Top 15 Attractions in Florence including Map

The top 15 attractions in Florence are perfect for anyone who enjoys strolling through art galleries, admiring impressive architecture, and delving into the history of the beautiful city of Florence. Additionally, we provide tips for more picturesque spots and heavenly delights of Italian cuisine.

The city of Florence in the picturesque Tuscany is a paradise for arts and museums. From the world-famous Uffizi Gallery to the Accademia Gallery and the galleries of the Pitti Palace, you can marvel at real masterpieces of art here. The palaces and cathedrals, such as Palazzo Vecchio and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, not only bring you closer to the history of Florence but also provide an incredible image with their unique architecture, turning the city into a total work of art. There are also plenty of gardens promising relaxation, and for a bit of variety and the best wine, you'll be in the Tuscan nature in no time. We'll now share which Florence attractions you cannot miss!

1. Ponte Vecchio

2. Palazzo Vecchio

3. Pitti Palace

4. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

5. Uffizi Gallery

6. Piazzale Michelangelo

7. Accademia Gallery

8. Fiesole

9. Piazza della Signoria

10. Central Market

11. Medicean Laurentian Library

12. Galileo Museum

13. Basilica of Santa Croce

14. Botanical Garden of Florence

15. Arezzo

Florence Deals

With the Florence Card, you can get a quick overview of which attractions you absolutely must not miss in the city in Tuscany.

The Ponte Vecchio, the landmark of Florence, is the oldest bridge over the over 200-kilometer-long Arno River and is one of the oldest arch bridges in the world. Its name is not chosen by chance, as Ponte Vecchio means 'old bridge' in Italian. This remarkable structure has truly experienced history and even survived World War II unscathed. The bridge connects the outer parts of the city to the center of Florence. Unlike most bridges, small shops are located here on the bridge - and this has always been the case: construction of the bridge began in 1333, and it was completed in 1345, including the buildings on both sides.

Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of the city on the Ponte Vecchio.

While exploring the attractions of Florence, the Ponte Vecchio undoubtedly belongs on your list, as it is not only of great significance to the city but also situated in the heart of Florence. Countless passersby cross the bridge, and you can peek into the shops of jewelers and antique dealers and simply enjoy the atmosphere.

As early as the end of the 13th century, plans began for the construction of an impressive palace to serve as the government's main headquarters. The construction of the palace was completed in 1314. At that time, it was still known as Palazzo Ducale and was inhabited by the Tuscan Grand Duke Cosimo I de' Medici, representing the center of Tuscan power. When the Grand Duke moved to the Pitti Palace, the Palazzo Vecchio became the location for various government offices and simultaneously served as a type of treasury.

Info and Tips:

Location: Piazza della Signoria, 50122 Florence

Ticket Prices: Museum: Adults €12.50 (reduced €10), Children (under 18) free Arnolfo Tower: Adults €12.50 (reduced €10), Children (under 18) free

Opening Hours: Museum: Every day except Thursday: 9 AM - 7 PM // Thursday: 9 AM - 2 PM Tower: Every day except Thursday: 9 AM - 5 PM // Thursday: 9 AM - 2 PM

Note: Tickets can be redeemed within 6 months. An online booking fee of €1 applies. Opening hours may vary due to Covid-19. Reservations are necessary on weekends and recommended during the week.

Today, the palace is not only one of the most significant attractions in Florence but also houses a museum for children and still serves as a 'center of power' for Florence. Most visitors come here to admire the impressive architecture and capture it with their cameras. Rightly so, because both the exterior, with its nearly 100-meter tall Arnolfo Tower, and the historically significant courtyard and the immense Sala dei Cinquecento provide you with an impressive sight. The hall was built in the Venetian style and appears absolutely regal through its intricate decorations with numerous artworks, arches, columns, and sculptures. You must also see the Studiolo, a princely room adorned with many paintings. Art history enthusiasts will find a paradise here and can discover the fascinating history at the Museo di Palazzo Vecchio - tickets for a guided tour of Palazzo Vecchio can be secured now.

Construction of the Renaissance palace for merchant Luca Pitti began in the mid-15th century. He passed away in 1472 - however, the construction of the Pitti Palace was still not completed at that time.

Info and Tips:

Location: Piazza de' Pitti, 1, 50125 Florence

Admission Prices to Pitti Palace: High season March-October: Adults €16 (reduced €2) Low season November-February: Adults €10 (reduced €2) Uffizi: Adults €20 high season, €12 low season (reduced €2)

Boboli Garden: Adults €10 high season, €6 low season (reduced €2)

Opening Hours: Museums: Tuesday-Sunday 8:15 AM - 6:30 PM, closed Mondays, January 1 & December 25 Boboli Garden: from 8:15 AM, closing varies by season between 4:30 PM - 7 PM

Notes: A reservation fee of €3 applies. A combined ticket for all museums is available for €18 in the low season and €38 (€21 reduced) in the high season.

