Explore Florence: 32 Awesome Attractions You Won't Want to Miss

Among the oldest cathedrals in Florence, the Basilica di San Lorenzo was consecrated in 393, at which point it was located outside the city walls. Once a Medici family stronghold, there’s a wealth of storytelling to explore on a tour of the church. For example, the Chapel of the Princes reveals an innovative design as well as an ambitious plan to smuggle the Holy Sepulchre from Jerusalem and place it in the centre. The Basilica is as much a museum as a place of worship, with sculptures by Donatello and Michelangelo, the 15th- and 16th-century Medici Chapels and the church’s Filippo Brunelleschi-designed dome.

Leonardo da Vinci claimed that the eyes are the windows to the soul, but his art and inventions provide more than just a window into his entrepreneurial and innovative spirit. The artist’s designs introduced new worlds beyond the canvas and even furthered the study of the universe. On a tour of the Da Vinci Museum, visitors can experiment with interactive displays and embark on a journey into da Vinci’s genius mind with various models that demonstrate the study of gravity, mechanics and design. Audio guides are available.

Located inside Palazzo Castellani, the Galileo Museum is home to one of the most important scientific collections in the world and is a scientific research centre for Italian and international scholars. A visit to the museum reveals a collection that spans 500 years of instruments, inventions and displays – from the Renaissance period to the 19th century – and even includes Galileo’s famous telescope. Everything from antique globes and celestial spheres to microscopes and special lenses can be found in the museum’s wide-ranging collection.

Housed in one of the oldest buildings in Florence, the Palazzo del Bargello, which dates back to 1255, the Bargello Museum’s walls have witnessed important events throughout Florence’s civic history. These even include meetings of the Council of the Hundred, in which Dante himself participated. Tickets to the national museum include a tour of its two halls and courtyard, with works by Donatello (including the early marble David and the later bronze sculpture), unique panels by Brunelleschi, masterpieces by Michelangelo and Bacchus, Roman and Byzantine treasures and Renaissance jewels all on display.

Established by the Medici family, the Boboli Gardens are something of a crossroads between nature, architecture and science. A combined ticket for the Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Pitti includes entry to the open-air museum. Amid majestic landscaping are 16th-century sculptures, Bernardo Buontalenti’s famous grotto, sanctuary gardens, fountains and exemplary architecture. Across the neat levelled gardens, visitors picnic, relax and wander along pretty pathways. The views over Florence and the surrounding Tuscan hills from the Boboli Gardens are unmissable and spring is a particularly beautiful time to visit, when the flowers are in full bloom, as is autumn, when the leaves start to change colour.

Standing in front of Michelangelo’s famous sculpture is an unforgettable experience. Visitors slowly circle to observe every angle of this masterpiece in marble, which is found at the Galleria Dell’Accademia and stands at over 5m (17ft) tall. The massive marble slab that was used to create David remained untouched for 25 years before the statue was commissioned in 1501, when the artist was just 26 years of age. Michelangelo’s David is depicted before his battle with Goliath, at the instance between choice and consequence. The biblical hero’s eyes exude an expression of warning, and the sculpture is placed facing Rome to represent the defence of the Florentine republic’s civil liberty.

The shining crown of Florence, Santa Maria del Fiore is a civic centrepiece from the late 13th century that took 200 years to complete. Built on the remains of a seventh-century church that is visible during a tour of the crypt, the exterior features emerald green and pink marble slabs, while the interiors exude a rather subdued aesthetic to allow the artworks to stand out. The Duomo includes frescoes of Giorgio Vasari’s Last Judgement (1572), scenes of Florence by Dante (1465) and mosaic works spread out like immense carpets. The stately dome was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi.

