The American novelist Henry James declared Florence to be, “the most beautiful city in the world,” and who could possibly disagree? Once the heartland of the Renaissance, Florence is now the custodian of its legacy, a city-sized museum that’s home to many of the greatest buildings, paintings, and sculptures that humanity has ever made.
In today’s blog, we’ll provide our list of some of the main attractions and landmarks that you should visit during your stay in Florence. And, if you would like the guidance of expert locals, be sure to check out our Florence Day Tours and Multi-Day Tours in Italy.
Source: Galerie Degli Uffizi
Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most renowned art museums in the world, housing masterpieces from the Renaissance period. Visitors can admire iconic works such as Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation, alongside other treasures that trace the evolution of Italian art.
Destination Highlights:
- Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus
- Michelangelo’s Doni Tondo
- Breathtaking views of the Arno River from the museum’s upper floor
Site Address and Website:
Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
www.uffizi.it
Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery
Michelangelo’s David is an iconic symbol of Florentine art and the Renaissance. This 17-foot marble masterpiece is renowned for its intricate detail and embodiment of human strength and beauty, attracting millions of visitors to the Accademia Gallery each year. Put simply, it’s one of the world’s most enchanting pieces of art — a must-see.
Destination Highlights:
- The original David by Michelangelo
- Unfinished sculptures like Prisoners offer insight into Michelangelo’s creative process.
- A fantastic collection of other Renaissance artworks
Site Address and Website:
Via Ricasoli, 58/60, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
www.galleriaaccademiafirenze.it
Basilica di Santa Croce
Known as the “Temple of the Italian Glories,” the Basilica di Santa Croce is the burial site of some of Italy’s greatest figures, including Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. Its stunning Gothic architecture and frescoes by Giotto make it a spiritual and cultural gem of Florence. If historic churches fascinate you, you may also wish to consider one of our Day Tours in Venice, where you’ll discover architecture unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Destination Highlights:
- Tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli
- Frescoes by Giotto in the chapels
- The beautiful cloisters and Pazzi Chapel
Site Address and Website:
Piazza di Santa Croce, 16, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
www.santacroceopera.it
Fontana del Porcellino
The Fontana del Porcellino, often referred to as the “Little Pig Fountain,” is a cherished landmark in Florence, famous for its striking bronze statue of a boar. According to local tradition, rubbing the boar’s snout and tossing in a coin is said to bring good luck and promise a return visit to the beautiful city of Florence.
Destination Highlights:
- Iconic bronze statue of a wild boar
- Lucky ritual of coin-dropping
- Vibrant market atmosphere nearby
Site Address and Website:
Piazza del Mercato Nuovo, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
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Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s oldest and most iconic bridge, is a stunning symbol of the city’s history. Lined with charming shops, including jewellers and goldsmiths, it offers beautiful views of the Arno River and remains a lively hub of Florentine culture. According to legend, it was here that Dante first laid eyes on Beatrice, his muse who inspired much of his Divine Comedy.
Destination Highlights:
- Historic bridge with shops selling jewellery and art
- Scenic views of the Arno River
- A historic Vasari Corridor overhead
Site Address and Website:
Ponte Vecchio, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
www.firenzeturismo.it
The National Archaeological Museum
The National Archaeological Museum is a treasure trove of artefacts from ancient civilisations, including Etruscan, Roman, and Egyptian relics. Highlights include the Chimera of Arezzo, an Etruscan bronze masterpiece, and the museum’s impressive collection of mummies and sarcophagi.
Destination Highlights:
- The Etruscan Chimera of Arezzo
- Ancient Egyptian mummies and artefacts
- Rich Roman and Greek collections
Site Address and Website:
Piazza della Santissima Annunziata, 9B, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy
www.mafirenzemusei.it
Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana
Designed by Michelangelo, the Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana is an architectural masterpiece and a treasure trove of historical manuscripts. Its elegant reading room and breathtaking vestibule reflect the height of Renaissance design and scholarship.
Destination Highlights:
- Michelangelo’s architectural designs
- Rare manuscripts and historical texts
- The stunning staircase in the vestibule
Site Address and Website:
Piazza San Lorenzo, 9, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
www.bmlonline.it
Source: Musei del Bargello
Bargello Museum
The Bargello Museum, housed in a former medieval prison, is a treasure trove of Renaissance sculptures and decorative arts. It features masterpieces by Michelangelo, Donatello, and Giambologna, offering visitors a deeper appreciation of Florence’s artistic legacy.
