13 Best Things to See on Your First Trip to Florence, Italy
Florence, the capital city of Italy’s Tuscany region, is a fascinating treasure trove of art, history, and culture that leaves its visitors spellbound. Those planning their first trip to Florence, Italy, may find it a bit overwhelming, but not to worry. We have a great list of things you should experience in Florence.
BEST Things to See on Your First Trip to Florence
In a city that’s brimming with monumental art, world-class museums, and charming piazzas, narrowing down the must-do is a daunting task.
If you are trying to figure out how to best spend your time in this ancient city, we have some great ideas for people making their first trip to Florence.
These are the 10 things we think you should make time to do and see while in Florence:
1. The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral)
Florence’s iconic cathedral, Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as The Duomo, is the focal point of the city and one of the most popular sights.
With its ornate facade and soaring dome, it’s hard not to be impressed by this incredible work of art.
Designed in the 15th Century by Filippo Brunelleschi, it was built upon the site of a 7th-century church (Santa Reparata).
Visitors can tour the crypt to see the excavation site.
Inside, you will find mosaic floors and hand-painted frescoes, some of which date back to the mid-15th century.
Entrance to the Duomo is FREE, but climbing to the top of the Duomo is a fee.
0pen Monday-Saturday from 10:45 am – 4:30 pm
Sundays and religious holidays: closed
2. Giotto’s Bell Tower
Giotto’s Bell Tower is adjacent to the Duomo and offers some pretty incredible views of Florence if you are willing to climb the 414 steps.
There is no elevator, so you should be sure to wear good walking shoes and that you are ready to walk both up and down.
Monday – Sunday: 8:15 am – 7:45 pm
3. Baptistery of St. John
The Baptistery is dedicated to Florence’s patron, Saint John the Baptist, and is the oldest religious monument, dating back to the 11th century.
The octagonal building is built with white Carrara marble and green Prato marble and originally had bronze doors depicting scenes from the Old Testament, St. John’s life, and also the life & passion of Christ.
The original doors are located in a museum, so what you see today are copies.
Inside, you will find mosaic marbled floors, zodiac images and 13th-century mosaics inside the cupola.
4. Piazza della Signoria
One of the most historical squares of Florence, Piazza della Signoria, is where Medici returned in 1530 and where the bonfire of the vanities took place in 1497.
The sculptures in this part of Florence are incredibly political.
Neptune’s Fountain by Ammannati celebrates the Medici’s maritime ambitions.
The equestrian statue of Duke Cosimo I , by Giambologna, further exemplifies the Medici rule.
A reproduction of Michelangelo’s David was placed in the square to show the Republic’s defiance of the tyrannical Medici.
5. The Loggia dei Lanzi
The open-air sculpture gallery, Loggia dei Lanzi should not be overlooked since it contains some of the most powerful installations by Medici.
The statue of Perseus holding Medusa’s head, by Benvenuto Cellini, served as a reminder to stay loyal, or you might suffer the same fate as Medusa.
Also to be noted is Rape (Abduction) of the Sabine Woman by the official sculptor of the Medici family, Giambologna.
Created by one solid piece of marble, this work was the first of its kind to be admired from all three sides.
The heraldic lion sculpture once sat at the Villa Medici in Rome. It was the first public secular sculpture commissioned by the Republic of Florence in the 14th century.
6. Uffizi Gallery
One of the most famous art galleries in Europe, the Uffizi houses some of the world’s greatest masterpieces.
From Botticelli’s Birth of Venus to Caravaggio’s Medusa, take a stroll through this stunning museum and admire works by some of the world’s most influential artists.
Leonardo’s paintings are preserved in special climate-controlled cases, saving the artworks from the humidity and heat.
Michelangelo’s Doni Tondo is the only confirmed panel painting of his that has survived in its original frame
This museum is extensive, and you could easily spend hours here and not even begin to scratch the surface of what it contains.
In order to make the most of your time, we recommend you purchase skip-the-line tickets for the Uffizi Museum & then rent an audio guide.
Their downloadable map will show you where the most famous works of art are located so that you can find them easily.
7. Ponte Vecchio
This medieval stone bridge spans the Arno River and its history is long and magnificent.
Going back to 1218, it was once the ONLY bridge to cross the Arno.
A flood eventually destroyed the original bridge, and the one that stands now was built in 1345.
Since then, it has survived both wars and natural disasters.
If you choose to cross the bridge, you will find it lined with jewelry shops (since it was decreed in 1593 by Ferdinand I that only goldsmiths were allowed to own shops there).
8. Pitti Palace
This former home of the Medici is a must-see in Florence and one of the most iconic landmarks in Italy.
The 16th-century palace is steeped in history with galleries full of art, opulent decor in the Royal Apartments, and stunning gardens.
Visitors can explore the Palazzo Pitti’s many galleries, which include works from artists like Rubens and Rembrandt.
9. Boboli Gardens
One of Italy’s most spectacular gardens is located at Pitti Palace and is a must-see for any traveler to Florence.
With its lush landscaping, beautiful fountains, and sculptures, it’s easy to see why this place has been so beloved for centuries.
From the terraced gardens, you can take in views of the entire city.
You can almost imagine what life would have been like for the families who once lived in Pitti Palace and roamed the gardens for some solitude.
Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens can be seen with a combined ticket or separately.
10. Accademia Gallery
The Accademia Gallery is one of the must-see attractions in Florence, Italy.
This gallery is famed for its collection of sculptures by Michelangelo, and one of the most popular things to do in Florence is to see his iconic statue of David.
Besides David, the Accademia Gallery features art from such notables as Botacelli, Filippino Lippi and Bronzino.
Open from 8:15 a.m. to 6:50 p.m. Tuesdays through Sunday with a staggered entrance
You can purchase tickets in advance, and you will get a reserved timed entry.
FYI: On International Women’s Day, March 8, admission is free for all women.
11. Piazza Della Repubblica
This is one of the main squares in Florence and should not be overlooked, as it has been noted as the city center since Roman times.
While the Arch may look Roman, it was actually built during the 1895 campaign to redevelop the historic center of Florence.
At the top, the inscription reads:
L’ANTICO CENTRO DELLA CITTÀ
DA SECOLARE SQUALLORE
A VITA NUOVA RESTITUITO
Translates to:
The ancient centre of the city
Restored from age-old squalor
To new life
Sitting in the center of the square is the Column of Abundance that marks where the Roman Forum once stood.
12. Basilica of Santa Croce
The Basilica of Santa Croce contains important works of art, created by artists like Brunelleschi, Bronzino, and Bartolini.
It is also the burial place of Galilei, Michelangelo, and Machiavelli.
In front of the Basilica is a monument dedicated to Dante Alighieri, which was sculpted in 1865 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Dante’s birth.
13. Piazza Santa Maria Novella
One of my favorite squares in Florence is Piazza Santa Maria Novella.
The Dominican Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is the focal point of this square, but what I find charming is what surrounds it.
The gardens around the square feature flower beds that pop with color in the Spring and Summer months.
On weekends, pop-up markets feature locally made goods.
If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful city in Italy, be sure to add these must-see sights and activities to your itinerary. From strolling through the Boboli Gardens to marveling at Michelangelo’s statue of David, you’ll find plenty of ways to spend your first time in Florence.
What are you most looking forward to seeing on your first trip to this Tuscan gem?
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