This seemingly silent medieval fortress contains a hidden inner world where history, art and politics converge. The Palazzo Vecchio is an everlasting symbol of the city state’s civic power, playing host to the supreme governing body for centuries. Constructed in 1299 on the ruins of an ancient Roman theatre, the fortress belonged to the Ghibelline Uberti family before their expulsion and became the residence of Cosimo I de’ Medici. Today it houses Florence’s town hall and a museum with Roman ruins, Renaissance paintings, lavish secret halls and the striking Salone del Cinquecento (Hall of the Five Hundred), built in 1494, whose frescoes and stories demand a guided visit. Don’t miss the palazzo’s hidden passages and Arnolfo’s Tower, but be warned that the latter involves a climb of 416 steps.

Accessible as part of a single ticket to the Duomo Complex, Giotto’s Bell Tower is a fine example of Gothic architecture. The 85m (279ft) tower is adorned in marble and features hexagonal panels and lozenge reliefs (diamond shapes) that represent the universal order, as well as statues of kings, patriarchs and prophets made by sculptors Andrea Pisano and Donatello. Climb up the 414 steps for panoramic views over the terracotta-coloured city.

Home to some of the world’s most outstanding collections of sculpture and painting, the Uffizi Gallery is a treasure trove of unique works dating from the Middle Ages to the Modern period. Pre-booked tickets and comfortable shoes are the way to go here. The journey through the gallery’s priceless works of art includes masterpieces by Giotto, Piero della Francesco Botticelli, Correggio, Raphael, Michelangelo, Caravaggio and Leonardo da Vinci, as well as works by German, Dutch and Flemish painters.

Although it’s one of the oldest museums in Italy, the National Archaeological Museum of Florence features spacious halls and modern showrooms. The exhibitions here appeal to all ages, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the history of human civilisation through archaeology. Inside is an impressive collection of Etruscan sarcophagi and Roman relics that date as far back as 450BCE, private collections of the Medici and Lorena families, ceramics from Ancient Greece and an Egyptian collection with more than 14,000 artefacts.

Piazza Santa Croce has been a centre for public gatherings and events in Florence since the 14th century, with seasonal markets and Florentine football (Calcio Fiorentino) matches still held here today. Perhaps equally as famous as the square it sits in is the largest Franciscan church in the world, the Basilica of Santa Croce, which truly merits a visit. The original structure was built in 1212, when St Francis of Assisi first visited Florence. Beyond the marble facade is a Franciscan church with 16 chapels and the Temple of the Italian Glories, the resting place of many of Italy’s great creators, including Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei and Machiavelli.

Purchased by the Medici family in 1550 as the official Grand Ducal residence, the Palazzo Pitti is a symbol of the family’s prominent rule over Tuscany, which included the dynasties of the House of Lorraine-Habsburg and the House of Savoy. With a prime position at the foot of Boboli Hill and connected to Boboli Gardens, the palace houses Florence’s largest museum complex, with treasures from the Grand Dukes, the Palatine Gallery, a Modern Art Gallery and the Museum of Costume and Fashion.

This 13th-century church is one of the most important Gothic-style structures in Florence and deserves a spot on every traveller’s itinerary. The interior holds precious works of art including Giotto’s Crucifix, Masaccio’s The Trinity and Ghirlandaio’s frescoes in the Tornabuoni Chapel – all financed by the most important historic Florentine families. The church was built on the site of a 9th-century oratory and took 80 years to complete before its consecration in 1420. Interiors feature clever and harmonious designs to elongate the space, as well as fine works of art conceived by masters of the time.

According to local legend, in a series of huddled houses near Torre della Castagna stands the birthplace of Dante Alighieri, born in 1265. Rebuilt in the 20th century using historical references, Dante’s home, located in the heart of medieval Florence, is now a museum and centre of study that highlights the life and work of the man himself, one of Italy’s most brilliant thinkers. Guided tours and workshops walk visitors through highlights of the poet’s life.

