The 18 things to do in Florence

Visit Florence: what are the best things to see and do in the birthplace of the Renaissance in Italy?

Florence (Italian) Firenze ), the capital of Tuscany, is an academic city surrounded by hills and loved in the Apennines who elected residence more or less picturesque, on both sides of the Arno River. The Renaissance grove in Italy, it is above all the portrait of a country with great cultural and artistic riches that earned it a place to the UNESCO world heritage.

The explorers from all over the world are unanimous: visiting Florence is a treat. And for reasons, the city has some of the best Italian museums, magnificent cathedrals and churches, but also authentic streets and squares decorated with elegant buildings.. Romantic, cultural, artistic... In the enchanting city of the country, Firenze is therefore simply an excellent choice to discover the Tuscan jewels during a weekend or a stay.

But what to do to visit Florence? What are the best things to see? Discover the must-sees of this city with treasures.

1. Discover the Dôme de Florence

The most popular site to visit in Florence is certainly the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore or more commonly called the Duomo. The construction of the immense Gothic cathedral began in 1296, was consecrated in 1436, and can now accommodate up to 20,000 people.

Its exterior, made of green, pink and white marble, has several elaborate doors and statues that deserve a glance. Inside, the dome of Brunelleschi is a true masterpiece. The entrance to the cathedral is free of charge but don’t hesitate to take a ticket to climb the 463 steps to its summit (count 10€): the view is worth it. This ticket will also allow you to climb to the Campanile tower of Giotto, to enter the Baptistery of Saint John, and the crypt of Santa Reparata.

2. Visit thePalazzo Vecchio

The heart of the historic centre, a real art scene and the city's political center since the Middle Ages, Piazza della Signoria hosts some of the must-sees to visit Florence (including a copy of the David of Michelangelo). If the Loggia della Signoria and its arcade vaulted gallery is to be seen, the city hotel of Florence imposes itself on your wanderings.

In medieval style, the Palazzo Vecchio (or Palais Vecchio) was built at the end of the 13th / early 14th century to house the offices of the government of the Florentine Republic. The architect who gave birth to the Palazzo Vecchio is only Arnolfo di Cambio who has developed the Cathedral of Florence.

Today, the Palazzo Vecchio still includes the office of the Mayor of Florence and the municipal council. But most of the building serves as a museum you can visit. Inside the Palazzo are public rooms and private apartments richly decorated.

3. Grimper it Campanile de Giotto

The Campanile Tower of Giotto (clocher) is located in Piazza del Duomo and is a must-see for visiting Florence. The first floor was designed by Giotto, hence his eponymous work. Initially, Giotto planned to climb the tower to 110-115 meters, but he died in 1337 leaving the unfinished construction site...

Dressed at 85 meters high, the famous tower still makes its effect. Decorated with taste, it has an undeniable asset that makes it all its popularity. To discover it, start by climbing the 414 steps of the monument. It is at the end of this effort that awaits you the highlight of the show: a breathtaking view of the entire city of Florence and its surroundings that, with safe strokes, promises you beautiful souvenirs of postcard.

4. Visit the Saint John Baptistery

Known as the Paradise Doors, the Baptistery Saint John the Baptist is one of the oldest buildings in Florence. Built in the 11th century in Piazza del Duomo, it attracts curiosity with its exterior made of green and white marble. Its three sets of amazing bronze doors (there are actually reproductions, the originals are at the Duomo Museum) also call for discovery. An elegant and amazing costume that makes it the most visited monument of the Piazza del Duomo, after the well-safe Dome.

5. Admire the most beautiful works to the Galleria degli Uffizi (Office Gallery)

The Galleria degli Uffizi has the largest collection in the Renaissance art world, but it is also the most frequented museum in Italy.

Having an artistic heritage considered among the oldest and most famous in the world, the Galerie des Offices promises to discover the most beautiful treasures of its history: thousands of paintings ranging from the Middle Ages to the modern era, numerous antique sculptures, illuminations, but also tapestries make it an exceptional place. You can admire the works of renowned artists such as Michelangelo, Giotto, Botticelli, Léonard de Vinci, Le Pérugin and Raphaël. You will have understood, the Gallery of Offices is a must-see place to visit Florence.

6. Go to see Michelangelo's David Galleria dell’Accademia (Galerie de l’Académie)

The Galleria dell’ Accademia (Galerie de l’Académie) has important paintings and sculptures from the 13th and 16th centuries.

