24 Worth Visiting Tourist Places and Things to Do in Florence

February 25, 2022 Mustafa Natalwala 2042 Views 0 Comments

Florence or Firenze is the capital of Tuscany region in Italy. It is one of the most historically and culturally significant in Italy, Europe and the World. The best places to visit in Florence have been the venue for groundbreaking advancement in art, science, culture, religion, politics, trade and economics. This city is recognized not only for its places but for its people as well. As you explore top things to do in Florence, you will come across homes, lives and works of noteworthy figures who changed the course of history in their respective fields.

The city is most well known for the glory days of Renaissance under the rule of the Medici family. Majority of historical Florence tourist attractions can be attributed to them including churches, museums, art galleries, public buildings and more. They have been patrons to several well known historical figures. The city of Florence has given rise to numerous artists Michelangelo being the most famous among them. There are many Florence attractions dedicated to him and his works. At the same time the city was also the resident of his rival Leonardo da Vinci. The city has also be home to numerous other renowned artists such as Donatello, Raphael, Botticelli, Lorenzo Ghiberti, Bruno Innocenti, Masacio, and many more. The contributions of these great artists are some of the best things to see in Florence.

The city has also been immortalized by its writers and creators such as Dante Alighieri, Giovanni Boccaccio, Robert Browning, Elizabeth Browning, Robert Lowell and so on. You can enjoy several Florence sightseeing tours which are connected with life and works of these authors. The city is further known for several historical figures in the fields of science, explorers, music, politics, medicine, fashion and religion like Saint Antonia of Florence, Roberto Cavalli, Salvatore Ferragamo, Galileo Galilei, Machiavelli, Guccio Gucci, Florence Nightingale, Amerigo Vespuci and several more. The places to see in Florence were once visited and explored by these great people. As you move through the city, you will be learning about life and works of these great people.

Many tourists visit Florence to get inspiration from the works left behind by legendary people. There is just something about Florence that brings out greatness.

This Blog Post contains affiliate links. If you purchase anything from that link then I may earn small part of commission and for that you do not need to pay any extra amount.

Table of Contents

Top 24 Tourist Places to Visit in Florence in 3 Days ( Trip Itinerary)

Day 1

1. Basilica of the Most Holy Annunciation (Basilica della Santissima Annunziata / La SS. Annunziata di Firenze)

This church and the square are both named after a paintings. This painting named Miraculous Annunciation is held in the church itself. It is also one of the best places to visit in Florence, Italy to see beautiful church frescoes. You will need an hour or so for this church and the square.

2. Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell’Accademia)

This art museum is home to one of the top things to see in Florence, the statue of David carved by Michelangelo. The gallery has many other sculptures and works of Michelangelo alongside works by renowned artists such as Bartolini, Botticelli, Giambologna, Perugino and many more. You would need about 2 hours to explore this museum.

I suggest you should book your skip the line entrance ticket of Accademia Gallery in advance.

3. Florence Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore)

Also known as Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, this cathedral is the most iconic Florence attractions. It is the mother roman catholic cathedral of the city. The green and pink marble as well as the dome designed by Brunelleschi are among the most recognizable aspects of Florence sightseeing. You would need 2 hours for this cathedral.

I suggest you should book a guided tours with skip the line option at Florence Cathedral.

4. Baptistery of Saint John (Battistero di San Giovanni)

This is one of the oldest baptistry in the city. It is known as the Baptistry of Saint John or Baptistery of Saint Giovanni. It was built in 12th century in romanesque style and octagonal shape. It is one of the most important historical Florence tourist attractions. You would need about an hour or so for this baptistry.

5. Giotto’s Bell Tower (Campanile di Giotto)

This 14th-century bell tower was designed by Giotto and was completed by Andrea Pisano. The tower is one of the most wonderful Florence sights owing to its gothic designs adorned with red, green, and white marble. You will need 30 to 45 minutes from Florence travel to explore this bell tower.

