Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are entirely our own, and we have not been compensated in any way for these opinions.
Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is a very popular tourist destination in Italy. With a wealth of artistic, architectural and historical sites, there is a tremendous amount to see and do. Our first trip to Florence was in 2021, and we were only there for 4 days. If you are interested in more information about that visit, you can read our blog post here, Florence and Tuscany in 4 Days. We loved the area so much that we vowed to return one day. So, in February of 2025, we spent the month of February in Florence.
The month of February turned out to be the perfect time of year to visit. Cool mornings, usually in the upper 40s, to highs in the 50s and 60s. With smaller crowds and good deals on lodging, consider visiting during the ‘off’ months for a more relaxed and pleasurable time.
In many of our previous travel blogs, we tended to focus on what we did each day, from tours to meals. But for this blog article, we will simply discuss the main attractions and things to do while in Florence. We will try to list them in order of what we considered to be the ‘must sees’, along with some other less frequented sites. Depending on how much time you are able to spend in Florence, we hope that our perspective will help you develop an enjoyable itinerary that will meet your particular interests.
Keep in mind, there are so many churches, piazzas, museums and other sites, there is no way to cover them all. So, if we missed one of your favorites, feel free to leave us a comment.
Location and Logistics
By train, Florence is located just over 1.5 hours north of Rome, around 2.5 hours from Venice and 2 hours from Milan. So, side trips to Florence are easily made from any of these locations. There is also a small, but modern, international airport located in Florence, allowing for numerous connections all over Europe.
We found better flights by flying in and out of Milan. So, we spent a few days in Milan before taking the high-speed train to Florence. We spent time visiting sites like the Last Supper and the Milan Cathedral.
Once we arrived in Florence, we grabbed a taxi to the apartment we rented, which was located between the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (more commonly known as the Duomo) and the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze (where the David statue is located). We will cover both of these sites later, but we felt we had chosen the perfect location, and we even had a view of the Duomo from the balcony of our third-floor apartment.
We will review each attraction/site and we have put them in rough order of what we think most visitors would want to see. In addition, the city is filled with fabulous restaurants, bakeries, coffee bars and spots for aperitivo. There are far too many places to review here, but at the end of the article, we will mention a few of our favorite spots.
Let’s get started with the many things to do in Florence.
- The Duomo Complex – We refer to the area as the Duomo Complex since it includes several different sites that are in the immediate vicinity of the Duomo. Each site is listed below and we highly recommend purchasing tickets online. You will be able to select the combination of sites you would like to see, and some tickets are good for 3 days.
TIP: For our trip through the Duomo, we had a fabulous tour guide, Sara, who happened to be an art and history major. We highly recommend a guide so that you can better understand the cathedral’s history and artwork.
— The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore – Better known as just The Duomo, this Gothic cathedral is probably the most well-known structure in Florence. Construction began in the 13th century and was mostly finished by the 15th century when Filippo Brunelleschi added his famous dome. Whenever you see a picture of Florence, the Duomo usually dominates the skyline.
When entering the Duomo, its immense size is the first thing you will notice. Throughout the church, there is an amazing amount of artwork by some of the world’s best-known artists. In the past, we were also able to stand directly beneath the dome. Looking up, the view of the dome with its famous fresco of the Last Judgment is incredibly beautiful. On this trip though, due to restoration efforts, visitors were only able to stand in the first half of the church, so views from directly under the dome were not available, though we included some pictures from our last trip.
— Crypt of Santa Reparata – The cathedral is built on the site of the 7th-century church of Santa Reparata, the remains of which can be seen in the crypt below the cathedral. In order to visit the crypt, enter from the righthand side of the Duomo. From there, you can go downstairs in to the crypt to see some remarkable mosaics and tombs.
TIP: Entering the Duomo is free, although there can be very long lines to enter. While the outside of the Duomo is amazing, the inside of the church, other than the Dome, is a little underwhelming. It is still worth seeing, but rather than wait in a huge line, purchase a combination ticket so that you can enter the cathedral from a side entrance with virtually no wait. You can also enter through another side entrance in order to descend the stairs to the Crypt.