Destination Highlights:
- Donatello’s David
- Michelangelo’s Bacchus
- Extensive collections of Renaissance sculpture and artefacts
Site Address and Website:
Via del Proconsolo, 4, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
www.bargellomusei.it
Palatine Gallery
Located within the opulent Pitti Palace, the Palatine Gallery displays an exceptional collection of Renaissance and Baroque paintings. Visitors can marvel at works by Raphael, Titian, and Rubens in a setting of richly adorned rooms once used by the Medici family.
Destination Highlights:
- Raphael’s Madonna of the Chair
- Lavish interiors of the Pitti Palace
- Baroque masterpieces by Titian and Rubens
Site Address and Website:
Piazza de’ Pitti, 1, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
www.uffizi.it/palazzo-pitti
Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore)
Florence’s Duomo, officially known as Santa Maria del Fiore, is a masterpiece of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. The cathedral’s iconic red-tiled dome, designed by Brunelleschi, dominates the city skyline and offers breathtaking views from its summit.
Destination Highlights:
- Climbing Brunelleschi’s Dome for panoramic views
- Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise on the Baptistery
- Stunning frescoes of The Last Judgment inside the dome
Site Address and Website:
Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
www.duomofirenze.it
Iconic Statue of Perseus at Piazza della Signoria
The bronze statue of Perseus by Benvenuto Cellini stands triumphantly in the Loggia dei Lanzi, a striking open-air gallery in Piazza della Signoria. Depicting Perseus holding Medusa’s severed head, it’s an iconic symbol of Florentine artistic excellence.
Destination Highlights:
- Cellini’s dramatic depiction of Perseus and Medusa
- The surrounding statues in the Loggia dei Lanzi
- Views of Palazzo Vecchio and other historic landmarks
Site Address and Website:
Piazza della Signoria, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
www.firenzeturismo.it
Santa Maria Novella
Santa Maria Novella is a stunning Dominican church renowned for its intricate façade designed by Leon Battista Alberti and its breathtaking frescoes by Masaccio, Ghirlandaio, and Giotto. Its serene cloisters and beautiful interior make it a must-see for art history enthusiasts.
Destination Highlights:
- Masaccio’s The Holy Trinity fresco
- Ghirlandaio’s fresco cycle in the Tornabuoni Chapel
- The serene Green Cloister
Site Address and Website:
Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, 18, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
www.smn.it
Mercato Centrale (Food Halls)
Mercato Centrale is a bustling hub of Florentine gastronomy, offering a variety of local specialities, from fresh produce to artisanal cheeses and wines. The upstairs food halls feature an array of stalls serving delicious Italian dishes, making it a foodie’s paradise.
Destination Highlights:
- Authentic Florentine street food like lampredotto
- Gourmet food stalls with fresh pasta, pizza, and desserts
- A lively atmosphere for sampling Tuscan wines
Site Address and Website:
Piazza del Mercato Centrale, Via dell’Ariento, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
www.mercatocentrale.it
Source: Museo di San Marco, Firenze
Museum of San Marco
The Museum of San Marco, housed in a former Dominican convent, is celebrated for its frescoes by Fra Angelico. Visitors can explore the monks’ cells adorned with spiritual artworks, including the famous Annunciation, which exudes a sense of divine tranquillity.
Destination Highlights:
- Fra Angelico’s Annunciation
- Peaceful monks’ cells with religious frescoes
- Historical insight into Dominican monastic life
Site Address and Website:
Piazza San Marco, 3, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy
www.sanmarco.firenze.it
Palazzo Vecchio
The Palazzo Vecchio, Florence’s historic town hall, is a fortress-like structure that blends medieval architecture with Renaissance art. Inside, visitors can marvel at the richly decorated rooms, including the Hall of the Five Hundred, and climb the tower for spectacular city views.
Destination Highlights:
- The Hall of the Five Hundred with frescoes by Vasari
- The Mask of Dante and other historic artefacts
- Climbing the Arnolfo Tower for panoramic views of Florence
Site Address and Website:
Piazza della Signoria, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
www.palazzovecchio-firenze.it
This brings a close to our list of must-see sights in Florence. However, a single blog can only ever scratch the surface — Florence has to be seen to be believed. Begin planning your next adventure in Italy! If you’d like to see the best that the country has to offer in the company of expert, local guides, be sure to explore our Multi-Day Tours of Italy and Day Tours of Italian Cities.
