Things To Do
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
The Duomo is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Florence and is a must see during your visit. You can walk around the outside and see the adjacent baptistery and bell tower but it is highly encouraged to purchase tickets ahead of time to view the inside of the cathedral and climb to the top of the dome. The climb is physically exerting but the view from the top of the Duomo is the best in the city. Click the link below for various ticket packages:
Uffizi Galleries
The Uffizi Gallery is the premier art gallery of Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. The former offices of the Medici family now plays host to works from Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Da Vinci. See the attached link for more on tickets:
Basilica of Santa Croce
Nestled in Piazza di Santa Croce, this basilica houses the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli and contains the Pazzi Chapel, Giotto frescoes, and Donatello sculptures. The piazza features the annual Florentine tradition of “calcio storico,” a bloodied, early version of soccer setting the historic neighborhoods of Florence against each other. See the link for more information on tickets to Santa Croce (free entrance on June 13th for the feast of St. Anthony of Padua)and see below for more on Calcio Storico: https://calciostorico.online
Ponte Vecchio
Translated in English to “Old Bridge,” Ponte Vecchio is the only bridge in Florence that was spared from bombings in World War II and is famous for its jewelry and art shops. A secret corridor runs along the top of the bridge that was constructed by the Medici family to allow them to travel to and from the Uffizi without mingling amongst the peasants! Annie and Ethan walked this bridge a number of times, most notably to their first ever date at Gusta Pizza.
Medici Chapel
Located on the backside of Basilica di San Lorenzo, widely considered Florence’s oldest church, the Medici Chapel is a hidden wonder and one of Annie and Ethan’s favorite landmarks in town. The chapel is a marble wonder and contains the tombs of several members of the Medici family, once the wealthiest banking family in the world who essentially financed the Renaissance. While not the primary reason, the financing of this lavish chapel contributed to the eventual bankruptcy of the Medici family.
Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens
The Pitti Palace holds one of the largest collections of art in Florence and was originally the live-in residence of the Medici family. Reminiscent of Versailles, the halls of the palace are used as an art museum today and tickets can be purchased together with access to the Boboli gardens, the palace’s accompanying, vast expanse. The gardens will be exceptionally beautiful in June and plan to wear your walking shoes if you visit!
Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze
While you may see a version of the David statue outside Palazzo Vecchio in the same spot where the original once stood, the original David carved by Michelangelo himself has since been moved to the Galleria dell’Accademia for preservation. Here you will also find Michelangelo’s original attempts at carving the David, historic Medici family instruments including a Stradivari violin, and other Florentine Renaissance art.
Piazzale Michelangelo
Bring a bottle of wine and some cups and climb up for a sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo, one of the most iconic viewpoints in Florence. It can be a slightly demanding ascent but the views of the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and other historic landmarks make the climb well worth it. Totally free!
Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
Situated nearby the similarly named train station, Santa Maria Novella is a church built by Dominican Friars over 200 years and contains art masterpieces by Brunelleschi, Botticelli, Giotto, and more.
All’Antico Vinaio
The most famous sandwich shop in Florence with sandwiches that are as tasty as they are large. The seating area is minimal but you can take the sandwich away and eat it in front Palazzo Vecchio just down the road!
SandwiChic
Our favorite sandwich spot in all of Florence! Without success, we have attempted on several occasions to procure the Sandwichic pepper jelly across international borders. Not great seating here but a perfect lunch to walk around with.
Gustapizza
Gusta Pizza is our favorite pizza in Florence and is particularly special because it is where we shared our first date. The romantic evening involved picking up Gustapizza and eating it in the soft moonlight at the foot of Pitti Palace… the only hiccup being the Groom forgetting his wallet. Not lying!
Trattoria Zà Zà
Located near the famous San Lorenzo leather market, Trattoria Za Za has been serving traditional Florentine cuisine for nearly 50 years.
Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio
Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio is Florence’s oldest fresh food market and has a variety of fresh produce, meats, ready to eat food, and wine to offer. Late mornings on the weekends are the best time to see the market at its peak and bring cash as some vendors might not take card.
Mercato Centrale
The “Central Market” is in the San Lorenzo district and is one of the most popular fresh food markets in Florence. Most of the first floor is made up of traditional market stalls with fresh produce and raw meats and the second floor is filled with hot food restaurants. Surrounding Mercato Centrale is one of the renowned Florentine leather markets, a very unique experience. Make sure to bring cash!
La Strega Nocciola Gelateria Artigianale - Ponte Vecchio
Annie’s favorite gelato spot in Florence!
Vivoli
A great gelato spot - try the pistachio affogato!