GPS, it’s always a good idea to bring a travel guide or map to help you navigate the city and find the best attractions.
- Travel insurance: Lastly, it’s important to consider travel insurance to protect you in case of any unexpected emergencies or accidents during your trip.
These are just a few of the essential items to bring when exploring the best Florence attractions. Remember to pack light, but also be prepared for the weather and activities you have planned.
1. Ponte Vecchio Bridge
The Ponte Vecchio Bridge or the “old bridge” is first on the list of the best Florence attractions for good reason. This is the only bridge that was not ruined in the second world war. It became popular due to the shops built along it, which have been there for hundreds of years, This bridge connects the Palazzo Vecchio with the Pitti Palace. It has beautiful views of the Arno River, both during the day & at night. Ponte Vecchio Bridge is also one the the best free things to do in Florence!
Try to stop by at sunset & grab some gelato for one of the most beautiful views in Florence. As long as your phone plan includes cell service you could easily navigate your way around. If not, I personally I found the handheld maps confusing and would suggest looking into a walking tour. This way you don’t have to worry about navigating yourself and you will also learn about the history of the Ponte Vecchio and even get some inside tips for good food spots and things to do in the area. Check out the link below if you’re interested in doing an electric cart tour of the best Florence attractions.
2. The Duomo
Another one of the best Florence attractions is the Duomo. There are a lot of “Duomo’s” in Italy so don’t let that confuse you.
The Florence cathedral was built in 1436, but was not completed until the 19th century. Of course, this medieval red domed staple of Florence would make the Florence top 5 attractions.
The cathedral is located in old city, but you can see views of the beautiful dome shaped building for miles, as shown in my picture down below. If you want go climb 463 steps to the top of Brunelleschi’s dome you can see wonderful views of the old city.
Naturally as one of the best Florence attractions, the Duomo can get very busy and touristy. If you are going during the summer at peak season, it might be a good idea to book a skip the line tour of the Duomo. Click the link below to explore how to skip the line.
3. Piazzale Michelangelo
Want to see the best view of the city of Florence? Well this is it. This best Florence attraction viewpoint offers panoramic views of Florence and is not too difficult to access. You did have to walk up some stairs, but it is totally worth the view!
If you want to see something super special, come for sunset (although be ok with a crowd) I’m sure sunrise would be just as beautiful and not as crowded! This view is one of my favorites to really take in the city ambiance and one of the coolest things to do in Florence.
4. Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is a about a 2.5 hour trip from Florence but SO WORTH IT. Train is the easiest transportation in Italy and the easiest way to get to Cinque Terre from Florence. Cinque Terre has 5 separate villages: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia Manarola, and Riomaggiore. I came here twice when I traveled solo and it is one of the best things to do in Florence for young adults. It is also a romantic place to visit for your honeymoon. Check out this day trip to Cinque Terre from Florence.
These villages are all accessible by train only a few minutes apart from each other. These villages and beautifully perched on the Italian Rivera overlooking the Mediterranean sea. There are beautiful beaches, hikes, shops, and restaurants only 2.5 hours away from Florence which makes this one of the perfect places to visit in Florence in 1 day.
You can easily book a train ticket from Florence to Cinque Terre online. There are no direct trains, so be mindful that you will have to switch trains at some point. The ride is usually 2.5-3 hours and tickets range from 20-25 Euros. There are about 20 trains per day going to and from Florence so you should have no problem finding a time that works for you!
I have been to Cinque Terre twice now, and I will continue to go back with every visit I take to Italy.
Sentiero Azzurro is a beautiful 2 mile hike in Monterosso, Cinque Terre if you’re feeling more adventurous during your day trip. If you want to see some awesome views of the villages and Mediterranean sea, this activity is for you. If you download the app All Trails, you can use it to map your route to the top of this beautiful little hike.
5. Piazza della Signoria
Some say this is the liveliest area of Florence. This beautiful city square has many historical focal points along with beautiful architecture. See the Neptune Fountain in the center of the square and Palazzo Vecchio which is still running its government duties. Find yourself strolling along these narrow cobble stone streets, with a gelato in hand. Make sure to check out Osteria La Pescatoria for some amazing Italian food. This is an activity that is completely free! Soak up the ambiance of this lively Italian square.
FOOD & SHOPPING
The Main Shopping Markets are near San Lorenzo and Piazza della Repubblica. Via del Corso has awesome shoe shops if you’re looking for some great Italian footwear. Florence is known for its leather, gold, and silver so you can find some great products in these markets for cheaper than you would in the U.S. Piazza Santa Croce has great leather products including: belts, wallets, purses, belts, clothing, exc.
After Shopping, make sure you go to Mercato Centrale right next to the San Lorenzo Market and have some great food:
- Lampredotto con salsa verde (Tripe)
- Vin Santo e Cantucci
- Ribollita
- Pappa al pomodoro
- Bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine Steak)
If you’re a foodie looking for some of the best Italian food I would recommend this Tuscan Cooking Class & Market Tour from Florence. Not only do you get to eat some delicious food, but you learn how to make it too. If you want to keep yourself focused on the most sweet and savory Italian foods you can look into this Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class from Florence. Is there anything better than that?
MORE ATTRACTIONS TO VISIT
Directly behind the pitti palace is the Boboli Gardens. Established for the Medici family, these gardens are one of the earliest examples of the Italian garden and used as inspiration for many European courts. There are renaissance statues, grottoes, and large fountains throughout the court. I’ve linked their website below. They are open 9:30am-5:00pm everyday and closed on Mondays. Tickets are about 13 Euros.
Basilica Di San Lorenzo is the oldest church in Florence, so if you’re a history buff, this Florence attraction is for you! This church was founded in the year 393 and it is only a few minutes from The Duomo. This church houses a lot of history, including work by Michelangelo and Donatello. Hours: 10:00am-5:30pm daily. Price: 4.50 Euros.
Battistero di San Giovanni (Baptistery of St. John) is another old church in Florence to check out the largest church in Europe when you visit the city’s cathedral, the church of Santa Maria del Fiore. They are just across the street from each other.
Galleria Dell’ Academia is one of Florence’s most popular museums where the original statue of David is housed along with more of Michelangelo’s work.
Gli Ufizzi is for you if you enjoy art & history. It is a two story medieval building constructed in the 1500’s with paintings full from the 1400’s and renaissance period.
Tuscany is absolutely breathtaking and one of the best day trips from Florence. You can take this Tuscany Day Trip Tour from Florence that starts at only $70.00 where you will see Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa and finish the tour with Lunch at a Winery.
If your looking more to connect with nature and for more unique things to do in Florence, right outside Prato is a hike to a waterfall called Rio Buti. Just follow the hiking trail number 40 when you get to your destination, it is pretty easy to follow from there. When I went it was pretty quiet and something more of the locals know about. It’s certainly off the beaten path of Florence, but Prato is only about a 15 minute train ride.
If this is your first time in Florence you should check out these top Florence tips before visiting this beautiful Italain city. Florence is a beautiful and historical city that is a must-visit destination for travelers interested in art, architecture, history, and Italian culture. With its impressive collection of Renaissance art and architecture, including iconic attractions such as the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Ponte Vecchio, Florence offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.
If you are looking for where to stay in Florence, click here for some of the best options.
Additionally, visitors can enjoy delicious Tuscan cuisine, stroll through charming piazzas and gardens, and experience the vibrant energy of the city’s streets. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Florence is a destination that will leave a lasting impression and inspire a lifelong love for Italian art and culture.
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