Guided Tours

About a century later, the ownership of the palace passed to the Grand Duke family when Cosimo I de' Medici and his wife moved from the Palazzo Vecchio to the Pitti Palace. In the following decades, the exterior of the palace underwent several changes, achieving its final appearance only in the 17th century. The connection to the Palazzo Vecchio via the Ponte Vecchio was only added later, allowing a seamless transition from one palace to the other. Today, various museums are located inside the Pitti Palace, attracting countless visitors day by day. Several impressive galleries, as well as a porcelain, carriage, and silver museum, have space in the largest palace in the city. In front of the gigantic structure stretches the Boboli Garden, which provides room for relaxation along well-kept paths surrounded by greenery. Tickets for a visit to the Galleria Palatina and the Galleria d'Arte Moderna located in the building of the Palazzo can be booked online. If you wish to only visit the Boboli Garden, you can quickly enter the small oasis with your online booked tickets without waiting in line.

Travel Tip: If you buy your ticket before 9 AM directly at the museum, you will only pay 50% of the admission price.

The Cathedral of Florence stands in the popular Piazza del Duomo, the heart of Florence. The piazza is not only one of the most important but also one of the most popular squares in the city, and even beyond national borders. The Cattedrale Metropolitana di Santa Maria del Fiore receives its share of fame as well. The construction of this significant cathedral began at the end of the 13th century but was only completed in 1436, a full 140 years later.

Info and Tips:

Location: Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Florence

Entry: Free (Audio Guide available for rent)

Cathedral Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 10:15 AM - 4:45 PM,

Note: Opening hours for entry to the dome, baptistery, bell tower, crypt and museum vary - tickets for all attractions are available for €30, reduced €12.

Guided Tours

The effort has certainly paid off. The church is now of global significance, with people traveling from far and wide to visit it. It was personally consecrated by Pope Eugene IV and endowed with the title of Basilica minor, which is only granted to significant churches. Part of the Archdiocese of Florence, it is the third largest church in the world measured by the inner length of the so-called nave. Only the legendary Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican and St. Paul's Cathedral in London are larger. With a diameter of 42 x 45 meters, the dome, Cupola del Brunelleschi, is also the largest in the world.

As you can see, a visit to the majestic cathedral is simply unavoidable. Artistically speaking, it is a true masterpiece both inside and out. Once you've seen enough of the exterior façade and enter the interior, you'll be overwhelmed: the gigantic dome rises over 100 meters above you like an endless space, the paintings hidden within tell an exciting story, and the large columns supporting the dome add more grandeur to the entire cathedral. A visit to the Cattedrale Metropolitana di Santa Maria del Fiore is a must for enthusiasts of history, architecture, and religions - there's something for everyone here.

Travel Tip: Of course, services also take place in the cathedral. Perhaps you'll be lucky enough to attend one.

The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most famous museums worldwide as it houses significant collections from antiquity. You can admire impressive sculptures and paintings, architectural works, drawings, as well as books from the Gothic to the Renaissance periods here.

Info and Tips:

Location: Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Florence

Entry: March-October Adults €20 (reduced €2), November-February Adults €12 (reduced €2)

Uffizi Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 8:15 AM - 6:30 PM, closed Mondays, January 1 and December 25

Note: for €38 or €18 (Nov-Feb) you can purchase a combined ticket for the Uffizi, Pitti Palace, and Boboli Gardens

Guided Tours

Works by renowned artists, including Michelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, and many other Italian painters from the early and High Renaissance are exhibited in the Uffizi Gallery. Dutch and German artists are also memorialized here. The Grand Duke Cosimo I de Medici was involved in the building of the gallery, which was originally intended for administrative purposes rather than as an art gallery. Giorgio Vasari, an architect and Italian artist in the 16th century, lent the gallery its artistic charm. The gallery, however, was only publicly accessible at the end of the 18th century through Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo di Lorena and developed over many years into a true art gallery. Today, it is one of the most significant attractions in Florence and even among the important sights of Italy.

This square offers you one of the most beautiful views of Florence. When the Tuscan city was still the capital in the late 19th century, Piazzale Michelangelo was designed on a small hill as one of the city's most important places, with a terrace where you can enjoy a view over the city. Even today, many visitors are drawn daily to the viewpoint terrace, where they seek relaxation away from the urban bustle. From afar, you will notice the large statue of Michelangelo that looms over the rooftops of the city. Neatly arranged greenery, flowers, and trees give the square a special charm. If you're looking for a little break amidst all the sightseeing, this is the perfect spot. Let your soul unwind and enjoy the sight of this beautiful city.

Although the Accademia Gallery of Florence is not as large and well-known as the famous Uffizi Gallery, it specializes particularly in some artists. Visitor numbers of nearly 1.5 million per year show that a visit to the gallery is worthwhile!