6. Church and Museum of Orsanmichele (Chiesa e Museo di Orsanmichele)

This church was built upon the convent of St. Michael. The construction of this church was completed in 1404 and is home to one of Florence must see artifacts, the gothic Tabernacle of Orcagna. You would need an hour or so for this church when you visit Florence.

7. Signoria Square (Piazza della Signoria)

This L-shaped historic square is surrounded by several popular places to see in Florence. The square also has several quaint restaurants, cafes and shops to explore. You would need 20 to 30 minutes at this square.

8. Loggia del Mercato Nuovo

This market is the venue for one of the most fun things to do in Florence, Italy. It is a historically shopping venue with a history going back to 16th century. You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring the shops and the statues here.

9. Santa Trínita (Basilica di Santa Trinita)

This Trinity Church was built in 1092. It is included among Florence top attractions for the frescoes of by Domenico Ghirlandaio. You would need an hour at least to see various works of art adorned in this church.

Day 2

1. Palazzo Vechhio

This grand palace was built to serve as the seat of Signoria. The palace was built like a fortress and also has a wonderful clocktower in its structure. The building is full of sculptures and other works of art by several renowned artists. It is one of the most significant places to go in Florence. You will need an hour to explore this palace.

I suggest you should book a guided tour with skip the line entry ticket at Palazzo Vecchio.

2. Loggia dei Lanzi / Loggia della Signoria

This loggia serves as an open air museum. It is a major highlight of Firenze sightseeing as it houses works of art by well known artists such as Donatello, Giambologna and many more. You would need 20 to 30 minutes for this museum.

3. Uffizi Gallery (Gallerie degli Uffizi)

This art gallery is one of the oldest museums in the world. It is one of the top sights in Florence for not just the art gallery but for architecture as well. Some of the works displayed at this museum include works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli, Raffaello, Caravaggio, Masaccio and more. You would need about 2 hours to explore this gallery.

I suggest you should book your skip the line entry ticket for Uffizi Gallery in advance.

4. Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge)

This is the oldest stone arch bridge in the city. If you are looking to shop, which is considered one the top things to do in Firenze, this bridge also serves as a market. You won’t need more than half an hour for this bridge and the stores atop it.

5. Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti)

This palace once served as the residence of Grand Dukes of Tuscany. It now serves as a museum and an art gallery. You can see paintings, sculptures, porcelain art and costumes. These are some of the best things to see in Florence. You would need about an hour for this palace.

I suggest you should get your skip the line ticket of Pitti Palace in advance.

6. The Boboli Gardens (Giardino di Boboli)

This garden sits behind the Pitti Palace. It was commissioned by Cosimo Medici I for his wife. The garden has several 16th to 18th century sculptures scattered across it. You would need an hour or so to explore this garden during Florence travel.

I suggest you should book your ticket of The Baboli Gardens in advance.

7. Basilica of the Holy Spirit (Basilica di Santo Spirito)

The construction of this church began in 1250, but was later completed in 15th century under Brunelleschi. The church is well known among Florence tourist attractions for housing artworks by Rosselli, Lippi, Botticini and others. You would need about 30 to 45 minutes for this church.

8. Santa Maria del Carmine Church

This church complex consists of 2 chapels: Brancaccio and Corsini. These chapels are famous for frescoes painted by renowned artists. You would need an hour or so to explore this church complex when you visit Florence.

Day 3

1. Basilica of St. Minias on the Mountain (Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte)

This church is dedicated to Saint Miniato Monte and built upon the cave where he lived during his final days. The church one of the best places to visit in Florence owing to its significance in culture, religion and art. You will need about an hour for this church.

2. Michelangelo Square (Piazzale Michelangelo)

This is the square where Michelangelo’s David sculpture was first installed. You can still see bronze replica of the statue standing at this square. It is among the top things to see in Florence. You will need about 30 to 45 minutes for this square.

