Main Attractions in Florence, Italy

Florence, Italy, is a melting pot of culture, mouth-watering food, and Renaissance art, all nestled in the region of Tuscany. This historic city is home to famous art galleries, architectural marvels, beautiful gardens, and much more. There’s no doubt that these main attractions in Florence will leave you enthralled.

Whether you want to check out museums and galleries, the Uffizi Gallery, or explore the intricate architecture of Florence’s cathedrals, these spots are some of the best attractions in Italy. So, if you’d like to learn more, here are 19 of the best places to visit in Florence, Italy, and how to see them.

Galleries and Museums

Uffizi Gallery

One of the most beautiful places in Florence and the most visited museum in Italy is the Uffizi Gallery. Technically, the Uffizi Galleries consist of hundreds of thousands of pieces in over 45 different museum halls, covering a range of collections for any art lover to enjoy.

The building that houses the Uffizi Gallery was designed by Giorgio Vasari and commissioned by the historic Medici family. Construction was completed between 1560 and 1580, and the actual gallery opened to the public in 1769. It boasts beautiful features of Doric architecture across its outer facades, columns, and interiors.

The Uffizi Gallery houses paintings by Leonardo da Vinci or the “Birth of Venus” by Sandro Botticelli, as well as hundreds of sculptures and artifacts from the private collection of the Medici family. There are prints, drawings, books, letters, and other archives, some dating back to the Italian Renaissance in the 14th century.

To see these artistic masterpieces in person, be sure to have a look at how to buy tickets for the Uffizi Gallery – it’s nice and easy.

Accademia Gallery

Michelangelo is one of the most renowned Renaissance artists, and the Accademia Gallery art museum houses the largest collection of his sculptures worldwide. Of course, that’s just one part of the gallery’s charm.

The Accademia Gallery is found in the historic center near Piazza di San Marco and was first constructed in 1784 by the commission of the Grand Duke Peter Leopold of Lorraine. It was initially used as a teaching space for students from the Academy of Fine Arts, just a few steps away, but it is now one of Italy’s most impressive art museums.

It holds “Michelangelo’s David” sculpture, one of the most famous statues in the world, as well as thousands of other paintings, sculptures, archives, and musical instruments.

To visit the Accademia Gallery today, book tickets on the official website or get a skip-the-line entry ticket. You can also try a more immersive guided tour, like this 4-hour Accademia and Uffizi Galleries tour.

Palazzo Bargello (Museo Nazionale del Bargello)

Palazzo Bargello, also known as the Museo Nazionale del Bargello, is another must-see when you visit Florence. The Bargello Museum is not just any museum but a historical landmark housed in one of Florence’s oldest buildings – the Palazzo del Bargello, which dates back to 1255. However, the museum was only established in 1865.

The imposing tall walls and large courtyard of the building are impressive in their own right, but once you enter, there will be stunning frescoes across the ceilings and artwork galore. The art housed in the Bargello Museum is impeccable, including a collection of Italian Renaissance sculptures and works from artists like Donatello, Michelangelo, and Della Robbias.

Book tickets to this museum on the official website, which allows you to enter or try a guided private tour or snatch a skip-the-line entry ticket to enter. 

Galileo Museum

You’ve likely heard of the famous astronomer and philosopher Galileo Galilei, who pioneered the use of telescopes to observe the sky and stars. Museo Galileo is dedicated to him and his life and is housed in the Palazzo Castellani, which dates back to the 11th century.

Museo Galileo has over a thousand pieces of scientific equipment and memorabilia that are a testament to the progress of science and knowledge under Galileo’s eye. These fascinating pieces are amongst several collections, such as the Medici’s collection of instruments and the Lorenese.

Again, you can book tickets from the museum’s official website or opt for a Museo Galileo entry ticket from a third party, like GetYourGuide. Several temporary exhibits are displayed throughout the year, so check beforehand to maximize your booking.

Cathedrals and Churches

Duomo Complex – Santa Maria del Fiore

Any Florence travel guide will tell you that the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is the city’s shining star. This cathedral, dating to the 13th century, stands proudly in the city center and is a must-see attraction simply for its sheer brilliance and impressive, intricate design.