Michelangelo’s David, probably the most famous sculpture in the world, has chosen his home as well as other sculptures by the artist. Among Michelangelo’s masterpieces, you will also discover “Saint Matthew” and “The Prisoners”. You will also find an interesting collection of musical instruments, initiated by the Medici family. Here again, the queues are long so prefer the queues to appreciate the visit without being imported by the crowd, almost incessant.

7. Walking around Santa Maria Novella

A few steps away is the Santa Maria Novella district, to be done absolutely to visit Florence. Renowned for its eponymous church that sits there, gigantic, the neighborhood calls first and foremost to the walkway and the cappuccino breaks on the terrace in the various cafes it houses.

Through the charming alleys, discover its main curiosity, the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. As one of the oldest pharmacies in the world, the Officina is an institution and for cause, the Queen of England is one of her most loyal customers. Inside, you will find a wide range of natural and organic products that make the reputation of the pharmacy: creams, care, elixirs... It's for all profiles!

8. Visit the San Marco Museum

Located in Piazza San Marco (not far from the Duomo), the San Marco Museum was at the time a Dominican convent and quickly became a must-see place to visit Florence. Today open to the public, it houses the largest collection of paintings of Fra Angelico of the world, painter and monk of renown. All around and on the upper floor of the cloister Saint-Antoine, the hospice room, the great refectory and even the dormitory cells welcome you to discover religious frescoes today considered to be true works of art.

9. Explore it Palazzo Pitti

From the Duomo or as you stroll through the historic centre of Florence, take a time to visit the Palazzo Pitti – Palazzo Pitti. Former residence of the Medici, the Palace is today a witness of the local heritage. Hosting 6 museums and 3 gardens, it is one of the largest museums in the city.

Among the most popular visits, the Palatine Gallery, which it also houses, literally leaves the lot with its 20 exhibition rooms! With frescoes or trumpets the eye, all have a collection of breathtaking paintings, some of which should have been exhibited at the Galerie des Offices but which, for lack of space, remained at the Palais Pitti.

To visit the Pitti Palace, think about making a selection of the museums that you would like to discover in advance and plan a large half day to fully appreciate the places.

10. Preaching yourself Boboli Garden

Located just behind the Pitti Palace, Boboli Garden undeniably integrates the wonders of Florence. Often compared to those of Versailles, the Boboli Garden offers a luxurious and luxurious parenthesis worthy of the greatest fairy tales. , Galerie des Costumes, Grande Grotte, Kaffeehaus, Il Viottolone but also fountains and parterres of roses and dahlias draw up the portrait of a place out of time, sublimated by precious heritages.

You will have understood that it would be regrettable not to pass through the Garden during your trip to Florence. Moreover, to make the most of it, plan a half-day visit, the ideal time to avoid the crowd and enjoy the show remaining in the spring.

11. Cross it Ponte Vecchio

Built in 1345, the Ponte Vecchio (old bridge) was the first bridge in Florence, enjoining the Arno. It is also the only one who survived the medieval era of Florence (other bridges were destroyed during the Second World War).

As famous as the monuments that make Florence a city with such special beauty, the Ponte Vecchio crosses through the Corridor of Vasari, a secret passage built by Vasari for the Duke Cosme I of Tuscany in 1565 linking the Palazzo Vecchio to the Palazzo Pitti. From the bridge, enjoy a magnificent view of the Arno River and the surrounding landscapes: the stop deserves some beautiful shots. It is also on the edge of the bridge that you can also discover authentic shops. Here and there are shops selling gold and silver jewelry, typical of the places!

12. Admire the sunset at Giardino Bardini

Want to enjoy a nice sunset in Florence? Go to the garden Giardino Bardini. Typical Renaissance garden, greenery writing is also and above all popular for its viewpoint.

If the Boboli Garden tends to make it dark, Giardino Bardini deserves to be given a little time. Set on 4 hectares, the garden is visited from Via dei Bardi or Costa San Giorgio and promises a charming ride in the middle of roses, glycines, iris and other plants. Browse the small paths that will lead you to the fountains and the canal before borrowing the central staircase to reach the top of the garden. From above, a breathtaking view of Florence promises a superb panorama, especially if you enjoy the sunset...

13. Discover the Basilica Santa Croce

Santa Croce, located on the Piazza Santa Croce , is the largest Franciscan church in Italy and a place to visit Florence.