3. Museo Galileo

This museum is dedicated to advancement if various fields of science between 15th and 19th century. A major highlight of this museum is the life and work of Galileo Galilei. It is a very fascinating Florence tourist attraction. You would need about 2 hours to explore this museum.

I suggest you should book a skip the line ticket for Museo Galileo in advance.

4. Bargello National Museum (Museo Nazionale del Bargello)

This museum is housed inside a 13th century barracks. The building is now serves as an art museum housing paintings and sculptures. It is most well known among Florence attractions for being home to Donatello’s sculpture of David. You will need about 2 hours for this museum.

I suggest you should book your ticket of Bergello Museum with Skip the line option in advance.

5. Basilica of Santa Croce

This magnificent church is the final resting place of several renowned Italians such as Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli and many more. It is integral to Florence sightseeing and will require an hour of your time.

I suggest you should get your skip the line ticket of Sasilica of Santa Croce in advance.

6. Piazza della Repubblica

This ancient square is the hustling bustling heart of the city. It is frequented by tourists and locals alike for shopping, hobnobbing and dining. You can easily spend an hour or so at this square.

7. Riccardi Medici Palace (Palazzo Medici-Riccardi)

This palace was built for Cosimo de’ Medici and was designed by Bartolomeo. It is perhaps the most opulent building, both inside and outside, among Florence sights. You would need about an hour to explore it.

I suggest you should book a Medici Family History Tour.

If you are looking for more fun things to do in Florence, check out the section below.

Things to do in Florence

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Florence

Uffizi Galley
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Palazzo Vecchio
Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence
Pitti Palace
Accademia Gallery
Piazzale Michelangelo
The Boboli Gardens
Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
Bargello National Museum
Basilica di San Lorenzo
The Baptistry of St. John
Giotto’s Bell Tower
Capelle Medicee
Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte
Museum of Opera of Saint Maria of Fiore
Riccardi Medici Palace
Strozzi Palace
Basilica di Santo Spirito
Museo Galileo
San Marco Museum
Loggia dei Lanzi
Church and Museum of Orsanmichele
Palatine Gallery
Cappella Brancacci
Stibbert Museum
Fountain of Neptune
Giardino Bardini
The SS. Annunziata di Firenze
Fontana del Porcellino
Musee Salvatore Ferragamo
House of Dante
Hospital of Innocents
Laurentian Medici Library
Forte di Belvedere
Museo di Palazzo Davanzati
La Specola
Villa Bardini
Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Firenze
Stefano Bardini Museum
Opificio delle Pietre Dure
Iglesia de la Santa Trinidad
Casa Buonarroti
Villa di Castello
Museum of Costume and Fashion
Museo Novecento
Chiesa di San Salvatore in Ognissanti
Chiesa di Santa Maria del Carmine
Musee Marino Marini
Rusellai Palace
Fortezza da Basso
Jewish Museum of Florence
Florence National Central Library
Treasury of the Grand Dukes
Badia Fiorentia
Monument to Dante Alighieri
Florence Charterhouse
Leonardo da Vinci Museum
Church of Santa Felicita
Castle of Vincigliata
Magi Chapel Riccardi Medici Palace
Horne Museum
Sacristia Nueva de San Lorenzo
Hall of the Five Hundred
Leonardo Interactive Museum
Museo degli Innocenti
Palazzo Martelli
Knight’s Building and Rampart
Centro di Contemporanea
Chiesa di Sant’Ambrogio
Santa Margherita de’ Cerchi
La Villa Medicea a Fiesole
Sant’Apollonia
Porta San Niccolo

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Florence

Valdarno

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Florence

Parco delle Cascine
Giardino delle Rose
Orto Botanico di Firenze
Giardino Torrigiani
Giardino dell’Iris

Shopping in Italy

Mercato Centrale
Via dei Serragli
Mercato di Sant’ Ambrogio
Via Romana
San Lorenzo Market
Via dei Calzaiuoli
Via della Spada
Mercato del Porcellino
Via Maggio
Via dei Calzaiuoli
Borgo Santi Apostoli
Via Roma

