If there is a building which represents Florence the most, it is the Duomo. This magnificent example of Gothic architecture is one of the most famous churches of Italy and the fourth biggest in Europe. Prepare yourself to spend some of your time in line to reach the top of the cathedral, but once there you’ll admire the most terrific views over the rooftops of Florence.
Cathedral of Florence, Piazza del Duomo, Florence, Italy, +39 0552302885
Located just few steps from the duomo, Campanile di Giotto is the bell tower of the cathedral complex of Florence. It was designed by the great artist Giotto and continued later by other prominent artists. The campanile is also known to be one of the most famous panoramic spots of Florence.
Campanile di Giotto, Piazza Duomo, Florence, Italy, +39 0552302885
One of the best places to relax and sip a coffee is Piazza della Repubblica. The square is filled with famous bars and a nice carousel where you can take a ride with your partner, friends or family. The bars located here are very expensive, but you can at least enjoy a good coffee.
Piazza della Repubblica, Florence, Italy
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.
Mercato Centrale, Via dell’Ariento, Florence, Italy, +39 0552399798
Near the market there is San Lorenzo’s church, one of the oldest religious complexes of Florence. This is the place where many members of the Medici family were buried, specifically in the Medici chapels. San Lorenzo is often overrated by tourists attracted by the most famous churches of the town, so if you want to avoid lines come here.
Basilica di San Lorenzo, Piazza di San Lorenzo 9, Florence, Italy, +39 055216634
This massive structure is home to the most important art exhibitions of Tuscany. Twice a year it hosts international art fairs: from Picasso to Ai Weiwei, from Bill Viola to Kandinsky, Palazzo Strozzi is a must for art enthusiasts. Currently is an exhibit dedicated to the Italian Renaissance.
Palazzo Strozzi, Piazza degli Strozzi, Florence, Italy, +39 0552645155
No trip to Florence is complete without a tour on Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in town. It was the only bridge not destroyed during the bombs of the second World War and today is one of the most famous places to go shopping.
Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy
The old palace is the administrative centre of Florence. But only few parts of it are visible today, such as a few chambers and courtyards. It is used to celebrate weddings, so perhaps a good location if you are thinking to tie the knot.
Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, Florence, Italy, +39 0552768325
The most famous Italian museum is located in Florence, just few steps from the Old Palace. Uffizi is a must-see spot during your Florentine tour, but remember to book the tickets online to avoid the endless lines at the entrance. Here, you’ll see masterpieces of Michelangelo, Botticelli, Raffaello and so on.
Galleria degli Uffizi, Piazzale degli Uffizi 6, Florence, Italy, +39 05523885
This hidden spot, which connects Palazzo Vecchio to Palazzo Pitti, was built by the artist Giorgio Vasari in 1564 and was used by the Medici family to walk through the city unseen by common people. Now it sports a magnificent gallery, home to many pieces of art.
Corridoio Vasariano, Florence, Italy
Florence has plenty of gardens and green areas, but the most famous of all is Boboli. This large garden is located behind Palazzo Pitti and is like an open-air museum filled with statues, fountains, caves, labyrinths. t iIs the perfect place to visit on sunny days to escape the crowds of Florence.
Giardino di Boboli, Piazza Pitti 1, Florence, Italy, +39 0552298732
Florence is one of the most important European cities in the fashion industry. If you think only Milan is the Italian capital of fashion you are wrong, ‘cause the Tuscan town is the place where ‘Made in Italy’ was born in the ’50s. Don’t miss a visit to the Fashion Gallery inside Palazzo Pitti to admire ancient clothes and accessories.
Galleria del Costume, Piazza de’ Pitti 1r, Florence, Italy, +39 0552388713
Oltrarno is the most lively and cool area of Florence. If you want to spend a nice night out, you need to come here with your friends, order a cocktail in one of the bars in Santo Spirito square and enjoy.
Santo Spirito, Piazza Santo Spirito, Florence, Italy
To admire Florence from the top, head into Piazzale Michelangelo, one of the most famous Italian belvederes. You can easily reach it by foot or with the bus n.12 and take some beautiful pictures of the town below.
Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence, Italy
Hidden below the Piazzale, there is a secret garden frequented mostly by Florentines. It is the rose garden, a nice green area to spend some time surrounded by flowers while admiring beautiful views over Florence without crowds.
Giardino delle Rose, Viale Giuseppe Poggi 2, Florence, Italy, +39 055055
If you want to visit a place off the beaten path, Villa Bardini is the perfect location for you. This villa is a magnificent place on a hill and offers spectacular views over Florence. It is also a museum, so you can visit it and spend some time in relaxation.
Villa Bardini, Costa San Giorgio 2-4, Florence, Italy, +39 05520066202
Just a few steps from the crowds of Ponte Vecchio, there is a small street called Borgo San Jacopo filled with ancient towers and a very nice church. It is also the perfect place to admire one of the best views over the old bridge.
Borgo San Jacopo, Florence, Italy
The church of Santa Croce is one of the most famous of Florence, some of the most important Italian people, such as poets, artists and writers are buried here. Once here, don’t miss to visit its spectacular cloisters.
Basilica di Santa Croce, Piazza di Santa Croce 16, Florence, Italy, +39 0552466105
Just few steps down the train station, you’ll find Santa Maria Novella one of the oldest churches of Florence. It deserves to be visited not only for its beautiful façade but also for its secret cloister.
Basilica di Santa Maria Novella, Piazza di Santa Maria Novella 18, Florence, Italy, +39 055219257
Hidden behind Piazzale Michengelo, San Miniato is one of the most beautiful churches of Florence. It is also the perfect place to admire the town from the top without crowds. So note it down for your next trip in Florence.
San Miniato al Monte, Via delle Porte Sante 34, Florence, Italy, +39 0552342731