— Climb to the top of the Dome – There are some 463 steps of sometimes very narrow stairs to climb in order to reach the top of the Duomo. It may sound a little daunting, but it really is not that difficult if you are in reasonable shape and have no issues with claustrophobia or heights. We found that the views from the top to be well worth the effort. We were lucky that our tour included a stop on the skywalk, which is located outside on the top of the cathedral’s main structure. After walking around the building on the skywalk, we then preceded to the very top of the Duomo. The photos are from the skywalk, looking up at the people on top, and from the very top of the Duomo itself. On the way back down, we stopped inside at the base of the dome. From that point, we were able to get a close-up view of all of the original frescoes on the dome’s interior, as well as the remarkable tile work on the cathedral’s floor.
— Giotto’s Bell Tower – Adjacent to the Duomo and standing over 275 feet is Giotto’s Bell Tower. The bell tower was built in the 1300’s and was probably designed more for decorative than functional purposes. Depending on the ticket you purchase, you can climb the Bell Tower. The climb is 414 steps, so you may want to climb the Duomo and Bell Tower on two different days.
— Baptistery and the Gates of Paradise – Directly across the thoroughfare from the main entrance of the Duomo is the Baptistery, dedicated to John the Baptist. Before you enter, be sure to view its famous doors. The doors were crafted over a 27-year period by the artist Lorenzo Ghiberti. The doors consist of 10 rectangular panels, depicting scenes of the Old Testament from left to right and from top to bottom. The techniques of low relief and perspective used by Ghiberti were considered revolutionary at the time. When Michelangelo saw them, he was said to exclaim, “they are so beautiful that they would be perfect for the gates of paradise”. The name stuck and the doors are still known as The Gates of Paradise.
It is important to note that the doors on the Baptistery are actually not the originals. The original bronze and gold-gilded doors were removed in 1990 for preservation purposes and replaced with replicas. However, you can still see the actual doors, along with many other artistic treasures, in the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo.
Inside the Baptistery are beautiful mosaics that you won’t want to miss.
— Museo dell’Opera del Duomo – The museum, which is located behind the Duomo, consists of 28 rooms and is divided over three floors. The museum is full of original art, including art from Michelangelo, Donatello, Brunelleschi, Ghiberti and countless others. And as mentioned, you will be able to see the original Baptistery Doors in the museum.
- Arno River and Ponte Vecchio Bridge – The Arno River, as it flows through Florence, is typically only a short walk from most of the sites in Florence.
There are several bridges that cross the river, but the most famous is the Ponte Vecchio Bridge (Old Bridge). The current iteration of the bridge was built in 1345, and it is the only Florentine bridge to have survived the bombing attacks by the Germans in World War II. In earlier times, butchers and tanners used to line the bridge and tossed animal carcasses in to the river. But Florence’s ruling family, the Medicis, decided that more refined vendors were needed on the bridge and replaced the butchers and tanners. Today, the Ponte Vecchio vendors are mostly made up of jewelry stores and souvenir shops.
Some of the most iconic pictures of Florence are either views from the bridge or of the Ponte Vecchio itself. There are many restaurants and bars along the river that afford great views. We stopped at the Signorvino Firenze (a wine store and restaurant) that had a fantastic view of the bridge as we sipped our wine.The best photo opportunities are had in the morning. So, head out early and you will likely have the bridge largely to yourself!
- Oltrarno, The “Other” Side of the Arno – Most of Florence’s iconic sites are located on the north side of the Arno, but do not discount the ‘other’ side, where you will find many additional fabulous spots, including what is perhaps the best view of Florence!
Our favorite destination in the Oltrarno is the Piazzale Michelangelo, where you can experience some amazing views of the city, but we will also discuss a few other places that you can visit as you make your way to and from the piazzale.
— Along the Arno – Starting at the Ponte Vecchio bridge, turn left down Via dei Bardi. This street changes names several times, but just continue walking along the river. There are many shops and points of interest along this walk, including the Bardini Museum and Gardens. After about .7 miles you will reach Piazza Giuseppe Poggi Square. This is the location of Porta San Niccolò, a gate in the city wall system.