Info and Tips:

Location: Via Ricasoli, 58/60, 50122 Florence

Entry: Adults €12 (reduced €2), under 18 free

Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 8:15 AM - 6:45 PM, closed Mondays, January 1 and December 25

Note: a fee of €4 applies for ticket reservation; on certain Sundays, entry is free for all

The building housing the gallery once belonged to a hospital until Grand Duke Peter Leopold decided to establish a gallery there in the late 18th century. At that time, only Michelangelo's works were included in the gallery. Notably, his David sculpture, as well as the Prisoners sculptures, the Pietà, and the San Matteo statue by Michelangelo can be admired today in the Galleria dell'Accademia. It is often said to be the home of Michelangelo and was once intended to be named the 'Michelangelo Museum.' Today, however, you will also find works by other notable painters in the gallery, including Paolo Uccello, Sandro Botticelli, and Andrea del Sarto. Here, Italian art truly shows itself at its best. Tickets for the impressive Galleria dell'Accademia can also be ordered online.

The town of Fiesole lies in the metropolitan region of Florence. If you've already checked off all the attractions in Florence or simply want to get away from the city, you should definitely come here. Only ten kilometers separate Fiesole from Florence. If you have a rental car or your own vehicle, you'll be there in less than 30 minutes. Similarly, with bus 7, which brings you 250 meters up to Piazza Mino in the center of Fiesole. If you have a hotel in the north of Florence, you can even walk up there. No matter how you decide, don't miss Fiesole.

Florence lies at your feet here.

You can stroll through the streets at your leisure and gaze over old facades, statues, the striking church tower, and the landscape with olive trees and cypress trees. Beautifully arranged gardens, ancient ruins, and historic charm give Fiesole an irresistible appeal. Be sure to indulge in some delights of the delicious Italian cuisine at one of the cozy restaurants. The La Reggia degli Etruschi is highly recommended, for not only do the bruschetta, sausage and cheese platters, pasta dishes, and the most delicious dessert delight your taste buds, but the fantastic view of Tuscany does as well. If you want to work off the meal afterward, we recommend the short climb to the Convento San Francesco. Here, Florence lies at your feet, surrounded by the picturesque landscape of Tuscany - simply enchanting! It's particularly beautiful here at sunset, so pack a bottle of wine from Tuscany and enjoy the magical moment.

Another important square in Florence is Piazza della Signoria. Over 500 years ago, the piazza was the political center with the Palazzo Vecchio as its most important building. Large events have also taken place here, and it was even the site of an execution by burning. Various sculptures are meant to remind us of past events and significant personalities. Among them is a replica of Michelangelo's David statue, the original of which is found in the Accademia Gallery, as well as Donatello's Judith and Holofernes sculpture, the statue of Grand Duke Cosimo I de' Medici on horseback, and the beautiful Neptune fountain are all located in the square. Sit in one of the cafés or on a step and let the bustling activity pass you by for a moment.

Travel Tip: In the side streets around the piazza, you will find many good Italian restaurants. Our recommendation is La Fettunta on Via Dei Neri: here you can find everything that the Italian cuisine has to offer in excellent dishes - from top-notch pasta and lasagna to meat and potato dishes, and panna cotta and tiramisu. Plus, enjoy Tuscan wine in a rustic setting - simply perfect. For a small hunger in between, we recommend Gustarium with delicious pizza variations to take away.

For a little variety from history and art, a detour to the Mercato Centrale is worthwhile. Although there is just as much hustle and bustle in the market hall as at the popular squares, the Mercato focuses on your senses. Simply looking at the large building is a true delight: many small aisles lead you along the various delicacies of Italy - regional fruits and vegetables, fresh meat, olives, cheese, various pasta types, freshly baked bread, and countless wines await to be tasted by you.

Info and Tips:

Location: Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 50123 Florence

Entry: Free

Opening Hours: Daily 10 AM - 12 AM

If you stay in a vacation rental in Florence with your own kitchen, you're in luck, and you can try your hand at wonderful Italian dishes with all the fresh products from the market hall and finish the evening with a good Tuscan wine. But even for those who have a hotel nearby, a visit is worthwhile. In small restaurants within the market hall, you can embark on a culinary journey through Italy or simply enjoy many of the products on the go. It's a whole new level of enjoyment you shouldn't miss.

A well-known library also hides in the quaint streets of Florence: The Medicean Laurentian Library was opened at the end of the 16th century in a special Renaissance style and houses significant manuscripts.