Offbeat Places & Adventure Activities in Florence

Cycle Tours
Boat Cruise

Sightseeing in Florence

Ponte Vecchio
Piazza della Signoria
Piazza della Republica
Piazza di Santa Croce
Piazza del Duomo
St. Trinity Bridge
Borgo San Frediano
Pizza di Santa Maria Novella
Piazza della Republica
Piazza della Santissima Annunziata

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Florence

Trattoria da Burde Firenze
Coquinrius
Enoteca Bellini
Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori
Pizzoria Giovanni Santarpia
Libreria Brac
Osteria Tripperia II Magazzino
Del Fagioli
Trattoria Sabatino
Locale
Procacci 1885
Ara e Sicilica
La Vecchia Bettola
Zeb
Le Volpi e L’Uva
Aroma
Ristorante II Guscio
La Divina Pizza
Buca dell’Orafo
La Giostra
Trattoria Ruggero
Perseus
Enoteca Alessi
Parione
Culinaria Bistro
Trattoria Mario
My Sugar
II Giova
Essenziale
II Latini
Persiano Tehran
Cafe Italiano

Where to Stay in Florence?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Florence. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Florence.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Florence

How to Reach Florence?

By Air

Amerigo Vespucci International Airport is the direct and easiest route for Florence travel. You can get direct flights from Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna, Paris, Brussels, London, Rome, Madrid, Luxembourg, Dusseldorf, Zurich, Geneva, Lisbon, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Copenhagen and more. You can get trams, buses and cabs to get to places from the airport.

By Road

Florence is well connected in Europe with trains and busses. You can get direct and connecting trains from almost every major city in Europe. If you are planning to visit Florence take routes E35, A11, SR302, SP34 or SS67.

By Water

Being a landlocked city, there are no direct water routes to reach Florence.

Image Reference

Basilica of the Most Holy Annunciation (Basilica della Santissima Annunziata / La SS. Annunziata di Firenze) – Paul VanDerWerf / Flickr
Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell’Accademia) – Renato Torii / Flickr
Florence Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore) – darrenquigley32 / PixaBay
Baptistery of Saint John (Battistero di San Giovanni) – Bradley Weber / Flickr
Giotto’s Bell Tower (Campanile di Giotto) – Luca Perino / Flickr
Church and Museum of Orsanmichele (Chiesa e Museo di Orsanmichele) – Mia Battaglia / Flickr
Signoria Square (Piazza della Signoria) – Allie_Caulfield / Flickr
Loggia del Mercato Nuovo – Yair Haklai / Wikimedia Commons
Santa Trínita (Basilica di Santa Trinita) – Damien / Flickr
Palazzo Vecchio – Michael Beaton / Flickr
Loggia dei Lanzi / Loggia della Signoria – Fred Romero / Flickr
Uffizi Gallery (Gallerie degli Uffizi) – dalibro / PixaBay
Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) – Daniel Wanke / PixaBay
Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti) – Dimitris Kamaras / Flickr
The Boboli Gardens (Giardino di Boboli) – Sebastian.gone.archi / Flickr
Basilica of the Holy Spirit (Basilica di Santo Spirito) – Groume / Flickr
Santa Maria del Carmine Church – ctj71081 / Flickr
Basilica of St. Minias on the Mountain (Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte) – michael kogan / Flickr
Michelangelo Square (Piazzale Michelangelo) – brando / Flickr
Museo Galileo – Massimiliano Calamelli / Flickr
Bargello National Museum (Museo Nazionale del Bargello) – Dave & Margie Hill / Kleerup / Flickr
Basilica of Santa Croce – Guy Dugas / PixaBay
Piazza della Repubblica – user32212 / PixaBay
Riccardi Medici Palace (Palazzo Medici-Riccardi) – Robert Scarth / Flickr