The Florence Cathedral complex in Piazza del Duomo has six main parts. The recognizable Giotto’s Bell Tower (also called Giotto’s Campanile), the dome, the cathedral, the baptistry, the Santa Reparata crypt, and the Opera del Duomo Museum. Explore everything from the ground floor of the magnificent cathedral to the top of Giotto’s Bell Tower, which offers views of the city.

There are three passes from the official site to visit Santa Maria del Fiore, but the Brunelleschi Pass is the best. It gives you access to every part of the Duomo Complex. You can also try this three-day pass.

Santa Croce

The Basilica di Santa Croce is another marvel of architecture and beauty that Florence is so good at showcasing. The building is as old as 1294 and is set proudly in the middle of Piazza Santa Croce. What started as a small church was slowly renovated, most notably in the 16th century, into the large complex it is today, and now it is one of the largest Franciscan churches in the world.

The interior of Santa Croce is just as impressive, with eye-catching frescoes and paintings by Giotto and Brunelleschi. Also, visit the Temple of the Italian Glories, a series of over 300 tombs within Piazza Santa Croce, including the burial sites of Galileo Galilei, Lorenzo Ghiberti, and Michelangelo.

The official website offers several options for visiting, including entry tickets, guided or private tour options, themed tours, and occasional events throughout the year. You can also opt to discover the Art and History of Santa Croce on a tour from a well-versed, English-speaking guide.

Basilica di Santa Maria Novella

The Basilica di Santa Maria Novella is an architectural wonder boasting a classic Italian Gothic style. It was first constructed around 1278 and completed in 1350, except for the facade, which was only constructed between 1456-70 by Leon Battista Alberti. Many artists and architects contributed to its design, including Fra Jacopo Talenti and Leon Battista Alberti, mostly responsible for the exterior facade.

The intricate details of the front facade mirror the effort and beauty of the interior. Inside are stunning paintings and frescoes by Masaccio, Ghirlandaio, and others. The arched ceilings and columns throughout the interior are also quite impressive, not to mention Giotto’s crucifix, which sits right at the center of the room in all its glory.

To see Santa Maria Novella, you can learn all about the ticket prices on the official site or opt for an easier entry ticket with an audio guide included.

Medici Chapel

You may have noticed that a lot of Florence’s tourist attractions are centered around the Medici family, and this chapel is no exception. The Medici Chapel, or Cappelle Medicee, forms part of a larger complex in San Lorenzo and is the final resting place for members of the Medici family, the last of which being Gian Gastone, who passed in 1737.

Now, the chapels are a museum and a national Tuscan monument. The funeral chapels are found in the Basilica of San Lorenzo, which is part of the same complex. The Medici Crypt, the Cappella dei Principi, the Lorraine Crypt, and the tomb of the Duke of Urbino are all a part of the Medici Chapels.

Though, the most impressive piece is the Sagrestia Nuova, standing out against the inlaid marble floors and housing the tombs of Lorenzo the Magnificent and his brother.

Purchase your tickets on the official website. Better yet, try this in-depth Medici’s Mile Tour, which includes the Medici Chapel and other important locations in the noble family’s history.

Brancacci Chapel

The Brancacci Chapel is just one part of the Chiesa di Santa Maria del Carmine, first erected in 1268 and finished in 1476. It has withstood several incidents over the years, including a massive fire in 1771, after which it was reconstructed. The church is very unassuming on the outside, with a simple brick facade, but the chapel on the inside is utterly breathtaking.

The interior is decorated with brilliant Florentine Renaissance paintings and frescoes by Masaccio and Masolino, adorning every wall and the arched ceiling. Admire paintings like Giorgio Vasari’s Crucifixion (1560), Masaccio’s Expulsion from the Garden of Eden (1425), and Filippino Lippi’s Self Portrait, and that’s just the start.

Access to the chapel can be obtained through a simple entry ticket or the Firenze Card Official Museum City Pass. However, if you use the pass, you still need to call beforehand to make a reservation.

Historic Buildings

Palazzo Vecchio

The tall walls and impressiveness of the Palazzo Vecchio are found in the Piazza Signoria. The palace is not only an ancient building in Florence, Italy but one of great political significance. It was once home to the Signoria of the Florentine Republic, the Medici grand dukes, and the Chamber of Deputies of Italy.

