Having spent countless afternoons wandering through Florence’s narrow cobblestone streets, I’m often asked by fellow travelers where they should go in this historic Italian city. It’s a tricky question – how do you condense centuries of art, architecture, and culture into a simple recommendation?
“Florence is like an open-air museum where every corner tells a different story,” says Marco Rossi, a local tour guide who’s been showing visitors around his beloved city for over two decades. “From the medieval towers to the Renaissance palaces, each street gives you a glimpse into a different era of history.”
While you could spend months exploring every hidden chapel and centuries-old cafe, most travelers have limited time. That’s why I’ve put together this list of 18 places that will give you a real taste of what makes Florence special – from the must-see spots to the lesser-known gems that locals love.
Uffizi Gallery
Ever wondered what it’s like to stand face-to-face with Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus”? You’ll find this masterpiece and countless others at the Uffizi Gallery, Italy’s most famous art museum right in the heart of Florence. Home to the world’s largest collection of Renaissance art, this former Medici palace lets you walk through history as you explore rooms filled with works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. Even if you’re not an art expert, the building itself tells a story – its long corridors overlooking the Arno River were once used by the powerful Medici family to move between their offices and the Palazzo Vecchio. You’ll want to book tickets in advance though – the lines here can stretch longer than a plate of fresh Tuscan pasta.
Ponte Vecchio
If you’re exploring Florence, you can’t miss the iconic Ponte Vecchio. Stretching across the Arno River, this medieval stone bridge has been a bustling marketplace since the 13th century. The bridge is lined with traditional jewelry shops and art dealers housed in characteristic overhanging buildings that seem to defy gravity. What makes it even more special is the Vasari Corridor running above – a secret passageway built for the Medici family to move between their palaces without mixing with common folk.
Piazza del Duomo
If you’re planning a trip to Florence, you absolutely must visit Piazza del Duomo. Located in the heart of the historic center, this bustling square is home to Florence’s most famous landmark – the massive Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with its iconic red-tiled dome. The piazza also houses three other important monuments: Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery of St. John, and the Opera del Duomo Museum.
Palazzo Vecchio
Many visitors flock to Palazzo Vecchio for its iconic bell tower that dominates Florence’s skyline, but this medieval fortress-palace offers much more than just architectural appeal. The building has served as the seat of Florentine government since the 14th century and houses an incredible collection of Renaissance art and frescoes throughout its elaborate halls. Inside, you can explore the grand Salone dei Cinquecento with its massive battle scenes, climb the tower for city views, or join a guided tour to discover secret passages and hidden rooms. While the palace is busy during peak hours, visiting early morning or late afternoon lets you experience its historical atmosphere without the crowds.
Piazzale Michelangelo
Want to see Florence from its most famous viewpoint? Head up to Piazzale Michelangelo, a spacious square perched on a hilltop overlooking the city. This open-air terrace gives you a perfect view of Florence’s red-tiled roofs, the Arno River, and the iconic Duomo cathedral rising above it all. You can visit day or night, but sunset is especially popular when the city’s lights begin to twinkle. There’s a bronze copy of Michelangelo’s David statue in the center of the square, and several cafes nearby where you can grab a coffee or gelato while taking in the panoramic views.
Palazzo Pitti
If you’re curious about Florence’s royal past, head straight to Palazzo Pitti. This massive Renaissance palace on the south bank of the Arno River was home to the powerful Medici family and later became the residence of Italy’s royal family. Today, it houses eight different museums, including the Palatine Gallery with its collection of Renaissance paintings, the Royal Apartments, and the beautiful Boboli Gardens spread across 45,000 square meters of manicured lawns and sculptures.
Boboli Gardens
Have you ever wandered through a garden fit for the Medici family? That’s exactly what you’ll find at the Boboli Gardens, a sprawling 111-acre park behind Florence’s Pitti Palace. Created in the 16th century, these historic gardens showcase classic Italian landscaping with carefully trimmed hedges, hidden fountains, and ancient statues around every corner. You can spend hours exploring the peaceful pathways, discovering secret grottos, and taking in views of Florence from the garden’s highest points. It’s also home to several museums, including the Porcelain Museum and the Costume Gallery, making it more than just a pretty place to escape the city’s busy streets.
Basilica of Santa Croce
Often called the “Temple of Italian Glories,” the Basilica of Santa Croce holds a special place in Florence’s heart. This Gothic church isn’t just another religious building – it’s the final resting place of some of Italy’s most famous names, including Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. As you walk through its quiet halls, you’ll find yourself surrounded by centuries of art, from Giotto’s colorful frescoes to intricate marble tombs. The church’s open plaza out front has always been a gathering spot for locals, and if you time it right, you might catch one of the traditional festivals or markets that still take place here. It’s not just about the famous tombs though – the simple beauty of the architecture and the peaceful atmosphere make it a welcome break from Florence’s busier tourist spots.
Accademia Gallery
One of my first stops in Florence was the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s iconic David statue since 1873. The museum sits quietly in the heart of the historic center, drawing art lovers from around the world to its Renaissance-era halls. While David steals the spotlight at 17 feet tall, the gallery houses other notable works like Michelangelo’s unfinished Prisoners sculptures and a rich collection of 13th to 16th-century Florentine paintings. The way the natural light falls on David’s marble features through the dome above creates an almost magical atmosphere that makes you forget you’re sharing the space with hundreds of other visitors.
