If you're visiting Tuscany´s capital (pop. 715,000) for the first time, prepare to step into a place where art, history, and charm blend into a truly unforgettable experience. Known as the Cradle of the Renaissance, the UNESCO World Heritage old core of Firenze dazzles visitors with stunning architecture, world-famous artworks, and romantic streets at every turn. Whether you’re here for a few days or planning a longer Italian escape, here are the top things to do in to make the most of your trip. Just be careful not to succumb to Stendhal syndrome (rapid heartbeat, confusion, even fainting brough about by exposure to overwhelming beauty - named after the 19th-century French author who described his intense emotional experience when visiting Florence)!
Visit the Duomo Complex
Begun in 1296 and finished in 1436 and officially known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, it famously has a striking red dome - designed by Filippo Brunelleschi - which dominates the city's skyline. Climb the Dome for stunning panoramic views of Florence; Giotto’s freestanding, 278-foot-tall Campanile (Bell Tower) has a slightly easier climb and equally breathtaking vistas. Also don´t miss the Romanesque 11th-century Batisttero di San Giovanni (Baptistery of St. John, in the foreground above), known for its massive, detailed bronze doors. And do book your tickets in advance to skip long lines.
Admire Renaissance Art at the Uffizi Gallery
Founded in the late 16th century, this museums holds one of the world’s most celebrated art collections, with iconic pieces like Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus (above) and Leonardo da Vinci´s Annunciation, along with countless other works by Old Masters including Botticelli, Canaletto, Caravaggio, Cimabue, Dürer, Giotto, Michelangelo, and Raphael, and Rembrandt. Plan at least two hours here, and consider a guided tour to fully appreciate the art.
David Paul Appell
Cross the Historic Ponte Vecchio
A short walk from the Uffizi, Florence’s oldest bridge, over the Arno River, built in its current incarnation in 1345. Its 98-foot length is lined with excquisite jewelry shops, goldsmiths, and art dealers, and it offers one of the best photo ops over the Arno River, especially at sunset. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s a lovely stroll with plenty of history.
Explore the Accademia Gallery
The highlight of the Galleria dell’Accademia is Michelangelo’s 17-foot-high statue David, a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture carved in 1504 that leaves visitors in awe. Discover other notable Renaissance works from the 14th to 16th centuries, including the searing, unfinished sculptures The Prisoners, also by Michelangelo. Insutrctive panels This gallery is much smaller than the Uffizi, making it ideal for a shorter visit.
Wander Around Piazza della Signoria
Named after the ruling body of the Florentine Republic, this is Florence’s open-air museum and political heart, dominated by the crenellated Palazzo Vecchio, the 14th century hall, whose historic salons and apartments are open to visitors; outside it are the Fountain of Neptune and the sculptures Hercules and Cacus and a replica of David, the original of which stood here before being moved to the Accademia Gallery. Adjacent to the palazzo, the Loggia dei Lanzi is home to more marvelous sculptures, including Benvenuto Cellini´s Perseus with the Head of Medusa. and Giambologna´s The Rape of the Sabine Women. Then have a bite or a drink at one of the square´s cafés and restaurants and soak in the atmosphere.
Enjoy a Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo
For unbeatable views of Florence, head up to this square, built in 1869 on a hill about a 20-minute walk from the historic center (you can also get there by bus, and of course by taxi). It´s dedicated, as per the name, to the eponymous Renaissance master, and home to a loggia and copies of some of his works, including, yet again, the David. More to the point, it's the city´s best panoramic photo spot, and watching the sun dip behind the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio is a magical experience!
Escape to the Boboli Garden
In this serene, manicured, 11-acre park located behind the Pitti Palace (from which it´s seen in the photo above), you can stroll its pebbly trails among Renaissance statues, fountains, and manicured hedges. Climb to its upper reaches for lovely views over the rooftops of Florence. It´s a great way to relax and enjoy nature after museum-hopping. There´s a 10-euro admission charge.
Stroll Through Florence’s Other Charming Streets
Florence is best experienced on foot. Via Cavour is a main street lined with shops, cafés, restaurants, and Renaissance palaces (one of which, the mid-15th-century Palazzo Medici Riccardi, houses exhibits spanning four centuries of Florentine art history). Window-shop the designer shops and boutiques on Via de’ Tornabuoni (above). Explore the Oltrarno district (across the Ponte Vecchio) for artisan workshops from handmade paper to leather goods and vintage finds. Stop for espresso in a quaint café or find a quiet little piazzetta to people-watch.
Discover Local Food and Gelato
Florence is a foodie paradise. Besides its numerous ristoranti, trattorie, and osterie, another very worthwhile stop is the Mercato Centrale (above), a 12-year-old food hall in a huge 19th-century building where you can sample Tuscan cheeses, pastas, and wines. Pecorino (sheepsmilk) cheese is a Tuscan specialty, and iconic local dishes include bistecca alla fiorentina, a large, thick-cut T-bone steak (best shared!), pappa al pomodoro (bread-and-tomato soup), ribollito (a soup of cannellini beans, cabbage, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and potatoes, flavored with rosemary and thyme), trippa alla fiorentina (slow-cooked tripe with parmesan in tomato and vegetable sauce, taglatelle with white truffle sauce, and pappardella pasta with sauces made from boar (ragù di cinghiale) and hare (ragù di lepre). And of course Florence has some of the best gelato in Italy (it´s said to have been invented here in the 15th century). Look for shops with natural colors and stainless-steel bins — avoid the over-the-top displays; some of the most classic shops include Badiani, Sorriso, Venchi, and Vivoli. Finally, let´s not forget the many food tours and cooking classes available.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
Best time to visit: April–June or September–October for mild weather and fewer crowds.
Stay central: You’ll be within walking distance of all major attractions.
Book ahead: Museums and galleries often sell out days in advance.
For more things to do and see in Florence, click here and also check out FeelFlorence.it.
Comments
You´ve summed it up very well, Maruf. Grazie!