A mysteriously resilient bridge – historic documents refer to its first appearance in 996 – Ponte Vecchio was rebuilt in the 14th century after a flood that devastated Florence, was spared by Hitler during World War II and survived another flood in 1966. When the Medici family moved to Palazzo Pitti, they decided to build a connecting route from Ponte Vecchio that was hidden from the public and ordered the construction of the Vasari Corridor in 1565, which still runs above the bridge. In 1593, Ferdinand I decreed that only goldsmiths and jewellers be allowed to open shops on the bridge, banishing butchers, fishmongers and tanners. Look out for the bust of Benvenuto Cellini, a 16th-century goldsmith, who is honoured on the bridge. Ponte Vecchio remains strong and is a beloved spot for photographers and romantic walks.

Inaugurated on 24 June 2014, Museo Novecento is dedicated to modern and contemporary art from the 20th century. Rotating installations are featured in the open courtyard, while inside, a permanent collection showcases works by important Italian artists, many of them included in the Alberto Della Ragione collection – Giorgio de Chirico, Gino Severini, Giorgio Morandi and Felice Casorati, among others. The museum also offers workshops and guided tours.

For a quick lunch, there is no better place to go than Mercato Centrale. It is the largest and most famous market in town, divided in two sections: On the ground floor you can do shopping and buy typical Tuscan food, while on the next floor there are several restaurants where you can taste Italian delicacies.

The Baptistery of San Giovanni is one of the city’s most fascinating architectural gems. The structure’s exact age is unknown, but legend tells that it was a pagan temple, a belief that is supported by ancient fragments and inscriptions and marble slabs from the ruins of Roman Florentia. The marble-clad church combines a clever mix of faith, history and art within its unique octagonal layout and concealed dome, whose interior was decorated with mosaics by Jacopo Torriti in the 13th century. The highlight of the church is Lorenzo Ghiberti’s (1425–52) magnificent bronze doors, found on the eastern side. Referred to by Michelangelo as the ‘Gate of Paradise’, each of the 10 scenes is a window into stories from the Old Testament, with relief sculptures that capture several scenes in a single frame.

Located on the left bank of the Arno, Piazzale Michelangelo was built on the hills above the city in 1869, at a time when Florence was the capital of Italy. Designed by architect Giuseppe Poggi, the panoramic terrace is dedicated to the great Renaissance artist Michelangelo and offers uninterrupted views of Florence in all its splendour. The scene is particularly picturesque at sunset when the entire cityscape unfolds and historic landmarks glisten in the red sun.

Fashion is part of the urban fabric in Florence. With so many historic labels and celebrated ateliers still in operation, dedicate some time here to sourcing rare finds. Explore the stalls at the Santo Spirito Market (Piazza Santo Spirito) on the second Sunday of every month for vintage fashion and accessories, or head to Cascine Park Market (Viale Lincoln) on Tuesday mornings for a kilometre-long display of clothing, leather goods, antiques and accessories. Boutiques are plentiful in the city: several are located on Via dei Conti, including Tartan Vintage and Desii Vintage, the latter of which is a treasure trove packed with coveted handbags. Antiquariato Il Cancello is also worth a visit for its high-end vintage dresses and accessories. Art&Fashion is a low-cost vintage shop alternative with great finds including printed denim jackets and warm winter sweaters. The boutiques that light up the famous Ponte Vecchio carry genuine and revisited vintage-inspired jewellery collections such as earrings, gemstone rings, pearl necklaces and rare brooches.

Several modern galleries are worth adding to any Florence itinerary. To start, Tethys Gallery is the only gallery in Florence dedicated to contemporary photography, with a rich programme of temporary exhibitions and events that feature both well-known artists and new talent. There’s also La Corte Arte Contemporanea – set in a classical building, this gallery houses rotating exhibitions by Italian and international artists, showcasing contemporary styles and techniques. Aria Art Gallery, conceived by author and businessman Elio D’Anna and tucked away in a lush 16th-century courtyard, houses acclaimed exhibitions of photography, new media, paintings and installations. Nearby, the award-winning Galleria360 is an avant garde reference point on the international art scene that hosts exhibitions of various artistic media, including photography and mixed media.