Now, the palace is more than one of Florence’s tourist attractions. It’s a museum brimming with history and phenomenal artwork. It includes the fortress itself, Roman ruins of the ancient theatre (seen underground), and a plethora of chambers and paintings.

The most jaw-dropping artworks are those in the Salone dei Cinquecento, the “Hall of the Five Hundred,” decorated floor-to-ceiling in frescoes by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.

Entry to Palazzo Vecchio is most accessible through a guided tour like this Palazzo Vecchio guided tour or a skip-the-line entry ticket. Apart from this, you should also see the Fountain of Piazza Signoria, right next door. 

Palazzo Pitti

The final must-see palace in Florence, sporting grandeur and artistic brilliance, is the Palazzo Pitti, or Pitti Palace. It was initially designed for Luca Pitti, a Florentine merchant, by Filippo Brunelleschi in 1457. The first owner, Luca Pitti, died before the project was complete, and so it was later sold to the Medici family in 1549.

From there, the family commissioned Bartolomeo Ammannati to enlarge it and came up with the layout of the Boboli Gardens. The palace just continued to grow from there.

Now, Palazzo Pitti holds several museums within its walls. This includes the Palatine Gallery, the Imperial and Royal Apartments, the Treasury of the Grand Dukes, the Museum of Costume and Fashion, and the Gallery of Modern Art, among others. Across each exhibit are various paintings, antiques, historical clothing items, and sculptures. Don’t forget about the beautiful Boboli Gardens right behind the palace.

To enter Pitti Palace, find all the ticket details you need on the official website, whether that be just to enter the palace, or a combined ticket for the Boboli Gardens as well. You might also enjoy a more detailed guided tour.

Public Spaces

Ponte Vecchio

No Florence sightseeing is complete without taking in some of the free public spaces in the city, and there’s no better place to start than Ponte Vecchio near Palazzo Pitti and Palazzo Vecchio. This public bridge is one of the oldest bridges in Italy, and it has a fascinating history accompanying it.

The medieval bridge was built in ancient Roman times and was once the only bridge crossing the Arno River in Florence until 1218. It was later destroyed and rebuilt after a flood in 1345. Since then, it has withstood the test of time, lasting through the Second World War and various major floods.

Now, you can cross the Arno River over the Ponte Vecchio anytime, taking in the views or shopping at the various small shops and boutiques along the bridge. These stores sell everything from designer bags and watches, including the iconic Rolex, to gorgeous gold and diamond accessories.

Piazza della Signoria

The breathtaking Piazza della Signoria is set right in front of Palazzo Vecchio and holds an array of brilliant marble statues that have become famous over the centuries. Since the 14th century, the piazza has been a hearth for political triumphs, battles, and famous historical points. Now, it’s a booming hotspot for tourists and locals alike.

The most popular sculptures on display in Piazza della Signoria include a replica of Michelangelo’s David, Hercules and Cacus by Bandinelli, and Cellini’s Perseus and Medusa from 1545. Perhaps one of the most famous works is the statue at the Fountain of Neptune in the center of the piazza. The Neptune Fountain depicts the god himself surrounded by sea monsters and stallions.

Remember to stroll past the Loggia dei Lanzi, an open-air sculpture museum in the piazza, or try a guided walking tour to learn more about each of these magnificent sculptures.

Piazza della Repubblica

Piazza della Repubblica, nicknamed the “Roman Heart of Florence,” is one of the city’s main squares and one of the most recognizable tourist attractions. Once the epicenter for the Roman Forum, the piazza underwent several changes throughout history, including once being an old market and Jewish ghetto. It was later redesigned and repurposed in the 1800s.

The Piazza della Repubblica is now a melting pot for street artists, performances, markets, and restaurants, all ready to be explored and enjoyed. Visit eateries like historic Caffé Gilli or elegant Caffe Concerto Paszkowski for an unforgettable meal and Tuscan specialties, like Castagnaccio. Also, see the Colonna dell’Abbondanza, or Column of Abundance, which marks the very center of the city.

Piazzale Michelangelo

You don’t always have to pay to access some of Florence’s top attractions. In this case, Piazzale Michelangelo, built on the rolling hills to the south of the historic city center, is open to the public at all hours of the day and boasts uninterrupted views of the Florence skyline.