— Porta San Niccolò – Though most of the walls of Florence have been destroyed over time, the Porta San Niccolò is a door leading outside the walls of the city. Ascend the sidewalk and stairs behind the gate and then follow the walkway as you climb. Your destination, the Piazzale Michelangelo, is directly above you. You can follow any of the paths or walkways in this area that ascend the hill. They will all end up at or near the Piazzale Michelangelo. Enjoy the lovely gardens along your route to the top.
— Piazzale Michelangelo – Once you arrive at the top, you will be in a large open area. Many vendors setup in this area to sell all sorts of souvenirs. In the center of this area is a large reproduction of the statue of David by Michelangelo.
However, the main attraction are the incredible views of the Duomo and all of Florence. You may want to visit this destination more than once. Depending on the time of day, the lighting can be quite different, offering varying, but always spectacular views of the city.
TIP: There are few choices for food or drinks in this area, including a restaurant, the La Loggia del Piazzale Michelangelo. It is located across the street and above the Piazzale, but I would avoid it. The food is average and the prices are two to three times what you would pay elsewhere.
— Abbey Basilica of San Miniato al Monte – Just a short walk further up the hill you will find the Basilica of San Miniato. One of the oldest churches in Florence, it is beautiful both inside and out. From the front steps of the church, you will have another impressive view of Florence. Although the walk up from the river takes some time and effort, do not miss the excellent views. And, since a lot of tourists do not make the trek to the top, the area tends to be a bit more serene than other areas of the city.
— Forte di Belvedere and the walk down to the river – After visiting the church, there are several ways to make your way back to the river. If you walk down the long stairway on the left side of the Piazzale Michelangelo, you will pass the Giardino Rose Garden. After passing the garden, turn left on Via di Belvedere, which follows the city wall. This road will lead you to Forte di Belvedere.
Forte di Belvedere was founded in 1590 during the reign of Grand Duke Ferdinand I and is home to major exhibitions and cultural events. Guided tours are offered on certain days for a nominal fee. Once you are finished at the fort, you can follow Costa San Giorgio back down to the river.
- Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze (David Statue) – Another must-see stop in Florence is the Galleria dell’Accademia, where the David statue is found. Be sure to have tickets in advance and try to go early in the day, preferably right after the museum opens. If you do, you will be rewarded with much smaller crowds.
One of the first things you will see when you enter is the David statue at the far end of the hall. Take your time and walk around the statue. If you have a zoom camera, take close-up pictures of the face and eyes. The detail of the sculpture is amazing.
You will also find the largest collection of Michaelangelo’s sculptures in the world. Including many pieces that he started but did not finish.
- Piazza della Signoria – This large square is the most famous of the many squares you will find in Florence. It contains several well-known landmarks, the first being the Palazzo Vecchio. The Palazzo Vecchio was a private residence that housed many notable families over time, including the Medicis.
The Loggia dei Lanzi is a covered area next to the Palazzo Vecchio that serves as an open gallery for statues. There is also a copy of Michelangelo’s David in this area along with many other statues including allegorical figures of the four cardinal virtues and many figures from Roman mythology. The original David statue stood where the copy stands now. It was moved to the Galleria dell’Accademia in order to protect it
from the weather and other environmental contaminants.
The square can get very crowded, so plan on arriving early for the best pictures.
Just steps away from the square, look for the Fontana del Porcellino (a bronze statue of a boar). Legend says if you rub the snout, it will ensure your return to Florence.
- Basilica di Santa Croce – Located a short walk from the Piazza della Signoria is the Basilica di Santa Croce. The basilica is the largest Franciscan church in the world and features sixteen chapels. Both the exterior and interior are equally amazing. But the main point of interest are the people that are buried within the church. The notables include, Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, the poet Foscolo, the philosopher Gentile and the composer Rossini.