Info and Tips:

Location: Piazza San Lorenzo, 9, 50123 Florence

Entry: Free

Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday: 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM; Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM; closed Saturday and Sunday

The Laurentian Library is located in the San Lorenzo Monastery, which once belonged to Grand Duke Cosimo I de' Medici. What makes the Medicean Laurentian Library special is its history and the architecture that transports you back in time. Noble decorations adorn the ceilings and walls of the reading room, and royal staircases connect the rooms while a green garden surrounded by columns and arches forms the beautiful center of the library. Unfortunately, you cannot browse through books here; rather, it is about the building itself and its historical value. However, for the bookworms among you, there is still the very impressive Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale di Firenze.

In rather unassuming old building hides a particularly exciting museum. The Galileo Museum, however, is less focused on art and more on the history of science, giving you new insights into Florence's past. Founded in 1930, it is also a relatively young museum.

Info and Tips:

Location: Piazza dei Giudici, 1, 50122 Florence

Entry: Adults €10 (reduced €6), Children (<6 years) free

Opening Hours: Wednesday-Monday 9:30 AM - 6 PM, Tuesday 9:30 AM - 1 PM

Guided Tours

If you wish to revisit the spots you have seen during your tour of Florence and dive back into their history, the Museo Galileo is the right place for you. The Medici collection tells the story through scientific pieces and maps from the Grand Duke's era, followed by the Lorraine collection, which deals with the history from the end of the 18th century onwards. Scientific pieces from the 20th century round out the exhibition. In the various halls, you can walk through several centuries. In addition to the permanent exhibitions, there are also temporary ones: currently, exciting exhibitions about Pompeii and the prehistory of the car are running. The story of Galileo is also told in the museum. A really exciting insight into the history of science awaits you here.

Florence is blessed with beautiful basilicas, one particularly beautiful is the Basilica di Santa Croce, whose construction dates back to the 13th century. According to tales, Saint Francis of Assisi supposedly laid the significant first stone himself. However, he is not the only notable figure remembered here. The graves of Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, and other great personalities are located in Santa Croce.

Info and Tips:

Location: Piazza di Santa Croce, 16, 50122 Florence

Entry: Adults €8, Children (12-17 years) €6, free under 11 years

Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM, Sun 12:30 PM - 5:45 PM

Note: When visiting as a family, only parents need to pay for admission.

The Gothic architecture gives the church a particularly elegant appearance even today: individual decorations from the 19th century shape the exterior and detailed bases rise up in prominence. If you look closely, you will even discover small paintings carved into the stone of the façade. When you enter the interior, you are presented with the majestic sight of the largest Franciscan church in the world. Gigantic columns support the building, small artworks adorn the walls and windows, and sculptures embellish the impressive basilica. Through various influences over the last centuries, the building tells an entire story that you shouldn't miss!

Secure your tickets now for a guided tour

A place of tranquility on the edge of the center of Florence is the Giardino dei Semplici, also known as the Botanical Garden of Florence. The botanical garden impresses with its lush green color, small rose bushes, palm trees, and fountains.

Info and Tips:

Location: Via PA Micheli 3, 50121 Florence

Entry: Adults €6 (reduced €3), Children < 6 years free

Opening Hours: October-March Sat-Sun 10 AM - 4 PM, April-September Tue-Sun 10 AM - 7 PM

Even if you are not enthusiastic about botany, you should stop by and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Sit on the large fountain in the center of the garden and observe the butterflies fluttering around you, stroll along the small paths, discover new plants, and smell the wonderful flowers. On almost 24 km², exciting knowledge awaits you for those who wish to take a peek behind the scenes of botany. Under the responsibility of the University of Florence, the Università degli Studi di Firenze, various exhibitions, expeditions, and collections with plants from various regions of Italy are offered.

If you are looking for a way to unwind or simply want to immerse yourself in nature, we recommend exploring the picturesque Tuscany outside of Florence by rental car.

Travel Tip:

Tuscany is among the most beautiful wine regions in the world. If you want to learn about more wine regions, check out our article.

Only about 70 kilometers to Arezzo, surrounded by endless vineyards. A day trip here is definitely worth it. Stop at charming little wineries, taste the delicious wines - of course, only if you are not driving - and enjoy the unique atmosphere and the endless view of green vineyards. If you've had enough of wine, you can also discover much in Arezzo itself: just a walk through the old town makes your heart soar. Everywhere you find historic buildings painted in bright colors that create a special atmosphere - it feels as if you are transported back to the 15th century.

Florence is simply a beautiful city that has captivated us. From art lovers to history enthusiasts to foodies - everyone can find what they are looking for here. It's worth getting a Florence City Pass - for a 1-day pass, you pay €69.90 per person and benefit from free admission to numerous attractions and various other perks. So don't hesitate any longer, and plan your trip to wonderful Tuscany in Italy.

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Alternatively, you can, of course, browse our website at any time and create your dream vacation in Florence by yourself. Book a cheap vacation rental right in the historic old town. Some accommodations even have spectacular rooftops with views of the magnificent facades of the houses.