The tombs of several important Florentines include Michelangelo and Dante Alighieri, but also those of Nicolas Machiavel and Galilee. The vast interior is dressed in exceptional windows and frescoes. One of the most important works of Brunelleschi, the Cappella dei Pazzi, also enhances the beauty of the place.

Good to know. : if you want to see other famous tombs, go to the chapels of the Medici located in the Basilica of San Lorenzo (see below). After all Florence would not be Florence without the Medici!

14. Breaking the San Lorenzo market

Even if you’re not a fan of shopping and if you’re wondering what to do to visit Florence in addition to its monuments, a walk through the famous leather markets deserves to give a few minutes of your time. The market near the San Lorenzo Basilica is nice: by crossing it, you then arrive on the Mercato Centrale , a covered market located in the heart of a 19th century building in which you will find countless food stands.

If a tasting break will be welcome, you can also enjoy it to bring home a souvenir (cheese, olive oil, pasta...). If you fall under the charm of Florentine cuisine, why not opt for a ? Full of flavors, the walk promises you first of all beautiful culinary discoveries.

15. Have a panoramic view of Florence in Piazzale Michelangelo

Piazzale Michelangelo is one of the most famous places to have a panoramic view across the city. It is located in the Oltrarno district (left of Arno). The view of this observation point that overlooks the city is known for its sunset which is also reproduced on postcards for years!

To get there, you will have to walk in the small streets of the San Niccolò district. You can enjoy it at the same time to discover the Studio de Clet in San Niccolò, a famous French artist who decided to install his workshop in Florence. A surprising stop, which will punctuate this pretty parenthesis to visit Florence.

16. Explore it Bargello Palace

Abbreviated in a former prison, the Bargello Museum hosts unexpected works such as those of the beginnings of Michel Ange (" Bacchus") or the bronze statue of Donatello ("David"). If the pieces of the Bargello collection are world-class, the museum tends to be overlooked by most tourists, which is therefore an excellent choice for lovers of tired art of the crowd! In short, go, you will not be disappointed.

17. Tasting ice with gelateria

You are not taught, Italy often echoes the famous Italian ice. Here in Florence, gelato is known to be particularly fantastic. There are many gelateria in the city, but pay attention to catchers: only some are worth it. It can be guessed at the color of the ice, or at the queue in front of the store. Grom makes for example among the best gelati City.

18. To collect Chapels of Medici

Florence is well known as the birthplace of the Renaissance where many famous artists were born and we worked here. And many of them were buried here. As noted above, the church of Santa Croce welcomes many famous tombs.

But there is still a family whose graves are particularly visited, that of the Medici. Adjacent to the San Lorenzo Basilica, three Medici chapels house the tombs of the family: the New Sacristy, the Princes Chapel and the Treasury Chapel.

After visiting the tombs of the Medici, the Laurentian library located above the cloisters in the same complex of the church, also deserves a look at its large and beautiful staircase designed by Michelangelo.

See also in Florence

If you still have time in front of you after visiting all that has been said before, here are some additional ideas to visit Florence:

To be visited in the vicinity of Florence

How to get to Florence?

From the small weekend of two days to the full week, Florence is an ideal destination to visit, regardless of the duration of your stay. The largest city of Italy, the Tuscan capital, is still not served by low-cost companies: the latter have decided to serve the Pisa airport, which is nearby.

So you have a choice: take a cheap flight to Pisa from Paris (Beauvais or Orly), Bordeaux and Nantes live with Ryanair, Transavia, Volotea; or take a flight directly to Florence with the Vueling, Air France, Darwin Airlines. Whatever your type of flight or the company of your choice, prefer Ulysses to find a flight at the best price.

How to get to Florence?

Florence has a large public transport network. Thus, buses and trams can facilitate your travel. Good to know, however: the tram does not pass through the historic center and the best way of transport to walk around the city while enjoying its charms remains... your legs!

If, on the other hand, you have your own vehicle to visit Florence and the Tuscany region, or you wish rent a car the time of your stay to enjoy the surroundings, take a look at our following articles (the latter will serve you as parking markers but also cartographic guides):

Where to stay in Florence?

For the accommodation, everything depends on the atmosphere of your stay and the area where you will stay : a weekend in love? Friends? To party? From Airbnb at the youth hostel, to the charming hotel in the city center, you will find everything you need on a Compare hotels .