Don´t miss these places
Things to do
Florence is a city full of hidden corners, timeless art, delicious food, and charming streets perfect for photos. But if it’s your first time here, these are the must-see places you simply can’t miss.
You need to know:
Tourist traps
Like many popular destinations, Florence has its share of overpriced menus, flashy cocktails, and even fake tours. Always double-check before booking and look for places where locals actually go.
A medieval city
Florence is a medieval city, which means many of its streets are narrow and sometimes a little tricky to navigate. And don’t be surprised if you notice some smells in the historic center, being such an old city, the drainage system isn’t the most modern.
Comfort first
Leave heels and flip-flops at home. The cobblestones can be uneven, so a good pair of comfortable sneakers is your best travel companion.
Must-see at Florence
Uffizi Gallery
€25
Mon-Sat 10:15 AM-3:45 pM
One of the world’s most important art museums, featuring masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo.
One of the world’s most important art museums. Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo.
Palazzo Vecchio
€12.50
9:00 AM–7:00 PM
A fortress-like palace in Piazza della Signoria, symbol of Florence’s political history and home to grand halls and Renaissance art.
Climb the Arnolfo Tower for one of the best views of the Duomo (but note it closes in case of bad weather).
Piazzale Michelangelo
Free
Always open
A panoramic terrace on a hill overlooking Florence, offering the city’s most famous view. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset.
Best at sunset: bring a drink and enjoy the view. You’ll also find a bronze replica of Michelangelo’s David here.
Galleria dell’Accademia
€16
Tue–Sun 8:15 AM–6:50 PM
Famous for Michelangelo’s David, along with other sculptures and Renaissance paintings.
In Piazza della Signoria you’ll see a replica of Michelangelo’s David.
Pitti Palace
€22
Tue–Sun 8:15 AM–6:30 PM
The former Medici residence, now hosting museums and galleries, with vast Renaissance gardens to explore.
Get the 5-day combo ticket (€40) that includes Uffizi, Pitti, and Boboli.
San Lorenzo
€9
Mon–Sat 8:15 AM–6:50 PM
A church closely tied to the Medici family, featuring Michelangelo’s striking sculptures in the family mausoleum.
Don’t miss Michelangelo’s New Sacristy sculptures.
Santa Croce Basilica
Free
Mon-Sat 10:15 AM-3:45 pM
Known as the Temple of the Italian Glories, housing the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli.
The cloisters are peaceful and less crowded.
Cathedral S.M. del Fiore
Free
Mon–Sat 10:15 AM–3:45 PM
Florence’s iconic cathedral, crowned by Brunelleschi’s magnificent dome. The interior is crowned by frescoes.
To climb the Dome or Bell Tower you need a combined ticket (€30).
Ponte Vecchio
Free
Always open
The oldest bridge in Florence, lined with jewelry shops and offering romantic views of the Arno River.
Cross it at night for a quieter, more romantic vibe.
Baptistery San Giovanni
€15
Mon–Fri 8:15 AM–6:45 PM, Sat until 4:30 PM, Sun 12:45–4:30 PM
One of the oldest buildings in Florence, dating back to the 11th century. Famous for its “Gates of Paradise".
Timed reservation required, book early.
Giotto’s Bell Tower
€15
Daily 8:15 AM–6:45 PM
A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, standing right next to the cathedral. Stunning.
A slightly easier climb (414 steps) with stunning views of the Duomo up close.
Brunelleschi’s Dome
€20
Mon–Sat 10:15 AM–3:45 PM
The architectural jewel of Florence, completed in 1436 and still the largest brick dome ever built.
Climb 463 steps for Florence’s best view.
Piazza della Signoria
Free
Always open
Florence’s political and sculptural heart—sculptures, the Loggia dei Lanzi, and the imposing Palazzo Vecchio define this open-air museum.
A slightly easier climb (414 steps) with stunning views of the Duomo up close.
Palazzo Medici Riccardi
€15
Monday–Tuesday & Thursday–Sunday, 9:00 AM–7:00 PM.
The Medici family’s original city palace, a masterpiece of early Renaissance architecture.
Closed Wednesdays. The ticket office closes one hour before closing
Bargello Museum
€10
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and the 1st/3rd/5th Sundays of the month from 8:15 AM–1:50 PM.
Housed in a medieval palace, a must-see for sculpture lovers.
Closed on Tuesdays, 2nd & 4th Sundays, and Christmas Day.
Sightseeing Passes
Organise your visit with these itineraries.
Brunelleschi Pass
€30 (full)
Includes access to: Brunelleschi’s Dome (timed entry required), Giotto’s Bell Tower, Baptistery of San Giovanni, Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, Crypt of Santa Reparata. Valid for 3 consecutive calendar days starting from your first visit.