- Uffizi Galleries and Corridoio Vasariano – The construction of the Uffizi Complex was begun by Giorgio Vasari in 1560 for Cosimo I de’ Medici as a means of consolidating his administrative control of the various committees, agencies, and guilds established in Florence, hence the name uffizi, or “offices” in English. This building was collocated with the Medici residence. The top floor of the building was used to store and display the art acquired by the Medicis. Over time the offices were turned in to a museum that houses an extensive display of art by a long list of artists.
The museum is huge, so how much time you spend exploring is up to you. But we think about 2 hours is a fair amount of time to allocate. Information is provided to help select the navigation route around the museum to best fit your individual preferences. Lines can be extremely long and the museum can get very crowded. Buying tickets online for an early entry time is the best option. Tickets can be purchased here.
In addition to the Museum, is the Corridoio Vasariano (Vasari Corridor), built by architect Giorgio Vasari in 1565. Stretching almost a half mile long, the corridor linked the Uffizi to the Piti Palace, another home of the Medici family which will be covered below. The corridor passes over the top of the Ponte Vecchio and allowed the Medici family to travel between the two places undisturbed and without any risks to their safety. Also, along the corridor, look for the side entrance to a balcony that overlooks the inside of the church, where the Medici’s could attend mass without being noticed.
You can add the Corridoio Vasariano to your ticket to the Uffizi at the time of purchase. This is a timed and escorted tour of the Corridor, so plan your time to coincide with the conclusion of your tour of the Uffizi Gallery.
- Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens (Piti Palace) – Piti Palace was the home of Cosimo I de’ Medici and his wife Eleanor of Toledo. The home was the Grand Ducal residence, and it soon became the new symbol of the Medici’s power over Tuscany. Today the Palace is divided into five museums: the Treasury of the Grand Dukes and the Museum of Russian, the Palatine Gallery, the Imperial and Royal Apartments, the Gallery of Modern Art and the Museum of Costume and Fashion. If you have time, we recommend spending time in all of them.
The Boboli Gardens are spread across Boboli Hill, hence the name. Piti Palace is at the base of the hill. Not only are the gardens a wonderful place for a stroll, but you have beautiful views of the Palace and beyond.
If you plan to see Uffizi and Piti Palace, you can get a combination PassePartout 5 Days ticket. This allows for up to 5 consecutive days of entry. But you do need to select the date and time to visit Uffizi first.
- il Mercato Centrale Firenze (Central Market) – The Central Market is only a 6-minute walk from the Duomo (everything is close in Florence). The market is a vibrant destination where locals and tourists can experience a wide variety of Tuscan food, culture, and creativity. With over 20 food stalls run by passionate artisans, it’s the perfect spot for anyone wondering where to eat in Florence. Here you will find all of the local dishes, along with all types of other food. And don’t forget beers and wine.
During our stay in Florence, we stopped by the Market many times to grab a coffee and pastry, or to pick up dinner from one of the many delicious vendors.
- Basilica di San Lorenzo (Cappelle Medicee) – The Basilica di San Lorenzo (Basilica of Saint Lawrence) is one of the largest churches of Florence, situated at the center of the main market district of the city, and it is the burial place of all the principal members of the Medici family from Cosimo il Vecchio to Cosimo III. Not only is it a beautiful church, the Medici Chapels (Cappelle Medicee) are magnificent.
- Basilica of Santa Maria Novella – The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is located across the street from the train station, although the entrance to the church is on the opposite side, on the Piazza di Santa Maria Novella.
The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella was founded by the monks of Dominican Order in the first half of the thirteenth century. The artwork inside the Basilica is extraordinary. With a single ticket you can access both the Basilica and the Cloisters.
- Galileo Museum – The Galileo Museum (Museo Galileo) is located in the Piazza dei Giudici, along the Arno River and close to the Uffizi Gallery. The museum, dedicated to astronomer and scientist Galileo Galilei, is housed in Palazzo Castellani, an 11th-century building which was then known as the Castello d’Altafronte.
The museums houses one of the world’s major collections of scientific instruments. We found the museum fascinating and believe children would be interested too.
