Florence: A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Attractions

Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is a city filled with interesting places to visit. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway or an activity-packed vacation, Florence has something for everyone. From stunning architecture and art to shopping and cuisine.

I know that among my readers, there are many fans of Florence. I have been there twice, and I must admit that there is something about Florence that stirs the imagination. Of course, that’s if there aren’t huge crowds of tourists. Before I start telling you about the city’s attractions, I must warn you: Florence can be quite crowded, as you will see in some of the photos in this post.

Explore this amazing city and discover some of its highlights that you simply can’t miss!

How to Get to Florence and Where to Park a Car

You can reach Florence by taking a convenient train, for example, from Pisa, or by car. I have used both options, and while the train is straightforward, with a car, the basic question arises: where to park?

We parked in a parking lot on the street Largo Pietro Annigoni, 9, 50122 Firenze FI.

When to Visit Florence

Here’s something you need to know: Florence attracts many tourists. It can be difficult to walk in more popular areas, and the queues for attractions sometimes rival those at London’s museums. I visited in July, when it was crowded, but to my surprise, it was just as busy in March (2023). As a result, I find Tuscany’s smaller cities, like Siena, more appealing, simply because I don’t enjoy tripping over thousands of people.

How can you avoid the largest crowds? When should you visit Florence? First, arrive as early as possible. Also, from what I’ve heard, Sunday is not the best day for sightseeing in Florence. It’s much better to visit during the week.

Flights to Florence Airport from Various Locations

Florence Airport, also known as Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR), serves as the primary gateway to the city. While direct flights to Florence are not available from all locations, there are still plenty of options for travelers. Several airlines operate direct flights to Florence from various European cities.

The Best Viewpoint in Florence

Florence is full of attractions you recognize from postcards.

Let’s start our tour at a viewpoint! Here, you can admire the monumental Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral from a distance and take photos that will make their way onto your social media. This well-known spot has a parking lot, but if you arrive, for example, on a Sunday at noon, it might be crowded.

The spot is located at this address: Piazzale Michelangelo, 50125 Firenze FI

What’s Worth Seeing in Florence? Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral

The most important attraction in Florence is the cathedral. The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is a remarkable masterpiece, proudly towering over the city. The cathedral measures 153 meters long and reaches a height of 90 meters, making it an impressively monumental structure. Its architecture stands out from practically every point in Florence!

The cathedral’s facade features white, green, and pink stones. Interestingly, the marble comes entirely from Tuscany, sourced from three different towns. Santa Maria del Fiore was designed by notable architects such as Arnolfo di Cambio, Giotto di Bondone, and Filippo Brunelleschi (who designed the dome).

Santa Maria del Fiore is a place where history and art intertwine in surprising ways, offering an unforgettable experience. Take a tour (entry to the cathedral is free) and discover extraordinary paintings, frescoes, and stained glass windows. It’s also worth finding a moment of calm in this place for prayer.

You might ask why I’m writing about free tickets when information about paid admission is everywhere. Let me clarify: entry to the Cathedral is free. However, visits to the Baptistery of San Giovanni, Giotto’s Bell Tower, Brunelleschi’s Dome, the Opera del Duomo Museum, and the Basilica of Santa Reparata require tickets and are chargeable. Visiting everything can take a long time, so most tourists only go to the cathedral. You can find tickets on the official site here: https://operaduomofirenze.skiperformance.com/en/store#/en/buy

What to See in the Old Town of Florence?

Exploring the Old Town of Florence can take quite some time. If you’re not interested in art and architecture, a day might be enough. But if you love both, a week may not suffice.

The Old Town is home to the aforementioned Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, but that’s just the beginning of Florence’s major attractions. There’s the Galleria degli Uffizi with its art collection, the Palazzo Vecchio with its replica of Michelangelo’s “David” (more on that later), the Ponte Vecchio bridge with its antique stores, and the Church of Santa Croce, where prominent Italians such as Galileo, Michelangelo, and Machiavelli are buried.

Neptune’s Fountain

Neptune’s Fountain is another Florence attraction that I particularly like. Designed by Bartolomeo Ammannati, the Fountain of Neptune in Piazza della Signoria is one of the city’s most beautiful monuments. Constructed from various types of marble (just like the cathedral!), it depicts Neptune on a chariot, with a trident and three tritons at his feet. For many centuries, the fountain suffered damage and vandalism, but in 2017, it underwent major restoration thanks to support from the Ferragamo fashion house. Now, you can once again enjoy the beauty of this historic fountain.