Despite what its name might suggest, the terraced area was designed by architect Giuseppe Poggi in 1869 and is dedicated to showcasing replicas of Michelangelo’s work. These include the David statue and pieces from the Medici Chapel in San Lorenzo. Giuseppe initially intended to build a museum for these pieces, but the building was never finished, and now, it houses the La Loggia restaurant.

If you feel up for it, you can take the steep climb up to Piazzale Michelangelo, but it’s much easier to drive or take a bus.

Il Porcellino in Mercato Nuovo

No day trip is complete without visiting the affectionately named “Piggy Market” or Mercato del Porcellino. If you love a good deal or a shopping spree, it’s not always necessary to visit a famous shopping street like Via dei Serragli (though that’s great, too). It’s pretty recognizable for its distinct arches and statues carved along the sides of the columns.

This small open-air market in Piazza del Mercato Nuovo is home to plenty of stalls selling everything you can imagine. Whether you want tasty treats and food, new clothes, beautifully designed crockery, or local Florentine leather bags, this market has you covered.

And you can’t leave without checking out the Porcellino Fountain or the adorable bronze pig statue. Well, not a pig – a boar. How do you think the market got its name?

Piazza Santo Spirito

Piazza Santo Spirito is not as popular as the other attractions. It takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the city center and toward the lovely Oltrarno district. The Bohemian-style neighborhood is gorgeous, boasting those classic pale yellow and brick buildings with red roofing.

There are a couple of attractions in the piazza that you’ll love to see, including the Basilica di Santo Spirito, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi in the 15th century. Visit the Palazzo Guadagni, now a hotel, and the monument to Cosimo Ridolfi. You also can’t go without browsing stores like Giuliano Ricchi Jewelry or the Piazza Santo Spirito Flea Market.

Temporary attractions also pop up every month, including the handicraft market (second Sunday of the month), the organic market (third Sunday), and the occasional music performances.

Other Florence Attractions

Bardini Gardens

Whether you’re a nature lover or not, there isn’t a person alive who wouldn’t appreciate the sheer magic of the Bardini Gardens. These widespread gardens of Villa Bardini offer awe-inspiring views of the city below, but unsurprisingly, hundreds of plant species. That includes Oaks, olive trees, wisteria, roses, azaleas, and many more.

It comprises three distinct areas: the Italian Garden, the English Wood, and the agricultural park. The Italian Garden houses the iconic Baroque staircase, lined by hedges and arches, to the top of the hill. The English Wood is most notable for its exotic plant species, and the agricultural park has the bulk of the fruit trees and wisteria.

Sculptures, grottoes, and fountains throughout the garden add to the charm of this unbelievable area. The best time to visit is springtime, when you can get the most out of the picturesque, blossoming garden. To enter, purchase tickets from the official site or get this reserved entry ticket to Boboli Gardens, which also includes entry to the Bardini Gardens.

Mercato Centrale Firenze

To round off the list of incredible Florence attractions, end on a high at Mercato Centrale. It’s a paradise for food lovers, selling all kinds of tasty treats in the large building. The market building has been around since 1874, and it was designed by the famous Giovanni Mengoni. The architecture is impressive, made from unique combinations of steel, glass, cast iron, and brick.

The market is free to enter and has countless shops and artisan stores selling fresh local produce, souvenirs, clothes, leather goods – pretty much anything. A complete list of Mercato Centrale artisans is available, too, so you can see exactly what you’re getting into.

When you’re done, the Piazza Mercato Centrale has plenty of restaurants to try, including the Trattoria Vecchio Mercato or the Osteria Dell’Osso, great for a hearty meal or wine tastings.

Top Attractions in Florence – Wrapped Up

Now that you’ve learned about the best places to see in Florence, Italy, which would you like to see first? Whether admiring the Renaissance art in the Uffizi Gallery, the beauty of Santa Croce, or taking a casual stroll through the Bardini Gardens, you won’t be disappointed.

Now, if you’re eager to plan your trip, here are a few other guides for Florence to make your journey as seamless as possible:

• Where to Stay in Florence
• Best Day Trips from Florence 
• Best Museums in Florence
• Hidden Gems in Florence

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