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.
TOP TIP: If you don’t know where to start, here’s a nifty three-day itinerary in Florence that includes some of these brilliant Florence tourist attractions.
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.
Listen to “Top 5 Experiences to Have in Florence” on Spreaker.
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