Things To Do
Piazza del Duomo
The Duomo was built in the 15th century and was the largest church in the world at the time (now it's the third biggest in Europe, which is still pretty big). If you can face the 463 steps, it's well worth the climb to the top of the dome, as this is the highest point in Florence. Trust us, that view over the city's cascading buildings and terracotta rooftops is worth it.
The Boboli Gardens
The Boboli Gardens (Italian: Giardino di Boboli) is a historical park of the city of Florence that was opened to the public in 1766. Originally designed for the Medici, it represents one of the first and most important examples of the Italian garden, which later served as inspiration for many European courts. The large green area is a real open-air museum with statues of various styles and periods, ancient and Renaissance that are distributed throughout the garden. It also has large fountains and caves, among them the splendid Buontalenti grotto built by the artist, architect, and sculptor Bernardo Buontalenti between 1536 and 1608.
Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio ("Old Bridge") is a medieval stone closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge over the Arno, in Florence, Italy. The only bridge in Florence spared from destruction during World War II, it is noted for the shops built along it; building shops on such bridges was once a common practice. Butchers, tanners, and farmers initially occupied the shops; the present tenants are jewelers, art dealers, and souvenir sellers.
Alla Vecchia Bettola
Best penne alla vodka!
Palazzo Vecchio
The ‘old palace’ – a name earned after the ‘new palace,’ Palazzo Pitti, was built across the river – is thronging with magnificent artwork and rooms full of frescoes. In this museum, you can see Dante's death mask and even embark on a tour that leads you through the secret passages built into the palace. Make sure you climb the tower during your visit. On the way up to the top, you'll be able to see the prison cells where the famous Savonarola was kept before he was executed down in the piazza in front of the building.
Uffizi Galleries
Whether you’re an outspoken fan of Renaissance art or you’re not so fussed, the Uffizi will make you love it more than you thought possible. It’s home to fantastic works by Botticelli, including The Birth of Venus. There are hours of beautiful art to discover, but the architecture of the building is worth the trip alone, designed by Italian artist Giorgio Vasari. Our tip is to get there as early as possible before the place fills up for a good view.
Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze
Though there are more historical works of art in the Galleria dell'Accademia than you'll find in most entire cities, this museum is made specifically to show off David. Even if you aren't the artsiest person, you'll want to gaze at the man that 26-year-old Michelangelo carved out of a single block of marble over 500 years ago and detailed right down to the veins in his arm. It's one of the absolute must-sees in Florence, even if you must wait in line for a bit; it'll be well worth the selfie with the man, David, himself.
Piazzale Michelangelo
At Piazzale Michelangelo, you'll find carts overflowing with souvenirs and no shortage of buskers, but you're here for an unbeatable and spectacular view. Look out over the crumbling city wall in the south, then towards the Duomo, Arnolfo Tower of the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Uffizi are all in sight. There is always incredible energy at sunset when groups gather to see the day end from this great height. Gazing over the sea of terracotta rooftops is an unforgettable experience.
Wine Windows
Dating back as far as the 15th Century, these tiny windows found across the city were once used by wealthy Florentine families to sell wine without spreading the plague. Now some of them serve gelato, spritz and wine once more. Florence has more than 150 wine windows carved into its Renaissance buildings, many virtually forgotten about for centuries. During the pandemic, a few savvy restaurant and bar owners saw parallels between the wine windows’ original purpose – to serve wine without sharing germs – and decided to bring them back into use. Head to Babae on Via Santo Spirito for a glass of Chianti served to you through the window, or stop by Vivoli, one of the oldest gelateria shops in Florence, for an ice cream served through the hatch.