Head to the Library of the Archbishop’s Seminary to view the famous 1448 Rustici Codex, which is among the most precious manuscripts in the world. The codex was written by Marco di Bartolomeo Rustici and is a celebration of Florence’s artistic and religious splendour in the 15th century. The Florentine goldsmith embarked on an existential journey from his home to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and back. The result is a beautifully expressive story of the pilgrimage, with illustrations in ink and watercolour that, beyond its artistic significance, bears witness to Florence in the 15th century with accurate descriptions of churches, monasteries and buildings that remain a point of reference for international art and architecture historians. It is said that it took Rustici 27 years to write the codex, the same amount of time it took Lorenzo Ghiberti to complete the Gates of Paradise at the Baptistery of San Giovanni, adjacent to Florence’s unmissable Duomo cathedral.

Possibly the coolest neighbourhood in Florence, San Frediano was the historic address of Florence’s local craftspeople, where tanners transformed leather into objects of art and wool workers took to the factory at Piazza Tiratoio. Florence’s relentless artistic spirit still infuses the area. Special highlights include a visit to the 13th-century Giotto-designed Carraia Bridge and the Bartolomeo Cristofori Academy, the first school dedicated entirely to the piano. If you’re exploring by day, make sure to visit the masterpieces of Masaccio and Masolino that can be found in the Brancacci Chapel. Take to the streets after sunset and join the locals at the lively bars and restaurants, or head over for a gelato and people watching at Piazza Tasso. San Frediano is also a highly recommended area for accommodation in Florence.

Just off Piazza del Duomo is Piazza della Repubblica, where you’ll find a grand arch, a colourful old carousel, and fancy restaurants with outdoor seating. It’s a great spot for a drink and people-watching, which is why many locals come here. Recommended of Nikki Crowell.

This grand piazza is home to Palazzo Vecchio, the Fountain of Neptune and the Gucci Museum, plus it’s surrounded by bars and restaurants with outdoor seating and filled with the music of street musicians. Recommended of Nikki Crowell.

Much like Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles, this high-fashion street is full of great Italian and international brand stores. From Gucci and Prada to Tiffany’s and Cartier, Via dè Tornabuoni is shopping heaven. Recommended of Nikki Crowell.

Find Tuscan leather goods at this outdoor daily market and bring home a souvenir. Although most of the leather at this market is real, be careful not to overpay for something fake. Do your research beforehand to be a savvy market shopper and maybe you can score a bargain. Don’t forget to rub the nose of the boar fountain for good luck – put a coin in its mouth as you rub its nose and drop the coin down with a wish. Recommended of Nikki Crowell.

This little hilltop town sits on the north side of the city and can be reached by taking a bus. Just a short hike up the street from the main square is a lookout point where the view of the city below and the surrounding green Tuscan hills is to die for. There’s also a quaint church and an old monastery where you can go inside and see the rooms in which the monks lived. Two weekends a month, there is also a market that fills the main square. Recommended of Nikki Crowell.

Just a few blocks from the duomo, this square has equestrian statues, lots of history and a great view of the main cathedral down its narrow street. The main building is the old orphanage called Ospedale degli Innocenti. Now a museum, this is where poor families would leave their babies for adoption or come to give birth, while rich families would leave their children to board. Recommended of Nikki Crowell.

This neighbourhood is mostly frequented by locals, but there are a few savvy tourists who wander through. The church here stands out from the rest you’ve probably seen due to the lack of decoration on its facade (it was never finished). But don’t let that fool you, the inside is beautiful. Many markets are held in the piazza, locals hang out here on warm summer nights and local dogs roam free. Recommended of Nikki Crowell.

You can’t say you’ve experienced Florence without trying some of the city’s most famous gelaterie, or ice cream parlours. Grab a cup or a cone of your favourite flavour and enjoy strolling the cobblestone streets taking it all in. Tempted? Check out our guide to the best gelaterias in Florence. Recommended of Nikki Crowell.