San Lorenzo Market
San Lorenzo Market has been a cornerstone of Florence’s food scene since the late 1800s. Located in the historic San Lorenzo district near the Medici Chapel, this sprawling indoor-outdoor marketplace fills several city blocks with the sights and smells of authentic Tuscan life. The ground floor houses butcher shops, cheese vendors, and produce stalls where locals haggle over fresh ingredients each morning. Upstairs, the recently renovated food court lets you sample everything from handmade pasta to traditional Florentine street food. Beyond edibles, the surrounding outdoor stalls overflow with leather goods, scarves, and souvenirs, making it one of the best spots to experience both the flavors and culture of Florence in one lively location.
Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is one of those places in Florence that keeps drawing me back every time I visit. This 13th-century church sits right across from the main train station, making it the first major monument many travelers see when arriving in the city. The marble facade tells stories through its geometric patterns and intricate designs, while inside, the church houses some of Italy’s most important frescoes and artwork. What I love most about this spot is how it combines art, history, and architecture in one place – from Masaccio’s famous Trinity to the peaceful cloisters where Dominican friars once walked. It’s not just a church; it’s a living museum that shows you exactly why Florence became the birthplace of the Renaissance.
Bargello Museum
The Bargello Museum is the place I recommend to anyone interested in Italian sculpture and art history. Located in a former medieval prison and police headquarters, this unique museum showcases an incredible collection of Renaissance masterpieces by Michelangelo, Donatello, and other famous Italian artists. It’s like a treasure chest of marble and bronze sculptures spread across three floors, with each room telling its own fascinating story about Florence’s artistic golden age.
San Miniato al Monte
High up on a hill overlooking Florence sits San Miniato al Monte, one of the city’s oldest and most impressive churches dating back to 1018. The church’s distinctive green and white marble facade catches the evening sun, making it a favorite spot for photographers hoping to capture Florence’s skyline at golden hour. Inside, you’ll find intricate geometric patterns decorating the floors and detailed frescoes covering the walls, while the adjoining monastery still produces honey and herbal liqueurs sold in their small shop. The church’s elevated position offers some of the best views of Florence – I usually tell friends to time their visit for sunset, when the fading light paints the Renaissance city in warm orange and pink hues. Getting here involves a bit of a climb up steep steps, but the peaceful atmosphere and panoramic vistas make it well worth the effort.
Bardini Gardens
Located just steps from the iconic Ponte Vecchio bridge, the Bardini Gardens offer a quieter alternative to Florence’s more famous Boboli Gardens. I first discovered this hidden gem in 2019 while wandering through the Oltrarno neighborhood. Spread across 4 hectares of terraced hillside, these Renaissance gardens blend both Italian and English landscaping styles with winding paths that lead past baroque staircases and ancient stone walls. The garden’s elevated position provides some of the best views of Florence’s terracotta rooftops and the Duomo’s distinctive dome. What makes this place special is how it changes through the seasons – from the purple wisteria tunnel in spring to the fragrant roses in summer, and the peaceful olive groves that remain green year-round. The on-site café, with its panoramic terrace, offers a perfect spot to rest and take in the cityscape below.
Mercato Centrale
If you love food, you can’t miss the Mercato Centrale when visiting Florence. Located in the heart of the San Lorenzo neighborhood, this two-story food market brings together the best of Tuscan cuisine under one historic roof. The ground floor features traditional market stalls selling fresh produce, meats, and local specialties, while upstairs you’ll find an array of food stands where you can sample everything from handmade pasta to artisanal gelato.
Palazzo Medici Riccardi
Built in the 1440s by Cosimo de’ Medici, the Palazzo Medici Riccardi sits proudly in the heart of Florence’s historic center. This three-story Renaissance palace tells the story of two powerful Italian families – first the Medicis, then the Riccardis – who shaped Florence’s destiny. Inside, the Chapel of the Magi houses bright frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli, depicting the journey of the Three Kings through a medieval Tuscan landscape. The palace’s most famous feature is its rustic stone facade, which grows smoother as it rises, creating an optical illusion that makes the building appear larger than it really is. Visitors can wander through the courtyard, marvel at the ornate family apartments, and explore the palace museum, which showcases centuries of Italian art and architecture under one historic roof.
Piazza della Repubblica
Dating back to the late 1800s, Piazza della Repubblica stands proudly in the heart of Florence’s historic center. This grand square occupies what was once the site of the city’s ancient Roman forum, later transformed into a bustling medieval marketplace. Today, the plaza draws both locals and visitors with its mix of old-world charm and modern energy. The square’s iconic arch and elegant carousel create perfect photo opportunities, while the historic Caffè Gilli and Caffè Paszkowski – two of Florence’s oldest cafes – invite you to experience the city’s traditional coffee culture. As evening falls, street musicians fill the air with melodies, and the surrounding restaurants come alive with the clinking of wine glasses and the warm chatter of diners enjoying classic Tuscan cuisine.
Piazza della Signoria
Visiting Piazza della Signoria feels like stepping into a living museum of Florence’s rich history. This grand square, sitting at the heart of the city’s historic center, has been the main stage for Florentine politics and social life since the 14th century. The open-air sculpture gallery features impressive works like the replica of Michelangelo’s David and the Fountain of Neptune, while the towering Palazzo Vecchio watches over daily life from its medieval perch. Locals and tourists alike gather here to sip espresso at historic cafes, snap photos of the remarkable architecture, and soak in the authentic Italian atmosphere that hasn’t changed much since the Renaissance era. The square comes alive in the evening when the monuments are lit up and musicians fill the air with melodies that echo off the ancient stone walls.