- Chiesa di San Salvatore in Ognissanti – As we walked along the Arno, just 10 minutes west of the Ponte Vecchio, is the Piazza Ognissanti. This is a small plaza with a church, the Chiesa di San Salvatore in Ognissanti. It is a very unassuming church, but the doors were open, so we walked in.
What a surprise. This is a real gem that was virtually empty. Not only is this a very beautiful church, it houses masterpieces by Ghirlandaio, Botticelli and Giotto.
- Chiesa di Santa Maria del Carmine – If you are in the Oltrarno district (other side of the river), Chiesa di Santa Maria del Carmine is a beautiful church to spend an hour or so. Built in 1268 as part of the Carmelite convent, it was damaged by a fire in 1771 which destroyed the interior of the church. It was rebuilt internally in the Rococo style in 1782.
The Brancacci Chapel survived the fire, and was saved by the subsequent restoration. The chapel is home to the famous frescoes by Masaccio and Masolino, considered the first masterwork of the Italian Renaissance.
- Basilica di Santo Spirito – The Basilica was not open when we were there, but is worth the time if it is open. The Basilica was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi and since its establishment, has always been governed by the Friars of the Order of Saint Augustine. The Basilica is home to works by renowned Florentine artists, including the wooden Crucifix by the young Michelangelo.
- Piazza della Repubblica – The Piazza is a beautiful square in the center of Florence, only blocks from the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria. The square is a large and surrounded by shops and restaurants. There is also an old Carousel in the square.
We hope you are able to visit many of the sites listed. Florence is one of our favorite cities because of all the things to do and it’s rich history.
As we mentioned earlier, there are too many restaurants, cafes and bakeries to list, but we have a few of our favorites.
There were two restaurants we really liked and they are open all day and near the Duomo.
— Il Grande Nuti Trattoria – We found the Il Grande Nuti Trattoria to have a very large menu, with all the Italian dishes you might be looking for. Great service and all pasta made fresh. They can be very busy, so be sure to make a reservation.
— Osteria del Giglio – Located a few steps from the Basilica di San Lorenzo, the Osteria del Giglio has authentic Italian dishes in a very nice environment. Friendly staff and great service was why we visited more than once.
TIP: Restaurants in tourists areas are likely to be open just about all the time. But once you move away from those areas, many restaurants do not open for dinner until 7:00 PM. So just be aware that a later dinner time is the norm.
Let’s move to one of my favorite food items, sandwiches. What makes the Florence sandwiches so good? It’s all about the bread. Schiacciata is a flat, crispy Tuscan bread dotted with dimples, which makes it look like focaccia, but the two aren’t the same. Schiacciata is a simpler, more rustic dough that is only brushed with olive oil at the end of rising before cooking, so it isn’t as soft and rich as focaccia. Instead, it’s crispier and chewier, like a flat baguette. It gets its name from being pressed flat before baking, making it perfect for slicing for sandwiches. Couple that with all fresh meats and ingredients, and you get one of the most delicious sandwiches we have ever had.
— Pino’s Sandwiches – Salumeria Verdi – Located a few steps from Piazza Santa Croce, Pino’s Sandwiches was our favorite stop for lunch. This is a family-owned business and the ingredients make the sandwich. Everything is sliced and prepared right in front of you. My favorite sandwich is the Finocchiona. Try it, I promise you will go back.
— All’Antico Vinaio – Probably the most famous sandwich shop in Florence (there are 3 locations), they are located all over the world, with many in the United States. They have excellent sandwiches, but the lines can be long, and they are a little pricier than Pino’s.
Lastly, a quick word about gelato. You will see them on every corner, but which one should you pick?
To pick an authentic gelato shop in Florence, look for places that advertise themselves as “artigianale” (artisanal) or “fatto in casa” (homemade), and avoid shops with brightly colored gelato piled high, as this often indicates artificial ingredients. Quality gelato should be stored in covered containers to maintain freshness and should have muted, natural colors that reflect the actual ingredients used.
We hope you enjoyed our top picks in Florence. Even after spending a month, we would love to go back and explore more.
Until then, safe travels!