Additionally, there are: Giotto Pass (€20): includes all the above except the Dome & Ghiberti Pass (€15): grants entry to the museum, baptistery, and crypt only.
Uffizi-Pitti-Boboli
Price: €40 (full),
Includes priority (skip-the-line) entry to: Uffizi Gallery (reservation required; entry must be first), Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens. Valid for 5 consecutive days. If one of those days is a museum closure (e.g. Monday, December 25, or January 1), the pass gains an extra day of validity.
Vasari Corridor access for: €58. Also available: Pitti + Boboli single-day combined ticket for €22 (seasonal price may vary).
Firenze Card
€85 and grants 72 hours
The FirenzeCard is the only official museum pass promoted by the City of Florence. Be cautious of imitators or third-party “Florence Pass” offerings, they are not endorsed and may often be unreliable.
What’s Included:
One-time entry to each participating museum or site, exhibitions and reservation fees are covered.
Free admission for family members under 18 living with the cardholder.
Option to extend your pass for an extra 48 hours via the “FirenzeCard Restart”, usable within 12 months of purchase.
You can choose between a digital or physical card. The digital version ties into the official app with itinerary tools.
Gardens
You don’t just have to visit—Florence has inspired books, movies, and amazing TV series too. If you’re still curious about this incredible city, here are a few shows to watch before (or after!) your trip:
Boboli Gardens
Price: €10
Behind Pitti Palace, the most famous Renaissance gardens in the city, with statues, fountains, and grottos.
Bardini Gardens
Price: €10
Less crowded than Boboli, with baroque staircases, wisteria pergolas, and panoramic views.
Giardino delle Rose
Free entry
On the way to Piazzale Michelangelo, full of roses, sculptures, and city views.
Giardino dell'Iris
Free entry
Open only in May (iris blooming season), right next to Piazzale Michelangelo.
Giardino di Villa Stibbert
Free entry
Part of the Stibbert Museum complex, with an English-style park.
Giardino di Villa Petraia
Free entry
A Medici villa garden on the outskirts of Florence, with terraces and lemon houses.
Free Museums on the First Sunday of the Month 🩷
Every first Sunday of the month, Florence opens the doors of its state museums for free. It’s the perfect chance to explore world-class art without spending a cent. Expect larger crowds, so go early!
Included museums
Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery, Palazzo Pitti, Boboli Gardens, Bargello Museum, San Marco Museum, Medici Chapels, Archeological Museum, Museum of the Opificio delle Pietre Dure.
Next free entrance
Sunday, October 5, 2025
Sunday, November 2, 2025
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 (For the National Unity & Armed Forces Day. Uffizi Galleries, Palazzo Pitti, and the Boboli Gardens
Sunday, December 7, 2025
Advice
Lines can be very long, especially at the Uffizi and Accademia. Arrive before opening time to secure entry; or try visiting around lunchtime (12:30–2:00 pm), when most people stop for a meal.
Interesting shops & markets
You don’t just have to visit—Florence has inspired books, movies, and amazing TV series too. If you’re still curious about this incredible city, here are a few shows to watch before (or after!) your trip:
Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica
A historic pharmacy dating back to 1221, famous for perfumes, soaps, and remedies made with centuries-old recipes.
Shops near Piazza della Signoria
High-end boutiques and artisanal stores in one of Florence’s most beautiful squares, mixing history with shopping.
Piccola Farmacia Letteraria
A literary “pharmacy” that prescribes books instead of medicine—perfect for book lovers seeking a unique souvenir.
Mercato Centrale
A bustling indoor market offering fresh produce, gourmet specialties, and a lively food court upstairs.
Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio
A more local alternative to Mercato Centrale, with authentic Florentine flavors and fewer tourists.
Loggia del Porcellino Market
Traditional leather market near Piazza della Signoria—don’t forget to rub the bronze boar (Il Porcellino) for good luck!
Aquaflor Firenze
A luxurious perfume atelier hidden in a Renaissance palazzo, where fragrances are handcrafted in small batches.
Maestri di Fabbrica
A concept store showcasing Florentine craftsmanship, from leather goods to home décor, with a contemporary twist.
Giratempo Vintage Store
A charming boutique full of carefully curated vintage clothing, accessories, and unique finds.
Take a walk around!
A good historical walking tour will show you stories hidden behind every statue, corner, and piazza. Trust me: Florence makes a lot more sense when someone tells you what you’re really looking at.
Free walking tours
Great for those on a budget, offering an authentic, guided experience without a fixed price. Most guides work for tips, so be sure to give generously if you enjoyed the tour.
Private tours
Want something more personalized? These tours give you a deeper dive into the city's history, art, and culture.
Self-guided audio
Explore Florence at your own pace, with an audio guide that gives you all the info you need while you wander through the streets.
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