Palazzo Vecchio

Palazzo Vecchio is a historic palace built in the 14th century, originally serving as the city’s town hall. Now a museum, it showcases the city’s rich history and works of art. Inside, you can see the Columned Hall, where official ceremonies were held. Visitors also flock here to see the replica of Michelangelo’s sculpture of David. While the original sculpture resides in the Galleria dell’Accademia, you can admire the replica in front of Palazzo Vecchio.

Ponte Vecchio Bridge

The Ponte Vecchio Bridge is one of Florence’s most iconic attractions. Built in the 14th century over the Arno River (Tuscany’s main river), it is the only bridge in the city that survived World War II. The bridge houses stores that have sold jewelry for centuries and continue to do so today.

Tip: In my opinion, the best view of Ponte Vecchio is from another bridge, such as Ponte alle Grazie. There, you can take the best photos and avoid the crowds.

Galleria degli Uffizi

The Galleria degli Uffizi is a must-visit for art lovers. Housed in a 16th-century palace, this Florence museum boasts one of the world’s largest art collections, including works by Renaissance masters such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Exhibits feature The Birth of Venus and The Adoration of the Three Kings (Sandro Botticelli), pieces by Leonardo da Vinci, The Holy Family (Michelangelo), and Portrait of Isabella Brandt (Rubens). The Galleria degli Uffizi is not only a treasure trove of art but also a showcase of the palace’s beautiful interiors and architecture, making it one of the most visited museums globally.

Gardens in Florence: Giardino Bardini

If you wish to escape the city’s hustle and bustle, Giardino Bardini is the perfect solution. This historic garden in Florence is located on a hill just a stone’s throw from the city center and offers stunning views of the city and the Arno River. In addition to fountains, terraces, gazebos, and sculptures, you can enjoy a coffee (or wine) with an amazing view. The garden has grown in popularity in recent years and offers a fantastic vantage point. Giardino Bardini is the ideal place to relax and appreciate the beauty of nature.

Tip: If you visit during the off-season, such as in March, you might be disappointed that the vegetation is not as lush as it appears in many photos.

Other gardens in Florence include:

• Giardino delle Rose or Rose Garden
• Boboli Gardens and Palazzo Pitti (the most popular gardens in the city)

Shopping in Florence

Many people travel to Tuscany for shopping. It’s no surprise, as Florence is renowned for its stores, outlet shops, and markets. The Italian word “mercato” means market or marketplace, where you can buy a variety of products, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, cheese, fish, as well as clothing, shoes, and accessories. Remember to haggle at the market; otherwise, you’ll likely overpay!

In Florence, you can find everything from unique souvenirs to leather products (like shoes and jackets) and luxury stores like Dior or Chanel. We visited the Sunday antique market, which left a great impression on us, and the prices were not higher than in Poland. If you’re interested, the market is located near the aforementioned parking lot.

Where to Stay in Florence?

Florence offers plenty of accommodation options. The most popular area, where everything is within easy reach, is the Centro Storico (Historical Center). This is the heart of Florence, where you’ll find the most important monuments, such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. However, keep in mind that staying in this district can be crowded and expensive. Accommodations farther from the center tend to be cheaper, and you’ll find many budget-friendly hotels, B&Bs, and hostels. Remember that Florence isn’t one of the cheapest cities, so sometimes it’s more worthwhile to book accommodation in another location. You can check prices on booking.com, among other platforms.

Is Florence Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Florence is a city brimming with charm, history, and art, attracting millions of tourists from all over the world every year. However, due to its popularity, the city can become quite crowded during the tourist season. To avoid the throngs, plan your visit carefully – for example, visit popular sites early in the morning or late in the evening when most tourists have already left. It’s also a good idea to explore less frequented places, such as Giardino Bardini, to savor the beautiful views. All in all, Florence is an incredible city to visit, but be sure to plan your trip to dodge the crowds.

For more Tuscany attractions, check out this post:

Tuscany Travel Guide: Discover Attractions and Interesting Places

Best Things to Do in Siena: A Must-Read Guide for Your Tuscany Adventure

Leaning Tower of Pisa: What is Worth Knowing and Seeing? 

San Gimignano: What to Do in Medieval Manhattan

Bagni San Filippo – The Best Hot Springs in Tuscany